The long-term Golden Visa remains one of the UAE’s flagship talent-attraction tools, but investors have faced uncertainty as asset classes evolve. An advisory circulated on 12 October 2026 via Emirates News Agency (WAM) and highlighted by the UAE–China Chamber of Commerce clarifies that investors must demonstrate at least AED 2 million (≈ USD 545,000) in qualifying local assets—such as equity in a UAE-licensed company, commercial property or a fixed bank deposit—to obtain or renew the 10-year permit. Standalone holdings of cryptocurrency or other digital tokens will not count toward the threshold, although fiat-backed stable-coin deposits held through UAE banks remain acceptable. Authorities said the move protects applicants from volatile valuations and strengthens due-diligence processes under the federal Anti-Money-Laundering agenda. Applicants must also show valid trade licences and a corporate tax registration number where applicable. The update comes as Dubai prepares to host the SuperReturn Middle East summit (13–15 October), where more than 500 global fund managers will discuss private-capital flows into the Gulf. Immigration lawyers predict inquiries will surge as executives attending the event look to establish regional bases. Industry specialists say the clarified criteria will help banks structure compliant fixed-deposit products and spur demand for strata-titled commercial units in free zones. For multinational mobility teams, the key takeaway is documentation: bank letters confirming fixed deposits, proof of property ownership from the Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi Municipality, and evidence that any partnership shares are fully paid up. Processing time at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) is currently five to seven working days once all documents are uploaded via the ‘UAEICP’ smart-services portal.
Source: Emirates News Agency / UECN
