The UAE Golden Visa grants 5 or 10 years of renewable residency without needing a national sponsor or employer. It lets you stay in the country even if you change jobs, start a business, or retire. Since its expansion in 2022, the eligibility criteria have broadened significantly. This guide covers every category, the application process, costs, and what the golden visa actually gives you.
Key takeaways
- -Golden visas are valid for 5 or 10 years and are renewable.
- -You do not need an employer sponsor. Your visa is tied to you, not your job.
- -Real estate investors qualify with property worth AED 2 million or more.
- -Skilled employees earning AED 30,000+ per month with a bachelor degree qualify.
- -The application is done through ICP or GDRFA and costs approximately AED 2,800-4,500 in government fees.
Golden visa categories and eligibility
The UAE offers golden visas under several categories. The main ones relevant to expats are:
Real estate investors: own property worth AED 2 million or more. The property can be mortgaged (with at least AED 2 million in equity). Off-plan properties from approved developers also qualify.
Skilled employees: earn a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more, hold a valid employment contract, and have at least a bachelor degree (or equivalent professional certification). Your employer does not need to sponsor the golden visa.
Entrepreneurs: have an existing startup or a previous exit. Must be approved by an accredited business incubator or have a minimum annual revenue threshold.
Exceptional talent: scientists, researchers, creative professionals, athletes, and others with outstanding achievements in their field. Requires endorsement from a relevant UAE authority.
Outstanding students: top-performing graduates from UAE or internationally ranked universities with a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
What the golden visa gives you
Long-term stability: 5 or 10 years of residency without employer dependency. You can change jobs, start a company, or take a career break without losing your visa.
Family sponsorship: sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic workers under your golden visa. There is no salary threshold for family sponsorship under the golden visa.
Extended absence: golden visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without the visa being cancelled. Standard employment visas are cancelled after 6 months of absence.
Business flexibility: golden visa holders can own 100% of a mainland business without a local partner (this was already possible since the 2020 Commercial Companies Law, but the golden visa reinforces it).
What it does not give you: citizenship, voting rights, or access to government services restricted to nationals. It does not change your tax residency status (you still need to meet the 183-day rule for a tax residency certificate).
How to apply for a UAE golden visa
Step 1: Check your eligibility against the category requirements listed above. Gather your supporting documents (salary certificate, property title deed, academic certificates).
Step 2: Apply through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) website or smart app. Alternatively, apply through GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in your emirate.
Step 3: Pay the application fees. Government fees typically total AED 2,800-4,500 depending on the emirate and visa duration. This excludes medical testing and Emirates ID fees.
Step 4: Complete medical fitness testing at an approved centre.
Step 5: Submit biometrics and receive your Emirates ID.
Step 6: Your golden visa residency sticker is placed in your passport (or issued electronically).
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks from application to visa issuance, though it can be faster.
Costs and fees
The total cost varies by emirate and service type. Approximate government fees:
Golden visa application: AED 1,150-2,250. Emirates ID (10 year): AED 1,070. Medical fitness test: AED 320-500. Visa stamping: AED 500-650.
Total: approximately AED 3,000-4,500 for the applicant. Add similar fees for each dependent.
If you use a typing centre or PRO service, expect to pay an additional AED 200-500 for the convenience. Some employers cover the costs if you qualify through employment.
Renewal and maintaining your golden visa
Golden visas are renewable. You apply for renewal before expiry, and the same eligibility criteria apply at renewal time.
For real estate investors: you must still own the qualifying property at renewal. If you sold it, you need to demonstrate another qualifying criterion.
For employees: you must still meet the salary threshold and hold a valid employment contract (or have transitioned to another qualifying category).
There is no residency requirement for maintaining the golden visa during its validity. You can live outside the UAE for extended periods without cancellation. However, for tax residency purposes, you still need to spend 183+ days per year in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a UAE golden visa cost?
- Government fees total approximately AED 3,000-4,500 for the applicant. This includes the visa application, Emirates ID, medical test, and stamping fees. Dependents incur similar fees each.
- Can I get a golden visa through property investment?
- Yes. You need to own property worth AED 2 million or more. The property can be mortgaged as long as your equity is at least AED 2 million. Off-plan properties from approved developers also qualify.
- Do I need to live in the UAE full-time with a golden visa?
- No. Golden visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without the visa being cancelled. However, you need 183+ days of presence for a tax residency certificate.
- Can I sponsor my family on a golden visa?
- Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children (regardless of age), and domestic workers. There is no minimum salary requirement for family sponsorship under the golden visa.