Updated August 2026. The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme granting 5 or 10-year renewable residence permits to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, outstanding students and humanitarian pioneers. Launched under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2022, the scheme removes the need for an Emirati sponsor and allows holders to live, work and study in the UAE independently. This guide covers every category, cost in AED, step-by-step process and a direct comparison with standard investor visas so you can choose the pathway best suited to your situation.
- 10-year Golden Visa (property route): minimum investment AED 2,000,000 in completed real estate; mortgage accepted if equity ≥ AED 2M.
- Investor/partner route: AED 2,000,000 minimum company share capital or public investment fund deposit.
- Government application fees: AED 2,800–4,000 depending on category; medical, Emirates ID and status-change fees add AED 1,200–2,000.
- Processing time: 2–5 weeks for straightforward cases after biometrics submission.
- Dependants (spouse, children, parents) can be sponsored under one Golden Visa holder with no limit on child age for unmarried daughters.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa (also called the Long-Term Residence Visa) was first introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022. Unlike the standard two-year employment visa or the three-year investor visa, the Golden Visa is issued directly by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and carries self-sponsorship rights. Holders do not need a UAE-based employer or local guarantor. The visa auto-renews as long as eligibility criteria are maintained, and a six-month grace period is granted for renewal after expiry.
Two durations are available: a 5-year visa targeting skilled professionals, graduates and freelancers; and a 10-year visa for major investors, exceptional talents and outstanding students. Both carry the same rights: multiple-entry, long-term residence, ability to sponsor unlimited family members, domestic helpers included, and no requirement to return to the UAE within any fixed period (unlike the standard residence visa which lapses after 6 months outside the country).
Golden Visa Categories and Eligibility
The programme covers eight distinct categories. Understanding which applies to you determines the documentation required and the processing route (ICP, GDRFA Dubai, or individual emirate authority).
1. Real Estate Investor (10-Year)
Purchase completed residential or commercial property in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000. Off-plan properties qualify only once the handover certificate is issued. Jointly-owned properties are accepted provided your individual ownership share reaches AED 2M. Properties financed by a mortgage are eligible if the paid equity portion already equals AED 2M — the bank issues a letter confirming the outstanding balance. Two or more properties can be combined to meet the threshold.
2. Public Investor / Fund Investor (10-Year)
Deposit a minimum of AED 2,000,000 in an investment fund accredited by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) or hold shares in a UAE public joint-stock company of the same value. A letter from the fund manager or the DFM/ADX confirming the investment is the primary supporting document.
3. Entrepreneur / Start-Up (10-Year)
Own or co-own a start-up registered in the UAE with an annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000. Alternatively, your venture must be approved by a business incubator accredited by the Ministry of Economy. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund and Hub71 Abu Dhabi are among the recognised incubators. A letter of recommendation from an accredited incubator certifying the business potential can substitute the revenue requirement for early-stage companies.
4. Outstanding Student (5-Year, renewable to 10-Year)
Secondary school graduates scoring 95% or above in the UAE, or foreign students ranking in the top 5% of their class, qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa. Students who graduate from a UAE university with a GPA of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or are enrolled in one of the world’s top 100 universities as ranked by QS, Times Higher Education or Shanghai Ranking, may qualify for a 10-year visa. University students must apply within two years of graduation.
5. Doctoral Degree Holder (10-Year)
Individuals who hold a PhD degree issued by a UAE university accredited by the Ministry of Education, or by a university ranked in the top 500 globally, are eligible. The degree attestation must be completed by the Ministry of Education and the UAE embassy in the degree-issuing country.
6. Specialist Talent — Science & Engineering (10-Year)
Professionals with proven contribution in engineering, computer science, life sciences, mathematics or medicine qualify if employed at a UAE company with an annual salary of AED 30,000 or more and holding a professional accreditation from a recognised UAE body (e.g., Society of Engineers UAE). Doctors licensed by the DHA or HAAD with 10+ years of specialist experience also qualify under this category.
7. Humanitarian Pioneer (10-Year)
Individuals recognised for their humanitarian work by an official UAE body, or winners of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation awards, qualify in this category. The ICP reviews nominations on a case-by-case basis.
8. Cultural & Creative Talent (5- or 10-Year)
Artists, writers, athletes, and creative professionals recognised by the Ministry of Culture or a dedicated UAE authority such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism qualify. Sports professionals must have represented a national team or hold a record validated by a UAE sports federation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Golden Visa process differs slightly by emirate (Dubai uses the GDRFA Dubai portal while Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates use the ICP Smart Services portal), but the sequence is broadly the same.
- Eligibility check: Confirm your category and gather supporting documents (title deed, salary certificates, degree attested copies, passport copies).
- Entry permit (if outside UAE): Apply for a Golden Visa entry permit through ICP Smart Services or the Federal Authority for Identity. Fee: AED 1,000–1,100. Validity: 6 months, single entry to complete residency stamping.
- Status change (if inside UAE): If on another visa, apply to change your status to Golden Visa without exiting. Fee: AED 1,040. Applicable only within the UAE.
- Medical fitness test: Complete blood test and X-ray at an ICP-approved medical centre (e.g., Aster, Mediclinic, Al Garhoud Private Hospital). Cost: AED 300–500. Results uploaded directly by the clinic to ICP.
- Emirates ID application: Biometrics captured at an ICP typing centre or Amer Centre (Dubai). Fee: AED 370 (10-year ID). Emirates ID is mailed to your registered address within 5–10 working days.
- Residency visa stamping: Your passport is stamped with the Golden Visa sticker at the ICP service centre or the relevant immigration authority. Duration: 5 or 10 years.
- Health insurance: Mandatory health insurance must be purchased before or at the time of residency activation. Dubai law requires employer or self-funded insurance for all residents.
Costs in AED (2026 Schedule)
Government fees vary by category and emirate. The table below shows indicative totals for a primary applicant. Costs for dependants are additional (see Family & Dependent Visa Guide).
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit (if outside UAE) | 1,000–1,100 | ICP or GDRFA | Applicant |
| Status Change (if inside UAE) | 1,040 | In lieu of entry permit | Applicant |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300–500 | Approved clinic | Applicant |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | 370 | ICP | Applicant |
| Residency Visa Stamping | 1,000–1,500 | ICP / GDRFA | Applicant |
| Typing / Service Centre Fee | 150–200 | Third-party typing | Applicant |
| Estimated Total | 2,860–4,710 | Per primary applicant |
Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Supports Golden Visa Better?
For the investor/entrepreneur category, both mainland and free zone companies can serve as the basis for a Golden Visa application. However, there are practical differences. A mainland company registered with the DED (Department of Economic Development) must have a minimum paid-up share capital of AED 2,000,000 in the company memorandum of association to meet the investor threshold. Free zone companies in DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, DMCC or other zones can also qualify, but the investment must be in the form of capital contributed to a fund or venture registered with a recognised UAE authority — shares in a free zone company alone do not automatically qualify unless the free zone authority issues a confirmation letter accepted by ICP.
The property route is straightforward in either mainland or free zone designated zones: the title deed registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Abu Dhabi Municipality or the relevant emirate authority is the primary document and neither mainland nor free zone status applies.
Golden Visa vs Standard Investor Visa: Comparison
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa (Property) | AED 2,860–4,710 + AED 2M property | 2–5 weeks | Title deed ≥ AED 2M equity |
| Golden Visa (Investor) | AED 2,860–4,710 + AED 2M investment | 3–6 weeks | Fund/share confirmation letter |
| Standard Investor Visa (3-year) | AED 8,000–12,000 via DED | 3–4 weeks | Trade licence + AED 72,000 share capital minimum |
| Employment Residence Visa (2-year) | AED 5,000–9,000 (employer bears most) | 2–4 weeks | Employment contract, MOHRE approval |
| Green Visa (5-year) | AED 2,800–4,200 | 2–4 weeks | Freelancer permit or skill qualifications |
Maintaining and Renewing the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa renews automatically provided the qualifying investment or employment is maintained. Property investors must retain ownership throughout the visa term. If a property is sold, the visa remains valid until expiry but cannot be renewed unless a replacement qualifying investment is made. Fund investors must maintain the investment at the required level. The ICP does not currently run automatic compliance checks mid-term, but renewal requires a fresh NOC or investment confirmation letter.
There is no minimum UAE presence requirement — Golden Visa holders can spend more than six months outside the country without their visa lapsing, unlike standard residents. This is a significant advantage for investors who split time between countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Golden Visa while on a tourist visa?
Yes. If you are in the UAE on a visit visa, you can apply for an entry permit and then proceed with the Golden Visa process without exiting. However, overstaying a visit visa attracts fines of AED 200 per day, so apply before your visit visa expires or obtain an extension.
Does my property need to be in my name only?
Not necessarily. A jointly-owned property qualifies if the title deed confirms your ownership share reaches AED 2,000,000. For example, if you and a partner each own 50% of a property worth AED 4,000,000 you each meet the threshold independently.
Can I sponsor my parents under a Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents on a long-term residence visa regardless of the holder’s income level, unlike the standard parent sponsorship which requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000. Parents sponsored under a Golden Visa holder receive a 5-year residence permit.
Are Golden Visa holders exempt from corporate tax?
The Golden Visa is a residency instrument and does not confer tax exemptions by itself. UAE corporate tax (9% on profits above AED 375,000 for mainland businesses effective June 2023) applies to eligible businesses regardless of the visa type held by the owner. Personal income tax does not exist in the UAE.
What happens if I lose my job during a Golden Visa linked to employment?
The Golden Visa under the specialist talent/salary-based category is tied to maintaining the qualifying salary or position. If you lose your job, you have a 6-month grace period to find new employment at the qualifying level before the visa can be cancelled. During this period you remain a legal resident and can seek work freely.