What is a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years. It is self-sponsored, meaning your residency is not tied to an employer or sponsor. Instead, it is granted based on your personal investment, talent, or achievements.
Golden Visa holders can reside in the UAE long-term and enjoy nearly all the benefits of citizenship. They can travel freely and stay outside the UAE without risking their residency status. In addition, Golden Visa holders may sponsor their close family members for UAE residency visas of the same duration.
Who can apply for a Golden Visa in UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is issued to real estate or bank investors in the UAE, executives, professionals in specific fields, talented and outstanding individuals, top athletes and students, gaming industry representatives, and retirees with income and investments.
Cost of the Golden visa UAE
Golden visa for real estate investment
Golden visa for CEOs and managing directors
Retiree visa
Golden visa for real estate investment of 2 mln AED
Who can apply
Foreign investors who buy or own real estate in the UAE worth at least 2 million AED (545,000 USD). The owner can acquire one or multiple properties, as long as the total value meets the required minimum.
For property owners with a smaller investment (minimum 750,000 AED), a 2-year property investor visa is available.
Requirements
- A Title Deed or a Sale and Purchase Agreement, if the property is off-plan.
- A confirmation letter from the bank of a 50% down payment.
- In case of an off-plan property, the completion rate must be no less than 50%.
Cost of a 10-year UAE Golden visa through buying property
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DLD Golden visa fee | 8,300 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| 10-year Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 10,250 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Golden visa for a bank deposit from 2,000,000 AED
Who can apply
A foreign investor who places personal funds as a deposit in a local bank. The investment amount must be at least 2 million AED or the equivalent in another currency.
Requirements
- The deposit must be placed in an accredited UAE bank, with an average interest rate of approximately 4%.
- The investment must remain in the account for at least two years; otherwise, the visa may be revoked.
- Full ownership of the invested capital (not a loan).
- Proof of medical insurance for themselves and their family.
Cost of a 10-year UAE Golden visa through a bank deposit
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-year visa fee | 2,700 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| 10-year Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 4,650 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Golden visa for executive directors
Who can apply
Top executives, managers and directors with a diploma and a salary of at least 30,000 AED.
Requirements
- 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 mainland 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.
Cost of a 10-year UAE Golden visa for executives and managers
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-year visa fee | 2,700 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| 10-year Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 4,650 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Golden visa for retirees
Who can apply
A 5-year UAE residency is available to foreign nationals aged 55 and above, as well as those who have worked in the UAE for at least 15 years.
Requirements
- The applicant must own real estate in the UAE worth at least AED 1 million, or
- Hold a bank deposit in a local bank of at least AED 1 million, or
- Be paid an official pension or salary of at least AED 15,000 in Dubai and AED 20,000 in other emirates.
- Medical insurance is mandatory.
- The visa may be revoked if financial conditions are not maintained.
Cost of a 5-year UAE visa for retirees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5-year visa fee | 7,000 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 8,950 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Golden visa for outstanding specialized talents
Who can apply
Talented professionals in science, culture, arts, sports, engineering, and other fields can obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa. High-achieving students are also eligible. Recently, the UAE government introduced a 10-year residency option for game developers.
Requirements
The list of required documents, application process, timeline, and costs vary for each applicant. The visa is issued on a case-by-case basis upon individual request.
- 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 must provide a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy, stating that their patent adds value to the country's economy.
Creative individuals in culture and art should obtain an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.
Athletes need a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.
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.
- 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.
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 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.
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
How to apply for Golden Visa UAE?
Select the desired visa category, such as investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, and check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
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.
Go to an Amer office, a designated government service center, with your prepared documents to initiate the application process.
Submit the applicable fees associated with the Golden Visa application.
Wait for the approval, with UAE golden visa processing time can take anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, depending on your chosen category and other factors.
If you have an existing residence visa, follow the procedures to cancel it before proceeding with the Golden Visa application.
Provide necessary details and submit your Golden Visa application, including passport information and additional required information.
To obtain the visa, you must undergo an HIV blood test, a chest X-ray, and provide fingerprint scans.
Once approved, the Golden Visa will be sent electronically, granting you the desired residency status. The Golden Visa stamp no longer exists.
Benefits of UAE Golden Visa
- Long-term residency (5 or 10 years, renewable)
- Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days without cancellation
- No need for a local sponsor or employer
- Exemption from taxation on personal income, capital gains, property, gifts, and inheritance.
- Eligibility to easily open accounts in local banks in different currencies, including AED, dollars, and euros.
- Ability to get a local driver’s license by either passing an exam or exchanging licenses received in other countries.
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems, from clinics and hospitals to schools and universities.
- Sponsorship of family members for long-term visas. UAE Golden Visa cost for dependents is usually lower.
- 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.
Limitations of the Golden Visa UAE to be considered
- High entry threshold: Property value, investment amount, or salary must meet specific criteria
- Visa may be cancelled if property is sold below threshold or investment criteria change
- Medical insurance is required
- Requires annual or biannual renewals of supporting documents (e.g., property valuation, income proof)
2-year Property Investor Visa vs. 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE
| Feature | Investor visa | Golden visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | 750,000 AED | 2,000,000 AED |
| Eligible properties | Completed real estate only | Completed or off-plan real estate (≥50% complete) |
| Multiple properties | Not applicable | Up to 3 properties, with a total value ≥ 2 million AED |
| Mortgage requirements | Allowed, with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the lender | Allowed, but loan amount must be ≥ AED 2 million |
| Ownership requirements | Individual or joint ownership (spouses only, equal shares preferred) | Individual or joint ownership (not restricted to spouses). |
| Visa duration | 2 years | 10 years |
| Renewal option | Yes | Yes |
| Visa fees | approx. 11,000 AED | approx. 10,000 AED |
| Revocation policy | Visa is cancelled once the property is sold | Visa is cancelled once the property is sold |
Practical steps after obtaining a UAE residency visa
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.
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.
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.
Checklist for maintaining UAE Golden Visa residency
- No 180-day rule. Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their residency status.
- Maintain property value. Ensure your real estate remains valued at AED 2 million or more to keep your 10-year visa valid.
- Do not sell your property. Selling your qualifying property will lead to visa cancellation. To retain your visa, you must acquire another property worth at least AED 2 million.
- Bank deposit in place. Keep your minimum fixed deposit (e.g., AED 2 million) in a UAE bank for at least 2 years.
- Active executive role. Maintain your active employment or executive role with a valid UAE company.
- Stay compliant. Submit updated proof of income and renew your health insurance on time to avoid issues with your residency status.
- Seek expert support. Consult with a business setup advisor or legal expert to explore alternative investment options or solutions for maintaining your Golden Visa.
How Emirabiz can help you
- We help you get the Golden Visa
No confusion, no delays — we take care of everything from eligibility check to final approval.
- We take the paperwork off your hands and save your time
You don’t need to deal with applications, documents, or government portals — we handle it all.
- We’re always by your side — phone, email, messengers
Your personal manager stays connected and ready to assist at every step.
- We know the Golden Visa process inside out
With over 12 years of experience in the UAE market, we guide you through the process confidently and clearly.
Aidina K.
Apply for your UAE Golden Visa now!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa provides long-term residency for qualified individuals, including investors, skilled workers, and talented professionals in various fields. This visa is part of the UAE's initiative to attract skilled talent and investment into the country.
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.
Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa is based on various categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, outstanding students, and specific sectors like science, arts, and sports. The requirements vary by category.
The approval time for a UAE Golden Visa can vary depending on the specific case. On average, the process takes between 1 to 3 months after submitting the required documents.
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