The UAE, a vibrant and strategically placed country on the Arabian Gulf, has quickly grown into a global powerhouse that draws investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Its residence by investment options let business owners and property investors become part of that success story in a matter of weeks, with a long-term Golden Visa available for larger investments.
The UAE is famous for its striking skylines, luxury shopping, glamorous resorts and world-class dining. It is home to more than 200 nationalities, which makes it one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, and one of the safest places to live.
The UAE is made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. They were united as a federation in 1971 under the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who used the country's oil wealth to build one of the world's most prosperous and open economies. The capital is Abu Dhabi.
Sitting on the Arabian Gulf, within an eight-hour flight of around two-thirds of the world's population, the UAE connects East and West. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, its two largest cities, have become regional centres for education, culture, tourism and business, and Dubai is home to landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah.
The UAE's landscapes range from sandy deserts with towering dunes to rugged mountains and a stunning coastline of clear waters and coral reefs. Jebel Jais, the country's highest peak, offers breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails.
Built on oil and gas, the UAE economy has diversified into tourism, business and innovation, and Dubai in particular has become a magnet for entrepreneurs. Since May 2022, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has served as President, building on the legacies of Sheikh Khalifa and the founding father, Sheikh Zayed. The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED).
The UAE is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OPEC, the World Trade Organization and BRICS.
Investing in a second residency can offer various benefits, including better global mobility, access to education and healthcare, retirement planning, a pathway to citizenship and a Plan B for the family.
Depending on your nationality, a UAE residence visa can make entry easier to a number of destinations in the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
One of the world's most attractive tax systems, with low corporate tax and no tax on personal income, capital gains, gifts, inheritance or wealth.
A single applicant can sponsor family members as dependants, including a spouse and children.
You and your family can live, work and study in the UAE, enjoying the same world-class facilities as every other resident.
As well as making a qualifying investment, every main applicant must meet the conditions below.
Setting up a UAE company with the right business licence for your activity leads to a 3-year residence visa, with total costs starting at AED 36,500 (about USD 10,000). Your advisor will recommend the licence that suits your plans.
Owning property in the UAE can qualify you for a renewable two-year investor residence visa. In Dubai, sole owners no longer need to meet a minimum property value, while joint owners each need a share worth at least AED 400,000. Rules differ between emirates, so your advisor will confirm the requirements for your property.
The application process for UAE residency is straightforward, and it may take up to 4 weeks from starting the process to receiving your residency documents. The process can be divided into the following stages.
UAE residence visas, including the Golden visa, are issued under federal law by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), and in Dubai by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
You can invest in UAE property, set up or invest in a business, or make a qualifying public investment such as a deposit in an investment fund. Each route leads to a residence visa, and larger investments can qualify for the Golden Visa.
For real estate, you need property worth at least AED 2 million, fully owned by you. For a public investment, you need capital of at least AED 2 million, for example in a UAE company or an investment fund. Both routes lead to a 10-year Golden visa.
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa, valid for 5 or 10 years and renewable, for investors, entrepreneurs and exceptional talents. It lets you live, work and study in the UAE without a local sponsor, sponsor your spouse and children, and stay outside the UAE for longer than the usual six months without losing your residence.
Costs start at AED 36,500 (about USD 10,000) for a residence visa through a company setup, and rise to AED 2,000,000 for a Golden Visa through property or public investment.
No. The UAE doesn't offer citizenship or a passport through investment. Investors can gain residency, including the long-term Golden Visa.
A thirty-minute consultation with our advisory team will tell you whether UAE is the right programme for you, and if it is not, which of our other programmes is.