UAE Golden Visa: Requirements, Cost, and Application
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals, and exceptional talent. Unlike standard visas, it does not require a sponsor and is not tied to a specific employer. This guide covers who qualifies, how much it costs, and the application process.
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What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa differs from a standard residence visa in three important ways: it is not tied to an employer or company (self-sponsored), it does not require renewal every 2 to 3 years (5 or 10-year duration), and the holder can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without the visa being cancelled (standard visas cancel after 6 months of absence).
Is the Golden Visa the same as citizenship?
No. The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit, not citizenship. It does not grant UAE nationality, a UAE passport, or the right to vote. It grants the right to live, work, and do business in the UAE for the visa duration, and to sponsor family members. UAE citizenship is granted separately and is rare for foreign nationals.
Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa?
| Category | Key requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Property investor | Property worth AED 2 million+ | 10 years |
| Business investor | Investment of AED 2 million+ or approved startup | 10 years |
| Entrepreneur | Approved startup or small business owner | 5 years |
| Specialised professional | Salary of AED 30,000+/month or equivalent qualifications | 10 years |
| Outstanding student / graduate | GPA of 3.8+ from a UAE university or top-100 global university | 5 years |
Indicative prices. Actual cost varies with government fees, your business activity and visa requirements — ask us for an exact quote.
Property investors
Property investors qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa if they own one or more properties in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million. The property must be fully paid (not off-plan or mortgaged beyond a certain percentage). This is one of the most popular Golden Visa routes.
Can I get a Golden Visa through my business?
Yes. Business owners can qualify as investors (if the business or their investment is worth AED 2 million or more) or as entrepreneurs (if the business meets the criteria set by the relevant authority). Free zone and mainland businesses both qualify, depending on the category.
How Much Does the Golden Visa Cost?
| Cost component | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Golden Visa application fee | AED 2,800 – AED 4,500 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 300 – AED 500 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370 – AED 570 |
| Processing service (optional) | AED 2,000 – AED 5,000 |
Indicative prices. Actual cost varies with government fees, your business activity and visa requirements — ask us for an exact quote.
The total out-of-pocket cost for the visa itself is modest compared to the qualifying investment. Many applicants use a processing service (like Bizstart) to handle the paperwork, document attestation, and government submissions.
How to Apply
- Check eligibility. Confirm you meet the requirements for one of the qualifying categories (investor, entrepreneur, professional, student).
- Gather documents. Passport, proof of qualifying investment or employment, bank statements, educational certificates (attested), and any category-specific documents.
- Submit the application. Apply online through the ICP portal or through a processing service.
- Complete medical fitness test. Standard blood test and chest X-ray at an approved medical centre.
- Register for Emirates ID. Biometric registration at an ICP centre.
- Receive visa. The Golden Visa is stamped in your passport or issued electronically.
Golden Visa Benefits
Additional benefits include priority processing for government services, the ability to sponsor domestic workers, and (in some cases) eligibility for special banking and financial services. The visa is renewable, and there is no limit on the number of renewals as long as you continue to meet the qualifying criteria.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor family?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children (any age), and parents for residence visas, regardless of salary. This is a significant advantage over standard visas, which require a minimum salary to sponsor family members and limit the sponsorship of children to certain ages.
Golden Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Golden Visa through property?
Yes. Property investors who own one or more properties in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. The property must be fully paid (not off-plan), and the valuation is based on the purchase price or current market value as assessed by an approved valuation firm.
Multiple properties can be combined to reach the AED 2 million threshold. Mortgaged properties may qualify if the equity (property value minus outstanding mortgage) meets the threshold, depending on the specific emirate's interpretation.
How long does the Golden Visa application take?
The application typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission to visa issuance. Processing times vary by category and the completeness of the application. Investor categories (property and business) tend to process faster because the qualifying criteria are straightforward to verify.
Using a processing service (like Bizstart) can speed up the process by ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and submitted, reducing the risk of delays from incomplete applications or document issues.
Is the Golden Visa renewable?
Yes. The Golden Visa is renewable at the end of its term (5 or 10 years) as long as you continue to meet the qualifying criteria. For property investors, this means still owning the qualifying property. For professionals, this means still meeting the salary or qualification requirements.
Renewal is a simpler process than the initial application because your eligibility has already been verified. Renewal fees are similar to the initial application fees.
Can I work for any company with a Golden Visa?
Yes. Unlike a standard employment visa, the Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer. You can work for any company, change jobs, or start your own business without needing to change or cancel your visa. This flexibility is one of the main advantages of the Golden Visa.
You still need a work permit (labour card) if you are employed by a UAE company, but the residence visa remains independent of the employer.
Do I need to live in the UAE to keep my Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa allows extended absences of up to 1 year without automatic cancellation (standard visas cancel after 6 months). However, spending most of your time outside the UAE may affect your tax residency status and eligibility for certain benefits.
There is no minimum number of days you must spend in the UAE, but if you are outside the country for more than 1 year continuously, the visa may be cancelled. Re-entry within the 1-year period resets the clock.
Can I include my parents on a Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor both parents for residence visas, regardless of the sponsor's salary. This is a unique benefit of the Golden Visa; standard visa holders face salary and age restrictions for parent sponsorship.
Each parent needs their own visa application, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance. The cost is AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per person. Bizstart can process family applications alongside your Golden Visa application.
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