Renewable, self-sponsored
Real estate investor route
Skilled professional route
| Feature | Standard residence visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2–3 years | 10 years, renewable |
| Sponsor required | Yes — employer or own company | No — self-sponsored |
| Six-month absence rule | Visa cancelled after six months abroad | Not subject to the standard rule |
| Family sponsorship | Subject to salary and housing conditions | Spouse, children and domestic staff |
| Tied to a job or licence | Yes | No |
| Renewal risk if you change jobs | Requires transfer or cancellation | Unaffected |
That is the threshold for the real estate investor route specifically. Since early 2026 the requirement is assessed on a Dubai Land Department valuation of AED 2 million or more, regardless of how much has been paid or whether the property is mortgaged — the earlier rule requiring 50% paid upfront was removed. Financed properties can qualify with a No Objection Certificate from the lender, and multiple properties may be combined to reach the threshold. Other routes — skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, specialised talent — have entirely different criteria.
Yes, through the skilled professional category. The core requirement is a monthly basic salary of at least AED 30,000, a valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and an occupation classified at the appropriate MOHRE skill level. Note that the test is on basic salary, not total package — allowances usually do not count.
No. That is the central advantage. A Golden Visa is not tied to an employer or a company, so you keep your residency if you change jobs, close a business or take time out. You can also sponsor your spouse, children and domestic staff on it.
Golden Visa holders are not subject to the standard six-month absence rule that cancels an ordinary residence visa. This is one of the main reasons founders who travel constantly pursue it even when a standard investor visa would technically suffice.
Realistically thirty to ninety days depending on the category and how clean the supporting evidence is. Nomination-based categories — specialised talent, scientists, cultural contributors — can take longer because a nominating body must assess the file.
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