UAE vs US EB-5: Golden Visa Programmes Compared
The lowest qualifying amount is AED 2,000,000 in United Arab Emirates and $800,000 in United States. Here is how the two programmes differ on time in the country, the path to citizenship and processing, side by side.
At a glance
| UAE | US EB-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Programme | Golden Visa (long-term residence) | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program |
| Status | Open, and broadened to new categories repeatedly since 2019 | Regional centre authorisation runs to 30 September 2027; grandfathering closes 30 September 2026 |
| Lowest qualifying amount | AED 2,000,000 | $800,000 |
| Time you must spend there | None; exempt from the 180-day absence rule | Must maintain US permanent residence |
| Route to citizenship | No direct path | Naturalisation possible 5 years after the green card |
| Typical processing | Typically weeks once documents are complete | I-526E commonly 1-2 years, then the visa queue |
| Main routes |
|
|
Which is cheaper, UAE or US EB-5?
The lowest qualifying amount is AED 2,000,000 in United Arab Emirates and $800,000 in United States. The cheapest route is not always the practical one: some low-entry routes are donations or contributions you never get back, while others are investments that can lose value independently of the permit. Add government fees, legal costs and, where relevant, family members before comparing totals.
How much time do you have to spend in each?
United Arab Emirates: None; exempt from the 180-day absence rule. United States: Must maintain US permanent residence. A permit that asks for little time in the country is convenient, but a path to citizenship usually depends on genuinely living there.
Which leads to citizenship?
United Arab Emirates: No direct path. United States: Naturalisation possible 5 years after the green card. Naturalisation rules are set separately from the investment programme and can change while you are part of the way through.
The biggest caveat for each
UAE: Rules on mortgaged and off-plan property are administrative practice rather than statute, and can be tightened without notice.
US EB-5: Amounts face their first inflation adjustment on 1 January 2027 and regional centre authorisation expires on 30 September 2027 unless Congress renews it.
More programme comparisons
Information reflects our own independent research as understood in September 2026. These rules change often and differ by nationality. Plain Investor does not sell or advise on any programme. This is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice; check the official government source and a licensed immigration lawyer before committing money.