UAE Golden Residency for investors: thresholds on the ICP guide (September 2026)

What the ICP guide publishes

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) publishes an English Golden Residency Guide (page last updated 10 September 2026, accessed 22 October 2026). It describes long-term residency without a sponsor for listed categories, including investors in public investments or real estate.

Investor thresholds (public investments)

Under Investors in Public Investments or Real Estate — Public Investments, the guide lists routes that include:

• a financial deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 with an investment fund or a national bank operating in the UAE;
• establishing an establishment or company in the UAE with capital of at least AED 2,000,000;
• being a partner with a financial share of at least AED 2,000,000; or
• owning or partnering in an establishment or company that pays federal tax of at least AED 250,000 a year (or a partner share corresponding to that amount).

The guide says invested capital must be fully owned by the investor and not derived from a loan, with documents showing source and ownership, and that the investor and family members must hold valid comprehensive health insurance when applying.

Investor thresholds (real estate)

Under Real Estate Investments, the guide requires ownership of one or more UAE properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, or purchase of approved off-plan units of that total value from a local real-estate company authorised by the competent local authority. On the ownership route, the page says the property may be financed through a loan from an approved local bank.

What this does not mean

ICP and local authorities decide each case. Service and Emirates ID fees are published on separate ICP pages and are not consolidated here. These thresholds are not Beyond Borders fees. This piece is not legal, tax or immigration advice.