UAE Golden Visa 2026: Every Eligibility Route Explained
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year residency visa, and it's not limited to one type of investor. There are several distinct routes, and most people only know about one or two of them.
Property route
Investing in UAE real estate above the relevant threshold qualifies for a Golden Visa on the property basis (from AED 18,100 for the full process). This is the most commonly used route among international investors, since it combines residency with an asset that produces rental income.
Employment route
Certain qualifying salaried roles — typically senior professionals above a set salary threshold — qualify for a Golden Visa on the employment basis (from AED 14,900). This route doesn't require any property or company investment, just proof of the qualifying role and salary.
Investor routes
Business owners can qualify through company ownership, with two duration options: a 5-year Investor Visa (from AED 15,900) or a 2-year Investor Visa (from AED 17,900). There's also a business-basis investor visa (from AED 7,000) for a different qualifying structure — A&D reviews which fits your company's specifics.
Routes people often miss
- Green Visa (from AED 12,900) — a 5-year, self-sponsored route for skilled professionals and freelancers, not tied to Golden Visa thresholds
- Freelance Visa (from AED 12,900) — for independent professionals working under a freelance permit
- Nomad Visa (from AED 6,500) — a 1-year route aimed at remote workers employed outside the UAE
- Retirement Visa (from AED 19,100, including insurance) — a 5-year route for qualifying retirees
What happens if you leave the UAE
A standard residence visa lapses after more than 6 consecutive months outside the country. Golden Visa holders have more flexible rules around extended absence — one of the practical reasons the Golden Visa suits people who travel or work internationally.
With 11 different visa routes active in 2026 and pricing that varies by route, the fastest way to know which one actually fits is a free route assessment — see the full Residency & Visas page for the complete price table.
Final price depends on activity, structure and visa quota — request a fixed quote.