How to Get UAE Residency Through Investment

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to attract individuals from around the world due to its booming economy, investor-friendly policies, and high quality of life. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, skilled professional, or student, there are various UAE residence visa options available.

This guide explores how to obtain a UAE residence visa, focusing on investment-based visas, employment visas, and student visas, while highlighting the benefits and application process.

What Is the UAE Investor Visa?

A UAE investor visa allows individuals to obtain long-term residency by investing in a business or real estate. The UAE has specialised Golden Investor Visa options for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, each with specific eligibility criteria.

Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

Investing in UAE real estate can qualify individuals for a 5-year or 10-year Golden Visa, with key requirements including:

Ownership of property worth at least AED 2 million (including off-plan and mortgaged properties).
Off-plan properties must be at least 50% completed and 50% of the value must be paid upfront.
Mortgaged properties require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank.
Shared ownership is permitted, provided the applicant’s share is at least AED 2 million.

Golden Visa for Business Investors

Entrepreneurs and business owners can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa by:

Investing at least AED 2 million in an existing UAE business.
Establishing a startup with high economic value and government approval.
Partnering with government-backed incubators to develop innovative projects.

How Long Does an Investor Visa Last?

The duration of a UAE investor visa depends on the investment amount:

5-year Golden Visa – Requires a minimum AED 2 million investment in real estate.
10-year Golden Visa – Requires a higher-value business or public investment.

These flexible options make the UAE investor visa pathway appealing to a wide range of global investors.

Where to Invest in UAE Real Estate?

The UAE’s real estate market offers diverse investment opportunities. Popular locations include:

Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi) – A prime choice for luxury living and cultural experiences.
Yas Island (Abu Dhabi) – A family-friendly location with entertainment and lifestyle amenities.
Downtown Dubai – A hub for high-end real estate and commercial investments.

For premium property investments, Aldar provides exclusive developments tailored for Golden Visa eligibility.

Can I Bring My Family with Me?

Yes! One of the key advantages of the UAE Golden Visa is the ability to sponsor family members, including:

Spouse and children.
One advisor and one executive director (for 10-year visa holders).
Parents (under specific sponsorship conditions).

Who Else Qualifies for the Golden Visa?

Beyond investors and entrepreneurs, the UAE Golden Visa is available to:

Scientists, doctors, and researchers with specialised expertise.
Artists and creative professionals.
Exceptional talent in technology, engineering, and academia.

This approach reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation and diversity.

Other Types of UAE Residence Visas

1. Employment-Based Residence Visas

For professionals seeking employment in the UAE, three primary work visas are available:

Standard Work Visa – Issued to individuals employed in government and private sector jobs.
Green Visa for Skilled Workers – A 5-year visa designed for highly skilled professionals in key industries.
Domestic Worker Visa – For individuals working as housekeepers, caregivers, and household staff.

2. UAE Student Visa

Students can secure a UAE residence visa through two sponsorship options:

Parental sponsorship (if a parent is a UAE resident).
University sponsorship (from an accredited educational institution).

Key benefits of the UAE student visa include:

One-year validity, renewable annually.
Parental sponsorship up to age 25 for male students.
Unlimited parental sponsorship for female students until marriage.
This flexibility ensures a smooth transition for students pursuing higher education in the UAE.

Start Your UAE Residency Journey Today!

The UAE offers diverse residency pathways, from investment and employment to education. Whether you're an entrepreneur, skilled professional, or investor, the UAE provides an ideal environment for business growth, family life, and long-term success.

For those seeking real estate investment opportunities, Aldar offers premium Golden Visa-eligible properties to help secure long-term UAE residency.

Contact Aldar today to explore your investment options and take the first step toward your UAE residence visa!