The UAE Golden Visa: How it works and why it's becoming more popular

Interest in the Golden Visa in the UAE has grown significantly over the past couple of years. In our experience at Antwort Law, more and more clients are viewing it not just as a residence visa, but as a tool for more flexible living and working. Simply put, the Golden Visa is a long-term residency status for up to 10 years. It is available to investors, business owners, property owners, and certain categories of specialists. The program is regulated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, and its terms are quite clearly structured.

However, in practice, people are less interested in the visa itself than in how it works in real life. The first thing that almost always proves decisive is the lack of a requirement to reside in the country continuously. Unlike standard residence visas, there is no requirement to re-enter the country every six months. Many use this as an opportunity to build a life in several countries simultaneously without losing their UAE residency.

This leads to the following point: with this visa, you can easily conduct business remotely. This is especially relevant now, when many projects are spread across multiple jurisdictions. In this case, the UAE becomes a base—legal and financial—without the need to be physically present.

Another factor, which isn't immediately apparent but significantly impacts processes, is the attitude of banks. When a client has a Golden Visa, compliance is usually significantly easier. For the bank, this is a clear signal: there's a long-term status, there's a basis (investments, business, real estate), and the structure appears transparent. As a result, many issues are resolved more quickly than with a regular visa.

A similar logic applies in the business environment as a whole. Having a Golden Visa is perceived as a more stable status. This affects both interactions with partners and everyday matters—from rent to contracts.

An interesting point that is often asked: can you officially work with such a visa? Yes, you can. Even if the visa is obtained, for example, through real estate or investments, it doesn't limit the ability to hold a position in your own company, receive a salary, bonuses, and build a normal working model. In most cases, this is implemented without any problems, although the details always depend on the specific structure.

The international aspect is worth mentioning separately. Golden Visa holders can apply through UAE consulates abroad, and in practice, this provides an additional level of security, especially if the person travels frequently between countries.

And perhaps one more point that is rarely discussed directly: long-term stability. When you have a 10-year status, you are less dependent on changes, extensions, employers, or other factors. This allows you to plan for a longer period—business, investments, relocations.

In short, the Golden Visa is now perceived not as "just another visa," but as a convenient structure for an international lifestyle. This is why demand for it continues to grow, especially among entrepreneurs and investors.

If you are considering a Golden Visa or want to understand which structure is right for your situation, you can contact the Antwort Law team—we will help you evaluate your options and guide you through the process.

Diana Gulevskaya

Head of Office in UAE
Antwort Law