ResidencyMiddle EastUAE residency: company visas and the golden visa
UAE residency is a renewable residence visa that lets foreigners live, bank and lease property in the Emirates, usually sponsored by your own company or granted as a golden visa. As of October 2026, a property investment of at least AED 2 million qualifies an investor for a 10-year golden visa.
Updated
Most founders obtain residence through their own company. The company sponsors an investor or partner visa, and the residence steps (entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID) take place in the emirate where the company is licensed. You must be in the UAE for these steps; there is no remote alternative.
Sponsored residence visas are issued for one, two or three years and can be renewed. As a general rule they lapse if you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, although investors with valid visas appear among the published exceptions; confirm how your category is treated before planning long absences.
The golden visa is a long-term, self-sponsored residence for investors and other categories. For real estate, the property or properties must be worth at least AED 2 million in total and be registered in the investor's name; off-plan purchases from approved developers and property financed by an approved local bank can qualify. Family members can be sponsored, and holders can stay abroad beyond six months without losing status.
We coordinate the visa steps with licensed UAE providers, who give the immigration and tax advice.
Who it suits
Founders relocating with their company
You set up a UAE company and want residence, banking and a tenancy through it.
Property investors
You own or plan to buy UAE property worth at least AED 2 million and want long-term residence for the family.
Families
Golden visa holders can sponsor spouses and children regardless of the children's age, as well as parents.
People who need a tax residency certificate
You need UAE tax residency documented and are prepared to spend substantial time in the country.
Requirements
- Required
Valid passport
Needed for every route; providers commonly ask for several months of remaining validity.
- Required
Presence for the medical test and biometrics
Both company visas and golden visas require you to attend in person.
- Required
Health insurance
Golden visa investors and their family members need valid cover throughout the residence.
- Required
Qualifying sponsor or investment
Your UAE company, or for the golden visa a qualifying property or public investment.
- Depends on your case
Tenancy contract
Needed to sponsor family members and helpful for a tax residency certificate.
- Depends on your case
Tax residency certificate
Issued by the Federal Tax Authority once you meet a residency test; useful for treaties and banks.
Documents
- Passport copy and photoPhoto on a white background, to ICP specifications.
- Title deed, Oqood or initial sale contractFor the real estate golden visa; a bank letter is added if the property is mortgaged.
- Company licence and partner recordsFor investor or partner visas sponsored by your company.
- Health insurance certificateFor you and any sponsored family members.
- Attested marriage and birth certificatesLegalised and translated into Arabic when sponsoring family.
Timeline
- 1Choose the routeCompany-sponsored visa, golden visa, or one followed by the other.
- 2Entry permitIssued against the sponsor; golden visa applicants outside the UAE can receive a six-month multiple-entry visa to complete the process.
- 3Medical test and biometricsAttend in person in the relevant emirate.
- 4Visa and Emirates ID issuedFor the Dubai real estate route the Land Department lists 7 to 10 business days.
- 5Banking and tenancyOpen personal and corporate accounts and sign a tenancy, subject to each bank's due diligence.
Tax notes
- There is no federal or emirate-level personal income tax, so salaries, dividends and investment gains received as an individual are not taxed in the UAE.
- Tax residency for individuals follows Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022: 183 days or more in a 12-month period, or 90 days for UAE residence-permit holders who also have a permanent home or a job or business in the UAE, or having your usual residence and centre of interests there.
- Your former home country applies its own rules and treaty tie-breakers. A residence visa with little presence rarely persuades a foreign tax authority, so plan the exit with an adviser there.
General information, not tax advice. Your position depends on your circumstances.
Banking fit
- A residence visa and Emirates ID open most doors for personal accounts; corporate accounts also need the licence and company documents.
- Golden visa holders often find onboarding smoother, though each bank still runs full due diligence.
- If banking is your main goal, start with the banking assessment.
Questions
How much do you need to invest for a UAE golden visa?
For the real estate route, property worth at least AED 2 million in total, registered in your name. Public investment routes include a deposit, company capital or share of at least AED 2 million, or at least AED 250,000 a year in tax paid through a company.
How long is the UAE golden visa valid?
The federal identity and citizenship authority lists 10 years for investors in public investments and in real estate. The visa is renewable as long as the qualifying investment is maintained.
Can golden visa holders sponsor their family?
Yes. Holders can sponsor spouses and children regardless of the children's age, as well as parents. Family members need valid health insurance and attested civil documents.
Does a UAE residence visa make me tax resident?
Not by itself. UAE tax residency for individuals follows day-count and centre-of-interest tests, and other countries apply their own rules. A visa without real presence rarely holds up in a foreign tax review.
How long can I stay outside the UAE on a residence visa?
Generally up to 180 consecutive days; beyond that a standard visa lapses unless an exception applies. Golden visa holders can stay abroad longer without losing their residence.
More in United Arab Emirates
- Everything about United Arab EmiratesView
- Company formationUAE company formation for international foundersA UAE company is a mainland or free zone entity used by founders who want a low-tax, internationally accepted base with residence attached. As of October 2026, corporate tax is 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable income and 9% above, with 0% possible on qualifying free zone income.View
Other residency programmes
- Cyprus tax residency and relocationCyprus tax residency is available to people who spend more than 183 days a year on the island or meet the 60-day rule through local work, a home and limited time elsewhere. As of 2026, non-domiciled residents pay no defence contribution on dividends and interest for up to 17 years.View
Cyprus - Georgia residency and tax residencyGeorgian residency covers two separate things: a residence permit that lets you live in Georgia, and tax residency, which follows a 183-day test or a high-net-worth route. As of October 2026, owning property worth over USD 150,000 qualifies for a short-term residence permit.View
Georgia - Portugal residence permits: golden visa, D7 and D8Portuguese residence for non-EU nationals runs mainly through three routes: the golden visa for qualifying non-property investments, the D7 visa for passive income of at least EUR 920 a month in 2026, and the D8 visa for remote income of at least EUR 3,680. Approval rests with the consulates and AIMA.View
Portugal - Greece golden visa and residence permitsThe Greek golden visa is a five-year renewable residence permit for non-EU investors, with no minimum stay. As of 2026, property must cost at least EUR 400,000, or EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki and the larger islands, while EUR 250,000 still applies to conversions and listed buildings. Remote workers and retirees have income-based permits instead.View
Greece - Residency in Italy: investor visa, elective residence and digital nomadsItalian residency for non-EU nationals runs through a national visa followed by a residence permit. The main routes in 2026 are the investor visa, from EUR 250,000 in an innovative startup, the elective residence visa for passive income of at least EUR 31,000 a year, and the digital nomad visa for highly qualified remote workers.View
Italy - Spain residency: digital nomad, non-lucrative and the Beckham regimeSpain residency for non-EU nationals now runs through presence-based permits: the digital nomad permit for remote workers earning at least 200% of the minimum wage, non-lucrative residence for people living on savings, and entrepreneur residence. The investor golden visa has accepted no new applications since 3 April 2025.View
Spain
Related guides
Why Dubai Isn't the Only Option for Global Founders
Dubai has become one of the most common bases for international founders, but Dubai is changing. Why founders are looking at alternatives, and where they are going instead.
Golden Visa 2026: Where the Wealthy Are Moving Next
Residency and citizenship rules can change overnight. Portugal has closed most property routes, the UAE and the Caribbean are stepping in, and the best programs never last forever. Where the wealthy are moving in 2026, and why timing decides your options.
Five Business-Friendly Jurisdictions for International Founders, and What Each One Is For
Most lists of business-friendly jurisdictions rank countries. This one takes five from almost every founder's shortlist and asks what each is actually built for.
Sources
- UAE Government portal: Corporate tax, retrieved 2026-10-25
- Federal Tax Authority: Corporate Tax General Guide, retrieved 2026-10-25
- Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022 on the Determination of Tax Residency (Federal Tax Authority), retrieved 2026-10-25
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security): Golden Residency guide, retrieved 2026-10-25
- UAE Government portal: Golden visa, retrieved 2026-10-25
- UAE Government portal: General provisions for the residence visa, retrieved 2026-10-25
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: United Arab Emirates, taxes on personal income, retrieved 2026-10-25
- Dubai Land Department: Golden Visa application (investor), retrieved 2026-10-25
- Federal Tax Authority: Issuance of tax residency certificates, retrieved 2026-10-25
- Redomiciled case experience: UAE company and banking files (internal), retrieved 2026-10-25
Reviewed by the Redomiciled team on .
Plan your residency in United Arab Emirates.
Answer a few questions and we come back with a recommendation for your situation, without obligation.