The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa, valid for five or ten years depending on the category, that you hold without an employer or sponsor. The most common routes are owning at least AED 2 million of property or investments, or earning at least AED 30,000 a month as a senior professional with a degree.
Entrepreneurs, scientists, creatives, top students and humanitarian workers have their own routes. Here’s who qualifies, what you’ll pay and how to apply, based on official ICP and GDRFA rules.
Quick facts
- Validity: 5 or 10 years depending on category, renewable
- Sponsor needed: no
- Family: you can sponsor your spouse, children and parents
- Time abroad: exempt from the usual six-month limit outside the UAE
- Main thresholds: AED 2 million (property or investment) or AED 30,000 monthly salary plus a bachelor’s degree
- Who issues it: ICP federally; GDRFA in Dubai
- Dubai processing time: 5 working days for the investor permit, per GDRFA
- Applying from abroad: a six-month multiple-entry visa, renewable once for another six months
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
It’s a residence permit that isn’t tied to a job or a sponsor. Standard residence visas lapse after six months outside the UAE; Golden Visa holders are exempt.
You can also sponsor your family. The ICP guide lists spouses, children and parents, and allows you to sponsor domestic workers under the usual regulations. If the main holder dies, family members can stay in the UAE until their own permits expire.
Who qualifies for the Golden Visa?
These are the main categories set out by ICP. Most also require valid health insurance covering you and your family.
1. Property investors
You need one or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2 million in total, registered in your name. A mortgage is allowed if it comes from an approved local bank, and off-plan units bought from an approved local developer can count too.
In Dubai, GDRFA asks for a property status statement from the Dubai Land Department to certify the value. If you own jointly, your own share must be worth at least AED 2 million, and a hold is placed on the property for as long as the visa runs.
2. Investors in public investments
Any one of these works: a deposit of at least AED 2 million with a UAE bank or investment fund; a company with capital (or your share of it) of at least AED 2 million; or a company paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes. The invested money must be your own, not borrowed.
3. Entrepreneurs
You qualify if you own, or part-own, a UAE small or medium business in an approved field with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million, backed by an accredited incubator or authority. Founders who have previously sold ventures worth a combined AED 7 million or more also qualify.
4. Skilled professionals
You need a valid UAE work permit, at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. Your job must sit in the top two occupational levels set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: level one covers chairpersons and chief executives, level two covers specialists.
5. Scientists, creatives and exceptional talents
This route works on recommendations, not money. Scientists need backing from a body such as the Emirates Scientists Council; artists, athletes, inventors and tech talent qualify through awards, achievements or an official recommendation.
6. Outstanding students
School leavers need at least 95% in Grade 12 from a licensed school. Graduates of a top-100 global university need a GPA of at least 3.5 and must have graduated within the last two years. UAE university graduates need a GPA of 3.5 or 3.8 out of 4, depending on the category, within two years of graduating.
7. Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes
Humanitarian pioneers need a university degree plus either five years with a recognised international, regional or non-profit organisation, or contributions to humanitarian work of at least AED 2 million. Frontline workers are recognised as a separate 10-year category.
How much does the Golden Visa cost?
There’s no single national price, because fees depend on the emirate, the category and where you apply. For Dubai’s investor permit, GDRFA lists these government fees:
- Residence permit fee: AED 1,100
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
- Fee for applying from inside the country: AED 500
- Delivery: AED 20
GDRFA adds AED 100 to the issuance fee for each year of residency beyond two years, so a longer visa costs more. On top of that you’ll pay for the medical fitness test, Emirates ID and any typing-centre service charges.
All-in prices quoted online often include consultancy fees. Check the official portal before you pay.
How do you apply for the Golden Visa?
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Use the eligibility checker on the ICP Golden Residency guide. It tells you which category fits and what evidence you’ll need.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Expect a passport copy plus proof for your category: title deeds or a DLD statement for property, bank certificates for deposits, a trade licence and audited accounts for companies, or your contract and attested degree as a professional.
Step 3: Submit the application
Dubai residents can apply through GDRFA’s online services, logging in with UAE Pass, or at an Amer service centre. Elsewhere, apply through ICP’s smart services. Abu Dhabi residents can also use TAMM.
Step 4: Medical, biometrics and Emirates ID
Once approved, you complete the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics. If you’re outside the UAE, you’ll be issued a six-month multiple-entry visa to come in and finish the process.
Mistakes to avoid
The AED 2 million must be your share, not the full value of a jointly owned property or company. For property and deposits, the asset has to stay in place: GDRFA says the property can’t be disposed of and the deposit can’t be withdrawn while the visa runs.
Validity can also vary by category. ICP and GDRFA list property investors under 10-year residency, while the government’s u.ae summary still shows five years for real estate, so confirm the term you’re offered when you apply.
Read next: GCC Unified Tourist Visa 2026: What’s Confirmed And What Isn’t Yet · Dubai Rent Increase Rules: How the RERA Calculator & 90-Day Notice Work
FAQs
What is the minimum property value for a UAE Golden Visa?
AED 2 million, either in one property or several combined. Mortgaged property counts if the loan is from an approved local bank, and off-plan property from an approved developer can qualify.
What salary do I need for a Golden Visa?
At least AED 30,000 a month, plus a bachelor’s degree and a job in the top two occupational levels set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Can I sponsor my parents on a Golden Visa?
Yes. ICP lists spouses, children and parents as family members you can sponsor.
Do I lose my Golden Visa if I live abroad for more than six months?
No. Golden Visa holders are exempt from the six-month rule that applies to standard residence visas.
How long does a Golden Visa take in Dubai?
GDRFA lists five working days for the investor permit once a complete application is in. Medical and Emirates ID steps can add time.
