Dubai Golden Visa for Indians: AED 2M Property + 10-Year Residence 2026
The UAE Golden Visa for Indians costs AED 2 million in property, fixed deposit or company investment, plus government and visa fees of AED 4,695–10,140. You get a 10-year residence visa with no salary requirement, family sponsorship, and zero personal income tax. The DET, FTA and ICA oversee the scheme; DBS can guide your company formation and visa application process in Dubai.
What is the UAE Golden Visa and who qualifies?
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year residence visa introduced in 2020 for investors, entrepreneurs, specialists and their families. As an Indian national, you qualify if you invest AED 2 million via property purchase, a fixed deposit with a UAE bank, or a registered UAE company. The scheme is administered by the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and the Immigration, Citizenship and Ports Authority (ICPA). For business setup in Dubai, DBS helps you establish the company; you then apply for the investor visa separately.
Need clarity on visa eligibility? Speak to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free roadmap.
Which investment routes qualify for the 10-year visa?
There are three main routes to the Golden Visa:
- Property investment: Buy or invest in UAE real estate worth AED 2 million or more. Since February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan properties qualify; the old 50%-upfront rule has been removed by the DET. You own the property; it counts as your investment asset.
- Fixed deposit route: Place AED 2 million in a UAE bank's fixed deposit for the visa period. Interest accrues but the capital secures your residence status.
- Company investment: Register a UAE company (free zone or mainland) and retain equity worth AED 2 million. Dubai free zone company formation costs from ~AED 12,500–12,900 for the licence alone (typically 1 visa included); a mainland company licence runs ~AED 18,200–26,355 depending on visa inclusion. Your equity stake and company assets must reach AED 2 million to qualify for the investor visa.
Not sure which route fits your budget and timeline? Book a free consultation to see the all-in costs for your scenario.
What is the total cost of a Golden Visa for Indians in 2026?
The all-in cost breaks down across government fees, visa processing, company formation (if chosen), and banking or property-holding setup. Here is a realistic itemised cost table for an India-based investor using the company route:
| Cost Item | AED Range | INR Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Company Licence (Free Zone, 1 visa) | 12,500–12,900 | ₹2.5–2.7 lakhs |
| Company Registration & Approval | Included or 500–1,500 | ₹1–3.2 lakhs (one-time) |
| Golden Visa Government Fees | 4,695–10,140 | ₹1–2.1 lakhs |
| Investor Visa Processing (DBS facilitation) | 3,500–7,500 | ₹0.7–1.6 lakhs |
| Medical Exam & Emirates ID | 600–1,200 | ₹0.13–0.25 lakhs |
| Bank Account Minimum Balance (held, not fee) | 0–50,000 | — |
| Indicative First-Year All-In (excl. investment capital) | 21,795–32,740 | ₹4.6–6.9 lakhs |
| Annual Renewal (Year 2–10) | 7,000–12,000 | ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs |
* Indicative at current rates (1 AED ≈ 21–22 INR as of January 2026). Convert at today's rate for your exact budget. The table above excludes the AED 2M investment capital itself, which is either held in your property, bank deposit, or company.
For a mainland company with one visa included, licence costs rise to ~AED 26,355–28,500, adding ~₹55,000–65,000 to the first year. Renewal typically costs AED 7,000–20,000 annually depending on your visa type.
Day-by-day setup timeline for company and Golden Visa
Here is a realistic schedule for company formation and investor visa processing in 2026:
| Day | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Provide name, trade activity, POA, home-country attestation documents to DBS. Initiate background compliance check. |
| Day 3–4 | DET approves company name; DBS submits licence application. |
| Day 5–7 | Licence issued. E-signature on all documents; no in-person visit required at this stage. |
| Day 8–14 | Corporate bank account application submitted (may require POA or resident signatory for non-resident KYC). |
| Day 15–30 | Bank account approved (or pending KYC resolution; can take 1–8 weeks depending on bank and UBO clarity). |
| Day 30–35 | Visa application to ICPA with investment proof (property deed, fixed deposit, or company equity certificate). |
| Day 35–60 | Medical exam, Emirates ID biometrics (in-person at a UAE centre or via embassy if abroad). Visa stamped in passport or e-visa issued. |
Total elapsed time: 3–7 working days for company formation; 30–60 calendar days for the full visa grant. The longest wait is usually bank approval, not company formation.
Banking and UAE corporate account requirements
Opening a corporate bank account is the real friction point for many Indian investors. Here is what you need:
- Minimum balance: Wio Bank (AED 0), Mashreq NeoBiz (~AED 10,000), FAB/ENBD (~AED 25,000–50,000). Check current minimums; they vary by product.
- Non-resident KYC: Because you are based in India, the bank will ask for enhanced due diligence: certified company incorporation docs, director's passport and Indian PAN, proof of source of funds (prior tax returns, property deed, bank statements), and often a UAE resident signatory or Power of Attorney. Some banks waive the resident signatory if your UBO (ultimate beneficial owner) profile is clean and transparent.
- Timeline: 1 week to 3 months, depending on bank workload and KYC clarity. Delays happen if documents are incomplete or the bank cannot verify your source of funds remotely.
- Approval criteria: Banks favour transparent business narratives (e.g., "exporting goods to UAE" or "consulting for UAE clients"), regular transactions, and clear fund provenance. Avoid sudden large deposits or vague descriptions.
DBS does not provide banking advice, but can introduce you to banks that are used to non-resident founders and provide a pre-formatted KYC checklist.
Tax and personal income implications for Indian investors
The UAE offers zero personal income tax for all residents, including Indian nationals. However, your tax position in India depends on your residency status there:
- Indian resident: You are taxed on worldwide income by India (including UAE company profits and property rental) unless you become a non-resident. Residency changes if you spend fewer than 182 days in India in the financial year (or a weighted average test over 4 years).
- Non-resident: India generally taxes only Indian-sourced income (e.g., rental on Indian property). UAE profits and the company's retained earnings are typically not taxed by India if the company is not Indian-registered.
Critical: These rules are complex and depend on your individual circumstances, treaty exemptions, and FEMA status. Consult a licensed tax advisor in India—your CA or CPA—before structuring your company or visa move. DBS helps you set up the UAE company and visa; we do not advise on Indian domestic tax, NRE/NRO accounts, or ITR filing. Your Indian tax obligation is separate and your responsibility to discharge.
On the UAE side: corporate tax is 0% up to AED 375,000 taxable profit, then 9% above (effective from FY2023 by FTA rules). Free-zone companies get 0% tax on Qualifying Income only (broadly, income from free-zone-licensed activities); non-qualifying income is taxed at 9% from dirham one. VAT (5%) applies at AED 375,000+ turnover registration threshold. Small Business Relief offers 0% corporate tax if your revenue ≤ AED 3 million for accounting periods ending on or before 31 December 2026.
FAQs on the UAE Golden Visa for Indians
See the FAQ section below for answers to common questions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Golden Visa cost for Indians?
Government visa and registration fees are approximately AED 4,695–10,140. Add company formation costs (AED 12,500–26,355 for licence) and visa facilitation (AED 3,500–7,500). The minimum investment itself is AED 2 million (property, deposit, or company equity). Total first-year fees (excluding investment capital) typically run AED 21,795–32,740. In rupees, that is roughly ₹4.6–6.9 lakhs, converted at current 2026 rates. DBS provides an itemised, currency-adjusted quote on request.
What are the investment routes to get the Golden Visa?
Three routes: (1) Real estate purchase or investment of AED 2M+, including mortgaged or off-plan property as of February 2026. (2) Fixed deposit of AED 2M+ in a UAE bank. (3) Company equity of AED 2M+ in a registered UAE business (free-zone or mainland). All three qualify for the 10-year visa. The company route lets you run an operating business while securing the visa; property and deposits are passive.
Can I use a mortgaged or off-plan property for the Golden Visa now in 2026?
Yes. The DET removed the 50%-upfront payment rule in February 2026. Both mortgaged properties (even if the bank holds the deed initially) and off-plan properties (under construction) now qualify for the investor visa, as long as the property value meets AED 2M. Confirm current requirements with DET; DBS can verify eligibility once you provide the property details.
Is there an AED 100,000 lifetime Golden Visa option?
No. The ICP (Immigration, Citizenship and Ports Authority) denied this repeatedly as of July 2025. There is no AED 100k visa tier. The Golden Visa requires AED 2M minimum investment. The Green Visa (5 years) is available for skilled salary (AED 15k/mo), freelance income (AED 360k/yr), or investor share (AED 1M), and is separate from the Golden Visa scheme.
How long does it take to set up a company and get the Golden Visa?
Company formation: 3–7 working days. Visa processing: 30–60 calendar days. The longest delay is usually bank account approval (1–8 weeks depending on KYC complexity). If you are a non-resident, the bank will need clean source-of-funds documents and may request a UAE resident signatory or POA. Plan for 2–3 months total, front to back.
What documents do I need for a non-resident bank account in UAE?
Certified company licence, director's passport (copy and notarised), Indian PAN or equivalent tax ID, home-country attestation, proof of source of funds (prior tax returns, property deed, bank statements showing deposit origin), and beneficial ownership (UBO) declaration. Some banks ask for a UAE resident signatory or Power of Attorney. DBS provides a checklist; your bank will confirm exact requirements during KYC review.
Do I owe Indian tax on my UAE company profit if I get the Golden Visa?
If you remain an Indian resident (spending 182+ days in India yearly), India taxes your worldwide income, including UAE company profit. If you become a non-resident, India generally taxes only Indian-source income. This is complex; consult a licensed Indian tax advisor (your CA) before moving. DBS sets up the UAE company and visa; we do not advise on Indian tax, NRE/NRO banking, or ITR obligations. Your Indian tax liability is your responsibility to manage with a qualified professional.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Talk to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free, fully itemised cost breakdown in your own currency — and a straight answer on banking and tax.