How To Get UAE Golden Visa | Qualifying in 2025

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced by the UAE government to attract global talent and investment. It offers residency for 5 or 10 years, depending on the qualifications, contributions, or investments. The Golden Visa is renewable and provides exclusive benefits.

The UAE Golden Visa is designed to attract high-achieving individuals and investors by granting long-term residency. It provides exceptional benefits, such as the freedom to live, work, and study in the UAE without restrictions. Valid for 5 or 10 years and renewable, it is the best opportunity for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and talented professionals.

The introduction of the Golden Visa has driven remarkable growth in sectors like real estate, hospitality, and food and beverage. Popular neighborhoods such as Dubai Hills Estate and JLT have seen rental yields increase as high as 8.5%. These attractive returns have made property investment in Dubai desirable to many. 

Ways to Qualify for a Golden Visa in Dubai

1. Investors

• Real Estate Investment: Individuals who invest at least AED 2 million in real estate qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.
• Business Investment: Entrepreneurs who establish or invest in a company with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 can apply.

2. Entrepreneurs

• Owners of startups that generate annual revenue of at least AED 1 million.
• Participants in accredited startup incubators or accelerators.

3. Skilled Professionals

• Specialized Talent: Individuals with expertise in fields such as engineering, IT, healthcare, or the arts.
• Education and Salary Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and earn a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.

4. Outstanding Students and Researchers

• Top-performing students from UAE schools or globally recognized universities.
• Researchers in science and technology fields with proven contributions.

5. Humanitarian Pioneers

• Volunteers and individuals who make significant contributions to humanitarian causes.

6. Frontline Workers

• Professionals who played critical roles during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Benefits of the Golden Visa

1. Long-Term Residency

Golden Visa holders gain the advantage of a renewable residency permit, valid for 5 or 10 years, offering a sense of security and stability.

2. Family Sponsorship

Visa holders can bring their family members to the UAE, including spouses, children, and domestic staff, under their sponsorship.

3. Business and Employment Freedom

The visa allows you to operate and manage businesses independently without requiring a local sponsor.

4. Simplified Travel

Golden Visa holders enjoy quick visa processes for entering and exiting the UAE.

5. Access to Exclusive Privileges

Financial institutions often extend special benefits to Golden Visa holders, including favorable loan terms and premium banking services.

6. Elevated Lifestyle

Dubai offers a world-class lifestyle, with great infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and renowned educational facilities.

UAE Golden Visa via Real Estate Investment

The UAE’s Golden Visa program has attracted international investors and talent. For those looking to invest in real estate, this initiative provides a unique opportunity to secure long-term residency. With recent updates easing the investment requirements, obtaining a Golden Visa has become more accessible than ever.  This has opened doors to a lifestyle of luxury, economic stability, and global connectivity. Below, you can find the details of securing your Golden Visa through real estate investment.

1. Minimum Investment Threshold:

• As of 2025, investors must commit a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately $545,000 USD) in real estate to qualify for the Golden Visa.
• The property must be purchased outright or financed through a UAE-based bank, ensuring transparency and adherence to local regulations.
• Investments made via financing must have at least 50% of the property paid off at the time of application.

2. 2024 Updates to Requirements:

• The 2024 updates have notably eased the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa through real estate investment.
• Previously, it was required to have invested at least AED 1 million of your own money into real estate to qualify.
• Now, any property purchase of AED 2 million or more qualifies the investor for the visa, regardless of the payment structure or the amount paid upfront.
• For ready properties, this means you could qualify for a Golden Visa by buying a property using a mortgage, with as little as a 20% downpayment.
• Also, you could qualify by buying an off-plan property, where initial down payments can be significantly lower.
• These changes make the Golden Visa significantly more accessible to people buying real estate.

3. Eligible Properties:

• Only properties classified as residential or commercial are eligible for the Golden Visa program.
• Off-plan properties may qualify if purchased directly from developers approved by the UAE government. Buyers must ensure the project is on track for timely delivery and meets the program’s investment criteria.
• Properties must be located in freehold areas, enabling full ownership rights to foreign investors.
• Short-term rental properties are excluded, but long-term rental properties that meet valuation criteria may be considered.

4. Shared Ownership:

• Joint ownership of a property is permitted, provided that each investor’s contribution meets or exceeds the AED 2 million threshold individually.
• This option is ideal for families or business partners looking to co-invest in high-value properties.

5. Flexibility in Investment:

• Investors can combine multiple properties to meet the AED 2 million threshold. For instance, an individual can invest in two or more properties whose combined value satisfies the minimum requirement.
• Mixed-use properties (both residential and commercial) are eligible, provided they are located in freehold zones.

6. Ownership Duration Requirement:

• The property must be retained for a minimum of two years from the date of purchase. Selling or transferring ownership within this period may invalidate the visa.

7. Renewal Criteria:

• The investment value must still meet the minimum threshold at the time of renewal, ensuring that the property remains an asset.

Steps to Obtain the Golden Visa via Real Estate Investment

1. Identify Eligible Properties: Work with reputable real estate agents and developers to select properties that meet the program’s criteria.
2. Complete the Transaction: Purchase the property and ensure all legal documentation is in place. If financing, coordinate with a UAE-based bank.
3. Visa Application: Submit your Golden Visa application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or via the designated online portals.
4. Verification: The authorities will verify the investment and property details before approving.
5. Receive Your Visa: Once approved, you will receive your UAE Golden Visa, allowing you to enjoy the numerous benefits of long-term residency.

The UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment in 2025 is more than just a residency program- it’s a gateway to opportunities in a vibrant, global city. Whether you are looking for a stable investment, a luxurious lifestyle, or a business hub, the UAE’s Golden Visa offers a great opportunity. With clear guidelines and benefits, investors and professionals not only secure a valuable asset but also gain access to the world’s global hub. If you’re considering the Golden Visa, 2025 is the perfect time to make your move. Milestone Homes will help you guide you through all the steps.