Avyanco Citizenship — Citizenship & Residency by Investment
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UAE Golden Visa

10-year renewable UAE residency — no sponsor required. For investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and talented individuals. From AED 2M.

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UAE
$545KMinimum investment
1–3 monthsProcessing time
N/APath to citizenship

Overview — UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that grants qualifying individuals and their families the right to live, work, and study in the UAE for 10 years, with renewable periods of equal duration. Unlike the standard UAE residency visa, the Golden Visa requires no employer or individual sponsor — making it independent, self-sustaining residency.

Introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022, the UAE Golden Visa now encompasses investors, entrepreneurs, real estate purchasers, highly skilled employees, exceptional talents, and distinguished students. It is the UAE government's flagship initiative to attract and retain global talent and capital.

For existing UAE residents, the Golden Visa removes dependency on employer-sponsored visas — a critical consideration for entrepreneurs and senior professionals who want stability without being tied to an employer. For non-residents, it opens direct access to the UAE's business environment, banking system, and lifestyle — without the constraints of a standard employment visa.

Who qualifies

  • Real estate investors — property valued at AED 2M or more
  • Business investors — minimum AED 2M investment in a UAE company
  • Entrepreneurs — founders of companies meeting UAE National Programme criteria
  • Skilled employees — senior managers, directors, and executives with salaries above AED 30,000/month
  • Doctors, scientists, engineers, and creative talents endorsed by a relevant UAE government entity
  • Outstanding students from UAE or international universities

Investment routes

Real Estate Investment

AED 2,000,000 (approx. USD 545,000)

Purchase of one or more properties in the UAE with a combined value of at least AED 2M. Off-plan properties are eligible if the purchase value is AED 2M or above. Mortgaged properties may qualify if the paid portion meets the AED 2M threshold.

Most straightforward route for UAE property owners

Business Investor

AED 2,000,000

Investment of at least AED 2M in a UAE-registered company, confirmed by the Ministry of Economy. The business must be active and registered in the UAE.

Skilled Professional

Salary AED 30,000+/month

Skilled employees in priority sectors (healthcare, science, engineering, IT, law) with a valid UAE employment contract at the qualifying salary level. Endorsed by the relevant UAE government entity.

Entrepreneur Track

Company valuation / national programme criteria

Founders of technology startups or SMEs endorsed by an official UAE business incubator or accelerator, or by the Ministry of Economy. Criteria assess economic contribution and innovation potential.

Key benefits

  • 10-year renewable residency — no sponsor required
  • Sponsor your entire family and domestic staff
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • Zero personal income tax and zero capital gains tax
  • Access to world-class healthcare, education, and banking

How we process your application

01

Track Identification

We assess which Golden Visa category you qualify for — real estate, investor, professional, or entrepreneur — and confirm the documentary requirements.

02

Investment Verification

For real estate, we verify the property valuation certificate. For business investment, we obtain the Ministry of Economy confirmation letter.

03

Application Filing

Application submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in your emirate or through ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security).

04

Biometric Collection

Biometric data collected in the UAE. Existing UAE residents can complete this step without exiting the country.

05

Family Addition

Once your Golden Visa is issued, we add your spouse, children, and — with your Golden Visa status — domestic staff.

06

Emirates ID & Visa

10-year residence visa and Emirates ID issued. No employer or individual sponsor required at any future renewal stage.

Why apply with Avyanco

21+ yearsof advisory experience guiding global investors
End-to-endone dedicated case team from first call to approval
Bank-gradedue diligence on every file to minimise rejection
Fixed feesyour full cost quoted upfront — no surprises

Frequently asked questions

Does the UAE Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
The UAE Golden Visa is a residency permit, not a citizenship pathway. The UAE does not offer naturalisation through investment in the traditional sense. UAE citizenship is granted through exceptional channels (royal decree, outstanding contribution) that are distinct from the Golden Visa programme. The Golden Visa provides long-term, self-sponsored residency — which, for many clients, is the primary objective.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes. A UAE Golden Visa holder can sponsor their spouse and children without the usual age restrictions that apply to standard sponsored residency. You can also sponsor domestic staff. Dependent parents can be included under some conditions.
Do I need to live in the UAE to maintain the Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa does not impose a minimum stay requirement. Unlike standard UAE residency visas — which require entry into the UAE every 180 days — the Golden Visa remains valid without a minimum stay condition. This is explicitly confirmed in Federal Law No. 6 of 2019 and subsequent amendments.
Can I get a UAE Golden Visa if I am not currently a UAE resident?
Yes. The UAE Golden Visa is available to individuals worldwide, not just current UAE residents. Non-residents typically apply through the property investment or business investor route. We can assist with the application from outside the UAE, coordinating biometric collection through one visit.
How does the real estate route work for off-plan properties?
Off-plan properties are eligible for the UAE Golden Visa provided the purchase price is AED 2M or more — even if the property is not yet built. You will need a proof of purchase (sales purchase agreement) and a certificate from the developer confirming the purchase value. We can advise on qualifying off-plan developments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Jashvantkumar Prajapati

Reviewed by

Jashvantkumar Prajapati

Founder & CEO, Avyanco — 21+ years in global mobility advisory

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Disclaimer: Programme details are indicative and were last reviewed on 2026-06-13. Investment thresholds, processing times, eligibility conditions and programme rules are set by the respective government authority and may change without notice. This page is for information only and is not legal, financial or immigration advice. Always verify current conditions with the programme's official government authority before making any investment decision.