Which authority issues the UAE Golden Visa?

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is the federal issuing authority. Applications are often processed through emirate-level platforms such as the Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi government portals, which coordinate with ICP.

Can I use a mortgaged property to qualify for the investor Golden Visa?

In some cases, yes. Properties purchased through a mortgage may be eligible if the amount already paid to the bank or developer meets the minimum qualifying threshold. You should confirm the current conditions with ICP before applying.

Do I need to live in the UAE full-time to keep my Golden Visa?

One of the stated advantages of the Golden Visa is that holders are not required to maintain continuous UAE residence to keep the visa valid, unlike standard UAE residency visas. Confirm the current conditions with ICP as requirements can be updated.

Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE Golden Visa?

Some Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents as dependants. The specific conditions for parental sponsorship should be confirmed directly with ICP, as eligibility criteria can vary.

Does my business need to be profitable to qualify?

The qualifying criteria focus on the level of capital invested in the business rather than its profitability. However, full eligibility conditions should be verified with ICP and the relevant business registration authority.

Can I qualify if I own property in a free zone or off-plan?

Off-plan and free zone properties may be considered in certain circumstances. You should check the current accepted property categories directly with ICP or the relevant emirate land department before applying.

What happens if I sell my qualifying property after receiving the Golden Visa?

If you dispose of the qualifying property, you may no longer meet the eligibility conditions for the investor route. This could affect your ability to renew the visa. Contact ICP for guidance on your specific situation.

Is the UAE Golden Visa the same as citizenship?

No. The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa. It does not confer UAE citizenship or a UAE passport. UAE citizenship is a separate status with its own distinct criteria.

UAE Golden Visa: Investor Route

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa issued by the UAE federal government through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). It allows qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, and other categories to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. Investors can qualify through property ownership or through a registered business presence in the UAE.

Not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Confirm current eligibility, costs, and documents with the official authority or a licensed immigration consultant before applying.

Speak to an immigration consultant

Eligibility

-Property investors who own one or more properties in the UAE with a total purchase value meeting the current minimum threshold set by ICP - see the official ICP website for the current figure.
-Properties purchased through a mortgage may be eligible, provided the applicant can demonstrate payment of at least the minimum qualifying amount to the bank or developer - confirm current conditions with ICP.
-Investors in a UAE-registered company who meet the minimum capital investment threshold as defined by ICP and the relevant emirate authority.
-Partners in an existing UAE business may qualify if their share of the company capital meets the required threshold.
-The property or business must be located and registered within the UAE.
-Applicants must not have a criminal record and must meet standard UAE entry and residency requirements.
-Off-plan property may qualify in certain circumstances - verify current eligibility criteria directly with ICP or the relevant emirate's land department.

Eligibility rules change. Confirm with the official authority before applying.

Indicative costs

From editorial review. Fees can change - verify with the authority.

Item	Amount	Notes
Golden Visa application fee	See the official ICP website for the current figure.	Fees are set by ICP and may vary depending on the applicant's emirate and application channel.
Emirates ID fee	See the official ICP website for the current figure.	Required as part of the residency process for the primary applicant and any dependants.
Medical fitness test	See the official authority website for the current figure.	Required for all applicants above a certain age as part of the standard UAE residency process.
Health insurance	Varies by provider and emirate.	Mandatory health insurance is required for all UAE residents. The cost depends on the insurer and coverage level selected.
Dependant visa fees	See the official ICP website for the current figure.	Separate fees apply for each dependant added under the Golden Visa holder's sponsorship.
Property title deed or business registration documentation	Fees set by the relevant emirate land department or business registration authority.	Costs for obtaining or attesting the required property or business documents vary by emirate.

Application steps

Confirm eligibility. Check that your property purchase value or business investment capital meets the current ICP threshold. Verify your property is registered with the relevant emirate's land department, such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi.
Gather required documents. Prepare a valid passport, title deed or investment proof, passport-sized photographs, proof of health insurance, and any additional documents specified by ICP. Business investors will typically need a trade licence and evidence of capital contribution.
Apply through the official channels. Submit your application through the ICP smart services portal, the relevant emirate's government service platform such as the Dubai Land Department portal, or an authorised typing centre. Some emirates have their own dedicated Golden Visa processing units.
Complete the medical fitness test. Attend a medical fitness test at an authorised medical centre. This is a standard requirement for UAE residency and must be completed before the visa can be stamped.
Obtain Emirates ID. Register biometrics and complete the Emirates ID application at an ICP or authorised service centre. The Emirates ID is issued alongside or shortly after the residency visa.
Receive visa and Emirates ID. Once all steps are approved, the Golden Visa residency stamp is placed in your passport and your Emirates ID is issued. You can then sponsor eligible family members under your Golden Visa.
Sponsor dependants. After receiving your own Golden Visa, you may apply to sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases parents, through a separate dependant visa application. Each dependant will need to complete their own medical test and Emirates ID registration.

Processing time

Processing times vary depending on the emirate, application channel, and completeness of documentation. See the ICP official website or the relevant emirate authority for current indicative timelines.

What the visa allows

+Ten-year residency validity, renewable subject to continued eligibility.
+No requirement for a UAE national sponsor.
+Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and in some cases parents as dependants.
+Freedom to enter and exit the UAE without the residency visa expiring due to time spent outside the country, subject to standard conditions.
+Ability to live, work, and study in the UAE for the duration of the visa.
+Household staff may be sponsored under the Golden Visa holder's residency.
+The visa remains valid if the primary holder travels outside the UAE for extended periods, unlike standard UAE residency visas which may lapse after a defined absence period - confirm current conditions with ICP.

Validity and renewal

Validity: The UAE Golden Visa for investors is issued for ten years.

Renewal process: Renewal is applied for through ICP or the relevant emirate's official service channels before the visa expiry date. Supporting documents confirming continued eligibility - such as an updated title deed or business registration - will be required.

Conditions: The qualifying investment must remain in place at the time of renewal. If the property is sold or the business investment no longer meets the threshold, continued eligibility will need to be reassessed. Confirm current renewal conditions with ICP or the relevant authority.

Frequently asked questions

Which authority issues the UAE Golden Visa?: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is the federal issuing authority. Applications are often processed through emirate-level platforms such as the Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi government portals, which coordinate with ICP.
Can I use a mortgaged property to qualify for the investor Golden Visa?: In some cases, yes. Properties purchased through a mortgage may be eligible if the amount already paid to the bank or developer meets the minimum qualifying threshold. You should confirm the current conditions with ICP before applying.
Do I need to live in the UAE full-time to keep my Golden Visa?: One of the stated advantages of the Golden Visa is that holders are not required to maintain continuous UAE residence to keep the visa valid, unlike standard UAE residency visas. Confirm the current conditions with ICP as requirements can be updated.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE Golden Visa?: Some Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents as dependants. The specific conditions for parental sponsorship should be confirmed directly with ICP, as eligibility criteria can vary.
Does my business need to be profitable to qualify?: The qualifying criteria focus on the level of capital invested in the business rather than its profitability. However, full eligibility conditions should be verified with ICP and the relevant business registration authority.
Can I qualify if I own property in a free zone or off-plan?: Off-plan and free zone properties may be considered in certain circumstances. You should check the current accepted property categories directly with ICP or the relevant emirate land department before applying.
What happens if I sell my qualifying property after receiving the Golden Visa?: If you dispose of the qualifying property, you may no longer meet the eligibility conditions for the investor route. This could affect your ability to renew the visa. Contact ICP for guidance on your specific situation.
Is the UAE Golden Visa the same as citizenship?: No. The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa. It does not confer UAE citizenship or a UAE passport. UAE citizenship is a separate status with its own distinct criteria.

Official sources

Verify current rules with the official authority: ICP - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.

UAE Golden Visa for Investors