UAE’s Residency-by-Investment Programmes Gain Global Prominence
Dubai, UAE – March 11, 2025:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa has emerged as a leading choice for global millionaires seeking long-term residency in a tax-efficient jurisdiction. Offering high-end luxury, business-friendly policies, and zero personal income tax, the UAE continues to attract high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from around the world.
With increasing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and shifting global mobility trends, residency-by-investment programmes have become a crucial asset for wealthy individuals looking to secure financial diversification and global access. While many countries offer golden visas, the UAE stands out due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly regulations.
Rising Global Demand for Second Residency and UAE’s Competitive Edge
The demand for golden visas has surged globally, prompting even major economies like the United States to introduce their own versions. Recently, former US President Donald Trump proposed a Gold Card visa, offering US citizenship for $5 million (approximately ₹44 crore), to attract affluent foreigners.
According to Henley & Partners, a leading investment migration consultancy, the UAE dominated global millionaire migration trends in 2024, with an estimated 6,700 millionaires relocating to the country. The United States followed with 3,800 millionaire migrants, reflecting a strong preference for the UAE among wealthy individuals.
What Makes the UAE Golden Visa So Attractive?
According to Rohit Bhardwaj, Country Head India at Henley & Partners, several factors make the UAE a top destination for global wealth and investment:
- Tax-Friendly Regime:
- No personal income tax
- No capital gains tax
- No inheritance tax
- Political and Economic Stability
- Strategic Location for Global Business
- World-Class Lifestyle with Top-Tier Healthcare & Education
- Ease of Investment in Real Estate & Business Sectors
“The UAE’s zero-tax environment, strong governance, and vibrant economy provide an unparalleled advantage over many other golden visa programmes,” Bhardwaj noted.
Dubai: A Luxury Destination for Millionaires
Dubai remains one of the world’s most sought-after luxury destinations, competing with global hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and New York. The city offers high-end residential communities, luxury hotels, fine dining, and a vibrant social scene, making it an attractive second home for the wealthy.
According to Morgan Owen, Managing Director – Middle East & North Africa at ANAROCK Group, Dubai has seen a surge in residential property demand from:
- High-profile businessmen
- Banking & financial professionals
- Crypto millionaires
UAE Golden Visa: Key Benefits & Features
Long-Term Residency & Stability
- The Golden Visa provides a renewable 5- to 10-year residency, ensuring long-term stability.
- Unlike traditional visa renewals, holders do not require a UAE-based sponsor.
Attractive Tax Structure
- No tax on salaries or investments
- Corporate tax: 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000
- VAT: 5% on most goods and services
- Real estate registration fee: 4%
Investment & Property Ownership Rights
- The Golden Visa allows property ownership in freehold areas, with high rental yields and capital appreciation.
- Unlike India, where investors pay capital gains tax, stamp duty, and property taxes, Dubai only charges a one-time 4% transfer fee on real estate transactions.
Flexibility & Family Sponsorship
- Golden Visa holders can sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents.
- Unlike some European golden visas, the UAE does not require a minimum stay period for renewal.
Enhanced Global Mobility
- Multiple-entry privileges allow investors to travel freely to and from the UAE.
- However, unlike Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programmes, the UAE Golden Visa does not provide visa-free travel to additional countries.
How the UAE Golden Visa Compares to Other Residency Programmes
Residency-by-investment options vary worldwide, with some offering direct citizenship pathways and others providing residency without naturalization.
According to Gaurav Nalawade, Country Head-India at RIF Trust, the UAE Golden Visa ranks highly for its economic stability, investor-friendly policies, and ease of access to global markets.
Comparisons with other Golden Visas:
- Europe (Portugal, Greece, Malta): Offers permanent residency with an option for citizenship after 5-7 years.
- Caribbean (Saint Kitts, Grenada, Dominica): Provides immediate citizenship in exchange for donations or real estate investments.
- USA (EB-5 Visa): Requires a minimum $900,000 investment in job-creating enterprises but offers a pathway to a Green Card.
“Unlike European or Caribbean programmes that lead to citizenship, the UAE’s Golden Visa is strictly a long-term residency permit. However, it is highly flexible, with no residency requirements, making it a preferred choice for high-net-worth individuals,” Nalawade explained.
Eligibility Criteria for the UAE Golden Visa
Real Estate Investors:
- Purchase property worth at least AED 2 million (₹48 crore)
- Invest in off-plan properties from approved developers
- Secure a loan from designated UAE banks for property financing
Other Eligible Categories:
- Entrepreneurs & Business Investors
- High-Skilled Professionals (Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, Tech Experts)
- Outstanding Students & Creative Talent in Arts & Culture
- Freelancers & Remote Workers
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa
Application Process & Fees
- Application fee: AED 2,800 to AED 5,000
- Additional charges for family sponsorship, medical tests, biometric scans
- Initial approval grants a six-month multiple-entry visa
- Full approval requires an ID application and medical checks
Once granted, the Golden Residence visa remains valid for 10 years and is renewable. Even if the holder resides outside the UAE, the visa remains valid as long as investment conditions are met.
The UAE Golden Visa: A Strategic Choice for Global Wealth
The UAE’s Golden Visa programme continues to attract global millionaires due to its tax advantages, investment opportunities, and luxurious lifestyle. As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties persist worldwide, the UAE’s strategic position as a wealth-friendly jurisdiction makes it a preferred destination for high-net-worth individuals.
With rising demand from Indian investors, finance professionals, and entrepreneurs, Dubai’s real estate market is expected to witness further expansion in luxury residential sales and commercial investments.
For those seeking a stable, tax-efficient residency option with world-class infrastructure and global connectivity, the UAE Golden Visa remains a top-tier choice in the international residency-by-investment landscape.
