How to Get a UAE Golden Visa

The UAE golden visa has become one of the most sought-after residency options for expats looking to live, work, or invest in the Emirates long term. It offers up to ten years of renewable residency, and was put in place to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and exceptional students who can contribute to the country’s growth and innovation.

Whether you’re already based in the UAE or considering a move, the Golden Visa can open the door to greater stability and opportunity to live and work in one of the Middle East’s most dynamic nations. In this guide, we’ll explain who’s eligible, what documents you’ll need, and how to navigate the application process.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced by the United Arab Emirates to attract and retain talent, investment and innovation. It allows foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and offers a renewable residency of up to five or ten years. It was first launched in 2019 and has since expanded to include a wider range of eligible applicants, from investors and entrepreneurs to skilled professionals, scientists, creatives and students.

The UAE Golden Visa offers a range of long-term benefits. One of the main advantages is the length of the residency, with visas granted for five or ten years and renewable upon expiry. Unlike standard visas, the Golden Visa does not require a UAE national sponsor, which gives holders more independence and flexibility.

Another key benefit is that people who have the Golden Visa can sponsor their immediate family members, including their spouse and children, for the same length of stay. In some cases, domestic staff can also be included. This makes it easier for families to settle in the UAE with greater peace of mind.

The visa also offers increased security and stability. It opens up access to business and investment opportunities with fewer restrictions and allows holders to spend longer periods outside the UAE without affecting their residency status, something that’s not possible with most standard UAE visas.

The UAE golden visa is available to a range of individuals who meet specific criteria set by the government. It was originally just aimed at investors and business owners, but has since expanded to include various other categories of highly skilled or high-achieving individuals.

Investors in public investments or real estate are one category. Applicants under this group are required to meet minimum financial thresholds and hold assets within the UAE – currently, investors need to have made a capital investment of at least 2 million AED. Entrepreneurs who own or are partners in a registered business can also apply, especially if their business contributes to the UAE’s economic growth or innovation sectors. The project value will need to be at least 500,000 AED.

Skilled professionals and outstanding specialised talents are another key group. This includes people working in fields such as medicine, science, engineering, IT, education, and law, as well as creative fields, especially those that hold advanced degrees and earn a high monthly salary. Scientists, inventors and researchers accredited by recognised bodies in their field can also qualify, as well as athletes who have a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.

Outstanding students and recent graduates from UAE or top international universities could also be eligible based on their academic performance. Pioneers of humanitarian work and frontline heroes, including healthcare professionals who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, are also recognised under the scheme.

Each category has its own set of requirements, but the overarching goal is to attract and retain individuals who can contribute to the UAE’s long-term development.

The documents required for a UAE Golden Visa will vary depending on the category under which you’re applying, but there are some standard documents that most applicants will need to provide. These typically include:

In addition to the above, category-specific documents may also be required.

For example, investors will typically need:

Entrepreneurs will need:

Skilled professionals will need:

Students and graduates will need:

All documents may need to be translated into Arabic and legally attested, depending on their origin. These requirements can change, so you should check the latest guidance from UAE immigration authorities or consult with a visa specialist before applying.

Applying for a UAE golden visa is relatively straightforward, although the exact process will differ slightly depending on your eligibility category and whether you’re applying from within or outside the UAE.

The first step is to determine your eligibility based on the current criteria set by the UAE government. Once you’ve identified the appropriate category, such as investor, skilled professional, entrepreneur, or student, you’ll need to gather the relevant documents, including your passport, photographs, and any category-specific evidence such as investment records or academic certificates.

You can submit your application online through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). In some cases, you might first need to apply for a nomination or pre-approval, particularly if you’re applying as a scientist, creative, or humanitarian contributor. The UAE has created a “one touch” Golden Visa service, designed to simplify both the application and renewal process, where you can apply online, track the application, and renew when required. You can apply on the ICP website or download the app.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the relevant authority. If approved, you’ll receive an entry permit (if you’re applying from abroad) or your current visa will be adjusted (if you’re applying from within the UAE). You’ll then be required to undergo a medical fitness test and provide biometrics before the visa is officially issued.

Processing times and fees can vary, depending on the visa category you’re applying under. On average though, fees will be between 2,800 and 4,800 AED and it will take between two to six weeks for your visa to be processed.

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