What are the UAE Golden Visa requirements in 2026?

The main 2026 routes are: real estate (property worth at least AED 2,000,000 by DLD valuation, including mortgaged and off-plan), investment in an approved fund or company (AED 2,000,000), skilled professional (basic salary from AED 30,000/month, attested degree and MOHRE skill level 1 or 2), executive director (from AED 50,000/month) and entrepreneur (accredited SME with revenue from AED 1,000,000 or an innovative project from AED 500,000). Most routes grant 10-year renewable residency.

Can I qualify with a mortgaged or off-plan property?

Yes. Since 20 February 2026 the requirement to have paid 50% (or AED 1,000,000) upfront was removed. What counts is the total DLD-certified value: if it reaches AED 2,000,000 and your bank issues a No Objection Certificate, a mortgaged or registered off-plan property can qualify. You may also aggregate multiple freehold properties.

Does the real estate route require a minimum salary?

No. The AED 30,000/month basic salary threshold applies only to the employment-based skilled professional route. If you qualify through property, your income level or employment status do not affect eligibility.

Does the Golden Visa make me a UAE tax resident automatically?

Not automatically. The Golden Visa is a residence permit, but personal tax residency depends on days of presence, your centre of vital interests and properly exiting your home country. Obtaining the UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and severing prior ties requires separate planning.

2026 · UAE long-term residency

UAE Golden Visa: requirements and routes in 2026

A 10-year, self-sponsored residency for investors, professionals and founders. We tell you which route you qualify under and how it fits your tax residency, no shortcuts.

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10 yearsRenewable, self-sponsored residency
AED 2MReal estate route (mortgage / off-plan ok)
+180 daysStay outside the UAE without losing it

Routes and 2026 thresholds

Indicative official thresholds (ICP / GDRFA / DLD, 2026). Actual eligibility depends on your profile; we confirm the optimal route at the assessment.

Real estate

10 years · Most used by investors

Property value (DLD)≥ AED 2M

Mortgage / off-planEligible (NOC)

Residency10 years

Investment / Fund

10 years · Capital in the UAE

Approved fund or company≥ AED 2M

No employerSelf-sponsored

Residency10 years

Skilled professional

10 years · Employment-based

Basic salary≥ AED 30,000/mo

RequirementsDegree + MOHRE 1/2

Residency10 years

Entrepreneur

5 years · SME or project

SME (revenue)≥ AED 1M

Innovative project≥ AED 500K

Residency5 years

Specialised talent routes also exist (doctors, scientists, creatives), as do executive directors (from AED 50,000/month + 5 years' experience) and outstanding students. Figures indicative for 2026; exact requirements and fees are confirmed case by case.

The visa is the start, not the finish line

What sets us apart from visa processors: we plan the residency, not just the permit.

Real tax residency

The Golden Visa does not make you a UAE tax resident automatically. The 183-day rule, your centre of vital interests and the TRC must be planned so the move is effective and defensible. Track your days with our free country day counter.

Exiting your home country

Leaving your previous jurisdiction cleanly (reporting duties, exit tax where it applies, severing ties) matters as much as entering the UAE. A permit without this layer can leave your former tax residency open.

A coherent structure

Property, company and visa must fit together. We coordinate the real estate (with Elyora), the company and the visa so everything tells one consistent story to banks and authorities.

How we work

Four steps. We tell you which route you qualify under before charging anything.

Assessment (30 min): profile, assets, tax horizon and best route.

Plan: Golden Visa route plus company and tax structure if needed.

Processing: ICP nomination, property or requirements, Emirates ID and visa.

Aftercare: TRC, renewals, banking and tax residency.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Golden Visa requirements in 2026?

Real estate (≥ AED 2M DLD value, mortgage and off-plan eligible), investment/fund (≥ AED 2M), skilled professional (basic salary ≥ AED 30,000/mo + degree + MOHRE 1/2), executive director (≥ AED 50,000/mo) and entrepreneur (SME ≥ AED 1M or innovative project ≥ AED 500K).

Does a mortgaged or off-plan property work?

Yes. Since 20/02/2026 the total DLD-certified value counts; with a bank NOC, mortgaged and registered off-plan properties can qualify. Multiple freehold properties can be aggregated.

Does the real estate route need a minimum salary?

No. The AED 30,000/mo threshold applies only to the employment-based route. Via property, your income does not affect eligibility.

Does it make me a UAE tax resident?

Not automatically. Tax residency depends on days of presence, ties and obtaining the TRC. It must be planned separately from the visa.

Can I include my family and how long does it last?

You can sponsor spouse and children. Most routes are 10 years renewable (entrepreneur, 5). It is self-sponsored and allows staying outside the UAE beyond 180 days.

Check which route you qualify under

We reply during business hours (Dubai, GMT+4). Tell us your situation and we will guide you on the most suitable Golden Visa route and its tax fit.

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