Dubai golden visa: categories and requirements
Dubai uses the UAE Golden Residency programme for eligible investors, entrepreneurs and other qualifying applicants. The main property and public investment thresholds are AED 2 million.
By Flight Risk Capital. Last updated: .
Who can qualify for Golden Residency?
The UAE programme covers investment and non-investment categories. ICP lists investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialists, exceptional talent, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers and frontline professionals. Eligibility depends on the category, not only on savings.
ICP is the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Its Golden Residency Guide was updated on 10 September 2026 and checked here on 25 October 2026.
What are the Dubai golden visa requirements?
AED means UAE dirhams. This table summarises selected ICP categories; recommendations, approvals, insurance and evidence can also be required.
| Category | Threshold or test | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Public investment | AED 2 million deposit or company capital/share; alternative qualifying company tax basis of AED 250,000 yearly | Own the invested capital rather than borrow it; prove its source and the relevant company or tax position. |
| Property investment | AED 2 million total qualifying property value | One or more properties; approved local-bank finance or approved off-plan purchases can qualify. |
| Entrepreneurs | Examples: approved SME with AED 1 million annual revenue, approved business idea or founder’s ventures sold for at least AED 7 million total | Authority or incubator approval and evidence for the applicable case. |
| Specialised professionals | At least AED 30,000 monthly salary | Eligible senior occupation, UAE work contract and permit, bachelor’s degree or equivalent and health cover. |
| Outstanding students | Secondary-school route includes at least 95% | Attested certificate and authority recommendations; university routes have separate grades and institution tests. |
| Scientists, exceptional talent, humanitarian and frontline categories | Category-specific achievements or service | Relevant nominations, recommendations or other evidence; no single investment minimum covers all cases. |
Can mortgaged or off-plan property qualify?
ICP permits qualifying property financed by an approved local bank. It also includes qualifying off-plan units bought from an approved local developer. The AED 2 million threshold still applies and the required property evidence and health insurance remain relevant.
Does the permit last five or ten years?
The official pages differ. ICP’s guide, updated 10 September 2026, lists ten years for public investors, property investors and entrepreneurs. The u.ae government portal updated 24 March 2026 lists ten years for public investment and five for property and entrepreneurs.
The older portal also describes an entrepreneur project-value test of AED 500,000 with auditor, authority and incubator approvals. That figure is not a general investment minimum for every applicant. The issuing authority’s category assessment and the permit issued determine the applicable terms.
Golden Residency gives long-term permission to live, work and study without a sponsor. It is residence permission, rather than a citizenship grant.
Where do UK tax and moving plans fit?
The Dubai and UAE country guide covers the wider move. The investment residence comparison covers European routes and closures. Use the moving abroad checklist for UK departure steps.
Residence by investment does not by itself change where someone pays tax. Check the statutory residence test and the country guides for separate tax residence rules (HMRC, checked 25 October 2026).
What else do readers ask?
Is AED 2 million the minimum for every Dubai golden visa?
No. It is the main property and public investment threshold. Entrepreneurs, professionals, students and other categories have different tests.
Can a mortgaged property qualify?
ICP includes qualifying property financed through an approved local bank, subject to the AED 2 million value threshold and the required evidence.
Is an AED 30,000 salary enough on its own?
No. ICP’s specialised professionals category also requires an eligible occupation, a UAE contract and work permit, the required qualification and health cover.
Is Golden Residency valid for five or ten years?
ICP’s September 2026 guide lists ten years for investors and entrepreneurs. The March 2026 u.ae page still lists five for property and entrepreneurs. The issued permit determines the actual term.
Sources
- UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): Golden Residency Guide, .
- UAE Government portal (u.ae): Golden visa: categories and requirements, .
- HMRC: Tax on foreign income: UK residence and tax, checked .