The Dubai Golden Visa has opened a new door for global investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents seeking long-term residency in the UAE. With the 10-year validity, family inclusion benefits, and tax-free lifestyle, the visa has become a life-changer for many. However, despite its demand, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding the program.
In this blog, we will be breaking down the top 5 most common myths about the Dubai Golden Visa and revealing the facts that you need to know, whether you’re considering a property investment or a business setup. Understanding these misconceptions can help you choose a better stability and security.
What is the Dubai Golden Visa?
The Dubai Golden Visa program is a long-term residency program introduced by the UAE Government to attract investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and exceptional talents. It offers a 10-year renewable residence visa that allows individuals to work, study, and do business in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, providing benefits such as family sponsorships, exemption from income tax, and access to global lifestyle opportunities.
Dubai Golden Visa
Myth 1: You must buy a Property to get the Golden Visa
Many investors assume that buying property is the only way to qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa, but that’s just one of the several options. Yes, you can invest 2 AED million in real estate, but you can also meet the Dubai Golden Visa requirements by :
- Starting or investing in a business.
- With Exceptional skills or talents
- Being nominated as a talented professional
- Holding key jobs in specific sectors such as Healthcare, education, or law
This makes the Golden Visa ideal for professionals and individuals with exceptional talents and skills, not just for property buyers.
Myth 2: It’s only for wealthy people
A common myth is that the Dubai Golden Visa is only for millionaires or wealthy investors. In reality, the program is far more inclusive, where many salaried professionals, self-employed individuals, researchers, executives, and even content creators have secured the visa. What matters is meeting the Golden Visa requirements. Which could be based on educational qualifications, achievements, or even through the nomination route.
Some categories, especially for professionals or graduates, have relatively low application costs compared to certain routes.
Therefore, if you’re adding value to the UAE economy or society. You don’t need millions, but just the right credentials.
Myth 3: You must live in Dubai full-time
One of the most flexible features of the Dubai Golden Visa is that it doesn’t require full-time residence in the UAE. Unlike other visas, Golden visa holders are exempt from the 6-month re-entry rule, meaning you can live abroad, travel frequently, and still maintain your Emirates ID and visa.
This makes the Golden Visa ideal for NRIs, global professionals, and frequent business travellers who can receive the benefits of UAE residency without having to relocate permanently.
Whether you qualify through the investment or the nomination route, or by meeting other eligibility requirements, this flexibility allows you to maintain your global lifestyle while enjoying Dubai’s tax-free advantages and long-term security.
Myth 4: If you sell your property, you still keep your visa
A common misconception is that once you qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa through the property route, your residency is guaranteed for life. In reality, you must continue to meet the AED 2 million investment requirement to retain your visa.
If you sell the property and your total investment falls below the threshold, you may no longer meet the Golden Visa Requirements. Which could affect your eligibility.
This is why it is usually advisable to separate the immigration goals from the investment goals while evaluating the route, such as nomination, which can provide more flexibility without risking visa status.
Myth 5: It’s complicated, and it takes too long
It is assumed that obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa is complicated and time-consuming, but the process is actually well-structured and fairly quick, especially when you have expert guidance, the right documents, and an understanding of the requirements for the Dubai Golden Visa eligibility. It can make a significant difference.
In most cases, approvals are granted within 2 to 3 months, and sometimes even faster. Delays usually occur due to misinformation, incomplete documentation, or going through unverified channels. With proper planning, clear knowledge of the investment thresholds, and professional support, the Golden Visa application becomes a smooth, end-to-end process, ensuring you secure long-term UAE residency without unnecessary hurdles.
Conclusion:
The Dubai Golden Visa is more accessible than anyone can think. The visa offers excessive flexibility, allowing you to live abroad without affecting your residency. The application process is structured and straightforward, especially with proper guidance. Many professionals, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals may already meet the eligibility requirements without realizing it, and such misconceptions often make it seem more complicated than it actually is.
At Acquest Advisors, we offer expert guidance through every step, from assessing eligibility and choosing the right route to handling documentation and submission, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free journey to long-term UAE residency
About Acquest Advisors
Acquest Advisors is a trusted immigration consultant agency specializing in Business Immigration and Residency/Citizenship by Investment programs across the U.S., Europe, and the UAE.
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end support, assisting clients with source of funds planning and investment selection, whether in projects, property, or business, as well as documentation, business plan preparation, and foreign remittance. Our dedicated team ensures a smooth and hassle-free immigration journey.