If you’re considering a UAE Golden Visa, you’ve probably heard conflicting information. Some sources say you need AED 2 million for a single property. Others claim dependents over 25 cannot qualify. A few suggest the process is complicated.

Here’s the problem: These misconceptions stop qualified candidates from pursuing opportunities they actually qualify for. They waste time and energy chasing false requirements instead of moving forward with their applications.

In a recent Talk 100.3 FM interview, Gaurav Keswani, founder of JSB Incorporation, directly addressed the most damaging myths about the UAE Golden Visa. As a business setup consultant dealing with investors and visa changes daily, Gaurav has heard every question and misunderstanding. On air, he cut through the noise and clarified what’s actually true and what’s simply wrong.

Here are the myths he debunked, straight from the interview.

Myth 1: “You Must Invest Exactly AED 2 Million in ONE Property”

This is perhaps the most widespread misconception, and it’s costing people real opportunities.

The Myth:

To qualify for a real estate-based Golden Visa, you need to purchase a single property worth exactly AED 2 million or more.

The Reality:

Gaurav was direct: “The DLD (Dubai Land Department) has pretty much very clearly stated: the investment value has to be AED 2 million total. It is not specific that you have to invest only in one property.”

What This Means:

You can invest AED 2 million across multiple properties. You could buy:

• One AED 2.5 million apartment
• Two AED 1 million studios
• One AED 1.2 million unit and one AED 900,000 unit
• Any combination that totals AED 2 million or more

The Dubai Land Department cares about the total investment value, not the source or number of properties. This opens the door to portfolio diversification and strategic investment planning that many people didn’t realize was possible.

Why People Believe the Myth:

Most online resources, including some agent websites, simplify the requirement to “AED 2 million in real estate,” which people interpret as a single property purchase. This false barrier prevents investors from applying when they actually qualify.

Myth 2: “Dependents Over 25 Cannot Get Golden Visa”

This misconception particularly affects parents trying to sponsor adult children.

The Myth:

Only dependents under 25 years old can qualify for a Golden Visa under the primary applicant’s sponsorship.

The Reality:

A listener asked directly: “My dependent is about 25 years old. Is it possible for him to get the Golden Visa?”

Gaurav’s answer was unambiguous: “Yes, you can get across. However, they have to be dependent on you.”

The Key Condition:

The dependent’s age isn’t what matters. What matters is their actual financial dependency. According to Gaurav, the dependent must:

• Be single (not married)
• Be financially completely dependent on the primary applicant
• Declare this dependency through proper documentation

Real-World Scenarios Where This Works:

• A 28-year-old son working overseas but financially dependent on his father in the UAE: Can qualify

• A 35-year-old daughter who lost her job and returned home, completely dependent on parents: Can qualify

• A 26-year-old studying full-time with parents covering all expenses: Can qualify

• A 30-year-old earning his own income independently: Cannot qualify as dependent

This distinction is crucial. Gaurav emphasized it’s not about declaring someone as dependent on paper. They must actually be dependent financially.

Myth 3: “You Cannot Sponsor Your Parents for Golden Visa”

Many adult children don’t realize they can bring their parents to the UAE under their Golden Visa sponsorship.

The Myth:

Only spouses and minor children can be sponsored under a Golden Visa.

The Reality:

When asked specifically about sponsoring parents, Gaurav confirmed, “Certainly, you can also sponsor your guardians and parents.“

The Conditions:

However, it’s not automatic. You need to document their dependency. As Gaurav explained, several factors come into play:

• If your parents are widowed (lost a spouse): Can be sponsored

• If your parents are separated (legally divorced): Can be sponsored

• If your parents are still married (both alive together): Can be sponsored

The key requirement: You must declare and document how they are dependent on you. This could mean:

• You provide their primary income/financial support

• You cover their healthcare and living expenses

• They rely on you for visa sponsorship and residency

“All these factors have to be seen across, and then only the documentation has to be filled properly in order to get the visas for your dependents,” Gaurav stated. This means the application requires detailed documentation showing the dependency relationship, not just a declaration.

Myth 4: “If You Get Divorced, You and Your Children Lose Your Golden Visa”

This myth creates genuine anxiety for married couples considering UAE settlement.

The Myth:

If a couple holding a Golden Visa separates or divorces, both the spouse and children will lose visa status and may have to leave the UAE.

The Reality:

The situation is more nuanced than the myth suggests.

When asked: “If a couple obtains a golden visa and subsequently separates, what is the visa status for the former dependent spouse and the children?“

Gaurav’s answer outlined two different outcomes:

For the Spouse:

This gets “a little challenging,” according to Gaurav. Here’s why: The dependent spouse’s visa is tied to the legal marriage status. Once legally divorced, the marriage declaration becomes invalid. The dependent spouse cannot simply transfer to a new visa category after divorce. They must pursue their own residency pathway (such as an employment visa, investor visa, or reapplying independently for a Golden Visa).

This is where early legal and immigration planning becomes critical for married couples.

For the Children:

Children retain better protections. According to Gaurav, children can maintain their Golden Visa based on custody arrangements and the primary applicant’s status:

• If the mother has custody, the children remain on her visa sponsorship
• If the father has custody, the children remain on his visa sponsorship
• As long as the custodial parent maintains their Golden Visa, the children can sustain theirs

“In both cases (mother or father as primary applicant), children would be able to sustain their visa,” Gaurav clarified. The difference from pre-divorce is that the custodial parent becomes the direct sponsor instead of both parents jointly.

Why This Matters:

If you’re married and considering a Golden Visa, understand that divorce changes visa dynamics for your spouse. Children’s visas are more stable. Plan accordingly with legal and immigration advisors before major life events.

Myth 5: “The Green Visa Process Is Already Open and Running”

Some listeners reported confusion about the status of the UAE’s Green Visa program.

The Myth:

The UAE Green Visa is now available for immediate application at all Amer centers and GDRFA offices.

The Reality (Clarification):

A listener called in frustrated: “We’ve been hearing announcements about the green visa, but when we call Amer and GDRFA, they say it’s not started yet.“

Gaurav responded: “I don’t see that green visa applications are on hold right now.” However, he recognized the listener’s confusion was legitimate. His advice was practical:

If you’re having trouble getting information:

• Visit the immigration head offices in Al-Jabliya for direct information
• Use the GDRFA portal to schedule a video call with an immigration officer
• Get direct answers through official channels rather than relying on Amer center representatives

Key Takeaway:

Green Visa information may not be widely available at all touchpoints, but the program isn’t on hold. It just requires accessing the right resources. Direct contact with immigration officials provides the most current, accurate information.

Myth 6: “You Need a Minimum Salary to Get a Golden Visa.”

This myth particularly affects high-net-worth individuals without traditional employment.

The Myth:

You need to earn a minimum monthly salary to qualify for any Golden Visa category.

The Reality:

This is partially true, but only for specific visa categories. Not all Golden Visa pathways require a salary requirement.

When a listener asked: “What is the minimum salary for a golden visa?“

Gaurav’s answer was precise: “As per the GDRFA, AED 30,000 has been marked very clearly.“

But here’s the important distinction:

• For employment-based Golden Visa: AED minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 applies
• For investment-based Golden Visa (real estate, startup, entrepreneur exit): No salary requirement
• For non-investment pathways (top 100 university graduates, executives, PhD holders): Salary isn’t the qualifying criterion

Many people hear “AED 30,000 minimum salary” and assume they can’t qualify if they’re self-employed, retired, or don’t have traditional employment. This simply isn’t true for most Golden Visa pathways.

The salary requirement applies only if you’re pursuing the employment-based route, which is just one option among many.

Myth 7: “The Golden Visa Application Process Is Complicated and Slow”

Many potential applicants give up before starting, believing the bureaucracy is insurmountable.

The Myth:

Golden Visa applications take months, involve countless documents, and are difficult to navigate without hiring expensive consultants.

The Reality:

While applications do require proper documentation, the process has been significantly streamlined. As Gaurav noted earlier in the interview, business setup licensing in Dubai has moved from “at least one week minimum” to “three steps completed on the same day.”

This same efficiency applies to Golden Visa applications. The government has:

• Created dedicated hotlines (previously only for citizens)
• Offered video call consultations through the GDRFA portal
• Simplified documentation requirements for different categories

Gaurav’s closing advice: “This is a very good time for you, where you would be able to obtain it either for yourself or for someone you know. Reach out to the immigration office.“

What These Myths Cost You

By believing these myths, potential Golden Visa holders lose thousands of dirhams and months of time:

• Myth 1 prevents investors from understanding their real options
• Myth 2 keeps adult children out of family sponsorships
• Myth 3 separates families unnecessarily
• Myth 4 creates unfounded anxiety about marriage and custody
• Myth 5 leads to wasted phone calls and frustration
• Myth 6 eliminates otherwise-qualified applicants from consideration
• Myth 7 causes procrastination and missed opportunities

The Bottom Line: Get Clarity, Not Assumptions

Gaurav’s entire approach in the Talk 100.3 interview emphasizes one message: don’t assume you don’t qualify based on internet myths.

Here’s what he recommended:

1. Reach out to GDRFA directly through their official portal or head offices in Al-Jabliya
2. Schedule a video call with an immigration officer for personalized guidance
3. Get proper legal and immigration consultation before assuming disqualification

“If anyone happens to know they would be able to qualify across, please reach out to the immigration office. This is a very good time for you,” Gaurav emphasized.

The UAE Golden Visa landscape has evolved significantly. The myths that circulate online are often outdated, overly simplified, or just plain wrong. Before dismissing the possibility of a 10-year residency visa for yourself or your family, verify the facts with official sources.

Your circumstances might be very different from what the myths suggest and you might qualify in ways you didn’t realize.