Dubai Golden Visa 2026: Cost, Routes & How to Qualify
Short answer: The Dubai Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable UAE residence visa. In 2026 the main routes are AED 2,000,000 in property, an AED 2,000,000 bank deposit, a qualifying business, or an AED 30,000/month salary. Government fees run roughly AED 4,700–AED 10,140. Here is how each route works.
What is the Dubai Golden Visa?
It is a long-term (usually 10-year) residence visa that lets you live in the UAE, sponsor your family, and come and go freely — without a local sponsor. It does not grant citizenship; it is residency only.
What are the routes to qualify in 2026?
- Property: AED 2,000,000 in UAE real estate. Since February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan property also qualify — the old 50%-paid-upfront rule was removed.
- Bank deposit: a fixed deposit of AED 2,000,000 held for at least two years.
- Entrepreneur / investor: a qualifying UAE business (commonly AED 1,000,000+ in revenue or funding).
- Talent / professional: a salary of AED 30,000/month or more, with a university degree and employer nomination.
How much does it cost?
Government and processing fees are roughly AED 4,695 (salary/talent) up to about AED 10,140 (property route), and processing usually takes 5–15 working days. These fees are separate from the investment itself (for example, the property or deposit).
Golden Visa at a glance (2026)
| Route | Threshold | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Property | AED 2,000,000 (mortgaged/off-plan now allowed) | 10 years |
| Bank deposit | AED 2,000,000, held 2 years | 10 years |
| Entrepreneur | Qualifying business | 10 years |
| Salary/talent | AED 30,000/month + degree | 10 years |
Is there an AED 100,000 'lifetime' Golden Visa?
No. Rumours of a nationality-based AED 100,000 lifetime Golden Visa were publicly denied by the UAE's ICP in July 2025. There is no lifetime visa — the Golden Visa is 5 or 10 years, renewable, and granted only under the law-defined routes above.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Golden Visa give citizenship? No — it is long-term residency, not an Emirati passport.
Can I include my family? Yes — you can sponsor your spouse and children (and often parents and domestic staff).
Can a business owner qualify? Yes — through the entrepreneur/investor route with a qualifying UAE company.
Do I need to live in the UAE full-time? The Golden Visa is flexible on residency and does not lapse if you spend long periods abroad, unlike standard visas.
Qualify with DBS
DBS (Dubai Business Setup) structures your company and visa so you qualify the right way, with clear all-in pricing. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com to check which route fits you.