Updates:Second Citizenship & Residency by Investment | Global Citizen Investment Partners
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United Arab Emirates Residency by Investment
The UAE offers several investor-led residency options—most notably the 10-year Golden Visa—providing long-term residence without employer sponsorship, plus flexible family inclusion. Rules are federal but implemented by emirate authorities (ICP/GDRFA, DLD/TAMM), so thresholds and procedures can vary; always verify the latest.
Main routes (indicative, subject to change)
- Golden Visa (10 years) – Real estate investor: Purchase property worth at least AED 2,000,000. Off-plan from approved developers can qualify; mortgages are allowed if bank NOC confirms ≥ AED 2m paid/valued. Spouse and children (no age cap) can be sponsored; domestic helpers permitted. Golden Visa holders may stay outside the UAE >6 months without voiding residency.
- Golden Visa – Investment fund/company investor: Invest via an accredited local investment fund (commonly from AED 2,000,000) or qualifying company capital per Cabinet rules, with proof from a licensed fund/authority and audited documentation.
- Green/Investor visas (5-year Green Visa or 2–3-year Partner/Investor): Establish or invest in a UAE company (mainland or free zone) meeting share capital/turnover criteria; renewable while the business remains active.
- Retirement visa (5 years, Dubai program): For 55+ meeting set financial criteria (e.g., qualifying income/savings and/or property ownership). Check the current “Retire in Dubai” requirements.
Key benefits
- Long-term residence with family coverage, bank account/driver’s license eligibility, schooling, and local healthcare access.
- No personal income tax; 5% VAT applies; 9% federal corporate tax on business profits (subject to thresholds/exemptions).
- Streamlined digital processes and strong connectivity for business and lifestyle.
Core requirements and process
- Lawful, traceable funds; property title deed/fund letters/company documents; health insurance; medical screening and biometrics; clean background.
- Typical steps: eligibility check and nomination (if required), entry permit/status change, complete investment, medicals/biometrics, Emirates ID issuance. Processing often completes in 2–6 weeks after a complete file.
- Property transfer fees (e.g., 4% in Dubai) and service charges apply; mortgage/NOC rules and minimums are emirate-specific.
- Policies evolve; obtain up-to-date, emirate-specific guidance before committing.
BENEFITS
- Long-term, self-sponsored residency: 10-year Golden Visa or 5-year Green Visa; include spouse and children (no age cap for Golden Visa) and domestic helpers; Golden Visa holders can stay abroad >6 months without losing status.
- Business and lifestyle readiness: open bank accounts, Emirates ID/driver’s license, healthcare and schools; set up/invest in mainland or free‑zone companies; real estate path supports approved off‑plan and mortgaged units (with bank NOC).
- Attractive tax and efficiency: no personal income tax, competitive corporate tax regime, digital procedures, and typically fast processing (around 2–6 weeks)—policies are emirate‑specific; verify latest rules.
Requirements
- Investment thresholds & proof: Real estate ≥ AED 2,000,000 (title deed/off‑plan registry; bank NOC if mortgaged). Or accredited fund/company investment per Cabinet/emirate rules (often ≥ AED 2m) with official letters/audited docs. Funds must be lawful and traceable.
- Personal and compliance: valid passport, entry permit/status change, UAE medical screening and biometrics, Emirates ID, local health insurance, good conduct (no serious criminal record). For company route: trade license, MOA, corporate registry/tax details as applicable.
- Process & family: nomination/pre‑approval with ICP/GDRFA/DLD/TAMM, fees, complete investment, submit application, then visa issuance. Maintain the asset/business to renew. Sponsor spouse and children (no age cap for Golden Visa) and eligible domestic helpers; requirements vary by emirate—verify latest rules.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
- Golden Visa (Real Estate, 10 years): Buy property ≥ AED 2,000,000; off‑plan/mortgaged units may qualify with developer/bank NOC; emirate-specific rules apply.
- Golden Visa (Fund/Company, 10 years): Invest via an accredited UAE investment fund or qualifying company capital (often ≥ AED 2,000,000) with official letters/audited proof.
- Investor/Partner routes (5‑year Green Visa or 2–3‑year Partner Visa): Form/invest in a mainland or free‑zone company meeting capital/turnover criteria; renewable while the business stays active.
What GCIP Offers You
GCIP orchestrates UAE investor residency end‑to‑end: eligibility and emirate‑specific guidance, property/fund/company route selection, due diligence, bank setup and compliant remittances, DLD/TAMM/ICP/GDRFA processing, status change, medicals/biometrics, Emirates ID, family sponsorship, mortgage/NOC and title‑deed support, renewals, compliance monitoring, and concierge relocation services.