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UAE visa through financial investment: fund, business and bank deposit

The Golden Visa can be obtained not only through property but also through financial investment — a deposit in an investment fund or capital in a UAE company. Here are the options, thresholds and documents, and how they differ from a regular bank deposit.

Which financial investments qualify

According to the official UAE portal, the investor Golden Visa (usually for 10 years) is issued to people who have deposited at least AED 2 million in an investment fund in the UAE; who own a UAE company with capital of AED 2 million or a share in one worth that much; or who pay at least AED 250,000 a year in taxes and fees to the government. The investment must be your own money, not a loan.

Deposit in an investment fund

This is the most 'financial' route: you place AED 2 million or more in a fund registered in the UAE and receive a letter from the fund confirming the amount and term. The fund must be accredited for Golden Visa purposes — check the list and the letter requirements with ICP or GDRFA. The money usually has to stay in the fund for the whole visa term: withdrawing below the threshold removes the basis for renewal.

Company capital

If you set up a business in the UAE or buy a share, the basis is capital of AED 2 million or more, confirmed by the founding documents and trade licence. With several partners, each partner's share counts. This route suits entrepreneurs who plan to operate in the UAE anyway.

What about simply putting money in a bank

A regular fixed deposit in a UAE bank does not count towards the Golden Visa on its own. But savings of AED 1 million or more in a UAE bank are one of the grounds for the five-year retirement visa if you are 55 or over. Before placing the money, ask the bank whether it issues a deposit confirmation for visa purposes and for how long the funds must be locked.

Documents and process

A passport, photo, the fund's letter or the company documents (licence, articles, proof of capital), statements showing the source of funds, and health insurance. You apply through ICP, or GDRFA in Dubai; then come the medical test, biometrics and the Emirates ID. A spouse and children can be included.

Fund, business or property

Investing AED 2 million or more in property gives the same Golden Visa, but the asset can be rented out for income and its value is confirmed by a DLD valuation. A fund is easier to manage, but returns and risks depend on its strategy. A business makes sense if you really operate in the UAE. If your budget is under AED 2 million, look at the two-year visa for a ready home.

How PromptEstates helps

If you are considering a Golden Visa through property, PromptEstates matches homes from AED 2 million and shows the rental yield and full purchase cost.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Golden Visa for a bank deposit?

A regular bank deposit does not count on its own. You need AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund or company capital. Savings of AED 1 million in a bank qualify for the retirement visa (55+).

Can I invest borrowed money?

No, for the investor Golden Visa the investment must be your own funds.

What if I withdraw money from the fund?

If the investment drops below AED 2 million, the basis for the visa disappears and it cannot be renewed.

Can I combine a fund and property?

Each basis is assessed on its own terms; whether different investments can be combined should be checked with ICP when you apply.

Sources: UAE Government portal — Golden visa, ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, GDRFA Dubai — residency services

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