The UAE’s 10-year golden visa program has been one of the most attractive residency options in the world since its introduction in 2019. Designed to attract global talent and long-term investment, it has already transformed the way professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors think about living and working in the UAE.
In 2024, the rules for obtaining the golden visa underwent important updates. These changes have not only widened the eligibility pool but also made the process more practical and aligned with the UAE’s vision of becoming a hub for global talent and capital.
If you are considering making the UAE your long-term base, here is a detailed look at what’s new and what it means for you.
UAE Golden Visa Recent Updates – Important Things to Know
1. Golden Visa Through Property Investment
One of the most popular routes to securing the golden visa has been through property ownership. In 2024, the UAE introduced new flexibility:
- Investors can now qualify for a golden visa by owning property worth Dh2 million or more. This can be a single property or a combination of multiple properties.
- The earlier requirement of making a Dh1 million down payment for eligibility has been scrapped, making it more accessible for investors.
- Several individuals can pool resources into a single property and still qualify, provided the total property value meets the Dh2 million threshold.
- Properties currently valued at Dh2 million, regardless of the purchase price listed on the title deed, will also be considered if they are officially valued by the Dubai Land Department.
This step not only eases entry for investors but also ensures a more transparent process that reflects market values rather than historical prices.
2. Eligibility for Off-Plan and Mortgaged Properties
Another major development is the inclusion of off-plan and mortgaged properties under the golden visa criteria. To qualify:
- Investors must make a down payment of at least 50 percent of the property value, or secure a bank guarantee for the outstanding balance.
- The property must be at least 50 percent complete.
- Applications for off-plan properties are subject to authority approval, and additional documents may be required.
This change opens up the golden visa pathway to those who want to invest in upcoming projects but may not have full capital available upfront. It also injects steady investment into the UAE’s real estate and construction sectors, supporting long-term growth.
3. Salary Requirements for Professionals
For professionals already working in the UAE, the golden visa is a powerful incentive to stay and grow their careers. However, the salary requirements have been revised:
- Applicants must now have a basic monthly salary of at least Dh30,000, excluding allowances such as housing, education, or transport.
- This must be substantiated with six months of bank statements as proof of income.
Previously, the Dh30,000 minimum included allowances, making it easier to qualify. The updated rule ensures that eligibility is based on consistent and guaranteed income rather than fluctuating benefits.
While this raises the bar, it also strengthens the program’s long-term viability by attracting high-earning professionals with proven stability.
4. Inclusion of Outstanding Teachers
In a move that highlights the UAE’s commitment to nurturing human capital, outstanding teachers are now also eligible for golden visas.
Teachers in private early childhood centers, schools, and higher education institutions in Dubai can qualify if their qualifications are recognized by the Ministry of Education. This acknowledgment reflects the UAE’s vision of supporting educators who play a crucial role in shaping future generations.
5. Benefits of the Golden Visa
The appeal of the golden visa lies in the stability and flexibility it provides. The main benefits include:
- Residency valid for 10 years, renewable.
- No need for a local sponsor, giving holders more independence.
- Multiple-entry allowance with no restrictions on travel in and out of the UAE.
- Coverage extended to family members, including spouse, children, and even parents.
- Full access to public and private sector services, similar to citizens.
- The ability for dependents to live, work, and study in the UAE under the same visa.
For investors, this stability creates confidence to make long-term commitments in the region. For professionals, it provides career security and family support.
6. Why These Changes Matter?
These updates reflect the UAE’s broader strategy of attracting serious investors, world-class professionals, and skilled educators. By opening doors to new categories of people while ensuring criteria remain robust, the Emirates is reinforcing its reputation as one of the most desirable destinations for global talent.
The inclusion of off-plan projects, for example, demonstrates a commitment to supporting developers and ensuring the construction sector remains dynamic. The stricter salary rules, on the other hand, ensure that the program remains targeted at professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the economy.
7. Business Setup in the UAE and the Golden Visa Connection
For entrepreneurs and companies, the golden visa ties in directly with broader opportunities for business setup in the UAE. Establishing a company in the Emirates not only offers access to a zero-corporate-tax environment (for most business categories) and strategic global location but also strengthens eligibility for residency programs.
Many investors combine business setup services with golden visa applications, ensuring both personal residency and a strong base for their ventures.
Golden Visa – The Golden Gateway for Investors and Professionals
The UAE golden visa remains one of the most attractive residency options globally, and the latest updates make it both more practical and more targeted. The program has already helped hundreds of people anchor their futures in the UAE.
The 2024 updates make it clear that the program will continue to evolve in line with economic priorities and demographic needs. Whether you are an investor eyeing property, a professional with a stable career, or an entrepreneur considering business setup in the UAE, the golden visa is a pathway to stability, opportunity, and long-term growth.