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). Skilled professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, science, and information technology may qualify for a 10-year residency under a dedicated category. The visa allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor.
Not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Confirm current eligibility, costs, and documents with the official authority or a licensed immigration consultant before applying.
Eligibility
- -Must hold a valid employment contract in the UAE in a specialised field recognised under the programme, such as medicine, engineering, science, information technology, or other priority sectors.
- -Must be classified in a skilled occupation approved by the relevant UAE authority - the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) maintains classifications for private sector roles.
- -Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher relevant to the field of specialisation.
- -Salary threshold requirements apply - see the ICP official website or the relevant emirate's portal for the current minimum monthly salary figure.
- -Must not have a criminal record.
- -Must meet UAE health requirements.
- -Applicants employed in government entities may apply through their employer; private sector applicants typically apply directly through ICP or the relevant emirate authority.
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 authority website for the current figure. | Fees are set by ICP and may vary depending on the emirate and application channel used. |
| Emirates ID issuance fee | See the official authority website for the current figure. | Required for all UAE residents; renewed alongside the visa. |
| Medical fitness test | See the official authority website for the current figure. | Conducted at an approved health centre in the UAE. |
| Document attestation and typing fees | See the official authority website for the current figure. | Costs vary depending on documents required and service centre used. |
Application steps
- Confirm eligibility. Check that your profession and salary meet the current criteria published on the ICP website or the relevant emirate portal such as Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or Abu Dhabi's TAMM platform.
- Obtain a nomination or approval. Some skilled professional categories require a nomination from a recognised UAE government body or employer. Confirm whether your specific field and role requires prior approval from MOHRE or another authority.
- Gather required documents. Prepare your passport, current UAE residence visa (if applicable), employment contract, university degree certificate, salary certificate from your employer, and a passport-size photograph. Degrees issued outside the UAE typically require attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Submit the application. Apply through the ICP smart services portal, the GDRFA Dubai portal, or the TAMM Abu Dhabi platform depending on your emirate. Applications can also be submitted through approved typing centres.
- Complete medical and biometric requirements. Attend an approved medical fitness centre for a health screening. Biometric data will be collected as part of the Emirates ID process.
- Pay applicable fees. Pay all required fees through the relevant online portal or service centre. Retain all payment receipts.
- Receive visa and Emirates ID. Once approved, the Golden Visa entry permit or residence visa is issued. The Emirates ID card is produced and delivered or made available for collection.
Processing time
Processing times vary depending on the emirate, application channel, and completeness of documents submitted. See the ICP, GDRFA, or TAMM official website for current indicative timelines.
What the visa allows
- +10-year residency validity, renewable.
- +No requirement for a UAE national sponsor.
- +Ability to live, work, and study in the UAE for the duration of the visa.
- +Holders can sponsor family members including spouse and children.
- +Domestic workers can also be sponsored under the Golden Visa holder's status.
- +Visa remains valid if the holder is outside the UAE for longer than the standard six-month absence period that applies to regular residency visas.
- +Freedom to work across multiple employers or sectors, subject to standard UAE labour regulations.
Validity and renewal
Validity: The Golden Visa for skilled professionals is issued for 10 years.
Renewal process: Renewal is submitted through the ICP portal, GDRFA Dubai, or TAMM Abu Dhabi before the visa expires. Supporting documents showing continued eligibility - such as an updated employment contract and salary certificate - are typically required.
Conditions: Holders are expected to maintain the qualifying conditions under which the visa was granted. Any significant change in employment status or profession may affect renewal eligibility. See the official ICP website for current renewal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
- Which professions qualify for the skilled professional Golden Visa?
- The UAE government recognises priority fields including medicine and healthcare, engineering, information technology, science, and education among others. The specific list of qualifying occupations and the relevant classification system are maintained by MOHRE and ICP. Check the current list on the ICP or MOHRE official website as it is updated periodically.
- Do I need to already be working in the UAE to apply?
- In most cases, the skilled professional category requires an active employment relationship with a UAE-based employer. Some categories may allow applicants outside the UAE to apply if they hold a qualifying offer of employment. Confirm the specific requirement for your profession on the ICP official website.
- Can I include my family on my Golden Visa?
- Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children. Sponsored family members receive residency linked to the primary holder's visa. Domestic workers may also be sponsored.
- Is there a minimum salary requirement?
- A minimum monthly salary threshold applies to the skilled professional category. The specific figure is set by the relevant UAE authority and may be updated. See the ICP official website for the current requirement.
- Does my degree need to be attested?
- Degrees issued by institutions outside the UAE generally require attestation. This typically involves verification through the issuing country's authorities, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in some cases the UAE Ministry of Education. Check the attestation requirements on the MOFA UAE website.
- What happens to my Golden Visa if I change jobs?
- A change in employment does not automatically cancel the Golden Visa, but you should notify the relevant authority and ensure your new role continues to meet the eligibility criteria. It is advisable to update your details through the ICP portal when changing employers.
- Who is the issuing authority for the Golden Visa?
- The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is the federal authority responsible for issuing and managing the Golden Visa. In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) also processes applications. In Abu Dhabi, the TAMM platform is used.
- Can freelancers or self-employed professionals apply under the skilled professional category?
- The skilled professional category is primarily designed for employed individuals. Freelancers and self-employed individuals may be assessed under different Golden Visa categories. See the ICP website for a full breakdown of available categories and their requirements.
Official sources
Verify current rules with the official authority: ICP - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.