If you are investing in the UAE through real estate, a business, or public funds, you have two main residency paths: the Golden Visa and the standard investor visa. They share a common goal — residency through investment — but differ in validity, sponsor requirements, and the freedom they offer. This article lays out the differences, the investment thresholds, and the exact documents each path requires.
By the end, you will know which visa fits your investment profile and what to bring when you visit our centre.
Eligibility — Golden Visa vs standard investor visa
Golden Visa — investors in public investments (10 years)
This is the longer-duration option. You qualify if you meet one of these criteria:
- A minimum capital of AED 2 million deposited in an approved investment fund
- Ownership of or partnership in a company with capital of no less than AED 2 million
- Contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes
The Golden Visa does not require a sponsor. You can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing your residency.
Golden Visa — real estate investors (5 years)
This path is valid for 5 years. You must own one or more properties in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 2 million. The property must be fully paid — loans and mortgages do not count toward the threshold.
Standard investor visa
The official ICP sources do not provide a detailed breakdown of the standard 2-year investor visa eligibility criteria or validity period in the same way they detail the Golden Visa. What is confirmed:
- A valid trade, industrial, or agricultural licence OR a property purchase contract from an approved developer is required for Emirates ID issuance as an investor
- Investors sponsoring a domestic worker need a bank statement showing monthly income of at least AED 25,000 for the previous three months
The standard investor visa is typically a 2-year renewable visa, but the exact eligibility thresholds and comparison benefits are not detailed in the official sources used for this article.
Key differences at a glance
Duration: 5 years (real estate) or 10 years (public investment) | Typically 2 years
Sponsor required: No | [VERIFY]
Minimum investment: AED 2 million | Not specified in sources
Stay outside UAE: More than 6 months allowed | Standard 6-month rule applies
Required documents
For Golden Visa — public investments
You must provide at least one of the following:
- Investment fund letter — From an approved fund, confirming a deposit of no less than AED 2 million
- Commercial or industrial licence and Articles of Association — Proving company capital of no less than AED 2 million
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) letter — Confirming the owner or partner pays annual tax of no less than AED 250,000
Plus:
- Proof of residence inside the UAE — Property ownership or tenancy contract
For Golden Visa — real estate
- Real Estate Registration Department letter — Proving ownership of one or more properties valued at AED 2 million or above, without loans
- Proof of residence inside the UAE — Property ownership or tenancy contract
For standard investor visa (Emirates ID issuance)
- Valid trade, industrial, or agricultural licence OR a property purchase contract from an approved developer
- Standard passport and photo requirements apply
Fees and costs
The exact government processing fees for both the Golden Visa and the standard investor visa — including ICP application fees, medical fitness test fees, Emirates ID issuance fees, and health insurance premiums — are not listed in the official ICP sources.
The exact fee for investor visa processing varies by case — our team will give you the precise figure for your situation.
What is fixed: the investment thresholds. AED 2 million for Golden Visa investors (both real estate and public investment), and AED 250,000 in annual taxes as an alternative qualifying path for public investments.
Process and timeline
Golden Visa application process
1. Determine your qualifying path — Public investment (10-year) or real estate (5-year) 2. Obtain proof documents — Investment fund letter, licence, FTA letter, or real estate registration letter 3. Medical fitness test — Complete the examination at a DHA-approved centre 4. Submit application — Apply through the ICP smart services platform or at an Amer centre 5. Biometrics — Attend for fingerprinting and photo at GDRFA 6. Visa stamping — The Golden Visa is stamped in your passport
Standard investor visa process
1. Obtain your trade licence or property contract — From the relevant authority or approved developer 2. Medical fitness test — Complete the examination 3. Submit application — Apply through standard GDRFA channels 4. Emirates ID application — Apply using your licence or contract 5. Visa stamping — The residence visa is stamped in your passport
The official processing timeframe is not published in ICP sources for either visa type.
Common questions
How much do I need to invest to get a Golden Visa?
A minimum capital of AED 2 million in either public investments or real estate. Alternatively, you can qualify through contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes.
Can I use a mortgage to buy property for the Golden Visa?
No. The real estate Golden Visa requires proof of ownership of property valued at AED 2 million or above without loans. Mortgaged amounts are excluded from the calculation.
Can I combine multiple properties to reach the AED 2 million threshold?
Yes. The requirement is ownership of one or more properties valued at AED 2 million or above. Multiple properties can be combined.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa provides the privilege of not needing a sponsor. This is one of the primary advantages over a standard residence visa.
How long is the Golden Visa valid for investors?
The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years for public investment investors, and 5 years for real estate investors. Both are renewable.
"Information verified against Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) as of February 2026. Requirements and fees subject to change — confirm current figures directly with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) before proceeding."