What is a Golden Visa in the UAE?
UAE Golden Visa is a long-term, self-sponsored residence visa available for 5 or 10 years. Expatriates who meet the eligibility criteria can reside in the UAE long-term without the need to renew their residency every six months, unlike regular 2-year UAE residence visas.They may also 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
Property investor visa for real estate
Retiree visa
Golden visa for real estate investment of 2 mln AED
Who can apply
Foreign investors can obtain a long-term UAE residence visa for 10 years by purchasing or owning real estate worth at least AED 2 million. The owner can acquire one or multiple properties, as long as the total value meets the required minimum.
Requirements
- 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.
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 can obtain a 10-year UAE residence visa by placing personal funds as a deposit in a local bank. The investment amount must be at least AED 2 million 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.
- Proof of an annual tax payment of at least AED 250,000 to the UAE government is required.
- 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
A long-term UAE residence visa for 10 years is available for top executives and company directors who meet the required criteria.
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.
Property investor visa
Who can apply
A UAE residence visa based on real estate investment is available to foreign nationals purchasing or holding a residential property worth at least AED 750,000.
Requirements
- The property can be either ready or under construction. If purchasing an off-plan property, a payment installment plan from the developer may be available.
- Mortgage financing is only possible for ready properties. To apply for the visa, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank is required.
- The property must be registered under individual ownership or jointly owned by spouses with equal shares.
- The visa is issued for 2 years with the option for renewal.
- The property cannot be sold; otherwise, the owner must cancel the visa.
- If ownership changes, the visa must be revoked.
Cost of a 2-year UAE visa through buying property
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Property investor visa fee | 9,800 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 400 AED |
| Police clearance certificate | 220 AED |
| Total | 11,170 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
- 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. UAE Golden Visa cost for dependents is usually lower.
- 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
| Feature | 2-year investor visa | 10-year Golden visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | AED 750,000 (approx. $205,000) | AED 2,000,000 (approx. $550,000) |
| Eligible properties | Completed real estate only | Completed or under-construction real estate (≥50% complete) |
| Multiple properties | Not applicable | Up to 3 properties, with a total value ≥ AED 2 million |
| 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). The value of each party should be ≥ AED 2 million |
| Visa duration | 2 years | 10 years |
| Renewal option | Yes | Yes |
| Income proof requirement | Not required | Investment documents |
| Government fees | AED 2,707 for visa issuance + AED 1,153 for Emirates ID per person | AED 2,707 for visa issuance + AED 1,153 for Emirates ID per person |
| Health insurance (per person) | AED 1,000+ | AED 1,000+ |
| Medical examination (per person) | AED 700+ | AED 700+ |
| Revocation policy | Visa is cancelled once the property is sold | The property can be sold after 2 years of ownership. To renew the Golden visa the owner needs to have other properties valued at ≥ AED 2 million |
| Additional benefits | Short-term flexibility | Long-term stability, broader property options, family benefits |
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 Golden Visa 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 Golden Visa requirements:
- Visitation requirement: You must visit the UAE at least once every 6 months to keep your visa valid (only for 2-year investor visas). Golden Visa holders are not required to follow this rule.
- 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
- Taking your hassles away: We focus on your requests and provide solutions to solve your problems.
- Saving your time: We offer solutions based on a thorough review of your requirements.
- Dedicated personal manager: Get support through email, phone, or messaging platforms from a dedicated manager.
- Expertise in the UAE market: Benefit from our extensive knowledge and clear answers to your questions.
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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