JANUARY 27, 2026 — Filipinos with serious money to move are being courted by Dubai, which has just launched its coveted “golden visa” program in the Philippines. The deal? A 10-year residency in the UAE for investors who put at least 2 million dirhams — around ₱32 million — into Dubai property. No minimum stay, no strings attached, just a decade-long residency card that can be processed in as little as two weeks.

Golden Visa Centrale, in partnership with real estate firm Arish Capital Partners, is rolling out the program with a pitch that’s hard to ignore: luxury properties in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s iconic 600-hectare artificial island. 

Imagine this — one villa worth 40 million dirhams (₱641 million), sliced among at least 20 investors, each putting in the minimum 2 million dirhams. Every investor gets a title deed, a golden visa, and a share of the returns.

Founder and president Vicky Luis explains: “The Dubai Golden Visa offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing investors to structure their residency around specific objectives, whether that’s asset diversification, supporting cross-border businesses, long-term wealth planning, or family relocation.” 

So it’s not just about living in Dubai — it’s about playing in the global big leagues.

The numbers being dangled are eye-catching: projected capital appreciation of 900,000 dirhams plus forecast rental income of 940,000 dirhams per investor over the 10-year period. And at the end of the term, the property gets bought back. No hassle, no headaches — Golden Visa Centrale and Arish Capital Partners handle leasing and management throughout.

Why is this such a big deal? For one, Dubai doesn’t tax capital gains, income, or inheritance. Even businesses earning above $800,000 only face a 9-percent corporate tax. For wealthy Filipinos, that’s a tempting escape from the tax-heavy realities back home.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t citizenship. After 10 years, investors must reinvest to renew their residency. It’s a revolving door designed to keep the money flowing into Dubai’s booming real estate market. Still, with more than 309,000 golden visa applications issued globally as of mid-2025, the program is clearly gaining traction.

The timing couldn’t be more strategic. Just weeks ago, the Philippines signed its first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country — the UAE. That deal is expected to boost trade and business ties, and now Dubai is opening its doors wider to Filipino investors.

Will the country’s wealthiest chase global opportunities in Dubai, or will they choose to plant their fortunes here at home? And will Dubai’s golden visa be the ultimate status symbol for wealthy Filipinos chasing global prestige?

(Image: Yahoo)