As of today, more than 85% of the UAE population is made up of foreign nationals. Expats are an integral part of the country’s economy, and legal residence, employment, and business activity require a valid residence visa.
Recognizing the strategic role of foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and highly qualified professionals, the UAE government has consistently been reforming its immigration system, introducing long-term, flexible visa solutions that provide stability and certainty for residents.
Liberalization of visa policy and long-term visas
As part of a large-scale reform of immigration legislation, the UAE has introduced new long-term residence visas, the Golden Visa, valid for 5 or 10 years. These visas are issued without the need for a permanent sponsor and may be renewed, provided they comply with the established requirements.
The goal of the reform is to attract and retain:
- investors;
- property owners;
- entrepreneurs;
- scientists;
- doctors;
- talented professionals;
- graduates of leading universities.
Investors and property owners
Investors
Foreign investors may qualify for a 10-year residence visa if they invest at least AED 10 million (≈ USD 2.72 million) in the UAE economy.
Permitted investment options include:
- companies registered in the UAE;
- investment funds;
- a combination of several investment instruments.
Property owners
Property owners in the UAE may obtain:
- a 5-year residence visa for property ownership valued at AED 5 million or more; a 10-year Golden Visa for real estate investments of AED 10 million or more.
Key conditions:
- the property must be fully paid (no borrowed funds);
- the property must be owned by the applicant;
- ownership of multiple properties is permitted.
Investors are entitled to sponsor their spouse and children.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs and startup founders may qualify for a long-term residence visa provided that they:
- own an innovative or scalable business;
- obtain approval from an accredited authority (free zone, government incubator, or venture fund);
- demonstrate the business's financial sustainability.
These visas are particularly relevant for startups in the following sectors:
- technology;
- fintech;
- artificial intelligence;
- healthcare;
- sustainability.
Talented professionals, executives, and innovators
The UAE actively attracts global talent. Long-term visas may be granted to:
- executives and owners of internationally recognized companies;
- professionals with proven professional achievements;
- inventors and innovators holding registered patents;
- individuals whose developments or research have received international recognition.
This category requires professional accreditation by relevant UAE government authorities.
Scientists, doctors, and specialists in priority sectors
Golden Visas may also be granted to:
- scientists holding a PhD from one of the world’s top 500 universities;
- individuals with internationally recognized scientific awards;
- researchers with publications in reputable scientific journals;
- doctors and medical specialists in priority fields for the UAE;
- specialists with at least 10 years of professional experience.
Additional advantages include accreditation by the UAE Council of Scientists or relevant medical authorities.
Students and graduates
The UAE provides opportunities to remain in the country for:
- top graduates of local universities;
- graduates of leading international universities;
- students with outstanding academic performance.
This allows young professionals to begin their careers in the UAE without the immediate need for employment sponsorship.
Impact of visa reforms on the UAE economy
Visa liberalization has become one of the factors contributing to the country’s growing international attractiveness.
According to data from the World Bank and other analytical institutions, reforms in immigration, corporate law, investor protection, and ease of doing business have significantly strengthened the UAE’s position in global competitiveness rankings.
Conclusion
The UAE’s new visa policy is aimed at the long-term retention of human capital and the development of a knowledge-based economy. Long-term visas for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, and talented professionals make the country one of the most open and attractive jurisdictions for living and doing business.
If you require assistance in selecting the appropriate type of residence visa, preparing documentation, or navigating the visa application process in the UAE, our consultants are ready to support you at every stage.
