Dubai’s Golden Visa for Yacht Owners

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) announced a new 10-year Golden Visa scheme for yacht owners. The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.

Among the exclusive benefits for superyacht owners are long-term residency with the possibility to sponsor their spouse, children, and dependent parents; tax-free advantages; visa-free travel; access to real estate in designated areas for UAE residents; world-class marinas and infrastructure; and business and investment opportunities.

Eligibility extends to yacht owners of private yachts 40 metres or longer, maritime industry executives such as CEOs and major shareholders, yacht service providers in maintenance, insurance and brokerage, and the immediate family members of each.

A similar initiative was introduced in Abu Dhabi in December 2024. While Dubai’s Golden Visa targets global yacht owners and industry leaders, Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay Programme aims to integrate the superyacht sector into its growing luxury tourism industry.