UAE
UAE Residency & Golden Visas
At Muzy & Meraris LLP, we advise on navigating these current frameworks to ensure your corporate footprint and private lifestyle remain compliant and future-proofed.
1. The 10-Year Golden Visa (Sovereign Residency)
The Golden Visa remains the gold standard for long-term residency. As of February 2026, the UAE removed several significant liquidity hurdles, making this path more accessible than ever.
· Real Estate Investment:
o The AED 2M Threshold: You must hold a property or portfolio of properties with a total DLD-certified valuation of at least AED 2,000,000.
o Mortgage Flexibility: The previous requirement to have 50% of the property value paid off in cash has been eliminated. You can now qualify with an 80–85% mortgage, provided you provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from an approved UAE bank.
o Off-Plan Access: "Day One" eligibility allows you to begin the Golden Visa process immediately upon signing a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for qualifying off-plan properties.
· Professional & Executive Pathways:
o High-Skilled Salary: Executives and specialists must demonstrate an attested degree and a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. Note that authorities are currently strictly scrutinising the "Basic Salary" line item on labor contracts, excluding housing and transport allowances from this calculation.
2. Investor & Residency Tracks
For those not meeting the AED 2M threshold, the UAE provides alternative, shorter-term stability:
· 2-Year Investor Visa: Recent updates in May 2026 have removed the minimum property value requirement for sole owners of real estate. For jointly owned properties, each investor must hold a minimum share valued at AED 400,000.
· Second Home / Retirement: Specifically for those aged 55+, offering renewable long-term stays provided they meet financial criteria (e.g., active investments or pension income).
3. Remote Work & Talent Mobility
· Remote Work Visa: Designed for professionals employed by companies outside the UAE. Applicants must provide proof of employment with an overseas company and a minimum monthly income of roughly USD 3,500.
· Blue Residency: A new 2026 initiative targeting sustainability leaders, environmental innovators, and those contributing to the green economy. This is a specialised track for those with documented operations in carbon-offsetting, green tech, or circular economy solutions.
