Key Highlights:

• Stricter 2025 enforcement means Golden Visa holders face immediate penalties for non-compliance.

• All investment, salary, and documentation requirements must be maintained at all times.
• Valid UAE health insurance is now mandatory for all Golden Visa holders and their dependents.
• There is no “lifetime” Golden Visa; ongoing compliance checks and renewals are strictly enforced.

If you’re holding a UAE Golden Visa, thinking you can simply “set it and forget it,” you’re in for a wake-up call. The year 2025 has brought unprecedented changes in enforcement and compliance requirements that demand your immediate attention.

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has made it crystal clear: Golden Visa holders must maintain active compliance or face serious consequences.

Keep reading this article to learn more. 

Understanding the Current Compliance Landscape

What Changed in 2025

The enforcement landscape has dramatically shifted. Over 32,000 visa violators were flagged in just the first half of 2025, with 70% already deported after due process. This represents the UAE’s most aggressive compliance crackdown to date.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship launched the “Towards a Safer Society” campaign, conducting 252 coordinated inspection campaigns in February 2025 alone. These operations covered 4,771 establishments, uncovering multiple violations and leading to immediate deportations.

Key Compliance Requirements

Your Golden Visa compliance depends on maintaining specific conditions based on your category:

For Investors (Public Investment):

• Maintain AED 2 million deposit in UAE-approved investment fund
• Keep valid commercial or industrial license with minimum AED 2 million capital
• Pay a minimum of AED 250,000 annually in federal taxes
• Ensure investments are not loan-financed

For Real Estate Investors:

• Maintain property ownership worth a minimum of AED 2 million
• Ensure properties remain loan-free
• Maintain proof of UAE residence

For Entrepreneurs:

• Keep project value above AED 500,000
• Maintain approval from UAE auditor
• Ensure project remains technical/future-oriented
• Stay connected with approved business incubators

For Outstanding Specialized Talents:

• Keep professional licenses current
• Maintain minimum AED 50,000 salary (for executives)
• Keep valid work contracts active
• Maintain health insurance coverage

Why 2025 Brought Stricter Enforcement

The Post-Amnesty Crackdown

Following the four-month visa amnesty program that ended December 31, 2024, the UAE implemented zero-tolerance enforcement. The message from authorities is clear: the grace period is over.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, stated that inspection campaigns aim to “reduce violations and ensure a dignified life for residents and visitors in the UAE.”

Enhanced Detection Methods

The ICP has deployed specialized task forces with advanced detection capabilities. These teams are systematically checking:

• Employment authorization matches
• Sponsor compliance
• Investment maintenance
• Tax payment records
• Health insurance validity

Legal Consequences

Non-compliance now results in immediate action:

• Detention and court referrals
• Financial penalties
• Deportation orders
• Re-entry bans
• Legal action against employers who shelter violators

Also Read: How UAE Golden Visa Holders Save on Global Taxes in 2025 (Legally)

Common Misconceptions to Address

Myth 1: “Golden Visa Means Lifetime Immunity”

Reality: Your Golden Visa requires continuous compliance with original qualifying conditions. The ICP has explicitly stated that all Golden Visa categories have strict maintenance requirements.

Myth 2: “I Can Stop Meeting Investment Requirements”

Reality: Investment thresholds must be maintained throughout the visa period. Real estate investors must keep properties worth a minimum of AED 2 million, and public investment holders must maintain their AED 2 million deposits.

Myth 3: “Health Insurance is Optional”

Reality: Valid health insurance for a minimum of one year is mandatory for all Golden Visa categories and must be continuously renewed.

Myth 4: “I Don’t Need to Work to Keep My Visa”

Reality: While you don’t need a sponsor, you must maintain the qualifying conditions that earned you the visa. For executives, this means keeping your AED 50,000+ salary position.

Myth 5: “The AED 100,000 ‘Lifetime’ Visa is Real”

Reality: The ICP has categorically denied any “lifetime Golden Visa” program. They stated, “Legal action will be taken against entities spreading such false information.”

Why the Golden Visa is NOT a “Set It and Forget It” Solution

1. Active Maintenance Requirements

Your Golden Visa demands ongoing attention to multiple compliance areas:

Financial Compliance:

• Maintain minimum investment amounts
• Keep tax payments current (AED 250,000 annually for qualifying companies)
• Ensure loan-free property ownership
• Maintain business project valuations above thresholds

Documentation Compliance:

• Keep all certificates and licenses current
• Maintain valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Keep health insurance active and renewable
• Update residence proof when moving

Professional Compliance:

• Keep work contracts valid and current
• Maintain salary requirements for executive categories
• Keep professional licenses active with relevant authorities
• Stay connected with nominating entities (incubators, councils)

Renewal Obligations

Golden Visas require proactive renewal before expiration:

• 10-year visas for most categories
• 5-year visas for some student and real estate categories
• Renewal applications must be submitted 1-2 months before expiration
• All original qualifying conditions must still be met

Family Member Compliance

Your dependents’ status depends on your compliance. If you lose your Golden Visa, your family members lose theirs too.

2. Risk Factors You Must Monitor

Investment Value Fluctuations

Real estate values can drop below the AED 2 million threshold. You’re responsible for monitoring and maintaining minimum values.

Business Performance Changes

Your company’s tax payments might fall below AED 250,000 annually. Track this closely, as it directly affects your visa validity.

Professional Status Changes

Job loss or salary reduction below required minimums can jeopardize your visa. Plan for career transitions carefully.

Documentation Expiry

Expired health insurance, professional licenses, or other required documents create immediate compliance risks.

Official Channels for Information

Always verify information through official sources:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
• ICP UAE Smart application
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) for Dubai-specific matters
• Call Center: 600522222 (available 24/7)

Warning: The ICP has issued explicit warnings against third-party consultants claiming to offer “simplified” Golden Visa services. All applications must go through official government channels only.

Action Steps for Current Holders

Immediate Actions:

1. Audit your compliance status against your visa category requirements
2. Verify all documentation is current and valid
3. Confirm investment/business values meet minimum thresholds
4. Update health insurance if expiring within 6 months
5. Schedule renewal applications well before expiration

Ongoing Monitoring:

• Set calendar reminders for all document renewals
• Track investment values quarterly
• Monitor business tax payment schedules
• Stay informed about policy updates through official channels
• Maintain relationships with nominating entities

Your Compliance is Your Responsibility

The UAE Golden Visa remains one of the world’s most attractive residency programs, but it requires active management. The 2025 enforcement changes signal that the UAE is serious about maintaining program integrity.

Remember: Your Golden Visa is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Stay compliant, stay informed, and most importantly, rely only on official UAE government sources for guidance.

Note: Fees and requirements mentioned are subject to change. Always verify current information with official UAE authorities before making decisions.

Book your Free Consultation call today with the expert of JSB Incorporation for assistance regarding the UAE Golden Visa.