Dubai’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that grants eligible investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals the right to live, work, and study in the UAE. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, read our guide on how UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria works to understand the requirements clearly.
Whether you’re after tax benefits, lifestyle upgrades, or long-term security in the UAE, your Golden Visa pathway matters. The three main investment options are real estate, business, and fixed deposit. Each one shapes your journey differently. Choosing the right path helps you avoid costly mistakes and invest with clarity.
In this guide, we’ll break down each pathway and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs in 2025.
UAE residency by investment: What are your options?
Dubai offers three main ways to qualify for the Golden Visa through investment:
- Real Estate – Purchase property valued at AED 2 million or more. This is a popular route for those looking to gain a visa for property buyers in Dubai.
- Business Investment – Invest in or start a company in Dubai. Ideal for entrepreneurs exploring Dubai residency options that align with their professional goals.
- Capital Transfer / Fixed Deposit – Place AED 2 million in a UAE bank or approved fund. A simpler path for those seeking long-term residence in the UAE with minimal involvement.
Each route suits a different investor profile. Let’s break down what each requires and what to consider.
Real Estate Investment Pathway
Overview & Eligibility
Buy property (or multiple properties) in Dubai with a minimum value of AED 2 million. This includes off-plan or completed properties.
Mortgaged properties qualify if you’ve paid AED 2M in equity and can provide a bank No Objection Certificate (NOC). The property must be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Benefits & Drawbacks:
| Pros | Cons |
| Tangible, appreciating asset | Market value can fluctuate |
| Rental income potential | Requires maintenance and fees |
| Suitable for end-users and investors | Must retain ownership throughout visa period |
At My Golden Visa, we often guide clients through this route because it offers both lifestyle and investment returns, especially for those relocating with family or looking to secure a second home in Dubai.
Use Case
An investor buys a villa in Jumeirah worth AED 2.5 million. With the title deed, payment records, and mortgage NOC in hand, they apply through the DLD and secure a 10-year Golden Visa.
Business Investment Pathway
Overview & Eligibility
Hold shares or ownership in a UAE-licensed company with a value of at least AED 2 million. The company must be operational and meet GDRFA’s investor eligibility requirements.
The business must be licensed, operational, and meet GDRFA compliance criteria. Free zones and mainland businesses are both eligible.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Cons |
| High potential returns | Involves operational and market risk |
| Encourages job creation and growth | Requires local knowledge and management |
| Suitable for entrepreneurs and investors | Involves ongoing reporting and audits |
Ideal for business owners looking to build long-term roots and income in the UAE. This route is especially attractive to entrepreneurs in sectors like tech, logistics, and trading, where Dubai offers strong infrastructure and investor support.
At My Golden Visa, we’ve seen many clients use this pathway to establish a presence without giving up operational flexibility.
Use Case
A tech entrepreneur invests AED 2.1 million in a Dubai Internet City startup. After providing trade licenses, audited financials, and proof of ownership, they qualify for a 10-year visa under the business investor category.
Fixed Deposit / Capital Transfer Pathway
Overview & Eligibility
Deposit AED 2 million in a UAE-licensed bank. The deposit must be frozen for a minimum of two years, as required by GDRFA under the investor category.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Cons |
| Passive, no management required | Lower returns than real estate or business |
| Safe, stable investment route | Locked capital with limited liquidity |
| Fastest approval process | Must use licensed UAE institutions |
Great for high-net-worth individuals who prefer security and simplicity.
Use Case
A non-resident deposits AED 2 million in a fixed-term account at Emirates NBD. The bank issues a letter of confirmation. With this, the investor applies and receives a 10-year Golden Visa, all without managing any physical asset.
Comparison Matrix
If you’re unsure which route suits you best, the table below breaks down the key factors to consider. From involvement level to liquidity and risk, here’s how the three investment pathways compare side by side:
| Pathway | Minimum Investment | Involvement | Liquidity | Key Advantage | Key Risk |
| Real Estate | AED 2 million | Medium | Medium–Low | Tangible, rentable asset | Market value fluctuation |
| Business Investment | AED 2 million | High | Medium | High ROI, active growth | Business risk, compliance |
| Fixed Deposit | AED 2 million (locked 2 yrs) | Low | Low | Safe, passive option | Locked funds, lower returns |
Each option comes with trade-offs. If you value security and simplicity, fixed deposits may appeal to you.
If you’re looking for long-term value or lifestyle benefits, real estate is more suitable. Business investments offer the most upside, but they also demand more time and involvement. Choose the route that best aligns with your financial strategy, lifestyle goals, and risk appetite.
How to Choose Your Pathway
Ask yourself:
- Can I commit AED 2 million?
- Do I want passive income or active business engagement?
- How much risk can I take?
- Do I need access to my capital in the next 2–3 years?
- Am I doing this for lifestyle, business growth, or asset planning?
Match your profile to the right path. Real estate suits long-term investors. Business investment is ideal for founders. Fixed deposits work best for those wanting peace of mind with minimal effort.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right investment, small oversights can derail your Golden Visa application. Here are some of the most common missteps we see, and how you can avoid them:
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Avoid It |
| Choosing the wrong path for your lifestyle | You may end up with work you don’t want | Pick the option that matches your time, risk level, and goals |
| Using unlicensed consultants | Can lead to wrong paperwork or rejection | Work only with DLD/GDRFA‑approved advisors |
| Buying property under AED 2M | It won’t qualify for the Golden Visa | Ensure the property is AED 2M+ and registered with DLD |
| Forgetting extra fees | Total cost becomes higher than expected | Plan for registration, service charges, legal fees |
| Not checking updated rules | Rules may change without notice | Always verify current criteria from DLD or GDRFA |
Staying informed and double-checking your paperwork can save you time, money, and stress. A trusted advisor can also flag issues early and help you stay compliant throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I sponsor my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse and children under your Golden Visa application.
Q: Is full-time residence required?
No. There is no official stay requirement, but visiting yearly is advised.
Q: Can I finance my property purchase?
Yes, with a mortgage, but you must prove AED 2M equity and provide a bank NOC.
Q: Can I withdraw funds early from a deposit?
No. Withdrawing before two years can void your visa.
Q: Can I switch from real estate to deposit route later?
You’d need to cancel and reapply with a new investment basis.
Final takeaways
Before you make your decision, here’s what matters most:
- Dubai offers three qualifying investment routes, real estate, business, and fixed deposit.
- AED 2 million is the minimum required for each pathway.
- Real estate offers tangible value, business brings high upside, and deposits offer simplicity.
- Always factor in liquidity, involvement level, and risk appetite.
- Policy updates happen often, double-check all requirements before applying.
- Choose a path that aligns with your lifestyle, not just your capital.
Choose a path that aligns with your lifestyle, not just your capital. To prepare your next move, follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply for the UAE Golden Visa.
Ready to move forward?
At My Golden Visa, we help investors like you choose the right pathway and stay compliant from day one. Whether it’s preparing your documents, confirming property eligibility, or guiding you through GDRFA processes, we’re here to make it simpler.
Learn how we can support your journey, and start building your future in the UAE with clarity and confidence. Your Golden Visa isn’t just a document. It’s your gateway to long-term freedom, security, and opportunity.