The property route
The investment threshold is AED 2 million in UAE real estate. The property may be mortgaged up to half its value, and joint ownership is allowed with a minimum of AED 400,000 attributable to each co-owner.
The salaried professional route
A skilled employee can qualify on a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more, with a valid employment contract, a bachelor's degree or equivalent classified at the required level by the Ministry of Education, and the employer's approval. This is the route most professionals overlook because they assume the visa is only for investors.
The entrepreneur route
Founders of a startup or SME can qualify on annual revenue above AED 1 million, or with prior approval from an accredited business incubator. The test here is the business, not personal wealth.
The comparison that actually matters
| Route | Main test | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Property | AED 2 m in real estate | 10 years |
| Skilled employee | AED 30,000 monthly salary + degree | 10 years |
| Entrepreneur | AED 1 m revenue or incubator approval | 5–10 years |
| Specialised talent | Field-specific accreditation | 10 years |
What the visa actually gives you
- Long-term residence, renewable while you still meet the conditions.
- No sponsor tied to an employer, so leaving a job does not end your residence.
- The ability to sponsor family members, including spouse and children.
- Continuity if you spend extended periods outside the country, which a standard residence does not offer in the same way.
Before you apply
- 1Pick the route you qualify under most clearly. Applying on a marginal case wastes the fee and the time.
- 2Assemble the evidence that route needs — a title deed and valuation, or a salary certificate and attested degree, or audited revenue.
- 3Check dependents' documents at the same time; a family application is smoother than four separate ones.
- 4Confirm the current thresholds before you file. These are the figures for 2026 and they have moved before.
Can I use a mortgaged property?
Yes, within limits — the property may be mortgaged up to 50% of its value while still supporting the AED 2 million threshold.
Do I have to live in the UAE to keep it?
The golden visa is more forgiving about time spent abroad than a standard residence, which is one of its main practical advantages. The conditions of your route still have to hold at renewal.
Does buying two smaller properties count?
The threshold is measured on qualifying real estate value, so combinations can work, but the assessment is done on the file as submitted — check before you buy specifically for this purpose.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change — confirm your own position with a qualified professional before deciding.
