Is the UAE Golden Visa valid for 5 or 10 years?
Both figures appear on official pages, so neither can be stated as settled for property investors or entrepreneurs. The UAE government portal describes the Golden Visa as a long term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.
The disagreement is about which categories get which length. The government portal, updated on 28 July 2026, lists 10 years for public investments and 5 years for real estate investments. ICP's current guide, GDRFA Dubai and Dubai Land Department describe 10 years for property investors.
What does each official source say?
Four official sources say 10 years for property investors and two say 5. The table names each one.
| Source | Property investors | Entrepreneurs |
|---|---|---|
| UAE Government portal, u.ae (updated 28 July 2026) | 5 years | 5 years |
| ICP, Golden Residency Guide | 10 years | No duration recorded in our research |
| ICP, entry permit service for real estate investors | 10 years | No duration recorded in our research |
| GDRFA Dubai | 10 years, extendable if the conditions are still met | 10 years |
| Dubai Land Department | 10 years, renewable | No duration recorded in our research |
| ICP, older Golden Residency page | 5 years, renewable | No duration recorded in our research |
Good to knowICP's FAQ describes the Golden Visa as valid for 10 years and renewable. The older ICP page appears to predate the current guide.
What are the confirmed thresholds?
The property threshold is the same on the official pages we opened: AED 2 million. The table gives each threshold with the source that states it.
| Route | Threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Property | One or more UAE properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, registered in the investor's name | ICP |
| Company share | At least AED 2 million, with a valid trade license | GDRFA Dubai |
| Bank deposit | At least AED 2 million in a local UAE bank, held for at least 2 years | GDRFA Dubai |
| Tax payments | At least AED 250,000 a year | GDRFA Dubai |
| Entrepreneur | A UAE registered small or medium business in an approved field with annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000, or an approved business idea, or ventures sold for AED 7,000,000 or more in total | ICP |
| Professional | A valid work permit, at least a bachelor's degree, a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 and health insurance | ICP |
Does a mortgaged or off plan property count?
It can, on conditions. ICP's guide states that the property may be financed by a loan, provided the financing comes from an approved local bank. Off plan units totalling at least AED 2,000,000 qualify if bought from an approved local real estate company.
Dubai Land Department permits mortgaged property with a bank letter confirming the amount paid, and requires the applicant to be inside the UAE.
What does the Golden Visa allow?
The Golden Visa lets the holder live in the UAE without a sponsor. The UAE government portal lists three benefits.
ICP's guide adds that holders can sponsor a spouse, children of any age, and parents, and that the investor and family members must hold valid health insurance for the whole residency period.
- Holders do not need a sponsor.
- Holders can sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
- Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six months without losing the visa.
What are the government fees?
The fees depend on which authority handles the application. Dubai Land Department publishes a total of AED 9,884.75 for its Golden Visa service, with a stated processing time of 7 to 10 business days.
GDRFA Dubai lists AED 1,100 for the residence permit, plus smaller fees, with a stated completion time of 5 days. ICP's entry permit for real estate investors costs AED 300 in total.
Good to knowThese are the service times each authority states for its own service.
What does this article not cover?
This article makes no statement on a minimum stay, on citizenship or on what happens to the visa if the property is sold. We have no verified official source on those points, so put them to the issuing authority.
A minimum property value of AED 750,000 is sometimes quoted for a two year property visa. That figure is not on any official page we opened. Dubai Land Department's page for its two year investor residence states that a sole owner may apply regardless of the property value, and that a co-owner's share must be at least AED 400,000.
This article states what each authority publishes. It is not immigration advice: confirm the duration and the conditions with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you buy or apply.