Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates

PATHWAYS TO ACCESS THE GOLDEN VISA IN THE UAE / DUBAI

To obtain the Golden Visa in Dubai, you only need to meet the criteria of one of the eligibility pathways:

Real Estate Investment

Own one or several properties with a minimum value of 2 million UAE dirhams (AED). The properties must be in Dubai, and the investment may be mortgaged or financed.

Investment in a Company or Business

Hold paid-up shares of at least 2 million AED in a company registered in the UAE, or deposit that capital (not financed) in an approved fund.

Entrepreneurs with an Approved Project

Be the owner or partner of a project considered viable by local authorities (or approved by an accredited incubator), or meet certain minimum revenue/income requirements.

Qualified Professionals

Demonstrate qualifications, experience and, in some cases, minimum income (or high salary), in versions for doctors, engineers, IT specialists, etc.

Creative, Cultural, Scientific, Academic Talent

Provide a record of achievements, nomination or accreditation by competent authorities, along with documentation proving merit.

COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CATGORIES

Beyond the specific pathway, applying for the Golden Visa requires submitting standard documentation:

Valid passport.
Proof of meeting the corresponding eligibility criteria (property, investment, business contract, degrees, nomination letter, etc.).
In some cases: health insurance, actual residence, or proof of address in the UAE.
For entrepreneurs: approved project, viable business plan, and possibly approval from an incubator or competent authority.
Requirements may vary slightly depending on the emirate or category.
Investments must be real; financed funds through loans are not accepted.
In regulated professions (doctors, engineers…), valid professional licenses in the UAE may be required.

REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN THE DUBAI GOLDEN VISA THROUGH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

A property in Dubai with a minimum value of 2 million AED. Multiple properties under the applicant’s name are accepted.

If the property was purchased through a mortgage from the developer or the bank, an account statement from the developer or a bank compliance certificate must be submitted to proceed with the residence visa application.

The applicant must be physically present within the UAE.
A husband and wife may jointly own a property (a marriage certificate certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legally translated into Arabic is required).

If the property is jointly owned by husband and wife and the value is below 4 million AED, only one person may apply for the Golden Visa and then sponsor the spouse (ownership shares must be equal). If the ownership shares are not equal, the person with the higher share can apply as the main Golden Visa holder and then sponsor the spouse.

Property title holders may apply for the Golden Visa if the market value exceeds 2 million AED (an official valuation certificate is mandatory).

The name on the property title must match the name on the applicant’s passport.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DUBAI GOLDEN VISA

Long-term residency (10 years)

With the possibility of automatic renewal.

No need for a local sponsor

Provides total independence to live and work in the UAE.

Freedom to enter and exit the country

Even if you spend long periods outside the UAE.

Ability to sponsor your family

Including children of any age and spouse.

Permission to sponsor domestic workers

Nannies, drivers, assistants… with no limit on the number.

Maintain residency even if you lose your job

Something that does not occur with traditional visas.

Greater legal stability and mobility

Which facilitates opening bank accounts, investing, or establishing businesses.

Additional benefits depending on the emirate

Discounts, priority services, and exclusive programs for Golden Visa holders.

COST OF THE 10-YEAR DUBAI GOLDEN VISA

Type of Visa	Description	Cost in AED
10-Year Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors	Initial application for the Golden Visa for property investors with a 10-year validity.	9,884.75 AED
Renewal of the 10-Year Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors	Renewal of the Golden Visa residence permit for those who already hold the real estate investor visa.	9,419.75 AED
Cancellation of the 10-Year Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors	Official cancellation of the 10-year Golden Visa for real estate investors.	190.75 AED

HOW TO OBTAIN THE DUBAI GOLDEN VISA?

1. Identify the appropriate eligibility pathway

The first step is to determine whether you meet the requirements as a real estate investor, entrepreneur, business owner, highly qualified professional, or special talent. Each category has specific criteria and different documentation.

2. Gather the required documentation

Depending on your eligibility pathway, you must submit evidence such as property deeds (minimum 2 million AED), business shares, academic degrees, employment contracts, professional certifications, or nomination letters. Basic documents such as passport, photo, and health insurance are also required.

3. Apply for pre-approval

Before the visa is processed, the government evaluates the applicant’s eligibility. This pre-approval confirms that you meet the criteria and authorizes you to proceed with the application. In many cases, it is the most critical step of the process.

4. Submit the official application

Once eligibility is approved, the application is submitted to the competent authority (ICP or GDRFA), along with all required documents. This process is usually carried out digitally.

5. Complete the mandatory medical check

All applicants must undergo a standard medical examination at an authorized center: blood tests and a chest X-ray. This step is essential for issuing the residence permit.

6. Obtain the Emirates ID (biometrics)

The next step is fingerprinting and biometric data collection for the issuance of the Emirates ID, an essential document for living in the UAE and accessing public and private services.

7. Issuance of the Golden Visa

After completing all steps, the Golden Visa is issued with a validity of 5 or 10 years, depending on the category. It allows you to reside in Dubai without a sponsor, freely enter and exit the country, and sponsor family members.

8. LorcaBase can manage the entire process for you

To avoid mistakes, delays, or rejected applications, LorcaBase can take care of each stage:

Eligibility analysis
Document preparation
Pre-approval application
Official processing
Management of medical check and biometrics
Follow-up until the Golden Visa is issued

This way, you can obtain your visa safely, without administrative complications, and with personalized guidance.

COMPARISON OF THE UAE GOLDEN VISA VS OTHER VISAS

Type of Visa	Who is it for?	Duration	Main Purpose
Golden Visa	Investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, talents, and property owners.	5 or 10 years, renewable.	Long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor.
Work Visa	Individuals with an employment contract in a UAE company.	1–3 years, renewable.	Allows working for a local company under employer sponsorship.
Investor or Partner Visa	Founders, partners, or business owners in the UAE.	Varies depending on the type of company/license.	Allows managing a business, hiring staff, and operating in free zone or mainland.
Student Visa	Students enrolled in educational institutions in the UAE.	1 year or duration of the program, renewable.	Residency while pursuing studies in the country.
Family Residence Visa	Spouses, children, or dependents of residents.	2–3 years, depending on the sponsor.	Allows legal residence under the sponsorship of a resident family member.
Tourist / Visit Visa	Tourists and temporary visitors.	30, 60, or 90 days (depending on nationality).	Short visits, tourism, meetings, transit.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN THE DUBAI GOLDEN VISA THROUGH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

When a property title is issued in Dubai, the property value stated on the title must be at least 2 million AED (other emirates and DIFC are not accepted).
A clear copy of the passport (valid for more than 6 months).
Previous Emirates ID (if applicable).
A high-quality digital photograph of the applicant that meets ICP specifications.
Health insurance (from any UAE insurance provider).

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN APPLYING FOR THE GOLDEN VISA

Choosing the wrong eligibility pathway

Since each category (investment, talent, employment, business…) has very different criteria.

Submitting outdated documentation

Especially property deeds, investment certificates, academic degrees, or employment contracts.

Not requesting pre-approval

A crucial step to confirm that you meet the requirements before starting the official process.

Submitting documents that do not meet the required format

Such as uncertified translations, illegible copies, or documents without legalization.

Forget about mistakes: we handle everything for you

To avoid these errors and any others that may delay your process, it is advisable to rely on the support of a specialized team. At LorcaBase, we guide you through every step so you can focus on your professional activity with total confidence and without administrative risks.

HOW TO RENEW THE GOLDEN VISA?

The United Arab Emirates Golden Visa can be renewed once its validity period ends, as long as the holder continues to meet the conditions of the category under which it was approved. The renewal process is simpler than the initial application, but it requires verifying that the requirements are still met.

For real estate investors, this means maintaining a property with a minimum value of 2 million AED.
For highly qualified professionals, it requires proving continued employment or maintaining the required salary level.
Entrepreneurs and business owners must demonstrate that their company remains active and compliant with the established criteria, while talents and specialized profiles need to renew their certifications, nominations, or accreditations when applicable.

The renewal process includes:

Submission of updated documentation
Mandatory medical check
Fingerprinting to renew the Emirates ID
Payment of the corresponding fees

Although it is more streamlined than the initial application, renewal may face delays if any documents are missing or if eligibility is not properly verified. For this reason, LorcaBase can manage the requirements, handle all procedures, and ensure a smooth renewal, keeping your long-term residency active in the UAE.

WHO ARE WE?

With a strong track record working with international companies and UAE-based businesses, at LorcaBase we specialize in assisting our clients with the formation, restructuring, and expansion of companies in the Middle East, as well as providing accounting and tax consultancy services, with a particular focus on European businesses.

In addition, we offer specialized guidance to clients looking to invest in property in the region, efficiently managing all fiscal and administrative requirements.

At LorcaBase, we are proud to be a driver of positive change in the business world. Our company offers a unique combination of strategic vision, innovation, and access to a business-friendly environment in Dubai, creating the perfect foundation for companies to succeed.

Marina R. L.

REVIEWS

WHAT TO DO AFTER OBTAINING THE GOLDEN VISA IN DUBAI?

Obtaining the Golden Visa is only the first step toward settling properly in the United Arab Emirates. Once it is issued, it is important to complete several essential procedures to live, work, and establish yourself in the country smoothly.

The first step is to activate and collect your Emirates ID, the official document that allows you to access public and private services.
You must also obtain valid health insurance in the UAE, which is mandatory for all residents.
If you plan to live in Dubai permanently, it is advisable to register an address, open a local bank account, and set up basic services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications.
Additionally, many Golden Visa holders use this stage to sponsor their families, as the visa allows bringing a spouse, children, and even domestic workers.
If you wish to invest, start a business, or work independently, it is useful to learn about the necessary licenses as well as the business opportunities available in your emirate.

To make this transition easier, LorcaBase can support you through all these post–Golden Visa steps, helping you settle quickly, safely, and without administrative complications.

RIGHTS OF THE 10-YEAR VISA IN DUBAI

Choosing the right free zone is a fundamental step to obtaining the freelance permit in Dubai, as each free zone offers different advantages, specific pricing structures, and its own list of permitted activities. Below you will find the most recommended free zones for independent professionals:

Right to reside in the UAE for 5 or 10 years without a sponsor

The Golden Visa allows you to live in the country long-term without depending on a company or a local sponsor.

Permission to invest, start and run businesses independently

The holder can establish companies, invest in businesses or start commercial activities without additional requirements.

Access to open bank accounts and complete administrative procedures

The Golden Visa facilitates the opening of accounts, access to financial services and the handling of official procedures without limitations.

Right to sponsor spouse, children and domestic workers

You can bring your family to live in the UAE and hire domestic staff through a simplified process.

Freedom to enter and leave the country without losing residency

There are no minimum stay requirements, which allows you to be outside the country for long periods without affecting your residency status.

GOLDEN VISA VS TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT VISA

Aspect	Golden Visa	Traditional Employment Visa
Dependence on an employer	Does not require a sponsor or company; fully independent.	Fully dependent on the company acting as the sponsor.
Duration	5 or 10 years, renewable if requirements are maintained.	Between 1 and 3 years, depending on the employment contract and employer.
Stability	Residency is maintained even if you change jobs or stop working.	If the contract ends, the visa is usually cancelled within a short period.
Family sponsorship	Allows sponsoring spouse, children, and domestic workers with greater flexibility.	Family sponsorship depends on minimum salary levels and employment conditions.
Professional freedom	You may work, invest, or start a business freely within the legal framework.	You may only work for the company sponsoring the visa.
Mobility	You can enter and exit the UAE without limitations while the Golden Visa remains valid.	You must comply with company policies and immigration rules regarding absences.
Process	Requires meeting strict criteria (investment, talent, professional qualification).	Simpler if a job offer already exists and the company handles the application.

GOLDEN VISA FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT LIVE IN DUBAI YEAR-ROUND

The Golden Visa is particularly attractive for those who want to maintain residency in the UAE without living there continuously.
Unlike other visas, there is no strict minimum stay requirement, allowing you to spend long periods outside Dubai without risking your status.
This makes it an ideal option for real estate investors, international entrepreneurs, digital nomads, or anyone wishing to maintain a stable residency base in a safe and economically favorable country. The Golden Visa allows you to manage investments, businesses, or properties in the UAE from abroad while still enjoying the benefits of long-term residency.

¿QUÉ OTROS SERVICIOS OFRECEMOS?

Company Formation in the UAE

We support our clients throughout the entire company formation process in the UAE, ensuring legal and tax compliance from day one.

Corporate Solutions

We offer personalized corporate solutions that include opening bank accounts, managing licenses, visas, company liquidation, among other options.

Accounting

We manage financial records, tax compliance, and the preparation of reports according to local regulations. We provide advice to optimize profitability and legal compliance for businesses.

Taxation

We optimize your company’s tax structure, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and maximizing the benefits of operating in a tax-efficient environment.

M&A

We advise on mergers, acquisitions, and company sales, conducting comprehensive financial and legal analysis to ensure safe and efficient transactions.