UAE Golden Visa: 10-year visa programme
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa is a relevant option for foreigners such as investors, entrepreneurs, or professionals seeking a long-term stay in the UAE. The Ecovis advisors explain who is eligible for the 10-year visa programme and what interested parties need to know and consider.
The UAE Golden Visa is part of the UAE’s long-term economic and talent strategy and provides qualifying foreign nationals with long-term residence without the need for a local sponsor. Unlike standard residence visas, the Golden Visa is issued for a 10-year renewable term and offers a higher degree of legal stability for individuals with a long-term professional or investment connection to the UAE.
Contact us
Who is eligible for the Golden Visa
From a legal perspective, the Golden Visa is governed by federal immigration regulations and implementing resolutions, with eligibility assessed based on clearly defined categories. The most relevant categories for international investors and advisors include:
- Real estate investors, typically requiring qualifying property investments with a minimum value of AED 2 million, subject to specific ownership and financing conditions
- Entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly founders of approved start-ups or shareholders in established commercial ventures
- Skilled professionals and executives, including senior management and highly qualified specialists in regulated or strategic sectors
“We handle the Golden Visa process end to end, typically as part of a broader transaction or structuring exercise, including real estate acquisitions, investments, company establishment and the related tax implications.”
Jakob Kisser, Partner, STROHAL LEGAL – Member of ECOVIS International, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Advantages and benefits of the 10-year visa programme
Golden Visa holders benefit from several practical advantages, including:
- No local sponsor requirement
- Family sponsorship (spouse, children, and in many cases domestic staff, subject to immigration authority approval)
- Flexibility to remain outside the UAE for extended periods
Service enhancements announced in late 2025 include:
- A free electronic return permit for lost passports abroad
- A 24-hour hotline for urgent consular support
- Emergency and crisis assistance through UAE missions overseas
- Repatriation and burial support for Golden Visa holders who pass away abroad
What interested parties should know
There is no automatic entitlement to the Golden Visa, and it does not replace corporate structuring, tax planning, or compliance with legal regulations. Eligibility assessments, documentation standards, and approval practices may vary depending on the category and the competent authority involved. For foreign investors and professionals, it offers residence security and planning flexibility, but it should be evaluated as part of a broader legal and tax framework rather than as a standalone solution.
