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Golden Visa via Public Investment (Investor)

Investors can qualify for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by putting qualifying capital into approved instruments — such as company equity, a licensed investment fund, or government-approved assets. Thresholds vary by emirate and route (a common benchmark is around AED 2 million), the source of funds must be verifiable, and your spouse and children can be sponsored.

Back to Golden Visa — Complete Guide

How the investor route works

The investor route suits people who want residency through capital rather than a salary or a single property. If you put qualifying money into an approved instrument — company equity, a licensed fund, or government-approved assets — and meet your emirate's threshold, you can secure a 10-year, self-sponsored Golden Visa for your family.

Two things matter most: choosing an accepted instrument at the right threshold, and proving your source of funds. Rules and amounts differ by emirate and change over time, so confirm the current requirements first. If you are comparing capital routes, look at the property (AED 2M) and entrepreneur options, or see everything on the Golden Visa guide.

Eligibility

  • A qualifying investment that meets your emirate or authority minimum (a common benchmark is around AED 2,000,000)
  • Held in an approved form — company capital, a licensed investment fund, or government-approved instruments
  • Proof of a lawful, verifiable source of funds (KYC)
  • The investment maintained for any required holding period
  • For company owners: a valid trade licence and share capital in your name

Required Documents

  • Investment certificate or letter from the authority, fund or bank
  • Share certificates or trade licence (for company equity)
  • Bank statements and source-of-funds evidence (KYC)
  • Passport copy and a passport-size photo
  • Current UAE visa or entry stamp
  • Attested marriage and birth certificates to sponsor family

Steps

  1. Confirm the qualifying instrument and minimum threshold for your emirate or authority
  2. Make or document the investment and obtain the official certificate or letter
  3. Prepare your KYC and source-of-funds evidence
  4. Submit the Golden Visa application via ICP or Dubai GDRFA
  5. Complete the medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID
  6. Receive your 10-year visa and sponsor family if needed

Fees & Timeline

Government fees vary by emirate and application type, plus service and typing fees; with the medical test and Emirates ID the core steps usually total a few thousand dirhams.

Approval is typically 3–7 working days once your file is complete; the full process runs about 2–4 weeks.

Gotchas / Notes

  • The investment normally must be maintained for a required period — verify before restructuring or withdrawing.
  • Accepted instruments and thresholds differ by emirate and change over time — always confirm the current rules.
  • Source-of-funds and KYC checks are strict — prepare clean, traceable documentation.

FAQs

Is the amount exactly AED 2M everywhere?
No. Thresholds and accepted instruments vary by emirate and route, and change over time. Always confirm the current rules with the competent authority.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Your spouse and children are usually included under the same sponsorship, and often parents too.
What counts as a qualifying investment?
Approved forms such as company equity, a licensed investment fund, or government-approved instruments — confirm which your authority accepts.
How long is the investor Golden Visa valid?
10 years, renewable for as long as you maintain the qualifying investment.
Do I need to keep the money invested?
Usually yes, for a required holding period — check the conditions before you exit or restructure.
How is my source of funds checked?
Through KYC — bank statements and documents showing the money is lawful and traceable.

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