Dubai issued more than one million residency permits during the first half of 2026, including over 66,000 Golden Visas, highlighting the emirate’s continued appeal among professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and families seeking long-term opportunities in the UAE.
The figures were released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) as part of its latest update on residency and immigration services. They reflect steady demand across a range of visa categories and support Dubai’s wider strategy of attracting global talent while making residency services faster and more efficient.
Golden Visa Continues to Attract Global Talent
The UAE introduced the Golden Visa in 2019 to offer long-term residency to people who contribute to the country’s economy and development. Available for five or ten years, the visa allows eligible residents to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Holders can also sponsor their spouses, children and, in some cases, domestic workers.
The programme covers a broad range of applicants, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, researchers, outstanding students, creative professionals, athletes and other individuals recognised for their achievements.
Demand has grown steadily since the programme was launched. Dubai issued around 47,000 Golden Visas in 2021, nearly 80,000 in 2022, and more than 158,000 in 2023. The latest figures suggest interest has remained strong this year as authorities continue expanding eligibility and simplifying application procedures.
Property investment remains one of the most popular routes to obtaining a Golden Visa, with applicants generally required to own property valued at AED 2 million or more. Other pathways include business ownership, specialised professions and exceptional achievements in areas such as science, education, sports and culture.
Residency Demand Extends Across All Visa Categories
While the Golden Visa continues to attract attention, it represents only part of Dubai’s broader residency landscape.
The one million permits issued during the first six months of the year include employment visas, family sponsorships, investor visas, retirement visas, freelance permits and other long-term residency options. The figures point to sustained population growth as more people choose Dubai as a place to build their careers, invest or settle with their families.
Authorities have also continued to invest in digital services, allowing many residency and immigration procedures to be completed online. The integrated system now covers visa applications, residency renewals, passport services and family-related transactions, helping reduce paperwork and speed up processing times.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, has previously said that rising numbers of family residencies and Golden Visas reflect growing international confidence in Dubai as a destination for long-term living and stability.
Recent Policy Changes Support Higher Applications
Several policy updates introduced this year are expected to have contributed to the increase in residency applications.
In February, authorities confirmed that property investors applying for a Golden Visa would be assessed based on a Dubai Land Department-certified property valuation of at least AED 2 million, regardless of payment schedules or mortgage arrangements. The move simplified one of the most common application routes.
Two months later, Dubai removed the minimum property value requirement for sole owners applying for the two-year investor visa, making that category accessible to a wider group of property owners.
During the same period, GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Land Department launched a unified platform for processing Golden Visas, retiree visas and property-linked residency applications. Officials said the system aims to complete eligible applications within five working days, reducing waiting times for residents and investors.
Earlier this year, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also approved a package of measures designed to improve residency services, lower sponsorship costs and simplify procedures for businesses and residents.
Momentum Expected to Continue
With residency applications remaining strong through the first half of the year, Dubai appears well positioned to maintain that momentum in the months ahead.
The combination of broader Golden Visa eligibility, streamlined digital services and continued investment in residency reforms is expected to keep demand high among skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors looking for long-term opportunities in the emirate.
As Dubai continues to pursue the goals of its Dubai Economic Agenda D33, residency programmes are expected to remain a key part of its strategy to attract talent, encourage investment and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading destinations to live, work and do business.