UAE investor visa: Golden and Green residence for investors

If your stake is smaller, the 5-year Green visa may fit. GDRFA Dubai requires a company in one of the recognised legal forms (for example a limited liability company or a private joint-stock company) and a paid share of at least AED 1 million, or the equivalent, at incorporation or contribution.

You apply with a photo, passport copy, the partnership or investment contract and the trade licence. The status lasts as long as the green residence is maintained and renewed.

ICP lists three non-property routes. You can deposit at least AED 2 million with an accredited investment fund or a national bank; own a UAE company with capital of at least AED 2 million, or hold a partner's share worth that much; or own or partner in a company that pays at least AED 250,000 in federal taxes each year.

The invested capital must be wholly owned by the investor, may not come from a loan, and its source must be documented. Health insurance covering you and your family is also required.

GDRFA Dubai asks deposit investors for a bank certificate showing that AED 2 million is held for at least two years, and states the deposit may not be withdrawn during the 10-year residence; local sukuk or investment bonds are accepted. Company investors submit an audited accounts report from an accredited UAE auditor, the trade licence with partners' appendix, company bank statements and tax registration; for the tax route, a Federal Tax Authority letter confirming at least AED 250,000 replaces full tax receipts.

In Abu Dhabi, ADRO lists the same AED 2 million and AED 250,000 thresholds, the latter for each of the two years before applying, and the Golden visa there also covers one advisor and one executive director.

GDRFA Dubai charges AED 1,100 for the Golden residence permit, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 for in-country processing and AED 20 delivery, with the issuance fee increasing by AED 100 for each year beyond two. Expected processing is 5 working days.

The Green investor entry visa is AED 200 plus VAT at GDRFA, with an expected time of 48 hours. Medical, Emirates ID and insurance costs come on top in both cases.

Golden residents can sponsor a spouse, children regardless of age and parents, as well as domestic workers. Unlike standard residence, a Golden visa is not cancelled because the holder stays outside the UAE for more than six months.

Green investors can sponsor first-degree relatives.