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Golden Visa

What you need to know about Golden Visas

10 questions in this topic

What is the minimum investment for a UAE Golden Visa?

The minimum property investment typically required for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa is AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000), subject to current government regulations and eligibility criteria.

Property investors may also be eligible for a standard investor residency visa, which generally requires a minimum property investment of AED 750,000 (approximately USD 205,000), subject to current regulations and approval.

How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid for?

The UAE Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and is renewable, subject to meeting the applicable eligibility requirements at the time of renewal. Unlike many standard residency visas, the Golden Visa currently offers greater flexibility, with no minimum stay requirement for maintaining residency status.

This means Golden Visa holders can spend extended periods outside the UAE without affecting their residency, making it an attractive option for international property investors, business owners and individuals seeking long-term UAE residency with maximum flexibility.

As immigration regulations may change over time, applicants should verify the latest requirements with the relevant UAE authorities or an approved visa service provider.

Can I sponsor my family with a Golden Visa from Al Marjan Island?

Yes. The UAE Golden Visa offers broader family sponsorship benefits than standard residency visas. Golden Visa holders may be eligible to sponsor their spouse, children and parents, subject to current UAE immigration regulations and eligibility requirements.

Family members typically receive residency visas linked to the Golden Visa holder, providing long-term residency and greater flexibility for families living in or outside the UAE.

As sponsorship rules, age limits and eligibility requirements may change over time, applicants should confirm the latest regulations with the relevant UAE authorities or an approved visa service provider.

Do I need to live in the UAE to keep my investor visa?

For most standard 2-year investor visas, holders are generally required to enter the UAE at least once every 6 months to maintain their residency status. Failure to do so may affect the validity of the visa, subject to current immigration regulations.

The 10-year UAE Golden Visa offers greater flexibility, as there is currently no minimum stay requirement. Golden Visa holders can spend extended periods outside the UAE without affecting their residency status, making it a popular option for international property investors and overseas residents.

As immigration rules may change over time, applicants should always verify the latest requirements with the relevant UAE authorities or an approved visa service provider.

What is the difference between an investor visa and a Golden Visa?

Investor Visa: Typically valid for 2 years and generally available to qualifying property owners, subject to current UAE regulations. Applicants may be required to visit the UAE periodically to maintain their residency status and comply with immigration requirements.

Golden Visa: Valid for 10 years and generally available to investors meeting the applicable property investment threshold. The Golden Visa offers greater flexibility, long-term residency benefits and broader family sponsorship options, including spouses, children and, in some cases, parents.

Many international buyers in Ras Al Khaimah choose the Golden Visa due to its longer validity, reduced renewal requirements and greater flexibility for families and overseas investors.

How long does the process take?

The UAE Golden Visa process typically takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the property status, documentation, and approval process. Once all required documents are submitted, including the title deed, passport copy, proof of payment, and any bank or mortgage documents if applicable, the application is reviewed by the relevant authorities.

For ready properties with completed title deeds, the process is usually faster. Off-plan properties may require additional approvals depending on the developer and the percentage paid by the investor. Processing times can also vary based on medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and current government processing timelines.

What documents are required for the UAE Golden Visa?

The required documents may vary depending on the property and applicant profile, but in most cases the following documents are needed:

Passport copy

Passport-sized photo

Title deed of the property

Proof of payment or bank statement

Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for off-plan properties

Emirates ID copy (if available)

UAE entry stamp or visa copy (if applicable)

Medical test and health insurance during the application process

For mortgaged properties, additional documents from the bank may also be required. Requirements can vary depending on the developer, property status, and UAE authority approvals.

Can international buyers apply?

Yes. International buyers from most countries can purchase freehold property in designated areas of Ras Al Khaimah, including Al Marjan Island, Marjan Beachfront, Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab and RAK Central. Eligible property investors may also qualify for UAE residency benefits, including the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, subject to meeting the applicable investment criteria and obtaining approval from the relevant UAE authorities.

What is the total cost of applying for a 2 year investor visa and a 10 year golden visa?

2-Year Property Investor Visa

The total cost of a 2-year property investor visa varies depending on the applicant's circumstances and current government fees. Costs typically include the medical fitness test, Emirates ID, residency issuance fees, administrative charges and, where applicable, health insurance.

Most 2-year investor visas are linked to completed properties with a qualifying investment value, although eligibility requirements and fees may change over time.

10-Year UAE Golden Visa

The total cost of obtaining a 10-year UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the application type, processing method and any additional services selected. Costs generally include the medical examination, Emirates ID, residency issuance fees, administrative charges and any applicable property verification fees.

Additional costs may apply for family sponsorships, document attestation, legal translations, mortgage-related approvals or optional expedited processing services.

As government regulations, eligibility criteria and processing fees are subject to change, applicants should confirm the latest requirements with the relevant UAE authorities or an approved visa service provider before proceeding.

Do I need to be in the UAE to apply for a Golden Visa?

Not always. In many cases, international buyers can begin the Golden Visa application process while outside the UAE, especially during the property purchase stage. However, applicants will usually need to enter the UAE at some point to complete certain requirements such as the medical fitness test, biometrics, and Emirates ID issuance.

Some parts of the process can be handled remotely through developers, visa consultants, or authorized representatives, depending on the case. Processing requirements may vary based on nationality, property status, and current UAE immigration regulations.

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