Golden Visa UAE Guide 2025

In 2019, the UAE government introduced the Golden Visa, granting an opportunity for certain categories of expatriates to apply for long-term residence visas and become self-sponsored individuals. They may also sponsor their close family members for UAE residency visas of the same duration.

In October 2022, the terms for acquiring the Golden Visa UAE through investment were altered. With the new regulation introduced by the UAE authorities, the required investment sum was lowered, and investors were granted an opportunity to purchase off-plan real estate or take mortgages. The limitations on the length of stay in other countries were also removed, making this visa type even more convenient.

The conditions and requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa continue to expand and are constantly changing. New categories of individuals eligible for long-term residency in the UAE are being added. To find out if you qualify for a Golden Visa, consult with our experts.

Advantages of UAE residency visa

• Ability to relocate to the UAE or visit the country without any restrictions
• Tax benefits for UAE residents include exemption from taxation on personal income, capital gains, property, gifts, and inheritance.
• The UAE visa allows opening accounts in local banks in different currencies, including AED, dollars, and euros.
• UAE residents can acquire a local driver’s license by either passing an exam or exchanging their license received in other countries.
• Owners of a UAE visa have access to the country’s healthcare and education systems, from clinics and hospitals to schools and universities.
• UAE residents are able to sponsor their family members for long-term visas and their parents for 1-year ones.
• Having a UAE residency provides access to Dubai’s discount program, Esaad, allowing for exclusive discounts and bonuses in numerous local and foreign establishments.
• A resident of the UAE can apply for the UAE citizenship based on outstanding results or achievements, big investments in the UAE economy or after a 30-year period of living in the UAE through the naturalization program.

2-year investor visa vs. 10-year Golden visa in the UAE

Who can apply for Golden visa in UAE

Qualifying for the golden visa requires falling into one of the following eligible categories:

• Business owners
• CEOs or Managing directors
• Highly educated individuals (PhD holders)
• Professionals like doctors, engineers, athletes
• Students
• Investors, including property investors
• Digital content creators and game developers

Application for the Golden visa involves collection and submission of a range of documents depending on your category.

Golden visa UAE requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE vary based on the type of residence, whether it's for investors, talent, entrepreneurs, and others. Here are the specific criteria for each category:

Investors in Public Sector

Investors who put their money in an investment fund can be granted a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet one of the following conditions:

• Submit a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming a deposit of AED two million.
• Submit a valid commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association stating a capital investment of at least AED two million. Note that the license should be issued by the Emirate of Dubai. If it is issued by a free zone or a special development zone, a To Whom It May Concern Certificate is required from the relevant free zone.
• Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating an annual payment to the government of not less than AED 250,000.

Additional requirements for investors include:

• Full ownership of the invested capital (not a loan).
• Proof of medical insurance for themselves and their family.

Real Estate Investors

Individuals who own one or more properties can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions and without a sponsor if they meet the following requirements:

• Submit a letter from the land department of the respective emirate confirming ownership of properties valued at a minimum of AED 2 million (545,000 USD).
• Starting from 2024, a real estate investor is eligible to take a mortgage from specific local banks approved by the relevant local entity, regardless of the down payment amount. Previously, there was a requirement to pay 50% of the minimum property value (1 million AED) to qualify for the Golden Visa. This condition has now been eliminated, making the Golden Visa more accessible for property investors.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who have an economic project of a technical or innovative nature can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Possess an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE confirming the project's value is not less than 500,000 dirhams.
• Obtain approval from the authorities in the respective emirate confirming the project's technical or innovative nature.
• Receive accreditation from an approved business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.

Outstanding Specialized Talents

The category of outstanding specialized talents includes professionals such as doctors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, executives, scientific specialists, athletes, doctoral degree holders, and specialists in engineering and science.

For each subcategory, the specific requirements are as follows:

Doctors and Scientists

• Doctors require an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice medicine.
• Doctors should provide proof of a basic salary of no less than 30,000 AED for the same profession. It can be a salary certificate if it is a free zone, or a labor contract from a LLC Company on the mainland.
• Scientists need a recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, confirming the award of the Medal of Scientific Excellence.

Inventors

Inventors must provide a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy, stating that their patent adds value to the country's economy.

Creative People in Culture and Art

Creative individuals in culture and art should obtain an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.

Executive Directors

Executive directors must submit:

• A copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum educational attainment of a bachelor's degree.
• A letter of experience holding the same position for at least 5 years is required.
• A salary certificate indicating a minimum salary of AED 30,000, or a labor contract for the same amount in case of a LLC Company.
• A valid work contract.
• A letter of no objection from the company he works for.
• The profession has to be one of the following: Manager - Executive Director - President of the Board of Directors.

Athletes

Athletes need a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.

Specialists in Engineering and Science

Specialists must provide a copy of a Bachelor's or Master's degree certified by the Ministry of Education, along with a work contract.

• The basic salary has to be no less than 30,000 dirhams as proved by the salary certificate (free zone) or the labor contract (LLC Company).
• A letter of no objection from the company he works for is required.

Outstanding Students

High School Students

• High school students who achieve national-level excellence (minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school) can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor.
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) is required.
• The duration of the Golden Visa for students is 5 years and can be extended if enrolled in majors or colleges requiring a study period exceeding five years.

University Students

Outstanding university students can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet the following conditions:

• The university must be rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education.
• Submit a recommendation letter from the university, an accredited graduation certificate, or an accredited academic record stating a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities.
• It must not exceed two years since graduation.

Outstanding Students of Foreign Universities

Outstanding students who graduated from foreign universities can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet the following criteria:

• The university must be among the top 100 globally according to a rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5.
• It must not exceed two years since graduation.
• The graduation certificate must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Game Developers and Gamers

The Dubai government has launched the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 to attract professional and talented gamers, as well as game developers and digital product creators. Entrepreneurs and startups in the gaming industry are provided with everything they need to grow: state-of-the-art infrastructure, networking and collaboration opportunities, educational programs, and specialized events.

Participants in the program can apply for a long-term 10-year Golden Visa.

Requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in the gaming industry:

• Age of 25 or older
• Documents proving qualifications and experience in the gaming industry
• A detailed business plan and proof of share capital in the case of starting a company

Free zones in Dubai where gaming companies can be registered and qualify for the Golden Visa:

• DMCC
• Dubai Internet City
• Meydan
• Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Center

Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

Pioneers of humanitarian work are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa if they fall into one of the following categories:

• Members and outstanding employees who have worked for international and regional organizations for a minimum of five years.
• Members and outstanding employees who have worked for civil associations and public interest institutions for a minimum of five years.
• Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization focusing on humanitarian work.
• Funders of humanitarian work, provided the support value is not less than two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.

Frontline Heroes

• Frontline heroes who have demonstrated exceptional efforts during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can be eligible for the Golden Visa with a recommendation from a competent authority.
• Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved cadres by the Frontline Heroes Office.

How to apply for Golden visa UAE

Application for the golden visa is done through Amer, a semi-government typing center.

Step-by-step Golden Visa UAE application process:

1. Choose your category: Select the desired visa category, such as investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, humanitarian pioneers, or frontline heroes.
2. Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents specified by the UAE government for your chosen category, including investment or property-related documents, recommendation letters, academic records, or proof of achievements.
3. Visit an Amer office: Go to an Amer office, a designated government service center, with your prepared documents to initiate the application process.
4. Pay fees: Submit the applicable fees associated with the Golden Visa application.
5. Await approval: Wait for the approval process, which can take anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, depending on your chosen category and other factors.
6. Cancel current visa: If you have an existing residence visa, follow the procedures to cancel it before proceeding with the Golden Visa application.
7. Submit application: Provide necessary details and submit your Golden Visa application, including passport information and additional required information.
8. Receive Golden Visa: Once approved, the Golden Visa will be sent electronically, granting you the desired residency status.

Cost of the Golden visa UAE

The cost of a new 10-year Golden Visa in 2025 for investors (from DLD, Dubai Land Department) is 10,400 AED, including fees for approval, a medical check and Emirates ID.

Golden Visa for managers and professionals will have the following breakdown:

• approval fee - 2,710 AED
• medical check - 750 AED
• Emirates ID - 1,185 AED

Also, consider the cost of UAE health insurance, with minimum basic coverage costing about 1,000+  AED.

When you get your Golden Visa approved, you will have to cancel your current visa. The cancellation fee is 500 AED on average depending on the authority.

Practical steps after obtaining a UAE residency visa

After successfully obtaining your UAE residency visa, it’s important to take additional steps to settle comfortably and make the most of your new status. Below are practical recommendations to help you navigate this process:

1. Opening a bank account

As a UAE resident, you’ll need a local bank account for managing finances. The following banks are well-regarded for offering services to expatriates:

• Emirates NBD: Known for its excellent digital banking services.
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB): Offers tailored products for residents and non-residents.
• Mashreq Bank: Convenient for online banking and investment options.

Tip: Ensure you have your Emirates ID, proof of residency, and a valid passport to open an account.

2. Obtaining health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. Some popular insurance providers include:

• Daman: Offers extensive coverage options for individuals and families.
• Oman Insurance: Known for affordable plans with wide hospital networks.
• AXA Gulf: Provides premium packages with international coverage.

Tip: Compare different plans to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

3. Adapting for your family

For those relocating with families, the UAE offers numerous options for schools, childcare, and cultural integration:

• Schools: Research international or local schools based on curriculum preferences (e.g., British, American, or IB).
• Childcare: Many nurseries and daycare centers cater to expatriate families.
• Cultural adaptation: The UAE is a melting pot of cultures. Understanding local customs and laws will help your family integrate smoothly.

Remember this to maintain your residency

1. Resident obligations

To maintain your residency status, it’s important to adhere to specific requirements:

• Visitation requirement: You must visit the UAE at least once every 6 months to keep your visa valid (once every year for Golden visas).
• Compliance with property ownership: Ensure that your property continues to meet the minimum value threshold (e.g., AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa or AED 2 million for a 10-year visa) within the required amount of time.

2. Risks of visa revocation

Your residency visa can be revoked under certain circumstances, including:

• Selling property: If you sell your property, a 2-year residency visa will be cancelled. For 10-year Golden visas, you have to possess property for at least 2 years to be able to sell it. To renew your Golden visa, you need to acquire other pieces of property valued at 2 million AED or more.  
• Failure to meet criteria: For example, not providing updated proof of income or missing mandatory health insurance renewals.

What to Do:

• Consider alternative investments to maintain the required residency criteria.
• Work with a business setup consultant or legal expert to explore options for retaining your status.

How Emirabiz can help you

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FAQ

What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for different applicant categories?

The UAE Golden Visa offers tailored advantages based on your eligibility:

• Investors: Long-term residency, freedom to manage investments without constant renewals, and property-linked benefits.
• Entrepreneurs: Opportunity to expand businesses with access to UAE markets and government initiatives.
• High-Profile Professionals: Enhanced career prospects, tax-free income, and opportunities in high-demand industries.
• Students and Innovators: Long-term stability to focus on academic or professional growth.
• Humanitarians and Frontline Heroes: Recognition of contributions and guaranteed residency for their families.

How long does it take to process the UAE Golden Visa for different categories?

Approval timelines vary by category:

• Investors: Typically 2–4 weeks, including property registration and documentation review.
• Entrepreneurs: 3–6 weeks, as business-related documents undergo more extensive evaluation.
• Professionals and talents: 1–3 weeks, depending on the documentation submitted for skill verification.
• Students and innovators: 1–2 weeks if supported by academic or innovation-related endorsements.

Note: Post-approval procedures (medical exams, Emirates ID, and visa stamping) add an additional 3–7 days.

Can I combine multiple properties to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa?

Yes, you can combine up to three properties to meet the investment threshold, provided:

• The total value exceeds AED 2 million ($550,000) for the 10-year visa or AED 750,000 ($205,000) for the 2-year visa.
• All properties are in Freehold Zones.
• You hold individual Title Deeds for each property.

What happens if the property is purchased with a mortgage?

• 10-Year Visa: At least AED 2 million of the property value must be funded by personal means, even if part of it is mortgaged.
• 2-Year Visa: A minimum 50% down payment is required. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank and a statement of loan details are mandatory.
• If the property is sold, the visa may be revoked unless the minimum investment threshold is maintained.

What are the family sponsorship benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa allows you to sponsor your:

• Spouse: Residency valid for the same duration as the primary visa.
• Children: No age limit for unmarried daughters; sons must be under 25.
• Domestic staff: Sponsorship permitted for up to five household employees.

What are the ongoing obligations of UAE Golden Visa holders?

• Residency maintenance: Visa holders must visit the UAE at least once every 6 months to keep the visa valid.
• Property ownership: The visa is tied to property ownership. Selling the property or failing to meet the investment threshold will result in visa cancellation.
• Income proof: A permanent source of income must be demonstrated to maintain visa validity.

Can the UAE Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency but does not directly grant citizenship. However, under specific circumstances, individuals who contribute significantly to the UAE, such as exceptional investors, professionals, or talents, may be considered for citizenship through a separate nomination process. This pathway is highly selective and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.