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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: March 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeBusiness✓ Verified Mar 2026

Investor Visa vs Golden Visa vs Green Visa: Which Wins?

UAE has 3 long-term residency options. Golden is 10 years, Green is 5 years, Investor depends. Here is which fits which situation.

·7 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team

Quick answer

The UAE offers three main long-term residency routes for investors and entrepreneurs. The 10-year Golden Visa is the strongest option for property owners above AED 2 million or business founders who create 10 jobs. The 5-year Green Visa suits freelancers and self-employed professionals earning above AED 360,000 annually. The Investor Visa varies from 2 to 5 years and works best for smaller company setups under AED 2 million capital. Choose Golden for stability, Green for freelancers, and Investor for low-commitment entry.

Golden Visa eligibility and cost

The 10-year Golden Visa requires either real estate purchase worth AED 2 million or more, or founding a company that employs 10 people. Property must be fully paid or 50% paid with a mortgage. Applicants submit passport, Emirates ID, and proof of funds through Amer or ICP portals. Fees include AED 4,000 for the visa itself plus AED 1,000 medical test and AED 1,000 Emirates ID renewal. 2026 fees remain unchanged unless announced otherwise.

Property route

Buyers select any freehold area in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Minimum purchase reaches AED 2 million excluding service charges. Processing takes 4-6 weeks after medical fitness and security screening. Renewal requires proof that property ownership remains intact. No job offer or local sponsor is needed.

Business route

Establish a mainland company with 10 full-time UAE employees on payroll. Payroll records must be shown through MOHRE portal. Applicants also submit trade license, memorandum of association, and audited financials. Processing time averages 6 weeks.

Green Visa eligibility and cost

The 5-year Green Visa targets freelancers and self-employed individuals. Eligibility requires proof of annual income of AED 360,000 in the last two years or current contract value of AED 360,000. Applicants apply directly through ICP or Amer centers without needing a local company or job offer. Fees include AED 3,000 for the visa stamp plus AED 1,000 medical and AED 1,000 Emirates ID. 2026 prices stay consistent.

Application steps

1. Collect bank statements or contract copies covering 2 years.
2. Get medical fitness from approved centers listed on ICP website.
3. Submit online through Amer app or ICP portal.
3. Collect Emirates ID and visa sticker.

Investor Visa eligibility and cost

The Investor Visa covers company owners whose capital reaches 100% foreign ownership. Duration varies from 2 to 5 years based on company capital and activity. Mainland setups require AED 100,000 capital for 2-year visa; free zones like DMCC or JAFZA require less. Fees include AED 3,000 stamp fee, AED 1,000 medical, and AED 1,000 Emirates ID renewal every 2 years. 2026 rates remain unchanged.

Capital thresholds

Minimum capital for 2-year Investor Visa is AED 100,000 in mainland. For 3-year extension, capital must be minimum AED 300,000. For 5-year extension, capital must be minimum AED 500,000. Records are checked through Ministry of Economy and MOHRE.

Which route fits which situation

Golden Visa works for high-value property owners and large-scale entrepreneurs. Green Visa works for solo freelancers who show consistent income. Investor Visa works for small business owners who want 2-5 years without property commitment.

Property vs business vs freelance

Property-based Golden Visa requires AED 2 million investment. Business-based Golden Visa requires 10 employees. Green Visa requires AED 360,000 annual income. Investor Visa requires AED 100,000 capital. All three routes allow multiple entry and family sponsorship.

Renewal and cancellation risks

Golden and Green Visas renew through Amer or ICP without new capital proof if requirements continue to be met. Investor Visas renew based on active company status. Cancellation occurs if property is sold, company closed, or income falls below threshold. Cancellation notices are sent through the ICP app.

FAQs

Can I convert an existing 2-year visa into a Golden Visa?

Yes. Submit property documents or 10-employee payroll records through Amer or ICP. Conversion takes 4-6 weeks.

Does the Green Visa allow me to sponsor my family?

Yes. You can sponsor spouse and children under 18 after obtaining the 5-year residency.

Are 2026 fees higher than current fees?

No. Current 2026 projections show fees remain at AED 4,000 for Golden, AED 3,000 for Green, and AED 3,000 for Investor.

Can I work anywhere in UAE territory with these visas?

Yes. All three options permit work anywhere in the UAE without additional permits.

Does family sponsorship require extra fees?

Yes. Each family member needs a separate AED 3,000 visa stamp and AED 1,000 Emirates ID.

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