UAE Golden Visa for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Professionals, and the 5-Year Green Visa

Not everyone wants to tie AED 2 million to bricks. The UAE offers Golden Visa routes through money in a fund, a company or a high salary, and a 5-year Green visa for those just below the bar. Sources: the ICP Golden Residency guide, ICP Green Residency and the BRIDGES talent page. Checked on 2 November 2026.

Investors: four ways to place AED 2,000,000

ICP accepts any one of these:

• a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in an accredited investment fund or a national bank;
• a UAE company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000;
• a partner’s share worth at least AED 2,000,000 in a new or existing company;
• a company that pays at least AED 250,000 a year in federal tax.

The money must be your own, not a loan. The visa runs for 10 years and covers the same family members as the property route.

Entrepreneurs

Founders of a successful business or a project with economic value can qualify on the recommendation of an accredited business incubator or a competent authority. ICP now gives 10 years here too. If you plan to set up a company first, the BRIDGES company registration page explains free zones and mainland options.

Skilled professionals

Condition	Requirement
Work permit	valid UAE employment
MOHRE level	occupational level 1 or 2
Education	bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Salary	at least AED 30,000 a month

From my experience and BRIDGES data: since 2024 the authorities look at the basic salary in the contract, not housing and transport allowances. Check your payslip before you apply. Scientists, doctors, creative talents, top students and frontline heroes have separate nomination routes.

The Green visa: 5 years without a sponsor

The ICP Green Residency page sets these rules:

• skilled workers: employment contract, MOHRE level 1, 2 or 3, bachelor’s degree, salary of at least AED 15,000 a month;
• freelancers and self-employed: a MOHRE freelance permit, a bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma, and income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years;
• investors and partners: proof of investment and the required approvals.

The Green visa is renewable and lets you sponsor your family.

Which one to choose

If you already earn a high salary in Dubai, the professional route costs you almost nothing extra. If you have capital and no wish to buy property, a fund deposit or a company is cleaner. For remote workers without a UAE employer, look at the remote work visa instead.