Superyacht Owners Now Eligible for Dubai’s 10-Year Golden Visa—Here’s What It Means

The move aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision to establish itself as a premier yachting destination, encouraging investment in marine tourism, infrastructure, and luxury yacht services. This development follows Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay Program, unveiled in late 2024, offering similar benefits to yacht owners and maritime professionals.

Dubai’s Golden Visa for Superyacht Owners is open to:

• Yacht Owners – Individuals who own private yachts of 40 meters or longer.
• Maritime Industry Executives – CEOs, major shareholders, and central yacht agents.
• Yacht Service Providers – Professionals in yacht maintenance, insurance, and brokerage.
• Family Members – The visa extends to immediate family, offering stability for dependents.

Unlike traditional UAE residency visas, Golden Visa holders can remain outside the country for extended periods without losing their residency status.

Dubai has been rapidly expanding its marina infrastructure, with projects like Dubai Harbour, Mina Rashid Marina, and Jumeirah Bay Island, catering to superyachts. By offering long-term residency, the government aims to:

• Attract Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) – Encouraging more yacht owners to register and base their vessels in Dubai.
• Boost the Marine Economy – Stimulating growth in yacht services, luxury tourism, and high-end waterfront developments.
• Enhance Dubai’s Global Yachting Hub Status – Competing with Monaco, the French Riviera, and Miami as a year-round luxury yachting destination.

While Dubai focuses on global yacht owners and industry figures, Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay Program is designed to integrate the superyacht sector into its expanding luxury tourism industry.

• Dubai's Superyacht Golden Visa – Targets yacht owners, service providers, and maritime executives.
• Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay – Provides preferential berthing rates, marina investment incentives, and luxury tourism perks.

• 10-Year Residency with Renewability – Long-term security without the need for a local sponsor.
• Tax-Free Advantages – Dubai offers zero personal income tax, making it an attractive yachting base.
• World-Class Marinas & Infrastructure – Access to Dubai’s premier berthing facilities and luxury waterfront developments.
• Investment & Business Opportunities – Easy integration into Dubai’s thriving real estate, tourism, and maritime sectors.

As the UAE continues to invest in luxury yachting infrastructure, these visa programs are expected to attract more international yacht owners and maritime professionals, further solidifying the country’s position as a global superyacht hub.

With the Superyacht Golden Visa and Golden Quay Program, the UAE is taking a bold step in redefining luxury residency, blending exclusive lifestyle benefits with business and investment opportunities.

As Dubai and Abu Dhabi race to position themselves as the new Monaco of the Middle East, these initiatives could reshape the global superyacht market, making the UAE a preferred homeport for the world’s largest yachts.

Expect to see more of the world’s most spectacular superyachts calling the UAE their home in the coming years.

If you're considering taking advantage of Dubai's new 10-year Golden Visa for superyacht owners, now is the perfect time to use YachtBuyer's MarketWatch tool and explore all new and used superyachts for sale globally.