UAE Golden Visa Through a Fixed Bank Deposit (2026): Full Guide — AED 2 Million, 2-Year Hold & Loan Option

Rules as of October 2026: place AED 2 million in cash — or the equivalent in US dollars — in a UAE bank, keep it blocked for 2 years, and you qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. No property, company or salary is needed, and residents and non-residents can both apply. You need only three documents: the bank's hold letter, a passport copy and a photo. Government fees are AED 4,137.

After the 2-year hold, the deposit is released and you can withdraw it. And many banks let you borrow up to 90% against the deposit — so in practice only about AED 200,000 of your own money stays tied up.

✅ The fixed deposit Golden Visa rules today (October 2026)

• Amount: AED 2 million cash deposit — US dollars accepted, converted by the bank.
• Hold: blocked in a UAE bank for 2 years; released after the hold.
• Who: residents and non-residents. For non-residents we can open the bank account and place the deposit.
• Documents: bank hold letter, passport copy, personal photo — nothing else.
• Visa: 10 years, renewable.

💳 Borrow against the deposit: only about AED 200,000 tied up

Many UAE banks offer a loan of up to 90% against a fixed deposit. You keep the AED 2 million deposit for the Golden Visa and borrow up to AED 1.8 million against it, so only about AED 200,000 of your own money stays tied up.

📄 Documents required (only three)

1. Bank hold letter — confirming AED 2 million blocked for 2 years.
2. Passport copy.
3. Personal photo.

🗺️ The 12 steps, from transfer to Emirates ID

1. Transfer the funds — AED 2 million, or the USD equivalent.
2. Bank block letter — the bank confirms the 2-year hold.
3. Application with immigration — GDRFA Dubai for Dubai residents, ICP for the other emirates.
4. Pre-approval — for applicants already living in the UAE.
5. Cancel the existing visa — for applicants already living in the UAE.
6. Medical application — applicants aged 18 and over only.
7. Medical screening — in person.
8. Fitness report issued.
9. Golden Visa issued.
10. Emirates ID application.
11. Emirates ID biometrics — in person, only if required.
12. Emirates ID delivered — your 10-year card.

🚶 Only two in-person visits

• Medical screening at an approved medical centre — one visit, adults 18+ only; children don't need it.
• Emirates ID biometrics — one visit, only for first-time applicants aged 15+; not needed if your biometrics are already on file.

⏱️ How long it takes

The timeline is confirmed after we review your documents. Timelines are estimates, not guarantees.

💰 Fixed deposit Golden Visa cost

The deposit is your money, not a fee. The government fees for the visa itself are:

⚖️ Fixed deposit vs property route

👨‍👩‍👧 Adding your family

Your spouse, children and parents can get the same 10-year residency under you. See Golden Visa for family dependents.

📝 Quick recap

• Rules as of October 2026: AED 2 million (or USD equivalent) blocked in a UAE bank for 2 years.
• Residents and non-residents; we can open the account for non-residents.
• Three documents: hold letter, passport copy, photo.
• Loan up to 90% against the deposit possible — only about AED 200,000 tied up.
• Government fees: AED 4,137; deposit released after 2 years.

Rules last reviewed in October 2026 by Razeeb Abdulla, CEO of FamilyVisa.ae, based on applications we process every week. Approval is always decided by the UAE authorities.

🔗 Related guides

• UAE Golden Visa 2026: routes, requirements and cost
• Golden Visa cost 2026: full fee breakdown
• Golden Visa for property owners
• Golden Visa for company owners
• Golden Visa for managers: salary & cost
• Golden Visa for family dependents
• Golden Visa for special talents

❓ Frequently asked questions

1. Can I get a UAE Golden Visa with a fixed deposit?

Yes. As of October 2026, an AED 2 million cash deposit blocked in a UAE bank for 2 years qualifies you for the 10-year Golden Visa. No property, company or salary is needed.

2. Can non-residents use the fixed deposit route?

Yes. Residents and non-residents can both apply. For non-residents we can open the UAE bank account and place the deposit.

3. Can I deposit in US dollars?

Yes. You can transfer the equivalent of AED 2 million in US dollars; the bank converts it and blocks the deposit.

4. How long is the deposit blocked?

Two years. After the 2-year hold ends, the deposit is released and you can withdraw it.

5. Which documents do I need?

Only three: the bank's hold (block) letter confirming AED 2 million blocked for 2 years, a passport copy and a personal photo.

6. Can I take a loan against the Golden Visa deposit?

Many UAE banks offer a loan of up to 90% against a fixed deposit. Used this way, only about AED 200,000 of your own money stays tied up. Terms and rates are set by each bank.

7. How much does the loan against the deposit cost?

You earn interest on the deposit and pay interest on the loan. For example, with 4% on the deposit and about 5% on a loan secured by it, the net cost is roughly 1% to 1.5% a year. Actual rates vary by bank.

8. Is the AED 2 million a fee?

No. The deposit remains your money. The Golden Visa government fees are separate: AED 4,137 for the main applicant.

9. Is the deposit route cheaper than the property route?

In government fees, yes: AED 4,137 for the main applicant versus AED 9,421 on the property route, which adds a AED 5,284 DLD and admin fee.

10. Can I sponsor my family on a fixed deposit Golden Visa?

Yes. Your spouse, children and parents can get 10-year residency under you, at AED 4,137 per adult and AED 3,864 per child under 18 in government fees.