Investors purchase real estate in the UAE for AED 2 million ($545,000) to get a 10-year Golden Visa. State fee for issuing visa and identity card is $1,000.
In addition to the application fee itself, you might also need to shell out some extra payment for other costs such as medical check-ups and Emirates ID processing fees.
We will delve deep into the cost of obtaining a UAE golden visa, providing you with valuable insights on application fees and additional expenses.
UAE Golden Visa Cost and Fees: Detailed Guide
Share:
UAE Golden Visa Expenses
To get the 10-year UAE Residence Visa by investment, you need to buy real estate for $545,000.
Investors will likely encounter additional expenses during your journey towards obtaining a UAE golden visa. For instance, you’ll need to pay for UAE health insurance, government processing fees, and entry visa fees.
You may also need to pay for residence visa fees, Emirates ID processing fees, and fees for visa category changes.
Additional UAE Golden Visa Expenses
It’s worth noting that golden visa holders are entitled to a range of benefits, including access to UAE schools and the ability to sponsor family members for visas. The golden visa route is constantly evolving, with new categories and passes being added all the time.
If you’re considering applying for a golden visa in the UAE, it’s important to do your research and understand all the costs involved. With the right preparation and a bit of luck, you could soon be enjoying all the benefits of golden residence in this exciting country.
Eligibility Criteria for UAE Golden Visa
Property Investor Requirements. To be eligible for a golden visa under this category, your investment must be at least AED 2 million.
Entrepreneur Qualifications. You qualify for a golden visa by investing in or establishing your own business within the UAE.
Exceptional Talent Categories in IT, science, engineering or other professional field, such as:
award-winning artists;
talented scientists and researchers;
outstanding students from top universities around the world are welcome as well.
The UAE is continuously expanding its golden visa program, making it more accessible and attractive to talented individuals worldwide.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the UAE investment program versus other Golden Visas
Benefits of Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa
Investing in real estate within the United Arab Emirates presents an excellent opportunity for wealthy individuals seeking long-term residency options with numerous financial advantages.
By meeting key requirements and exploring investment opportunities available across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, potential investors can secure their future within this thriving Middle Eastern nation while enjoying unparalleled lifestyle benefits offered by its world-class infrastructure developments.
Long-term residency. The 10-year residence visa offers stability and security for real estate investors and their families.
No income tax or capital gains tax. Investors can enjoy tax-free rental income from their property investments within the UAE.
Mobility benefits. With a multi-entry visa, golden visa holders can travel freely between all seven emirates without needing additional permits. They also have access to travel visa-free to several countries using their UAE passport after obtaining citizenship through naturalisation processes.
Family sponsorship privileges. You can sponsor family members and domestic staff in unlimited numbers. This means that even after the original holder passes away, your loved ones will still enjoy their residency status.
Ease of driving licence acquisition. Golden visa holders are allowed to take the driver’s test without having extra lessons.
Dubai's rental market is known for its high yields, with average returns ranging between 6—8% per annum
Application Process
The application process consists of five steps, including submitting documents such as your passport, colour photograph, and proof of eligibility.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence check
The applicants undergo an initial check to identify possible issues and raise the chances of obtaining a visa. The process is entirely confidential. A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer verifies the investor’s documents.
The applicants undergo an initial check to identify possible issues and raise the chances of obtaining a visa. The process is entirely confidential. A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer verifies the investor’s documents.
5—7 weeks
Preparing the documents and getting a short-term visa
The investor prepares all of the documents that are required for application. Before they are submitted, the documents must be translated, notarised and legalised by the consulate. The applicant receives a 6-month visa to enter the UAE, see the properties they plan to buy, pass a medical checkup and apply for a Golden Visa.
The investor prepares all of the documents that are required for application. Before they are submitted, the documents must be translated, notarised and legalised by the consulate. The applicant receives a 6-month visa to enter the UAE, see the properties they plan to buy, pass a medical checkup and apply for a Golden Visa.
5—6 weeks
Buying real estate
The investor chooses the property they want to purchase, buys it and registers ownership. For this step, the investor’s presence in the UAE is not required so the lawyer can act on their behalf.
The investor chooses the property they want to purchase, buys it and registers ownership. For this step, the investor’s presence in the UAE is not required so the lawyer can act on their behalf.
1—5 days
Medical checkup
The investor and their family come to the Emirates to pass a medical examination in a UAE clinic. They get a blood test to check for infectious diseases and undergo fluorography. After that, they receive a health certificate.
The investor and their family come to the Emirates to pass a medical examination in a UAE clinic. They get a blood test to check for infectious diseases and undergo fluorography. After that, they receive a health certificate.
Up to 30 days
Due Diligence and receipt of the UAE Golden Visa
The last step is to apply for the Golden Visa and submit biometrics to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. This is when the Due Diligence procedure starts.
In most cases, the application processing takes five to seven days. However, some additional information about the investor can be requested, and in this case, the procedure can take up to 30 days. After the application is approved, the investor and their family obtain Golden Visas.
The last step is to apply for the Golden Visa and submit biometrics to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. This is when the Due Diligence procedure starts.
In most cases, the application processing takes five to seven days. However, some additional information about the investor can be requested, and in this case, the procedure can take up to 30 days. After the application is approved, the investor and their family obtain Golden Visas.
Comparing UAE Golden Visa with Other Countries' Programs
The cost of obtaining the UAE Golden Visa is quite competitive compared to similar investment programs around the world. This prestigious residency program attracts top talent and investment, providing not only long-term residency but also a myriad of benefits for visa holders and their families. So, how does it stack up against other countries?
In comparison to popular programs like Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit Program, which requires an investment starting from €280,000, or Spain’s Golden Visa Program, requiring a minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate, the UAE offers more affordable options for investors.
Golden Visa Programs Comparison
UAE golden visa holders can sponsor family members and domestic staff without limitations ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for all involved.
Recent revisions to the system have expanded eligibility criteria to include professionals from various fields such as IT specialists and entrepreneurs alike, making it even more attractive than ever before.
Given its attractive returns, the UAE Golden Visa is an ideal choice for those looking to establish a long-term residency with comfortable lifestyle options for their family.
Conclusion
To obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, investors spend AED 2 million ($545,000) in real estate in the United Arab Emirates. Visa and identification cards are issued for a $1,000 state fee.
Medical tests, insurance policy translation and notarisation of documents for 1 applicant will cost about $2,000.
Investing in UAE Golden Visa is an attractive option for wealthy individuals. Dubai’s progressive business environment and major infrastructure projects make it a prime location to invest in property with strong ROI potential and high rental yields.
Download our complete guide to learn everything you need about 9 popular Golden Visa programs.
Benefits
Investment options
Eligibility requirements
Processing times