The Dubai golden visa is a 10-year residency permit requiring an investment of AED 2 million (via property, deposit, or company). Government fees range from AED 4,695–10,140 depending on route and approval authority (MOHRE/FTA). As of February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan property qualify—no 50%-upfront-cash rule.

What is the Dubai Golden Visa & Who Qualifies?

The Dubai golden visa is a 10-year residency permit issued by the United Arab Emirates to foreign investors, business owners, and their families. It eliminates the need for a local sponsor and allows self-sponsorship via qualifying investment. Eligibility routes (as of 2026, per MOHRE and FTA guidelines) include: purchasing or mortgaging property valued at AED 2 million or more; depositing AED 2 million in a UAE bank; establishing a company or holding equity worth AED 2 million; or combining these. Family members aged 55 and above can obtain the visa if a principal applicant qualifies. Dependent children (under 25, or 25+ if in full-time education) and spouses may also apply once the principal meets the investment threshold. If you are planning to set up a business in Dubai, the golden visa can run alongside or follow company formation—DBS handles both the company and the visa pathway for a seamless process.

Golden Visa Routes: Property, Deposit & Company Investment

There are three primary investment pathways to the UAE golden visa:

1. Real Estate Route
Buy or mortgage a property valued at AED 2 million or above. As of February 2026, mortgaged properties and off-plan units now qualify—the previous 50%-upfront-cash requirement is no longer in force (per FTA updates). This route appeals to investors seeking tangible assets and long-term capital appreciation. Registration and transfer fees apply (typically 2–4% of property value via Dubai Land Department, DLD).

2. Bank Deposit Route
Place a fixed deposit of AED 2 million in a UAE-licensed bank for the duration of the visa. This route is faster than property acquisition but requires liquid capital and does not yield productive assets. Bank deposit routes are regulated by the UAE Central Bank; consult your bank on minimum deposit periods.

3. Business/Company Investment Route
Establish a UAE company (mainland, free zone, or both) and hold equity valued at AED 2 million. This is ideal for entrepreneurs who plan to operate in Dubai long-term. Dubai free zone company formation can also support this route. DBS provides full company setup, trade licence, visa applications, and banking introductions—ensuring your investment and residency visa are coordinated.

Complete Cost Breakdown: Fees & Expenses (AED & GBP Indicative)

Below is an itemised all-in cost table for a golden visa applicant investing via company or property. All government fees are 2026 rates; currency conversions are indicative at current rates—convert at today's rate using a live XE.com or OANDA rate.

*Indicative at current rates—convert at today's rate using a live currency tool. GBP figures are examples only; use your actual home-country rate.

Want a free, fully itemised quote in your own currency? Use the free Dubai business setup cost calculator or contact DBS.

Golden Visa Timeline: Day-by-Day Setup (Company Route)

A streamlined golden visa application via company investment typically follows this sequence:

Days 1–2: Initial consultation with DBS. Confirm investment route, provide identity documents (passport scan, visa copy), proof of funds, and home-country tax ID. DBS prepares a fully itemised quote.

Days 3–5: Company formation (mainland or free zone): Approve trade licence application, company memorandum & articles, and registered office address. DBS submits to DED, Dubai Municipality or free-zone authority (e.g., DAFZA, JAFZA, RAK FZ). Initial registration issued within 2–3 days for free zones.

Days 6–7: Obtain UAE address proof (commercial flexi-desk or registered office) and arrange medical fitness test at a GDRFA-approved clinic.

Days 8–12: DBS compiles golden visa application pack: company licence, bank letterhead confirming equity/deposit, passport certified copies, medical report, and completed MOHRE form. Submit via FTA online portal or MOHRE directly (if company is mainland).

Days 13–21: MOHRE/FTA processes application. Typical approval is 2–3 weeks; expedited services available (additional fees, AED 500–1,000).

Days 22–25: Attend visa interview (if required) and collect entry permit from GDRFA office or airport upon arrival. Activate visa by exiting and re-entering UAE.

Days 26–30: Visit GDRFA to collect Emirates ID card (smart card, 1–2 weeks). Register with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) if required for insurance/healthcare access.

Total elapsed time: 3–5 weeks from application submission to entry permit, then 1–2 weeks for Emirates ID collection.

Required Documents Checklist

Prepare these documents before submitting your golden visa application:

• Personal: Valid passport (colour scan + notarised copy), current UAE or home-country visa, recent colour passport photo (4×6 cm).
• Financial: Bank statement (last 3 months) showing AED 2M deposit OR company shareholders' register & bank confirmation letter (for company investment route) OR property purchase agreement & title deed scan (for real-estate route).
• Medical: Fitness report from a GDRFA-approved clinic (X-ray, blood test, screenings—valid 3 months).
• Company (if applicable): Trade licence copy, Memorandum & Articles of Association, company bank account opening proof, notarised company ownership documents.
• Home-Country: Tax residency certificate or letter from home-country tax authority (requested by MOHRE for some nationalities); translation to Arabic or English if necessary.
• Attestation: Notarised documents (via home-country embassy or DBS partner notary in Dubai if already resident).

DBS will verify exact requirements based on your nationality and investment route—book a free consultation to confirm your checklist.

Banking Approval & Account Setup

Most UAE banks (Emirates NBD, FAB, RAK Bank, Mashreq, etc.) require proof of investment to open a business current account linked to a golden visa applicant. Before or immediately after visa approval, prepare:

• Trade licence (company foundation).
• Company bank-confirmation letter (proof of initial deposit, if depositing AED 2M directly).
• Notarised copies of passport, visa, and home-country tax ID.
• Articles of Association or shareholders' resolution authorising the account.
• Utility bill or commercial address lease (proof of registered office).
• Completed bank application form & KYC (Know Your Customer) questionnaire.

DBS provides banking introductions to relationship managers at major UAE banks and will prepare a tailored introduction letter on your behalf, significantly reducing approval time. Most accounts are approved within 5–7 working days once full documentation is submitted.

Other Residency Visa Routes: A Quick Comparison

If a golden visa does not suit your profile, the UAE offers other residency options (all 2026 rates, per MOHRE & FTA):

Green Visa (5-year renewal):
• Skilled employment: AED 15,000/month salary minimum.
• Freelancer/self-employed: AED 360,000/year income.
• Investor: AED 1 million equity in a company.
• Cost: ~AED 1,500–3,000 (visa + processing).

Investor/Partner Visa (2-year, renewable):
• Equity of AED 500,000–1,000,000 in a UAE company.
• All-in cost: ~AED 6,000–9,000 (licence, visa, medical, Emirates ID).
• Suitable for those building a company and testing the market before committing to a 10-year golden visa.

Family Sponsorship (Variable renewal cycles):
• Spouse: From AED 4,000/month salary requirement.
• Parents aged 60+: From AED 20,000/month income requirement.
• Cost: ~AED 4,000–6,000 (visa + Emirates ID).
Note: There is NO AED 100,000 'lifetime' golden visa; this option was denied by the Immigration & Citizenship Program in July 2025.

Why Choose DBS for Your Golden Visa & Company Setup?

DBS specialises in end-to-end business setup and visa coordination in Dubai. We provide:

• Fully itemised cost breakdown in your own currency—no hidden fees, just transparent AED ranges and real-world examples.
• Company formation + visa synchronisation: Set up your UAE company and golden visa in one streamlined process; no conflicting advice or paperwork delays.
• Banking introductions: Direct introductions to relationship managers at Emirates NBD, FAB, RAK Bank, and Mashreq—increasing approval odds and reducing paperwork friction.
• Document preparation & timeline management: We handle GDRFA, MOHRE, and DET submissions on your behalf; you know exactly when each step is complete.
• Home-country tax neutrality: We brief you on UAE residency & corporate rules but do NOT provide tax advice for your home country—you must consult a licensed tax advisor in your own jurisdiction (we can recommend trusted partners if needed).

Contact DBS now for a free consultation and bespoke cost breakdown. Talk to us on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com. We'll confirm your visa eligibility, provide an itemised cost table, and outline a realistic 3–5 week timeline to your entry permit.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Dubai golden visa cost in total?

Government fees (entry permit, status change, Emirates ID, medical) range from AED 4,695–10,140. If you invest via company formation, add AED 3,000–6,000 (DBS setup & visa admin). Property transfer adds 2–4% of property price (DLD fees). All-in company route: ~AED 9,000–20,000 (excluding the AED 2M investment itself). Use the free cost calculator or contact DBS for a bespoke quote in your own currency.

What are the eligibility routes for the golden visa?

You must invest AED 2 million via one of: (1) purchasing or mortgaging property (now including off-plan, as of Feb 2026), (2) depositing funds in a UAE bank, or (3) holding equity in a UAE company. Family members (spouse, children under 25, parents 55+) may qualify as dependents once the principal meets the threshold. DBS confirms your route eligibility during the free consultation.

What documents are needed for the golden visa application?

Passport (notarised copy), bank statement (last 3 months) or company bank letter, property deed (if real estate), medical fitness report (DHA-approved clinic), home-country tax residency certificate, and company licence (if investing via company). DBS provides a full checklist based on your nationality and investment route; all documents must be notarised.

How long does the golden visa process take?

Company formation: 2–3 days (free zone) or 5–7 days (mainland). Visa application: 2–3 weeks typical approval (MOHRE/FTA), longer if interviews required. Medical & Emirates ID: 1–2 weeks after arrival. Total: 3–5 weeks from submission to entry permit, then 5–7 additional days for Emirates ID card collection.

Does opening a company automatically give me the golden visa?

No. Opening a company is a separate process from applying for a golden visa. However, if your company equity reaches AED 2 million, you become eligible to apply for the visa. DBS handles both formation and visa submission together, ensuring your company and visa are coordinated—but the visa application is a distinct MOHRE/FTA submission, typically after company registration is confirmed.

Can I use a mortgaged property for the golden visa?

Yes. As of February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan properties now qualify for the golden visa—the 50%-upfront-cash requirement has been removed. You must hold a registered title or signed purchase agreement; DLR (Dubai Land Register) or DLD (Dubai Land Department) will verify ownership. Consult DBS or a UAE real-estate lawyer on mortgage implications.

What about tax implications when I move to the UAE?

The UAE has no personal income tax and no corporate income tax (except for corporate tax introduced 2023 for profits over AED 375,000). However, you must comply with your home country's tax residency rules—consult a licensed tax advisor in your own jurisdiction before you move. DBS advises on UAE residency & company rules only, not home-country tax. We can recommend trusted tax partners in major jurisdictions.

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.