Unlock Long-Term Residency: UAE Golden Visa Program

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is becoming a prime destination for global investors, entrepreneurs, and talents, thanks in part to the introduction of its Golden Visa program.

With a focus on fostering a diversified economy, the UAE government has designed this program to attract High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) to its shores.

Launched in 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Golden Visa program has set a new standard for long-term residency, offering 10-year renewable visas.

By the numbers:

• Since its inception in 2019 over 152,000 Golden Visas have been issued, marking a significant policy shift towards a more welcoming environment
• According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) 79,617 Golden Visas were issued in 2022 alone, an increase from 47,150 in the previous year
• About 4,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) have opted for this visa as of June 2023

The UAE Golden Visa outshines globally

On a global level, let’s compare the perks of the UAE’s Golden Visa with one of the most popular programs out there, Portugal’s Golden Visa:

• Both programs offer the benefit of visa-free travel to key international destinations, as well as the ability to sponsor family members 

• Portugal’s Golden Visa starts from a minimum investment of EUR 250,000 (approximately US$295,000) and offers various routes requiring additional capital investment, such as transferring capital of EUR 1.5 million or creating at least ten job positions. However, the UAE goes a step further in several key areas, firstly by providing a more straightforward real estate investment option, starting from AED 2 million (approximately US$545,000)

• The UAE’s tax-free environment and access to banking facilities make it an attractive destination for safeguarding and growing wealth for high-net-worth individuals. In contrast, Portugal has condition-based tax benefits: visa holders who spend more than 183 days in the country are liable to pay tax

• Portugal places limitations on your duration of stay; visa holders need to spend at least seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in subsequent years to maintain their visa status. In contrast, the UAE’s new rules remove such restrictions, offering greater flexibility for long-term residence. This makes the UAE’s Golden Visa increasingly attractive for those looking to have fewer constraints and more financial benefits

Now, let’s turn our attention to another country making headlines; Spain.

Spain recently announced a controversial plan to impose a 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU nationals without residency.

This move comes as property prices rose by an average of 9% in 2024, and rents in cities like Madrid and Barcelona have surged by 25% and 33% over the past five years. While intended to curb speculation, critics argue this drastic measure may scare off foreign investors altogether.

Foreign demand has been a critical pillar of Spain’s real estate market, accounting for nearly a fifth of homes sold in 2024. Yet, with high transaction costs and complex regulations already deterring many buyers, the new tax may drive potential investors to more welcoming markets—like the UAE.

Unlike Spain’s punitive approach, the UAE actively fosters foreign investment with clear incentives, minimal red tape, and a tax-free environment.

Stake’s Golden Visa program shines within the UAE market

Securing your UAE Golden Visa with Stake is a smart step toward your future…

As a trusted entity based in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Stake offers a seamless and transparent pathway to achieve your financial and residency goals.

Our process simplifies the UAE Golden Visa journey, handling everything from paperwork to approval so you can focus on growing your wealth

Here’s why choosing Stake for your Golden Visa is a game-changer for the foreign investor:

• Monthly Dividends: 

When you invest in shares of rented apartments, you start earning rental income right away, which translates to consistent monthly income, aka passive income

• Attractive ROI: 

Over time, as property values appreciate, your shares in rented prime properties grow in value too. When it’s time to exit, you’ll unlock significant returns

• Diversified Portfolio: 

With Stake, your AED 2 million ($545,000) is spread across multiple prime properties to balance your portfolio and reduce investment risks significantly

But don’t just take our word for it; look at what one of our recent Golden Visa clients, had to say about his experience with Stake:

For those aspiring to make the UAE their long-term residence, Stake’s Golden Visa program simplifies the journey, effectively turning expat dreams into reality.

 Interested in Stake’s Golden Visa program?