# United Arab Emirates Source: https://www.savoryandpartners.com/programs/residency-by-investment/united-arab-emirates · Updated: 2026-09-17 Obtain United Arab Emirates Residency Visa. Contact Savory & Partners Expert now to learn more about the United Arab Emirates residency by investment program. ## UAE Golden Visa Requirements To promote foreign investment and to ensure an environment with no personal income tax, the UAE launched a program for international investors in 2019. This permits them to reside in the UAE and build a secure future for their families as well as their businesses. The UAE Golden Visa was set up to help attract and retain top talents across numerous sectors. This program allows investors, entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and specialized talents to apply. With a UAE Golden Visa, foreigners can live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and maintain 100% ownership of their businesses on the country’s mainland. ## Main Applicant Requirements - Meet the eligibility criteria for the selected Golden Residency category. - Maintain the qualifying investment or ownership conditions where applicable. - Complete the applicable medical, identity and security requirements. ## Eligible Dependents - Spouse - Children, regardless of age - Parents ## UAE Golden Visa Benefits ## Straightforward Process Processing times vary by eligibility category, issuing authority and emirate. ## Health & Education World-class health services and high standard education opportunities for you and your family. ## Flexible Residence Requirement Golden Residency holders may remain outside the UAE for more than six months without invalidating the residence, provided it remains valid. ## Business & Investment Golden Residency holders may live, work, study and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor. Eligible family members may also be sponsored. ## Legal Basis The current Golden Residency framework is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners and Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 issuing its Executive Regulations. The Annex to Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 sets the rules for Golden Residence permits, including eligibility categories, family sponsorship and application routes. ## 1) 10-Year Real Estate Golden Visa | Item | Amount | | --- | --- | | Minimum investment | AED 2,000,000 (approximately $545,000) | | Medical examination | AED 700 | | Emirates ID (10 years) | AED 1,153 | | Residence permit confirmation (10 years) | AED 2,856.75 | | Dubai Land Department fee | AED 4,020 | | Administrative fee | AED 1,155 | ## 2) 5-Year Retirement Golden Visa To be eligible for the visa, applicant must be aged 55 or older, the property in Dubai must have a minimum value of 1 million AED as stated on the title deed. Please note that properties from other emirates and DIFCA are not accepted. | Item | Amount | | --- | --- | | Minimum investment | AED 1,000,000 (approximately $272,300) | | Medical examination | AED 700 | | Emirates ID (5 years) | AED 653 | | Residence permit confirmation (5 years) | AED 2,456.75 | | Dubai Land Department fee | AED 2,020 | | Administrative fee | AED 1,155 | ## Application Process For UAE Golden Visa Processing time depends on the Golden Residency category, competent authority and emirate. The first stage of the document collection can differ in length depending on the applicant’s ability to gather the documents. Our team guides this process with samples and best practice advice. The reviewal stage is subject to the respective government schedule and can be impacted by factors which we, as authorised agents have no control over. Savory and Partners collaborates with the government throughout the entire process, and we aim to provide the quickest and smoothest experience for the applicant. 1. Savory and Partners pre-screens your passport for government pre-approval. We require a down payment of our professional fees to start your application. 2. Savory and Partners' expert team will assist and advise you with the collection of the required documents. 3. Submit the application through the relevant federal or local authority. Depending on the category, direct application or a recommendation/nomination may be required. 4. The competent authority reviews the application and supporting evidence. Processing time varies by category and emirate. 5. You receive your residency visa. ## Application Process Varies by Route ## VISA-FREE COUNTRIES WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES RESIDENCY Visa-free destinations: With UAE residency, you can travel freely to 10 countries. ### With the United Arab Emirates Residency you can travel to the following countries: - Albania - Armenia - Azerbaijan - Georgia - Japan - Maldives - Mauritius - Montenegro - Serbia - Seychelles ## Client Success Stories ### A Safe and Bright Future **The Challenge** Our Indian client was a successful business owner and single parent who found himself at a crossroads. He had built a thriving business in India, but as a single father, his top priority was ensuring a secure and promising future for his daughter. He dreamed of providing her with access to world-class education and a safe environment to grow up in, but relocating would disrupt his business. On top of that, the complexities of obtaining the necessary documents for his daughter after a recent divorce made the process even more challenging. **Our Solution** Understanding the weight of his situation, we set out to find a solution that would offer both personal and professional stability. **Portugal: The Ideal Destination** We recommended the Portugal Golden Visa program, a tailored residency-by-investment route that allowed him to maintain his business in India while fulfilling Portugal’s flexible residency requirements (just seven days per year). This program also ensured his daughter could relocate immediately, gaining access to world-class schools and a safe environment. To meet the program’s criteria, our client chose the **EUR 500,000 investment fund option**, channeling his resources into a venture capital fund committed to boosting businesses in Portugal. This fund, designed with a minimum five-year maturity and a portfolio with at least 60% of investments in Portuguese companies, aligned perfectly with his vision of contributing to a growing economy. The process required meticulous planning. Together, we navigated the legal documentation, secured a taxpayer number, and opened a local bank account. After finalizing the investment and submitting the necessary documents, his application was successfully processed by the government. **Business Growth Across Europe** To ensure his application’s long-term viability and foster local economic growth, our client created **five permanent jobs** within the Portuguese business landscape. This not only fulfilled a critical requirement for the program but also underscored his dedication to making a meaningful impact in his new home. **Supporting the Journey** From the start, our team at Savory & Partners took a hands-on approach to ensure everything was in place. We helped gather all the necessary documents for both him and his daughter, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Our experts made sure every requirement was met for a successful residency application, including due diligence and timely submission. **The Result** Today, our client and his daughter are enjoying their lives in Portugal. He has not only secured a brighter future for her, with access to top-tier education and a safe, stable environment, but he’s also expanding his business across Europe. _Why Choose Portugal Golden Visa?_ Portugal’s Golden Visa program is designed to provide individuals and families with a pathway to residency while offering numerous lifestyle and business opportunities. Here’s why it’s the right choice: - Flexible investment options that allow you to secure residency by investing €500,000 in an eligible investment fund or venture capital fund. - EU citizenship after five years with minimal residency requirements (seven days per year). - World-class education, healthcare, and safety. - Strategic location and business-friendly environment to grow your ventures across Europe. - Ability to relocate with your family and ensure access to top-tier education and a secure environment for your loved ones. For those considering the Golden Visa, here’s a closer look at the available investment pathways and the application process: **Investment Options** - **€500,000**: Invest in private equity or venture capital funds - **€250,000**: Support arts or cultural heritage. **Application Process** Apply remotely or in person by selecting an investment, opening a bank account, and submitting documents. After a biometric visit, you’ll receive a two-year renewable residence permit. Citizenship or permanent residency can follow after five years. ## Download brochure - Length: 4 pages - Language: English & Arabic - size: 1 mb **Content** - United Arab Emirates Country profile - Benefits of the program - Investment requirements - Investment process ## About United Arab Emirates - CAPITAL: Abu Dhabi - TOTAL AREA: 71,024 km² - POPULATION: 11.45 million - LANGUAGE(S): Arabic - CURRENCY: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) - EXCHANGE RATE: $1 = 3.67 AED - GDP – PER CAPITA (2025): $49,500 - GDP – TOTAL (2025): $548.6 billion ### About the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate, but Dubai has grown its reputation by constructing, among other things the tallest building in the world and the world's largest man-made archipelago. Dubai’s economy has expanded at a rapid pace, with Expo 2020 accelerating its growth. The area is a luxury tourism hub with oil and real estate other key industries. ### Where is the United Arab Emirates? The UAE is situated in the Southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia.