Key Highlights

• Russian nationals enjoy visa-free entry to the UAE for 90 days, simplifying the Golden Visa application process compared to other nationalities.
• Property investment of AED 2 million qualifies for a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable on the same conditions, with 72% of Russian expats choosing this pathway in recent years.
• Skilled professionals need a basic salary of AED 30,000 (excluding allowances) and two years with the same employer to qualify.
• The Golden Visa includes family sponsorship with no age limits for children, plus enhanced consular support.

Are you in Moscow, scrolling through your phone, and the fifth headline about visa restrictions crosses your screen? 

After all, you’ve worked hard, built a career, and saved money. But the global landscape keeps shifting under your feet. Then you see it: the UAE Golden Visa. 

This offers ten years of stability, tax-free income, no employer sponsor needed and more. For a moment, you wonder: is this actually possible for Russian nationals like you?

The answer is yes. But here’s what you need to know before you start the journey. Keep reading to learn more. 

Why Russian Nationals Are Choosing the UAE Golden Visa Right Now

The numbers tell a powerful story. Between 100,000 and 500,000 Russians have relocated to the UAE since 2022, with many securing long-term residency through the Golden Visa program. Russian expats now represent one of the largest foreign communities in the Emirates, with the community growing substantially in recent years.​

What’s driving this migration? It’s not just about opportunity. It’s about security in uncertain times.

Russians can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. This agreement, in place since February 2019, gives you a critical advantage when applying for the Golden Visa. You don’t need an entry permit first. You can arrive, explore, and initiate your application while already on the ground.​

The UAE offers what many Western countries no longer do: accessible banking for Russian nationals, despite international sanctions. The Emirates has positioned itself as a neutral financial hub where Russian business owners and professionals can operate without the political complications seen elsewhere.​

Zero personal income tax. No capital gains tax. No inheritance tax. When you’re planning your financial future, these aren’t small details. They’re fundamental to wealth preservation and growth.​

The Russian-speaking community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi numbers over 100,000 people. You’ll find Russian schools, cultural clubs, media outlets, and even a Russian Orthodox Church in Sharjah. This established network makes the transition smoother for families.​

What the UAE Golden Visa Actually Means

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa valid for 5 or 10 years, renewable under the same conditions. Unlike standard employment visas, you don’t need a UAE employer or national sponsor to maintain your status.​

This self-sponsored residency gives you complete freedom to work for any employer, start your own business, or invest as you see fit. You own 100% of your business without requiring a UAE partner.​

There’s no mandatory minimum stay requirement. You can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without your visa being cancelled. This flexibility is critical for Russians maintaining business interests both in the UAE and internationally.​

You can sponsor your spouse and children regardless of age, plus your parents. Regular residence visas restrict son sponsorship to age 25. The Golden Visa removes these age limits entirely.​

Since October 2025, Golden Visa holders receive enhanced consular support through a dedicated 24/7 hotline (+971 2 493 1133). If you lose your passport while traveling abroad, you can obtain an electronic Return Document within 30 minutes to re-enter the UAE.​

Four Pathways to the Golden Visa for Russian Nationals 

1. Pathway 1: Real Estate Investment

Russian buyers consistently rank among the top five nationalities purchasing Dubai property. In fact, 72% of Russian expats in the UAE bought real estate within the last year, with many specifically targeting the AED 2 million threshold.​

• 2. 5-Year Golden Visa (Property Investment):

You need a minimum AED 2 million property investment (approximately USD 545,000) to qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable on the same conditions. Both completed properties and off-plan developments qualify, provided off-plan properties have reached at least 50% construction completion. You can combine multiple properties to meet the threshold.

Mortgaged properties are accepted if you’ve paid at least AED 2 million in equity. The bank must provide a letter confirming this payment amount.​

Critical requirement: You must maintain property ownership for at least 2 years after your Golden Visa approval. If you sell the property within this initial 2-year period, your Golden Visa will be cancelled.​

Popular freehold zones for Russian investors include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Hills Estate.​

Disclaimer: Please verify current property investment requirements with official UAE government sources before making investment decisions, as thresholds may be adjusted.

2. Pathway 2: Skilled Professionals and Executives

• Skilled Professionals (10-Year Visa):

You need a minimum AED 30,000 monthly basic salary, excluding allowances like housing or transportation. This is your basic salary only, as shown in your employment contract.​

Your employment must fall under MOHRE Level 1 (Managers) or Level 2 (Professionals) classification. This includes managers, engineers, doctors, pharmacists, teachers, IT specialists, scientists, and business professionals.​

You need a minimum bachelor’s degree attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. The equivalency certificate costs between AED 100-200 and takes 2-6 weeks to process.​

You must provide six months of bank statements clearly showing AED 30,000 basic salary deposits labeled as “Salary.” Your employment contract must be approved in the UAE, and you need a salary certificate from your employer.​

Most emirates now require at least two years of continuous employment with your current employer before you can apply. This is a new requirement implemented in 2024-2025.​

• Executive Directors (10-Year Visa):

Executives need a minimum AED 50,000 monthly salary. Additional requirements include a certified university degree, a minimum of 5 years of experience, and a valid employment contract.​

3. Pathway 3: Investors and Entrepreneurs

• Public Investment (10-Year Visa):

Deposit AED 2 million in a UAE-approved investment fund or bank. The investment cannot be borrowed capital and must be maintained for a minimum of 2 years. The bank must provide a letter confirming the deposit has been frozen for at least 2 years.​

Alternatively, you can qualify by paying at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes to the Federal Tax Authority.​

• Entrepreneurs (5-Year Golden Visa, 10-year available under specific criteria): 

You must own or partner in an SME generating a minimum of AED 1 million in annual revenue. Alternatively, qualify with a project valued at  AED 500,000 with auditor approval.​

All entrepreneur applicants require nomination from an accredited UAE business incubator such as Hub71 in Abu Dhabi or Area 2071 in Dubai.​

4. Pathway 4: Specialized Talents

• Eligible Categories (10-Year Visa):

Doctors and scientists with ministry or council recommendations. PhD holders in priority fields including AI, big data, and epidemiology. Engineers in computer science, electronics, electrical engineering, and biotechnology.​

Outstanding university students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Nurses with 15+ years of experience working with the Dubai Health Authority.​

Teachers, principals, and university faculty demonstrating academic excellence. E-sports professionals aged 25 and above. Digital content creators with a proven track record.​

Also Read: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing UAE for Retirement: JSB Founder’s Insights

Required Documents and Authentication

1. Universal Documents (All Categories)

Valid Russian passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Recent passport-size photograph with a white background.​

Valid UAE health insurance with a minimum 1-year coverage, renewable. This is mandatory for all applicants and family members.​

Proof of UAE residence, either a title deed or rental contract.​

2. Category-Specific Documents

Real Estate Investors:

Property title deed from Dubai Land Department. If mortgaged, a bank letter confirming AED 2 million payment. Property valuation certificate.​

Skilled Professionals:

• Bachelor’s degree attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. Employment contract approved in the UAE and salary certificate from employer.​
• Six months of bank statements showing AED 30,000 basic salary deposits. Valid professional license if required for your profession. Employment certificate with job classification proof showing MOHRE Level 1 or 2 designation.​

Entrepreneurs:

• UAE trade license and audited financial statements for the past 2 years.
• Business incubator nomination letter from Hub71 or Area 2071.​

Public Investors:

• Letter from UAE-approved investment fund confirming AED 2 million deposit frozen for 2 years. 
• Or a Federal Tax Authority letter confirming AED 250,000+ annual tax payment.​

3. Document Authentication for Russian Nationals

Russian educational certificates require attestation starting in Russia with notarization and Ministry of Education attestation. Next, obtain UAE embassy attestation in Moscow. Once in the UAE, complete final verification at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).​

All Russian documents must be professionally translated into English or Arabic. Start this attestation process 2-3 months before your Golden Visa application.​

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Determine your appropriate visa category and gather all required documents. For professionals, obtain degree equivalency from UAE Ministry of Education (20-25 days). Secure UAE health insurance valid for a minimum of 1 year.​

Step 2: Online Nomination Submission

Access the ICP portal at icp.gov.ae or download the ICP UAE Smart app. Dubai applicants can also use the GDRFA portal at gdrfad.gov.ae.​

Complete the online nomination form and upload all required documents. Pay the nomination application fee (AED 360-428).​

Step 3: Nomination Approval

Property investors typically receive approval within 24-48 hours. Other categories take 3-4 weeks on average. You’ll receive approval notification via email.​

Step 4: Entry to UAE

Russian nationals benefit from visa-free entry for 90 days. You can enter the UAE and complete medical examinations and biometric procedures without needing a separate entry permit.​

Step 5: Medical Fitness and Biometrics

Book an appointment at a DHA-approved medical center. Standard medical tests cost AED 250-300. VIP fast-track service costs AED 700-750 with results in 30 minutes.​

Visit the ICP center for fingerprint collection and photographs.​

Step 6: Visa Cancellation (Current UAE Residents Only)

If you currently hold a UAE residency visa, you must cancel it before Golden Visa issuance. Clear all outstanding fines before proceeding.​

Step 7: Emirates ID Application

Submit Emirates ID application (AED 1,075-1,200 for 10-year Emirates ID). Receive your Emirates ID within 3-5 working days after visa approval.​

Step 8: Golden Visa Issuance

Pay final visa fees. Your residence permit is stamped in your passport. The 5-year validity is activated immediately (renewable on the same conditions). You can now begin family sponsorship procedures.

UAE Golden Visa Cost Breakdown for 2026

1. Government Fees (Individual Application)

2. Family Sponsorship Additional Costs

Spouse visa: AED 3,000-5,000. Each child visa: AED 3,000-5,000. Parent sponsorship: AED 3,000-5,000 per parent.​

For a family of four (applicant, spouse, and two children), expect total costs of AED 25,000-35,000.​

3. Mandatory Investment (Category-Dependent)

Real estate (5-year, renewable): AED 2,000,000
Real estate (2-year): AED 750,000​
Public investment: AED 2,000,000 (frozen 2 years)​
Skilled professional: AED 30,000 monthly basic salary​

4. Additional Costs

• Annual health insurance: AED 800-2,500 per person​
• Document attestation and translation: AED 500-1,500​
• Degree equivalency certificate: AED 100-200​
• Property transfer fee in Dubai: 4% of property value​

For an AED 2 million property, the transfer fee is AED 80,000. This fee is typically split between buyer and seller (2% each) but buyers often pay the full amount.​

Disclaimer: All fees listed are just estimates. Costs may change. Please verify exact fees with the official UAE sources before proceeding with your application.

5. Processing Timeline

Fast-Track (Property Investors):

• Nomination approval: 24-48 hours​
• Medical and biometrics: 1-2 days (VIP service)​
• Emirates ID and visa issuance: 3-5 working days​
• Total: 7-10 business days​

Standard Processing (Other Categories):

• Nomination approval: 3-4 weeks​
• Medical examination and biometrics: 1-2 weeks​
• Final visa issuance: 3-5 working days​
• Total: 4-8 weeks​

Banking in the UAE for Russian Nationals

Opening a UAE bank account as a Russian national is possible but requires proper preparation. UAE banks continue to accept Russian clients, though documentation requirements have increased due to international sanctions pressure.​

Required Documents:

• Valid Russian passport with UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Proof of address in the UAE (rental contract or property title deed).​
• For business account opening, you’ll need your UAE trade license, company documents showing ownership structure, and detailed source of funds documentation.​

Enhanced Due Diligence:

• Banks apply Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) to Russian applicants, reviewing your complete profile, including business model, fund flow logic, and connections to any flagged jurisdictions.​
• Prepare a clear, traceable source of funds with supporting documentation. If you have prior banking records from third countries like Georgia, Armenia, or Turkey, these can strengthen your application.​

Recommended Banks:

Major UAE banks, including Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, HSBC, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, all serve Russian clients. Consider working with experienced consultants who understand compliance requirements for Russian nationals.​

Common Rejection Reasons and Prevention

1. Documentation Errors:

Passport validity less than 6 months. Missing or unattested educational certificates. Poor quality document scans. Mismatched names or dates between documents.​

Prevention: Use high-resolution scans for all uploads. Verify all names and dates match exactly across documents.​

2. Financial and Employment Issues:

Property value below AED 2 million. Salary including allowances instead of basic salary only. Less than 2 years of employment with the current company. Bank statements not clearly labeling transfers as “Salary.”

Prevention: Ensure your contract shows a basic salary of AED 30,000 or more, separate from allowances. Provide six months of consecutive bank statements with clear “Salary” labels.​

3. Legal and Medical Issues:

Failed medical fitness test. Insufficient health insurance coverage. Outstanding fines or legal matters in the UAE. Previous visa violations.​

Prevention: Clear all fines before submission. Ensure health insurance meets minimum coverage requirements.​

4. Job Title and Classification Errors:

Job title doesn’t match MOHRE Level 1 or Level 2 classification. Degree not attested or lacking MOE equivalency certificate.​

Prevention: Verify your job title appears on MOHRE’s approved list. Obtain a degree equivalency certificate before applying.​

Also Read: Golden Visa Myths Busted: JSB Founder on Talk 100.3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Russian nationals apply for the Golden Visa without UAE residency?

Yes. Russian nationals can apply from outside the UAE. You benefit from visa-free entry for 90 days, allowing you to enter and initiate your application while on the ground.​

2. What happens if I sell my property after getting the Golden Visa?

If you sell within the first 2 years after visa issuance, your Golden Visa will be cancelled. After 2 years, you must either purchase a replacement property worth at least AED 2 million or maintain the visa until its 5-year expiry (then renew under the same conditions).

3. Is the Golden Visa renewable after its expiry?

Yes, fully renewable if eligibility criteria are maintained. For property investors, the 5-year visa renews if you still own qualifying property worth AED 2 million. For 10-year categories (skilled professionals, public investors), you must still meet minimum investment or salary thresholds at renewal time.

4. How long can Golden Visa holders stay outside the UAE?

There’s no mandatory minimum stay requirement. You can remain outside the UAE indefinitely without visa cancellation.​

5. Is personal income tax required in the UAE?

No. The UAE has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.​

6. Can Golden Visa holders work for any employer?

Yes. Self-sponsored visa status allows employment freedom and 100% business ownership without a UAE partner.​

7. Is health insurance mandatory?

Yes. Comprehensive UAE health insurance is required for the applicant and all family members.​

8. Can I sponsor my parents under the Golden Visa?

Yes, with proof of relationship and valid health insurance for each parent.​

9. What’s the minimum salary requirement for professionals?

AED 30,000 basic monthly salary excluding allowances. Executive directors need AED 50,000.​

10. Can Russians enter the UAE while their Golden Visa application is processing?

Yes. Russians enjoy 90-day visa-free entry to the UAE, allowing you to remain in the country during the application process.​

11. Are there banking restrictions for Russian nationals in the UAE?

UAE banks accept Russian clients, though enhanced due diligence and additional documentation are required. Working with experienced consultants can improve approval chances.​

Your Next Steps

The UAE Golden Visa offers Russian nationals a clear path to long-term residency. Whether you choose the property investment route, qualify based on your professional salary, or pursue the entrepreneur pathway, success depends on proper preparation and accurate documentation.

Start by determining which category fits your situation. Calculate the total investment, including government fees, insurance, and attestation costs. Prepare your documents well in advance, particularly if educational certificates require attestation.

If you’re ready to begin your Golden Visa journey, JSB Incorporation provides comprehensive support from initial consultation through visa stamping and beyond. Our team understands the specific requirements for Russian nationals and ensures your application is positioned for approval.

Contact JSB Incorporation today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward securing your family’s future in the UAE.