What is the UAE Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit in the UAE (5 or 10 years) that allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the country without needing a local sponsor.

It is renewable, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Unlike many visas, the Golden Visa does not require you to spend a fixed minimum time inside the UAE each year to keep it valid, meaning you can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing it.

It was introduced in 2019 as part of a strategy to attract high-net-worth individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talent.

Who Can Apply / Eligibility Criteria

There are several categories under which people can apply, each with its own conditions. Key categories and requirements are as follows:

Investor (Real Estate / Business / Funds)

• For real estate: Own property in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million (not mortgaged or under loan).

• For business/capital: Invest in a UAE business or deposit funds (e.g., in accredited funds) with a minimum of AED 2 million.

• The capital invested should not have been acquired through loans.

Entrepreneur / Startup

• Have an existing or proposed project with a minimum capital (e.g., AED 500,000) in a technically or future-oriented field.

• Benefit from approval or incubation support from UAE authorities (e.g., business incubators) per requirements.

Professionals & Specialized Talent

• A valid UAE employment contract.

• The role must match the UAE’s occupational classification for specialists, managers, engineers, scientists, etc.

• A minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 (excluding allowances) is required for many categories.

• Necessary credentials (e.g., bachelor’s degree, professional license) depending on the field.

Cultural, Creative, Scientific, Art, Media Fields

• Recommendation or approval from the relevant Ministry (e.g., Ministry of Culture & Youth) for applicants in creative or cultural fields.

• Demonstrated achievements, works, recognition, or contributions in their field.

Top Students / Graduates

• High-achieving students (e.g., top percentages in high school or GPA thresholds) may be eligible.

• Additional conditions like being from a top university may apply.

Retirees

• Pathways exist for retirees who have adequate financial resources or investments.

Other / Nomination-based

• The UAE has introduced nomination routes for certain nationalities or skilled persons, meaning being selected or nominated by UAE government entities may allow application under more flexible terms.

Other general requirements for all applicants:

• Be at least 18 years old (in many cases).

• Valid passport (with minimum validity requirements).

• Medical fitness / medical test & health insurance coverage.

• Clean criminal record / good conduct certificate.

• Proof of housing in UAE (own or lease) in some cases.

Costs / Fees

The cost of a Golden Visa depends on the category, emirate, additional administrative/medical/ID costs, and whether you are applying from within the UAE or abroad.

Typical & Reported Fee Ranges

• Application fees range between AED 2,800 and AED 4,800 (excluding medical, visa cancellation, etc.).

• Some investors report total application costs of AED 10,400 in Dubai for certain investor categories.

• Dubai Land Department published fees (investor route) include: medical exam ~AED 700, Emirates ID (10 years) ~AED 1,153, residency permit 10 years ~AED 2,856.75, DLD fees ~AED 4,020, administrative fees ~AED 1,155, totaling ~AED 9,884.75 in Dubai.

• For the real estate route, some sources cite a total of AED 10,250 (including DLD fees, medical, ID) for a 10-year visa.

• For the bank deposit route, a figure of AED 4,650 (including medical, ID) is cited.

• The “Golden Visa – Amer (Dubai)” source mentions an application cost of AED 2,711.75 (visa portion) plus Emirates ID ~AED 1,185.5.

• Some sources mention the 2023 cost was revised to AED 1,250 for the permit (may refer to basic permit costs or emirate-specific rules).

Key Notes and Caveats on Costs

• Quoted visa/permit fees often exclude medical examinations, current visa cancellation fees, typing or service center fees, or insurance.

• Processing and government fees vary by emirate and route (investor, professional, creative).

• Investment amounts (e.g., AED 2 million in property or capital) are capital commitments, not fees.

• Always confirm the latest fees on official portals (ICP, emirate immigration/visa authority, Department of Lands), as rates can change.

Application Procedure / Steps

General process (may differ slightly by emirate and category):

1. Check eligibility & prepare documents – Collect all required documents based on your category (passport, proof of investment, contracts, credentials, etc.).

2. Submit application via appropriate authority – Through ICP Smart Services (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship & Port Security), or via the relevant emirate visa/immigration department.

3. Pay fees – Pay visa/permit fee, Emirates ID fee, medical tests, etc.

4. Medical test & health insurance – Undergo required medical fitness tests. Have valid health insurance.

5. Visa/permit processing & approval – Once approved, your current visa (if any) may need to be cancelled, and the Golden Visa will be stamped/issued.

6. Receive Emirates ID & visa stamping – After approval, you’ll get your Emirates ID and visa stamp.

Processing times vary depending on category, completeness of documents, and emirate. Some sources note initial approval in 48 hours (for applicants already in UAE) and full issuance in 3–5 working days (after visa cancellation and medical).

Benefits of Golden Visa

• Long-term residence (5 or 10 years) with renewability.

• Sponsor rights/self-sponsorship: Golden Visa holders can sponsor family (spouse, children, parents, domestic staff) without a local sponsor.

• No need for a local employer sponsor (freedom in employment).

• Flexibility on travel: no strict minimum stay requirements.

• Tax advantages: no personal income tax, no capital gains tax (in many sectors), no inheritance tax in most cases.

• Access to UAE services: healthcare, education, banking, etc.

• Stability: reduces need for employer-based visa renewals, offers long-term security.

Things to Be Careful About / Recent Updates / Clarifications

• Claims about “lifetime Golden Visa for AED 100,000” have been officially denied. There is no flat “lifetime visa” available irrespective of eligibility.

• Program rules (salary thresholds, categories, etc.) are periodically updated; relying on old information can be risky. For example, the AED 30,000 basic salary requirement for professionals is a recent update.

• Always use official government websites (ICP, emirate immigration authority) for the latest requirements and fees.

• Some advertised “consultancy/nomination” routes may be scams or misleading; authorities warn against unauthorized visa services.

• Be clear on what “investment” means: owning property worth AED 2 million may include conditions (no mortgage, full ownership) depending on the emirate.

• The Golden Visa grants residence, not citizenship. UAE citizenship is not automatic, though rare naturalization under exceptional cases is possible.