UAE Golden Visa and residence, explained honestly
The UAE has several long residence routes, from the 10-year Golden Visa to a 1-year remote work visa. This guide compares them, with real costs, family rules, tax and sources for every figure. And it says plainly that there is no citizenship by investment.
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UAE Residence Visas in 2026: Golden Visa, Green Visa, Remote Work, Retirement and Family. The Complete Guide
Every way to live in the UAE in 2026: the 10-year Golden Visa through AED 2 million in property, investor and professional routes, the 5-year Green visa, the remote work and retirement visas, family sponsorship and tax.
UAE Golden Visa Through Property in 2026: AED 2 Million, Mortgages, Off-Plan and Real Costs
How the 10-year UAE Golden Visa through real estate works in 2026: the AED 2,000,000 threshold, mortgages and off-plan units, the 4% DLD fee, Golden Visa fees of AED 9,884.75 in Dubai, documents and family.
UAE Golden Visa for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Professionals, and the 5-Year Green Visa
Non-property routes to the UAE Golden Visa in 2026: AED 2 million in a fund, deposit or company, AED 250,000 in yearly tax, the AED 30,000 salary rule for professionals, and the Green visa for skilled workers and freelancers.
UAE Remote Work Visa and Retirement Visa in 2026: Income, Fees and Who Qualifies
The UAE virtual work visa for remote employees and freelancers ($3,500 a month, 1 year) and the 5-year retirement visa for people 55+ (AED 180,000 a year, AED 240,000 in Dubai, or AED 1M property plus AED 1M savings).
UAE Family Sponsorship, Emirates ID and Documents: What You Need in 2026
Who you can sponsor on a UAE residence visa in 2026: spouse, children and parents, the AED 4,000 salary rule, extra rights for Golden Visa holders, how the Emirates ID works, and which documents need attestation.
UAE Tax Residency and Citizenship in 2026: No Income Tax, 9% Corporate Tax, and No Passport for Sale
Taxes for UAE residents in 2026: no personal income tax, 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000, 5% VAT, the 183-day and 90-day tests and the Tax Residency Certificate. Plus why the UAE has no citizenship by investment.
The main routes at a glance
| Term | Entry point | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa, property | 10 years | property from AED 2,000,000 | mortgage and off-plan allowed |
| Golden Visa, investor | 10 years | AED 2,000,000 in a fund, deposit or company | capital not borrowed |
| Green visa | 5 years | salary AED 15,000 a month or freelance AED 360,000 a year | no sponsor needed |
| Remote work visa | 1 year | income $3,500 a month | employer abroad |
| Retirement visa | 5 years | age 55+, AED 180,000 a year | AED 240,000 in Dubai |
Compiled from the ICP Golden Residency guide, ICP Green Residency, u.ae and the BRIDGES UAE page, checked 2 November 2026. See the complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the UAE Golden Visa?
The investment is AED 2,000,000 in property or in a fund, deposit or company. The visa fees in Dubai are about AED 9,885 for the investor, plus a 4% DLD fee when you buy property.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Golden Visa holders sponsor a spouse, children of any age and parents.
Do I have to live in the UAE?
No minimum stay applies to the Golden Visa. Tax residency is a separate question.
Is there income tax?
No personal income tax. Companies pay 9% above AED 375,000 of profit.
Can I get UAE citizenship?
Not by investment. Citizenship is granted only by nomination, in rare cases.