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Essential Guide | 4 Major Drawbacks of the Dubai Golden Visa

  • monmonq1
  • 11 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Dubai’s Golden Visa program is known for offering long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. While it comes with major perks — like 10-year residency and no income tax — there are also some key drawbacks that applicants should be aware of before making the move.


Here’s a clear look at the 4 major downsides of the Dubai Golden Visa:

1. High Investment Thresholds

To qualify, investors often need to commit AED 2 million (~USD 545,000) in real estate or equivalent investments.This high entry bar may exclude smaller investors or entrepreneurs who don’t have immediate capital ready to deploy in Dubai.


2. Limited Path to Citizenship

Unlike traditional immigration programs, the Dubai Golden Visa does not lead to Emirati citizenship.Even after years of residence, there’s no automatic naturalization process. For those looking to obtain a second passport, this is a major limitation.


3. Strict Real Estate Rules

While real estate is the most popular route, not all properties qualify.To be eligible, your property must be:

  • Located in a designated freehold area

  • Completed and owned outright (off-plan or mortgaged properties may not qualify)

This limits flexibility and may require careful property selection or higher upfront costs.


4. Residency Isn’t Permanent Without Compliance

While marketed as a 10-year visa, maintaining it requires compliance:

  • You must visit Dubai at least once every 6 months

  • You need to maintain your investment or business license

Failure to comply could result in visa suspension or cancellation — making it more like a long-term renewable permit than a permanent residency.


✅ Conclusion:

Weigh the Benefits vs. Limits

Dubai’s Golden Visa is ideal for high-net-worth individuals looking for tax advantages, stability, and regional business access. But it’s not a perfect fit for everyone — especially those seeking citizenship, flexibility, or low-barrier entry.

Pro tip: Evaluate your goals — residency, investment, or passport? Then match them with the right country. If Dubai’s limitations are a deal-breaker, consider alternatives like Portugal, Turkey, or Caribbean nations.


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