With Donald Trump returning as President of the United States in 2025, the global immigration landscape is once again in focus. Recent executive orders, including the one to end birthright citizenship, have added to the complexities of long-term residency in the US.
Meanwhile, the UAE Golden Visa programme continues to grow in appeal, offering a straightforward and flexible long-term residency in the UAE for professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Let’s have a closer look at how the UAE Golden Visa compares with the US Green Card and why the UAE Golden Visa is becoming a preferred choice.
An overview of US Green Card and UAE Golden Visa
The US Green Card provides permanent residency in the United States, allowing holders to live and work indefinitely. It also opens a pathway to US citizenship after a minimum residency period of five years. However, obtaining a Green Card often involves complex processes, including family sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or winning the Diversity Visa lottery.
On the other hand, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced in 2019 to attract global talent, investors, and entrepreneurs to the United Arab Emirates. It offers a renewable 10-year residency to all eligible applicants. Key beneficiaries include skilled professionals (like managers, senior directors, doctors, engineers, etc), entrepreneurs, and investors, who gain flexibility in living, working, and travelling without the constraints typical of short-term visas.
The challenges of acquiring a US Green Card
The process of obtaining a US Green Card is often complicated and time-consuming due to the following reasons:
- Excessive waiting times: For applicants from countries like India and China, waiting periods for obtaining a US Green Card can span decades, sometimes over 100 years.
- Reliance on a lottery system: The Diversity Visa programme (US Green Card lottery) issues a limited number of visas annually, with millions of applicants competing for a small pool.
- Employment restrictions: Many immigrants begin the journey to the US Green Card with an H1B visa, which ties them to a single employer, reducing professional mobility until a Green Card is secured.
- High investment: The minimum investment required to secure a US Green Card is USD 800,000 (approximately AED 2.94 million) with a wait time of around 2 years. In comparison, obtaining the UAE Golden Visa is far more accessible—requiring just the down payment on a property valued at AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). You can obtain the UAE Golden Visa within a week.
While the Green Card does eventually offer a pathway to citizenship (typically after five years), these barriers often make it less appealing for those seeking quicker and more flexible residency options.
The growing attractiveness of the UAE Golden Visa
The demand for the UAE Golden Visa has increased significantly, with over 200,000 Golden Visas issued in 2024 itself owing to:
- Quick and eligibility-based process: The UAE Golden Visa has no prolonged waiting periods. Residency is granted based on specific eligibility criteria, such as professional achievements, investment levels, or entrepreneurial success, eliminating the uncertainty of lotteries or quotas. For example, by paying a down payment for property worth AED 2 million, or if having a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000 and at least 2 years of experience with the same company in the UAE, you can be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa.
- Unrestricted employment options: Holders are free to work in any industry, establish businesses, or operate independently, without being tied to a single employer.
- Tax-free income: The UAE’s tax policies mean residents enjoy income that is free from state or federal taxes, unlike in the US, where Green Card holders may face tax obligations.
With a simple process and focused eligibility criteria, the UAE Golden Visa stands out as a flexible and efficient residency solution.
Comparison of US Green Card and UAE Golden Visa
| Feature | US Green Card 🇺🇸 | UAE Golden Visa 🇦🇪 |
| Residency duration | Permanent (but subject to conditions) | Up to 10 years (renewable) |
| Eligibility | Limited categories: Family-based, employment-based, diversity lottery | Wide range: Investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, outstanding students, key employees, celebrities, etc. |
| Application process | Lengthy and complex | Fast and streamlined |
| Self-sponsorship | Yes (in limited categories) | Yes (in all categories) |
| Citizenship | Possible, after meeting specific requirements | Not applicable |
| Tax benefits | Subject to US federal and state taxes | Tax-free environment |
| Business opportunities | Involves navigating stricter regulations and higher costs | Offers a business-friendly environment with minimal costs and strong support for entrepreneurs. |
Both the UAE Golden Visa and US Green Card provide unique advantages, catering to different needs and goals. While the US Green Card offers the opportunity for permanent residency and eventually, citizenship, its process can be lengthy and complex.
On the other hand, the UAE Golden Visa offers a streamlined, flexible, and business-friendly path to long-term residency, making it an attractive option for professionals, investors, and families seeking a dynamic and safe environment. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual priorities, whether it’s career growth, family stability, or lifestyle preferences.
The UAE dream is taking over the American dream!
Get a free consultation for the UAE Golden Visa with PRYPCO. Visit prypco.com/services/golden-visa or call/Whatsapp us at +971-800-PRYPCO (+971-800-779726).
