UAE Residency by Investment: Visa Options, Costs and Requirements

The UAE has become a popular destination for foreign investors looking to establish businesses, purchase property and secure long-term residency. For many, investing in the country is also an opportunity to live in the UAE with their families without depending on a traditional employment visa.

But how much do you actually need to invest to qualify for UAE residency? You might have heard that buying property worth AED 2 million can qualify you for a Golden Visa. Others may tell you that opening a company is enough to get an investor visa. Both can be true, but the requirements, costs and validity periods are different.

The UAE residency by investment system offers several pathways for business owners, entrepreneurs and property investors. Depending on your investment, you may qualify for a standard investor residence permit, a five-year Green Visa or long-term Golden Residency.

This guide explains the available options in 2026, including minimum investment requirements, eligibility conditions, visa costs and the application process.

What Is Residency by Investment in the UAE?

Residency by investment allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a UAE residence permit based on qualifying investments, business ownership or real estate holdings. Unlike a traditional employment visa, which normally depends on an employer, investment-based residency is connected to your qualifying assets or business interests.

The UAE does not have one universal residency-by-investment programme. Different visa categories apply depending on your investment and the emirate where you apply. For example, someone purchasing an apartment in Dubai may follow a different application process from an entrepreneur establishing a company in Abu Dhabi.

UAE Residency by Investment Options in 2026

Here are the main residency pathways available to qualifying foreign investors.

The minimum investment is only one part of eligibility. You must also satisfy the relevant immigration and ownership requirements.

1. UAE Golden Visa Through Real Estate Investment

Purchasing qualifying property is one of the most recognised routes to long-term UAE residency. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) identifies real estate investors as an eligible Golden Residency category.

Minimum Property Investment

Generally, you must own one or more qualifying properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million.

Important conditions include:

• The property must be legally registered under the applicant's name.

• Multiple properties may qualify if their combined eligible value meets the threshold.

• Mortgaged properties may qualify, subject to approved financing and local requirements.

• Certain off-plan investments may qualify when purchased from approved developers.

• You must provide valid ownership documents and satisfy the applicable insurance requirements.

In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department Golden Visa service provides a renewable 10-year residence permit for qualifying property investors.

Its published conditions also require supporting bank documentation for mortgaged property.

Example: Suppose you purchase a Dubai apartment worth AED 2.5 million using mortgage financing. Your property value exceeds the AED 2 million threshold, but the outstanding mortgage and amount paid may affect eligibility. You should obtain confirmation before submitting your application.

Abu Dhabi also provides a 10-year property investor Golden Visa. Its official eligibility guidance generally requires the investor's qualifying capital in the property to reach AED 2 million.

Visa terms and mortgage documentation can differ between authorities, so check the rules for your chosen emirate before purchasing.

1. Two-Year Dubai Property Investor Residence

   You do not necessarily need AED 2 million in property to qualify for a Dubai residence permit. Dubai Land Department offers a separate property-linked residence route called Taskeen, valid for two years.

   Under its published conditions:

   • Individual property owners may apply regardless of the property's value, subject to other eligibility conditions.

   • Joint owners must hold a share worth at least AED 400,000.

   • Applicants must provide the required title deed and supporting documents.

   • The property investment must meet the programme's applicable conditions.

   According to the Dubai Land Department Taskeen service, the published fee for the two-year investor residence is AED 10,212.50. This route may be suitable for property investors who want UAE residence but do not meet Golden Visa requirements.

   Remember that purchasing a property and obtaining residency are separate transactions. Approval is not automatic.

2. UAE Golden Visa Through Business or Public Investment

   Property is not your only option. You may qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa through eligible business ownership, public investment or substantial participation in a UAE company.

   According to the ICP, qualifying routes include:

   • Depositing at least AED 2 million with an approved UAE investment fund or eligible national bank.

   • Establishing a UAE company with qualifying capital of at least AED 2 million.

   • Owning a qualifying share worth at least AED 2 million in an existing or newly established company.

   • Owning or participating in an eligible company where the required attributable annual federal tax contribution is at least AED 250,000.

   For capital-based applications, the investment generally must belong to the applicant and cannot be funded through a loan.

   The relevant authority may request audited financial information, company ownership records and proof of the invested capital.

   Simply registering a company with a stated share capital of AED 2 million does not automatically guarantee approval. Your documents must establish the qualifying investment.

   Investors considering business ownership can first review Nexture's guide to setting up a business in Dubai.

3. Five-Year Green Visa for Investors and Business Partners

   The Green Visa offers another route for eligible investors who establish or participate in UAE commercial activities. It provides five years of renewable residency without requiring an individual or employer sponsor.

   Dubai's GDRFA Green Visa investor service specifies a qualifying investor or partner contribution of at least AED 1 million in paid capital, along with the necessary business documentation.

   Applicants generally need a valid trade licence, evidence of investment or partnership and approvals from the appropriate authorities.

   This can be useful if you are actively investing in a UAE business but do not qualify for the AED 2 million Golden Visa investment category.

   For more eligibility information, see Nexture's UAE Green Visa guide.

4. Residency Through UAE Company Formation

   Foreign investors can also obtain eligible investor or partner residence permits through company ownership.

   You may establish a mainland or free zone business and apply for the appropriate residence category once the company meets the immigration requirements. A standard company-linked investor residence is different from the Golden Visa and Green Visa.

   Its validity, visa costs and eligibility conditions depend on the company structure, licensing authority and immigration category.

   For example, forming a company with a relatively modest licence package does not automatically qualify you for a five-year Green Visa. That programme has separate investment requirements.

   Before proceeding, compare the cost of company formation, annual licence renewal, office arrangements and visa processing.

What Documents Are Required for UAE Residency by Investment?

Requirements vary by residency category, but investors should generally prepare the following documents:

• A valid passport, normally with at least six months' remaining validity.

• Recent passport-sized photographs.

• Proof of qualifying property ownership or business investment.

• Trade licence and company incorporation documents, where applicable.

• Bank statements, investment certificates or financial evidence.

• Valid UAE health insurance, where required.

• Medical fitness examination results for applicable applicants.

• Existing Emirates ID and residence details, if already resident.

Property investors may need a title deed, property valuation or mortgage clearance documentation.

Business investors may need shareholder certificates, a Memorandum of Association, financial statements and evidence of their investment contribution.

How to Apply for UAE Residency by Investment

The process depends on your chosen investment, but most applications follow a similar sequence.

Step 1: Choose your investment route

Decide whether you want to invest in property, establish a company or participate in an existing business.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Confirm the applicable investment threshold and ownership conditions before committing funds.

Step 3: Complete the investment

Register your property purchase or business ownership and obtain the necessary official documents.

Step 4: Submit the application

Dubai applicants generally use GDRFA, Amer or the relevant Dubai Land Department channels. Applications in other emirates commonly involve ICP and the relevant local authority.

Step 5: Complete residency formalities

You may need an entry permit or status adjustment, a medical fitness examination, Emirates ID registration and health insurance.

Step 6: Receive your residence permit

Once approved, your residence details are issued through the relevant immigration system. You can then begin eligible family sponsorship applications, subject to the applicable rules.

How Much Does UAE Residency by Investment Cost?

The cost depends on the investment route, residence validity and emirate. Below are examples of published Dubai Land Department service fees.

These are published service fees, not the total cost of securing residency.

Your complete budget may also include property purchase costs, mortgage expenses, company licensing, health insurance, document attestation and other applicable charges.

Important: Do not confuse the investment amount with the visa processing fee. An AED 2 million property threshold does not mean you pay AED 2 million to the immigration authority.

Benefits of UAE Residency by Investment

Long-Term Residence

Eligible investors can obtain renewable residence permits lasting several years, reducing the need for frequent renewals.

Greater Independence

Green and Golden Residence holders generally do not need an employer or individual sponsor for their own residency.

Family Sponsorship

Qualifying investors can sponsor eligible family members, subject to the category's specific rules.

Nexture's family sponsorship guide explains the usual requirements.

Flexibility for International Investors

Golden Residence holders can remain outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period without automatically losing valid residency.

Access to UAE Services

Residents can obtain an Emirates ID and access eligible banking, housing, healthcare and other services, subject to provider requirements.

However, residency does not automatically grant citizenship, a UAE passport or unrestricted employment rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming every property qualifies: A property's purchase price alone may not satisfy ownership, financing or documentation conditions.

Confusing visa categories: A standard investor visa, Green Visa and Golden Visa have different eligibility criteria.

Ignoring renewal costs: Company licence renewals and ongoing investment obligations may continue after residency approval.

Assuming residency guarantees tax residency: Immigration residence and tax residency follow different rules. The Federal Tax Authority applies separate conditions when assessing Tax Residency Certificate applications.

Investing before confirming eligibility: Always verify your property or business structure with the appropriate authority before transferring substantial funds.

How Nexture Can Help with UAE Residency by Investment

Choosing a UAE residency route involves more than submitting a visa application. You need to understand which investment qualifies, what documents the authorities require and how the residency conditions affect your plans.

Nexture Corporate Services can assist investors with company formation, business licensing, immigration documentation and relevant government procedures.

Whether you plan to establish a company or are evaluating the residency implications of a property investment, getting the structure right early can help avoid unnecessary expenses and application delays.

You can also explore Nexture's UAE Golden Visa guide for further information.

Conclusion

UAE residency by investment provides several options for foreign nationals who want to live, establish businesses or invest in the country.

The Golden Visa can provide long-term residency through qualifying property or business investments, while the Green Visa and other investor residence categories offer alternatives for eligible applicants.

The best option depends on your investment amount, business plans, ownership structure and preferred emirate. Before investing, confirm the current immigration requirements, calculate the complete costs and make sure your investment qualifies for the residence permit you intend to obtain.

Frequently Asked Questions