UAE Guides
UAE guides for Golden Visa, retirement residence, and Dubai relocation planning
Movingto's UAE guides explain the UAE Golden Visa, a long-term residence visa that property investors can get with property worth at least AED 2 million (10 years under ICP and the Dubai Land Department; the UAE Government Portal lists 5), and the Dubai retirement visa, a five-year renewable residence permit for people aged 55 or over who meet an income, savings or property test such as AED 1 million in property. Each guide names the authority that handles the step: ICP, GDRFA Dubai or the Dubai Land Department.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that the UAE grants to investors, skilled professionals and other eligible groups without a local sponsor.
Movingto is a Portugal-first immigration firm that puts a named, Bar-registered lawyer from its in-house legal team on your case and publishes its fees.
Updated . See the UAE Golden Visa service, UAE vs Portugal Golden Visa and published fees.
Visas & Routes
Visas & Routes
Dubai Retirement Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost and How to Apply
Dubai retirement visa 2026: a 5-year renewable permit for retirees aged 55+ with 15 years of service and AED 240,000 a year (AED 20,000 a month) of income, an AED 1m deposit or AED 1m of property. GDRFA and DLD fees, documents and timing.
Read guideDubai Property Golden Visa 2026: AED 2 Million Real Estate Route
Dubai property Golden Visa 2026: property worth AED 2 million in your name gets a 10-year renewable permit from Dubai Land Department; mortgaged property qualifies once AED 2 million is paid. Off-plan, joint ownership, fees (AED 9,884.75) and documents.
Read guideThe UAE lets Golden Visa buyers borrow, but the required stake still tops a typical new U.S. home
Dubai and Abu Dhabi allow approved bank financing for qualifying property, but their published guidance still requires at least AED 2 million, or about $544,600, to be paid or held as investor capital. That is roughly 38% more than the median price of a new U.S. home sold in August 2026.
Read guideUAE Dubai Golden Visa 2026 Guide: Eligibility, Costs and Benefits
UAE Golden Visa 2026: renewable 5- or 10-year residence from AED 2 million in property or investments, or an AED 30,000 monthly salary, with family sponsorship and no minimum stay. Official fees and categories.
Read guideUAE vs Portugal Golden Visa 2026: Which Should You Choose?
UAE vs Portugal Golden Visa: choose the UAE for a fast Gulf base, with a Dubai property route from AED 2 million and no income tax on individuals. Choose Portugal for EU and Schengen residence through a EUR 500,000 qualifying fund or EUR 250,000 cultural route, with citizenship after 10 years of residence for most new applicants.
Read guideKey figures
UAE Golden Visa and retirement visa figures for 2026
| Topic | 2026 figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa: property investor | Property worth at least AED 2 million; 10-year visa | Dubai Land Department Golden Visa service |
| Golden Visa: DLD service fees (investor, 10 years) | AED 9,884.75 | Dubai Land Department Golden Visa service |
| Retirement visa: age and term | Aged 55 or over (GDRFA Dubai also asks for 15 years of work); five-year permit, renewable | GDRFA Dubai retiree residence service |
| Retirement visa: financial test | AED 1 million in property or savings, or AED 240,000 a year (AED 20,000 a month) in income | GDRFA Dubai and ICP retiree services |
Official figures checked 18 October 2026 at the Dubai Land Department, GDRFA Dubai and ICP service pages.
Common questions
UAE guides: common questions
How much property do I need to buy for a UAE Golden Visa?
At least AED 2 million. The Dubai Land Department's Golden Visa service also accepts a mortgaged property once AED 2 million has been paid, with a letter from an approved local bank, and its service fees for a 10-year investor visa total AED 9,884.75 (checked 18 October 2026).
Can I retire in Dubai?
Yes, with the retirement visa: a five-year renewable permit for people aged 55 or over who have AED 1 million in property or savings, or an income of at least AED 240,000 a year (AED 20,000 a month). GDRFA Dubai also asks for at least 15 years of work before retirement (GDRFA Dubai and ICP, checked 18 October 2026).
How much does Movingto charge for UAE cases?
UAE Golden Visa and Dubai retirement cases are quoted per case after a route-fit assessment; government fees, such as the DLD service fees, are separate. For comparison, Movingto's Portugal Golden Visa fee is €6,000 flat, with AIMA fees extra.