The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency option designed for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, talented individuals, outstanding students and other eligible categories.
Unlike a standard residence visa, the Golden Visa provides eligible residents with longer-term residency and greater flexibility in living, working, studying and investing in the UAE.
However, eligibility is not based on one single requirement. The conditions depend on the category under which an applicant applies.
For property investors, for example, real estate ownership of at least AED 2 million can provide a route to a 10-year Golden Visa, subject to the applicable requirements and approval process.
This guide explains who can apply for a UAE Golden Visa, the main eligibility requirements, the real estate investor route, the application process, expected documents, costs and common questions.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa, officially known as Golden Residency, is a long-term residence system for eligible foreigners who meet specific requirements set by the UAE authorities.
For the latest UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria, applicants should check the official ICP Golden Residency guidance.
Depending on the applicant’s category, Golden Residency can be issued for long periods, including 10 years for several major categories.
Golden Visa holders can live, work, study and invest in the UAE without requiring a traditional sponsor in the country, subject to the rules applicable to their residency.
The programme covers several groups, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, exceptional talents, outstanding students and humanitarian pioneers.
Because requirements differ between categories, applicants should identify the correct eligibility route before preparing their application.
What Are the Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa offers several benefits to eligible residents.
Long-Term Residency
Eligible applicants can receive long-term residency, with 10-year residency available for several Golden Visa categories.
Live, Work and Study in the UAE
Golden Residency allows eligible holders to live, work, study and invest in the UAE under the applicable residency rules.
Family Sponsorship
Golden Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members under the applicable UAE regulations.
Greater Residency Flexibility
Golden Residency provides greater flexibility than many standard residence arrangements. Golden Residence holders are also subject to different rules regarding time spent outside the UAE.
Stability for Investors and Professionals
For investors, entrepreneurs and professionals planning a long-term presence in the UAE, long-term residency can provide greater continuity for personal, family and business planning.
Who Is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is available to several categories of eligible individuals.
The main categories include:
Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors may qualify by owning one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2 million, subject to the applicable conditions.
Off-plan property purchases can also qualify under specific conditions.
Public Investment Investors
Investors may qualify through certain public investment routes, including qualifying financial deposits, investment funds or ownership/shareholding in UAE businesses that meet the required financial thresholds.
The invested capital must meet the applicable ownership and funding requirements.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs can qualify through approved entrepreneurial ventures.
The current official criteria include routes involving qualifying UAE-based SMEs with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million, approval of an entrepreneurial project idea by an accredited authority or business incubator, or a qualifying previous venture sale of at least AED 7 million.
Skilled Professionals
Certain skilled professionals in senior occupational levels may qualify.
For specialised professionals, the official requirements include a valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, together with the applicable occupational classification and approvals.
Scientists and Researchers
Scientists and researchers may qualify where they meet the applicable academic, professional and recommendation requirements established by the relevant UAE authorities.
Exceptional Talents
Exceptional talents can include individuals in areas such as culture and arts, innovation and invention, sports, digital technology and other fields considered important by the relevant authorities.
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s achievements and the required recommendation or approval.
Outstanding Students and Graduates
High-achieving secondary school students and graduates from qualifying UAE or international universities may qualify if they meet the relevant academic performance, university ranking, graduation date and certification requirements.
Humanitarian Pioneers
Certain individuals involved in international or regional organisations, public-benefit associations, humanitarian work or financial support for humanitarian initiatives may qualify if they meet the relevant conditions.
| Category | Typical Golden Visa Duration | Main Eligibility Route |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investors | 10 years | UAE property investment of at least AED 2 million, subject to applicable conditions |
| Public Investment Investors | 10 years | Qualifying investment, company ownership or financial deposit |
| Entrepreneurs | 10 years | Qualifying UAE entrepreneurial venture or approved project |
| Skilled Professionals | 10 years | Qualifying senior/specialised professional employment |
| Scientists & Researchers | 10 years | Qualifying scientific achievements and recommendation |
| Exceptional Talents | 10 years | Recognised achievement in an eligible field |
| Outstanding Students & Graduates | 10 years | Qualifying academic achievement |
| Humanitarian Pioneers | 10 years | Qualifying humanitarian contribution |
UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
Real estate investment is one of the most relevant Golden Visa routes for international property buyers in the UAE.
Under the current official requirements, an investor can qualify through ownership of one or more UAE properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million, subject to the applicable conditions.
Property investors should also review the Dubai Land Department guidance for the applicable property investor residency procedures.
Can Multiple Properties Qualify?
Yes. The official UAE Golden Residency guidance allows one or more properties to be considered, provided the applicable total value requirement is met.
Can a Mortgaged Property Qualify?
Yes, qualifying financed properties can be considered under the applicable rules.
In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department and GDRFA provide specific procedures and documentation requirements for mortgaged properties.
Applicants should obtain the required bank documentation confirming the qualifying paid amount where applicable.
Can Off-Plan Property Qualify?
Yes, the current federal Golden Residency guidance allows qualifying off-plan property purchases with a total value of at least AED 2 million when purchased from an approved local real estate company authorised by the relevant local authority.
Buyers considering qualifying off-plan investments can explore our off-plan properties in Dubai to learn more about available opportunities.
Applicants should verify the specific project and documentation requirements before relying on an off-plan purchase for Golden Visa eligibility.
What Documents May Be Required?
Depending on the application route and emirate, applicants may need documents such as:
- Passport
- Title deed or electronic certificate of title
- Personal photograph
- UAE ID, if applicable
- Current residence permit, if applicable
- Property valuation or property status documentation where required
- Bank documentation for qualifying mortgaged properties
Exact documentation can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and the relevant authority.
How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa
The application process depends on the applicant’s category and emirate.
1. Check Your Eligibility
First identify the Golden Visa category that applies to you.
Property investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students and other applicants have different requirements.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare the documents supporting your eligibility.
For property investors, this can include property ownership documents and other documents required by the relevant authority.
3. Obtain a Nomination or Approval If Required
Some Golden Visa categories require a recommendation, nomination or approval from a relevant UAE government authority or recognised organisation.
4. Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted through the relevant UAE authority or approved service channels.
For Dubai, relevant services may involve GDRFA Dubai, Dubai Land Department or approved service centres depending on the applicant’s category.
5. Complete Medical and Emirates ID Procedures
Applicants may need to complete the required medical examination and Emirates ID procedures before the residence permit is issued.
The exact process depends on the applicant’s situation and application channel.
Documents Required for a UAE Golden Visa
The exact documents depend on the eligibility category.
Common documents may include:
- Valid passport
- Recent personal photograph
- Proof of the qualifying investment, employment, achievement or academic status
- Property ownership documents for real estate investors
- Employment contract and salary certificate for qualifying professionals
- Academic certificates for students and graduates
- Recommendation or approval letters for categories that require them
- Health insurance where required
- Additional documents requested by the relevant authority
Applicants should always check the latest document requirements before submitting an application.
How Much Does the UAE Golden Visa Cost?
There is no single universal Golden Visa fee for every applicant.
The total cost can depend on:
- Golden Visa category
- Emirate
- Application channel
- Residence permit fees
- Medical examination
- Emirates ID
- Entry permit, where applicable
- Government and service-centre fees
For example, Dubai publishes separate fees for real estate investor Golden Visa services, including medical examination and Emirates ID costs.
Because fees and service procedures can change, applicants should verify the current charges with the relevant official authority before applying.
Can Golden Visa Holders Sponsor Their Family?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members under the applicable UAE rules.
For Dubai real estate investors, the Dubai Land Department states that the husband or wife, children and parents can be sponsored.
Family sponsorship conditions can vary depending on the applicant’s residency category and the current regulations, so applicants should verify the requirements for their specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a UAE Golden Visa by buying an off-plan property?
Potentially, yes. Current federal guidance allows qualifying off-plan property purchases with a total value of at least AED 2 million when purchased from an approved local real estate company authorised by the relevant authority.
The project and documentation must meet the applicable requirements.
Can a mortgaged property qualify for the Golden Visa?
Yes, a qualifying financed property can be considered. In Dubai, additional bank documentation may be required to demonstrate the qualifying paid amount.
Can multiple properties be combined to reach AED 2 million?
Yes. The official federal guidance allows one or more properties to be considered for the real estate investor route, subject to the applicable ownership and valuation requirements.
Can I apply for a Golden Visa while outside the UAE?
Eligible applicants outside the UAE may be issued an entry visa with multiple entries for a specified period to complete the procedures required for obtaining Golden Residency.
The exact entry permit and application process depends on the applicant’s category.
Does a Golden Visa allow me to work in the UAE?
Golden Residency allows eligible holders to live and work in the UAE under the applicable regulations. Specific employment and work-permit requirements can depend on the nature of the work and the relevant authority.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor their children?
Yes, eligible Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members under the applicable rules. The exact conditions should be checked with the relevant UAE authority.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
The duration depends on the eligibility category. Many major Golden Visa categories provide 10-year residency, subject to meeting the applicable conditions.
Is the Golden Visa automatically renewed?
Golden Residency can be renewed when the applicant continues to meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Renewal should not be assumed to be automatic without checking the current rules and conditions.
What happens to family members if the Golden Visa holder dies?
Under the current ICP Golden Residency guidance, family members sponsored by a Golden Visa holder can remain in the UAE for the duration of the residency granted to them if the sponsor dies.
Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa provides a long-term residency route for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, talented individuals, students and other qualifying applicants.
For real estate investors, the AED 2 million property route makes the Golden Visa particularly relevant when considering property investment in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
However, eligibility depends on the applicant’s specific category, documentation and current government requirements.
If you are considering buying property in Dubai and want to understand how your investment may fit into the Golden Visa requirements, reviewing the property, ownership structure and applicable regulations before purchasing is important. Explore our Dubai Area Guide to compare communities and understand their locations and lifestyle benefits.
