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Residency by Investment in UAE
A Structured Route to Long-Term Residency Through the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global business, tourism, and innovation center, renowned for its modern infrastructure, cosmopolitan society, and strategic geographic location bridging East and West. The UAE offers long-term residency opportunities through its Golden Visa programme, enabling non-nationals to secure a 10-year renewable residence permit by making a qualifying investment.
These initiatives are designed to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals who contribute to the nation’s sustainable growth and diversification.
Benefits of United Arab Emirates Residency
UAE residency offers long-term residence in a globally connected and economically dynamic jurisdiction. For internationally mobile individuals and families, it can support regional access, business flexibility, and long-term planning objectives.
Long-Term Residency
and Stability
The UAE Golden Visa grants a 10-year renewable residence permit, offering long-term security without the need for frequent renewals. Residents can live, work, and study in the UAE, benefiting from a stable, growth-oriented environment.
No Minimum
Stay Requirements
Unlike many other residency programmes, the UAE does not impose stringent minimum stay requirements for maintaining the Golden Visa. This flexibility allows investors to manage their global commitments while maintaining a valuable base in the UAE.
Family Inclusion
The Golden Visa extends to spouses and children, ensuring families can reside together. There is no age limit for children, making the programme particularly attractive for investors with older dependents. Recent updates may also offer provisions for sponsoring additional family members under certain conditions.
Attractive Tax Regime
The UAE imposes no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax at the individual level. This favourable fiscal environment enhances wealth preservation and facilitates efficient financial planning for investors and their families.
Pathway to
Business Expansion
Residency in the UAE provides access to a robust business environment, including free zones offering 100% foreign ownership, simplified repatriation of capital, and strong intellectual property protection. Investors can easily establish companies to tap into the region’s growing markets and dynamic consumer base.
Investment Options and Requirements
The UAE offers qualifying investment routes under its residency and Golden Visa frameworks. Each option is governed by defined eligibility requirements and financial thresholds, allowing applicants to assess suitability in line with their objectives.
UAE-Based Funds or Companies
- Invest at least AED 2 million in an approved investment fund accredited in the UAE.
- Establish a company in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
- Hold shares in an existing or new UAE company valued at least AED 2 million.
Real Estate Investment
- Invest at least AED 2 million in one or more properties in the UAE.
- Properties must be fully owned by the investor (no loans on the initial threshold amount) and meet government criteria.
- Off-plan purchases from approved local real estate companies may qualify, provided the investment meets the minimum threshold.
Additional Expenses
- Government application and visa issuance fees for the main applicant and dependents
- Legal, advisory, and professional service fees
- Property registration, notary fees (if applicable)
- Health insurance premiums and document translation costs
Citizenship360 provides a transparent cost estimate and guidance on fee structures during the initial consultation.
Why Choose United Arab Emirates?
- Strategic Global Hub: Situated at a crossroads of international trade routes, the UAE connects Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it ideal for businesses seeking global reach. Its world-class airports and seaports position residents at the center of global commerce, travel, and innovation.
- Stable Economy and Business-Friendly Environment: With a robust legal framework, no personal income tax, multiple free zones, and a straightforward company setup process, the UAE provides a stable, investor-friendly environment. Government policies encourage foreign direct investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation across diverse sectors, including finance, logistics, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
- High Quality of Life: The UAE offers an exceptional standard of living, featuring top-tier healthcare, international education options, safe communities, and world-class leisure and entertainment facilities. The vibrant multicultural society ensures residents enjoy cultural diversity, global cuisines, and year-round sunshine.
Eligibility Criteria
UAE residency programmes are open to individuals and families who meet defined eligibility and compliance standards. Early understanding of requirements supports a smooth and efficient application process.
Age and Health
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
While no strict health examinations are mandated, holding valid health insurance covering the UAE is recommended.
Clean Criminal Record
A clean criminal record is mandatory.
Authorities conduct background checks to ensure the security and integrity of the programme.
Financial Transparency
and Compliance
Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate source of funds, comply with relevant regulations, and follow due diligence standards.
Documentation must confirm the value and legality of the investment.
Dependents
Spouses and dependent children of any age can be included in the application.
In some cases, other family members (such as parents) may also be sponsored, subject to specific conditions set by the UAE authorities.
Application Process
The UAE residency application process follows a structured and regulated framework. Professional guidance supports applicants from initial consultation through to approval and ongoing compliance.
Gather Required Paperwork: Collect legal documents (passport copies, proof of funds, investment agreements, corporate documents if applicable), police clearance certificates, and health insurance coverage details. Certified translations and notarizations may be necessary.
Gather Required Paperwork: Collect financial statements, police clearances, health insurance, investment contracts, and identity documents. Legalization, notarization, and translations into Spanish may be required.
Complete the Qualifying Investment: Finalize the property purchase, transfer funds to a Spanish bank, invest in government bonds, or register your business project. Ensure full compliance with Spanish laws and confirm property registration or asset acquisition.
Execute the fund investment, finalize company incorporation, or complete the property purchase. Ensure compliance with UAE regulations and secure evidence of your qualifying investment.
Citizenship360 Submits Your Application: We file the application with the relevant UAE immigration authority (e.g., the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security), ensuring accuracy and adherence to guidelines.
Background Checks and Verification: Authorities assess the application, conduct due diligence, and confirm eligibility. Upon approval, you receive an entry permit (if applying from abroad) or proceed directly to residency issuance if already in the UAE.
Obtain Your 10-Year Residence Permit: After approval and biometric enrollment, you receive your Golden Visa residence card. This 10-year residency permit is renewable, subject to maintaining your qualifying investment.
Expect several weeks to a few months, depending on application complexity, documentation readiness, and government review times.
Make an Enquiry
For enquiries of any kind please click the button below and a member of the team will be in touch.
Programme details last reviewed: July 2026.
FAQ’s
Yes, you may combine multiple properties or investment instruments, as long as the total meets the minimum required amount and all conditions are met.
Yes, spouses and children can typically be sponsored or added later, subject to meeting the programme’s regulations and providing necessary documentation.
UAE citizenship is granted under exceptional conditions and is not guaranteed by the Golden Visa. The Golden Visa ensures long-term residence, but citizenship policy remains highly selective and at the discretion of the government.
The UAE does not levy personal income tax on individuals. However, consult a tax professional regarding international tax obligations in your home country.
There are no strict minimum stay requirements. You can maintain residency by retaining the qualifying investment and renewing the permit as required.
As long as you maintain your qualifying investment and meet any additional regulations in place at renewal time, you may renew the Golden Visa for another 10-year period.