UAE Golden or Investor Visa for Indians: Minimum Investment

The phrase "investor visa" is used loosely online. In the UAE's official scheme, investment is one way into the Golden visa, a long-term residence; there are also routes for skilled professionals, graduates and others. This page sets out the investment thresholds and the alternatives, as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026. For tourist, work and student visas, see our UAE visa guide for Indians.

What is the minimum investment for a UAE Golden visa?

ICP's Golden Residency guide lists these investor options (ICP Golden Residency):

The thresholds are in dirhams. ICP publishes no rupee figure, so the INR value moves with the exchange rate on the day you transfer funds. Check the current ICP guide for how jointly owned property, mortgaged property or staggered payments are treated, because those details are not in our record.

What does the Golden visa give an Indian investor?

• 10 years of residence, renewable, per ICP.
• No sponsor needed. You are not tied to an employer or a UAE host.
• Family sponsorship. Holders can sponsor their spouse, children and parents.
• A 6-month entry visa. Eligible applicants who are outside the UAE get a 6-month multiple-entry visa to come in and complete the process.

Compare that with the standard UAE work visa most Indians hold. That visa is employer-sponsored: the employer obtains the MOHRE work permit and entry permit, and the visa is valid for two years and renewable. The Golden visa, by contrast, needs no sponsor at all.

Can you qualify without investing?

Yes, if you fit another Golden visa category. ICP names investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, outstanding students and exceptional talents, including talents in digital technology. Our record holds the criteria for two non-investor routes:

• Skilled or specialised professionals: MOHRE occupational level 1 or 2, a valid UAE work permit and contract, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.
• International university graduates: a degree from a university in the world top 100, a GPA of at least 3.5, and graduation within the last two years.

For entrepreneurs, specialists, outstanding students and talent categories, check the ICP guide directly; the criteria are not captured here.

Is the 5-year Green visa an alternative for investors?

The UAE also runs a Green visa, a 5-year renewable, self-sponsored residence. The government lists skilled workers, freelancers or self-employed people and investors as Green visa categories. Our record holds the criteria for the first two only:

What does it cost, and how do Indians apply?

Golden visa application fees are not in our record, and UAE authorities publish fees in AED only. VFS Global in India handles only short-stay Dubai visas for Emirates passengers, so the Golden visa is not something you lodge at a VFS centre. ICP's Golden Residency guide is the official starting point: confirm the current fee schedule and document list there before you start.

Most investors visit before buying property or setting up a company. India is marked "Visa Required" by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so you need a visit visa first:

• Tourist visa via VFS (Emirates passengers): INR 7735 for 30 days, or INR 9870 express.
• Visa on arrival: AED 100 for 14 days, only if you hold a valid US visa or Green Card, a UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand.
• 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa (GDRFA Dubai): AED 3,713 in total, self-sponsored, with a USD 4,000 bank balance over 6 months and UAE health insurance.

Before you move money: points to check

• The 5-year tourist visa is a visit visa, not residence. It does not give you the Golden visa's sponsorship rights.
• Health insurance is a stated Golden visa requirement for you and your family, so budget for it.
• ICP thresholds can change. Re-read the ICP guide on the day you commit funds, not when you first plan.
• Keep documents that show the deposit, capital or property value clearly, in the applicant's name.

Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, itineraries and cover letters for visit-visa files. Packages run from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or reach us on our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the UAE Golden visa valid?

ICP describes the Golden visa as a 10-year renewable residence that does not need a sponsor. The separate Green visa is a 5-year renewable residence.

Can my parents live in the UAE on my Golden visa?

Yes. ICP says Golden visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children and parents. Comprehensive valid health insurance is required for the applicant and family.

Can a salaried Indian get a UAE Golden visa without investing?

Yes, through the skilled professional route. ICP requires MOHRE occupational level 1 or 2, a valid UAE work permit and contract, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.

Is there an official rupee amount for the UAE investment threshold?

No. ICP sets the thresholds in AED, such as AED 2,000,000 for a deposit, company stake or property. The rupee value depends on the exchange rate when you transfer the money.