Ways to Invest in
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Investment Visa
The UAE offers several investment-based residency pathways. The most popular is the 10-year Golden Visa, but there are also investor residence permits through company formation and property ownership.
UAE Golden Visa (10-Year) – Public Investment Route
Eligibility:
- Deposit at least AED 2,000,000 in a UAE investment fund or a UAE bank.
- Establish a UAE company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000.
- Become a partner/shareholder in a UAE company with a stake worth at least AED 2,000,000.
- Own a company paying at least AED 250,000 annually in UAE federal taxes.
- Own shares in a company where your proportional tax contribution equals at least AED 250,000 annually.
Additional requirements include:
- The investment must generally be owned outright and not financed by a loan (except where specific rules allow otherwise).
- Valid health insurance for the applicant and eligible dependents.
- Clean legal record and valid passport.
Benefits:
- 10-year renewable residence
- No UAE sponsor required
- Sponsor spouse, children, and certain household staff
- Live, work, study, and own businesses in the UAE
- 100% business ownership in most sectors
Real Estate Investment Golden Visa
Investment Requirement is to own one or more UAE properties with a combined value of at least AED 2,000,000
The property may qualify even if financed through an approved UAE bank under applicable rules. Off-plan purchases from approved developers may also qualify in certain circumstances.
Suitable for investors seeking both residency and exposure to the UAE property market.
Company Formation (Investor/Partner Residence Visa)
If you establish or invest in a UAE business, you may obtain an investor residence permit even if you do not meet Golden Visa thresholds.
Typical applicants include:
- Entrepreneurs
- SME owners
- Startup founders
- Free-zone company owners
- Mainland company partners
Visa validity varies depending on the business structure and emirate.
Entrepreneur Golden Visa
Designed for founders of innovative businesses.
Typical eligibility includes qualifying startups or approved entrepreneurial projects meeting government criteria.
Basic Application Steps:
- Choose an eligible investment route.
- Make the required investment.
- Gather documents (passport, proof of investment, health insurance, etc.).
- Apply through the relevant UAE immigration authority.
- If applying from abroad, obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE.
- Complete a medical fitness test and biometric registration.
- Receive your residence visa and Emirates ID.
Benefits:
- 10-year renewable residency (Golden Visa)
- No local sponsor required
- Ability to live, work, and study in the UAE
- Can sponsor eligible family members
- Can own businesses in many sectors