The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency for expats and international investors, granting the ability to live, work, and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor.
It is especially valuable for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking stability and business opportunities in the region.
This article answers:
- How much does the Golden Visa cost in UAE?
- Who qualifies for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
- What documents are required for a Golden Visa to the UAE?
- Can a UAE Golden Visa holder sponsor someone?
- What are the advantages of a golden visa in the UAE?
- What are the cons of Golden Visa in the UAE?
Key Takeaways:
- The Golden Visa provides 5- or 10-year residency, renewable indefinitely.
- Eligibility spans investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, scientists, and outstanding students.
- Average investment thresholds start at AED 2 million for property-based applicants.
- Holders gain long-term residency, family sponsorship, and flexible UAE entry rules.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What is a golden visa in the UAE?
A Golden Visa in the UAE is a long-term residency permit that grants foreign nationals the ability to live, work, study, and invest in the country without needing a local sponsor.
It typically offers 5 or 10 years of residency and renews automatically as long as the applicant continues meeting the eligibility criteria.
The program is designed to attract entrepreneurs, investors, real-estate buyers, exceptional professionals, scientists, and outstanding students.
The Golden Visa differs from standard UAE residency because it provides greater autonomy, fewer renewal requirements, and broader sponsorship privileges for family members.
How long does UAE Golden Visa approval take?
Approval typically takes one to four weeks.
Investor and professional applications are usually processed fastest, while exceptional talent applications may take longer due to extra screening and endorsements
What happens after 10 years of golden visa in UAE?
After 10 years of holding the UAE Golden Visa, residents can renew it for another 10 years as long as they still meet the category requirements.
There is no limit on the number of renewals, so expats can maintain long-term residency indefinitely.
Golden Visa holders may also maintain their businesses, property investments, and employment without disruptions.
Family members included in the visa can also remain eligible for renewal.
Who is eligible for Golden Visa in UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is available to investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, scientists, outstanding students, and exceptional talents.
- Investors who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million or meet specific investment rules.
- Entrepreneurs with approved business concepts or high-growth ventures.
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, specialists, academics, and skilled workers earning above required thresholds.
- Scientists and researchers accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council.
- Outstanding students, high academic achievers, and graduates from top international universities.
- Exceptional talents in arts, culture, technology, sports, and digital sectors.
All applicants must pass background and security checks.
How much money is required for a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa typically requires a minimum investment of around AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000), either in property or an accredited UAE investment fund.
- Property investment: Minimum AED 2 million (around USD 545,000).
- Investment fund/financial deposit: Minimum AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited fund or bank deposit.
- Additional fees: Application, medical tests, and Emirates ID usually range from AED 2,800 to AED 4,000.
Business- and talent-based applicants may not need to invest money but must meet strict qualification standards.
What documents are needed for a Golden Visa in UAE?
UAE Golden Visa applicants must submit key documents such as a valid passport and medical fitness certificate. Other requirements include:
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness test results
- Emirates ID and existing visa (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate (if required)
- Proof of qualifications, income, or investment
Additional documents per category:
Investors:
- Letter from an accredited UAE investment fund confirming a deposit of AED 2 million, or
- Valid commercial/industrial license and memorandum of association showing at least AED 2 million capital, or
- Letter from Federal Tax Authority proving annual tax payments of AED 250,000 or more
- Proof of ownership of the invested capital (not a loan)
- Proof of medical insurance for self and family
Real Estate Investors:
- Letter from the land department confirming property ownership of at least AED 2 million
- Property purchase documents or approved bank loan agreements
Entrepreneurs:
- Auditor letter confirming project value ≥ AED 500,000
- Approval letter from relevant emirate authorities confirming technical/innovative nature of the project
- Endorsement from an accredited business incubator in UAE
Outstanding Specialized Talents:
- Doctors/Scientists: Ministry of Health approval (doctors) or recommendation from Emirates Council of Scientists / Mohammed bin Rashid Medal Secretariat (scientists)
- Inventors: Ministry of Economy recommendation confirming patent adds economic value
- Artists & Cultural Creatives: Approval letters from respective emirate culture departments
- Executive Directors: Accredited university degree, ≥5 years experience, salary certificate ≥ AED 50,000, valid work contract
- Athletes: Recommendation from General Sports Authority or relevant sports council
- Engineering & Science Specialists: Degree certificate and valid work contract
Outstanding Students:
- High school toppers: Ministry of Education recommendation, ≥95% grades
- University students (domestic/foreign): Recommendation letter or accredited transcript, GPA ≥3.5–3.8, graduation within 2 years, university in top rankings
Humanitarian Pioneers:
- Minimum 5 years of work in recognized international/regional or civil organizations, or
- Appreciation award recipients or funders contributing ≥ AED 2 million
Frontline Heroes:
- Recommendation from competent authority for extraordinary efforts during crises (e.g., nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists)
How can I get a Golden Visa in the UAE?
You can obtain a UAE Golden Visa by first choosing your visa category, then preparing the necessary documents.
1. Choose your visa category. Decide whether you are applying as an investor, entrepreneur, professional, outstanding student, or exceptional talent.
2. Prepare the required documents. Gather all core documents such as passport, photos, medical fitness certificate, Emirates ID, proof of investment or qualifications, and category-specific endorsements.
3. Submit your application online. Use the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal. Real estate investors often apply through approved developers, while professionals and talents may apply via employers or accredited bodies.
4. Pay the application and processing fees. Fees vary depending on category and services required.
5. Undergo medical screening. Complete the mandatory health check as per UAE requirements.
6. Provide biometrics. Fingerprints and other biometric data are submitted to verify identity.
7. Obtain necessary endorsements. Exceptional talents, entrepreneurs, and some investors must secure recommendation or approval letters from relevant UAE authorities (e.g., Ministry of Economy, Emirates Scientists Council).
8. Wait for approval. Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on the category and completeness of documentation.
9. Receive your Golden Visa. Once approved, the visa is issued and linked to your Emirates ID for residency.
What are the benefits of a UAE Golden Visa?
Benefits of a UAE Golden Visa include long-term residency, the ability to live and work anywhere in the UAE, and freedom from needing a local sponsor.
Golden Visa holders enjoy significant advantages, which is why it is popular with expats and high-net-worth individuals.
Holders may also stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency, which is valuable for globally mobile individuals.
Other benefits include the option to sponsor children of any age, simplified business setup, improved bank account access, and uninterrupted residency even if the primary applicant passes away.
What are the disadvantages of Golden Visa in UAE?
The main disadvantages of a UAE Golden Visa include high financial requirements for property-based applicants and ongoing costs such as insurance, property fees, and renewal charges.
The Golden Visa does not lead to UAE citizenship, and holders must comply with residency rules and maintain qualifying status.
How long can I stay out of the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE indefinitely without losing residency.
This is a major advantage compared to standard UAE residency visas, which typically require re-entry within 180 days.
Is the UAE golden visa prestigious?
The UAE Golden Visa is widely considered prestigious due to its exclusivity, rigorous screening standards, and strong association with high-achieving individuals.
Many globally recognized entrepreneurs, celebrities, athletes, and investors have obtained it, which adds to the program’s perceived status.
Prestige also comes from the UAE’s global reputation for safety, economic growth, and high living standards.
For many expats, holding a UAE Golden Visa is viewed as a marker of stability and long-term financial credibility.
Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa represents a strategic opportunity for expats and global investors seeking long-term stability, business freedom, and family security in the UAE.
Beyond residency, it offers flexible entry rules, extended sponsorship privileges, and access to a growing investment ecosystem.
While financial and documentation requirements vary by category, the program rewards high-achieving professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors with unmatched autonomy and continuity.
For those aiming to establish a lasting presence in the UAE, the Golden Visa remains a uniquely valuable gateway.
FAQs
What happens after 10 years of Golden visa in Dubai?
Dubai Golden Visas can be renewed every 10 years as long as the residency conditions and eligibility criteria are still met.
Applicants must submit a renewal application, provide updated documents, and continue to satisfy the requirements of their visa category.
The process is generally streamlined and can be completed without leaving the UAE.
Which is the easiest Golden Visa to get?
In the UAE, the property investment route requiring a minimum AED 2 million, is typically the easiest Golden Visa to obtain due to its clear financial threshold and straightforward documentation.
Globally, other relatively accessible Golden Visas are offered by countries like Portugal and Greece, which have well-defined investment requirements, though costs, residency conditions, and benefits vary by country.
Can a Golden Visa be cancelled?
Yes, for many property-based Golden Visas, selling the property that qualified you may lead to visa cancellation unless you replace it with another eligible investment immediately or switch to a different eligible visa category.
There is no guarantee in all cases, and rules vary by emirate. Most real‑estate Golden Visa guides recommend keeping a compliant investment to avoid revocation or renewal denial.
Who can I sponsor on the Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children regardless of age.
They may also sponsor domestic workers within the allowed categories. Sponsorship privileges remain valid for the full duration of the visa.
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