Want a UAE bank account? The Golden Visa makes it possible

For global investors, the UAE offers something rare: a local tax-free, secure, and internationally connected banking system. The problem? Access used to sit behind strict residency rules. But not anymore.

Unless you’re employed in the UAE or physically present with a stack of documents, opening a local bank account has been nearly impossible, however, there is another way.

The UAE Golden Visa gives you a 10-year renewable residency, with full access to local banking, through strategic real estate investment. And yes, you can bring your family too.

Why investors want banking access in the UAE

Tax-free wealth growth

No local tax on deposits, dividends, or capital gains.

Currency diversification

Hold USD, AED (dirhams), GBP, EUR and more in multi-currency accounts.

Global-grade banking

Get access to wealth management tools, investment products, and international transfers.

Financial privacy

Enjoy strong protections without compromising on global compliance.

A strategic base

The UAE is a springboard into high-growth regions across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The Golden Visa: Your gateway to UAE banking

Designed for global investors, the Golden Visa provides:

• 10 years of renewable residency
• Banking access from day one
• Family sponsorship (spouse and dependents)
• Full ownership rights with no minimum stay requirement

And it’s attracting high-net-worth individuals:

• 158,000 Golden Visas granted in 2023
• 9,800 millionaires expected to move to the UAE in 2025

Two ways to qualify

Golden Visa (10 years)

• $545,000 investment (AED 2M) in property
• Available to all global investors

Retirement Visa (5 years)

• $272,000 investment (AED 1M)
• For investors over 55

Both give you the same benefits: residency, family sponsorship, and full banking access.

With Stake, it’s smarter

We’ve streamlined the Golden Visa process with modern investors in mind. You can apply and manage the whole process digitally.

What you get:

• Diversify: Spread $545,000 (AED 2M) across several high-performing properties
• Hands-off ownership: We manage everything end-to-end
• Real income: Start earning rental dividends from day one
• Long-term holdings (12+ months) generated 11% average returns
• Properties we sold in early 2025 gained 33% on average
• Liquidity with our bi-annual Exit Windows
• You can quickly and easily reinvest after exiting
• Up to 3% cashback on your investment, subject to T&Cs
• Full control: Track your portfolio from the app

No agents, no paperwork piles, no stress. Just click, invest, and earn.

Your fast-track to UAE banking

Once your Golden Visa is approved, opening a bank account is simple:

Steps to open your account:

1. Apply online with top UAE banks

2. Use your Golden Visa as your primary credential

3. Get approved in 5-10 business days

4. Manage your account remotely from anywhere

Banking services include:

• Multi-currency accounts
• Investment services
• Credit facilities
• Private banking
• Debit/credit cards for global use

Why now?

Dubai’s on a growth trajectory

Dubai real estate transactions hit $117 billion (AED 431 billion) in H1 2025, up 25% on the year

As of June 2025, the average rental yield in Dubai was 6.9%, with no property tax or stamp duty

The world is moving

Global tax changes are pushing investors to Dubai

Offshore is losing appeal due to compliance burdens

Currency volatility making AED a stable alternative

Timeline: From investor to banking access

Month 1-2

Invest in real estate via Stake → Start the visa application process

Month 2-3

Golden Visa approved → Emirates ID issued

Month 3-4

Open UAE bank account → International access unlocked

Ongoing

Exit your investments and reinvest in new properties → Build long-term wealth

Golden Visas for US citizens

For Ahammed, a US citizen and Stake investor, residency was the perfect perk, just for investing in real estate: “Of course, the Golden Visa is the cherry on top,” Ahammed says. “But it wasn’t the whole cake.”

Watch Ahammed’s story here:

For David, a US-based investor, Stake provided the perfect entry point into Dubai's real estate market: "I wanted to test the waters in Dubai real estate, and Stake made it incredibly easy to get my feet wet. The Golden Visa ended up being a natural next step once I saw the opportunities firsthand."

The app's intuitive design and comprehensive property analysis helped David make informed decisions from day one.

Watch David’s experience here:

Is this right for you?

This is for you if:

• You want more control over your global wealth
• You want stable, high-value property
• You want residency without relocating
• You’re ready to invest

What to do next

1. Decide your investment level
2. Chat with our team to learn how this works for you
3. Invest from anywhere in the world
4. Stake handles your visa + banking process
5. You unlock UAE residency, family sponsorship + local tax-free banking

The UAE Golden Visa is a powerful path to international banking, long-term residency, and smart property investing.

Stake makes real estate investment a hassle-free journey. Ready to diversify, earn, and unlock global access?

Get in touch with our Golden Visa team to understand your options.

Terms & Conditions apply.

All Investments carry risks. Stake Properties Limited is regulated by the DFSA as an Operator of a Crowdfunding Platform in the UAE.