Key Highlights:

• The UAE now offers a 10-year Golden Visa for private yacht owners with vessels at least 40 meters long, targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Key maritime executives and professionals, as well as yacht owners, are eligible, but strict criteria ensure exclusivity within the luxury superyacht sector.
• Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have launched specialized Golden Visa programs for yacht owners, with added perks like preferential berthing rates and streamlined application processes.
• The visa extends to immediate family members, providing comprehensive long-term residency solutions for yacht-owning families.

The UAE has revolutionized its Golden Visa program by expanding eligibility to include yacht owners, marking a significant shift in the country’s strategy to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals. 

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have launched specialized programs targeting the superyacht community, recognizing the immense economic potential of the luxury marine sector. These government-led initiatives represent a strategic investment in positioning the UAE as the new epicenter of luxury yachting in the Middle East.

Continue reading further to learn more about securing a Golden Visa as a yacht owner. 

Golden Visa for Yacht Owners: Official Programs

1. Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay Initiative

Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay program, launched in December 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Yas Marina. 

This initiative offers eligible yacht owners the opportunity to secure a 10-year UAE Golden Visa while gaining access to Abu Dhabi’s luxury lifestyle and thriving business ecosystem.

The program is designed to integrate the superyacht sector into Abu Dhabi’s expanding luxury tourism industry, providing not just residency benefits but also preferential berthing rates and marina investment incentives.

2. Dubai’s Superyacht Golden Visa

Dubai announced its Superyacht Golden Visa at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2025, following Abu Dhabi’s lead in attracting yacht owners and maritime industry professionals. 

The program is managed by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and aims to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a top global yachting hub.

Dubai’s initiative also includes innovative support services like the Mobile Marina service, which promises processing times under 30 seconds for yacht-related transactions.

Core Eligibility Criteria

1. Yacht Owners

The primary eligibility requirement is ownership of a private yacht measuring at least 40 meters in length. This minimum length requirement ensures the program targets the ultra-luxury segment of the yachting market.

You must provide verifiable proof of ownership and vessel registration to qualify for the program. The yacht ownership documentation serves as the cornerstone of your application, and authorities will verify the vessel’s specifications and your legal ownership status.

2. Key Maritime Executives and Stakeholders

The program extends beyond yacht owners to include key professionals in the maritime industry. Eligible executives include:

• CEOs and major shareholders of yacht-building companies
• Central yacht agents who facilitate yacht transactions and services
• Yacht service providers offering maintenance, repair, and operational support
• Yacht insurance providers who specialize in marine coverage

These categories recognize the broader ecosystem that supports the luxury yachting industry and acknowledge the valuable contributions these professionals make to the maritime sector.

3. Immediate Family Members

Your spouse and dependents are eligible for the same 10-year residency visa as the principal applicant. This family sponsorship benefit ensures that your entire household can enjoy the stability and advantages of long-term UAE residency.

The family sponsorship feature eliminates the need for separate visa applications for your dependents, streamlining the process and providing comprehensive residency solutions for yacht-owning families.

Application and Nomination Process

1. Abu Dhabi Application Process

Applications for Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay program are processed through Yas Marina and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The process begins with a nomination system where candidates receive invitation emails from Yas Marina.

Once you consent to participate, your information is submitted to ADIO, which arranges Golden Visa processing and tailored business meetings based on your industry and preferences. The program includes introductions to Abu Dhabi’s cultural offerings and investment opportunities.

2. Dubai Application Process

Dubai’s applications are managed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The GDRFA has streamlined the process with innovative services like the Mobile Marina, which offers on-site assistance at Dubai’s marinas for quick documentation processing.

3. Required Documentation

You’ll need to prepare several key documents for your application:

• Proof of yacht ownership and vessel registration
• Valid passport and recent photographs
• Standard residency documentation as required by UAE authorities
• Evidence of your role or stake in the yachting sector (if applicable)

The documentation requirements may vary slightly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so it’s important to verify specific requirements with the relevant authorities before submitting your application.

Key Program Features and Limitations

1. Primary Benefits

The yacht owner Golden Visa offers a 10-year renewable residency with no local sponsor required. This means you can live, work, and invest in the UAE without depending on an employer or local partner for visa sponsorship.

You can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without losing your residency status, unlike traditional UAE residency visas that require periodic entry. This flexibility is particularly valuable for yacht owners who spend significant time traveling internationally.

2. Investment and Lifestyle Advantages

The program provides access to the UAE’s tax-free environment, with no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. You’ll also enjoy full family sponsorship capabilities and streamlined processes for banking and property ownership.

Additionally, the program offers exclusive access to premium marina facilities and services, with some programs providing preferential berthing rates and marina investment incentives.

3. Program Restrictions

The program is not open to all UAE residents—only those meeting the specific criteria outlined by government sources are eligible. The 40-meter minimum yacht length requirement effectively limits participation to ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the luxury superyacht segment.

4. Cost Considerations

While specific fees for yacht owner Golden Visas haven’t been officially disclosed, standard Golden Visa processing fees typically range from AED 2,800 to AED 6,000, with additional costs for medical examinations and document processing. 

These costs tend to change, so you should always verify current pricing with official UAE government sources before making financial decisions.

Final Words

The UAE’s yacht owner Golden Visa programs represent a strategic initiative to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals and establish the country as a premier global yachting destination. The strict, government-defined eligibility criteria ensure that only qualified yacht owners with vessels of 40 meters or more, along with select maritime industry professionals, can access these exclusive residency benefits.

Both Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay and Dubai’s Superyacht Golden Visa programs offer compelling value propositions for eligible applicants, combining long-term residency stability with access to world-class marina facilities and the UAE’s business-friendly environment. However, the programs maintain selective criteria that reinforce their positioning within the luxury maritime sector.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, these programs provide an exceptional opportunity to establish long-term roots in one of the world’s most dynamic and economically attractive regions.