Investing and residency in the UAE
The rules for investing in the UAE as a resident or from abroad: golden and green residence visas linked to investment, business and work, where foreigners can own property, how to buy shares on the ADX and DFM, and government bonds and sukuk.
Foreigners can invest in the UAE through companies, property in designated areas and shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), and several investment routes lead to residence. The Golden Residency issued by ICP is a renewable 10-year residence without a sponsor. An investor can qualify with AED 2 million in property, or in a deposit, an investment fund or a UAE company.
Golden Residency
10 years, renewable
The UAE Golden Residency is a 10-year, renewable residence without a sponsor, issued by ICP to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, skilled professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
- Applies to
- Golden Residency categories listed by ICP
- Source
- Golden Residency Guide, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- Checked
Golden and green residence
Besides property and capital, ICP lists other routes. An investor in a company that pays at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes can qualify, and so can an entrepreneur whose approved SME earns at least AED 1 million a year, or who has sold ventures for at least AED 7 million in total. Professionals qualify with a UAE work permit, a bachelor’s degree and a salary of at least AED 30,000 a month.
The Green Residence is a renewable 5-year route. Skilled workers qualify with a salary of at least AED 15,000 a month, and freelancers with at least AED 360,000 a year of freelance income over the previous two years.
Property
In Dubai, non-UAE citizens can register property only in the areas designated under Law No. 7 of 2006, often called freehold areas. Dubai Land Department charges a registration fee of 2% of the sale value to the buyer and 2% to the seller, plus fixed fees. The other emirates have their own property laws.
Shares
To hold or trade shares listed on the DFM, including in an IPO, an investor needs a DFM investor number from Dubai CSD, and the ADX requires its own investor number. Trades on the ADX settle two business days after the trade date, a cycle known as T+2. Individuals can also invest in federal government securities through treasury bonds and sukuk.
These pages explain the rules and the routes. They do not recommend any investment, and the golden visa eligibility checker compares amounts with ICP’s published minimums; it does not decide an application.
Guides on investing and residency
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UAE golden visa: categories and requirements for investors and professionals
The UAE golden visa explained: ICP categories, the AED 2 million investor and property routes, salary, student and talent rules, family and how to apply.
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How to invest in the UAE stock market: DFM, ADX and your investor number
How to buy shares on the DFM and ADX: getting an investor number, choosing a licensed broker, trading hours, T+2 settlement, rules for non-residents and tax.
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Buying property in the UAE as a foreigner: freehold areas and rules
Where foreigners can own property in the UAE: Dubai freehold areas, Abu Dhabi investment areas, Sharjah usufruct, ownership types, transfer steps and DLD fees.
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Investor visas and the green visa in the UAE: who qualifies
The UAE green visa and investor residence compared: the 5-year green visa for skilled workers, freelancers and investors, and the AED 1 million investor rule.
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UAE treasury bonds and sukuk: how individuals can invest
How UAE treasury bonds and T-Sukuk work: auctions and primary dealers, Retail T-Sukuk from AED 1,000, fractional sukuk from AED 4,000, yields, fees and tax.
Calculators for this topic
Golden visa eligibility checker
Which golden visa categories may fit an investor, entrepreneur or professional, and what to confirm with ICP.
USD to AED converter
Converts US dollars to dirhams and back at the official pegged rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest for a UAE golden visa?
ICP's investor routes start at AED 2 million: in property, in a deposit or investment fund, or in the capital of a UAE company. An investor in a company that pays at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes can also qualify. Each route has its own conditions.
How long is the UAE golden visa valid?
ICP issues the Golden Residency for 10 years, renewable, without a sponsor. The Green Residence lasts 5 years and is also renewable.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes, in the areas designated for them under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, often called freehold areas. Property there can also be registered to companies owned by non-citizens if the company is registered in a Dubai free zone or in another emirate under the relevant agreements.
What fees does Dubai Land Department charge on a property sale?
A registration fee of 2% of the sale value paid by the buyer and 2% paid by the seller, plus fixed fees for the title deed and other services and a registration trustee service fee, according to the department's own service page.
What do I need to buy shares on the DFM or ADX?
An investor number. The DFM requires an Investor Number (NIN) issued by Dubai CSD to hold or trade its listed shares, including in an IPO, and the ADX requires its own investor number for trading, clearing and settlement.
Who qualifies for the UAE green visa?
Skilled workers at MOHRE occupational levels 1 to 3 with at least a bachelor's degree and a salary of at least AED 15,000 a month, and freelancers with a MOHRE permit, a degree or specialised diploma and freelance income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years.
Sources
Official and primary sources we used for this page, with the date we last opened each one.