Last Updated: 12-June-2026

UAE Golden Visa: Requirements, Categories and How to Apply

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, and invest in the UAE without employer sponsorship. It is valid for 5 or 10 years depending on the eligibility category and can be renewed indefinitely.

The visa is open to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, doctors, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talent across various fields.

Why Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency without employer sponsorship, giving foreign nationals greater flexibility, long-term stability, and the freedom to build a future in the UAE.

• Renewable 5 or 10-year residency
• Sponsor family members and domestic helpers
• Start, own, or invest in businesses in the UAE
• Tax-free income
• Extended stay outside the UAE
• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the UAE

*Want to migrate to UAE? Let Y-Axis guide you through every step of the process.

Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is available to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, doctors, scientists, outstanding students, and individuals with exceptional talent in fields such as culture, sports, and humanitarian work. Eligibility varies by category and is based on factors such as investment value, salary level, academic achievement, professional accomplishments, or nomination from a relevant UAE authority.

List of Eligibility Categories for UAE Golden Visa:

Eligible Category	Requirements	Visa Duration
Real Estate Investor	Own UAE property worth AED 2 million or more	10 years
Investor	Invest AED 2 million or more in a UAE investment fund or business	10 years
Skilled Professional	Basic salary of AED 30,000+ per month in a skilled or specialist role	10 years
Executive Professional	Basic salary of AED 50,000+ per month in a senior or executive role	10 years
Entrepreneur	Own or partner in a technical or innovation-based project with a minimum value of AED 500,000, approved by an accredited UAE business incubator	5 years
Scientists & Researchers	Recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or a recognised UAE research institution	10 years
Exceptional Talent	Approval from a UAE government authority in fields such as healthcare, education, science, culture, sports, media, or innovation	10 years
Outstanding Student or Graduate	GPA of 3.5 or above from a recognised UAE university, or graduation from a top 100 globally ranked university within the last two years	5 years
Humanitarian Pioneer	Recognised humanitarian or charitable contributions approved by a UAE government authority	10 years
Long-Serving Nurse	Nursing professionals with 15+ years of service in UAE healthcare, nominated by the relevant health authority	10 years
Educator	Teaching professionals with outstanding performance in private schools or universities, assessed by KHDA (Dubai) or RAK DOK (Ras Al Khaimah)	10 years
Content Creator	Digital creators, influencers, filmmakers, and podcasters with a proven creative track record, approved through Dubai's Creators HQ programme	10 years
E-Sports Professional	Gaming or e-sports professionals with recognised credentials, accredited by Dubai Culture or a relevant UAE authority	10 years
Waqf Donor	Minimum AED 2 million donation to a certified waqf or humanitarian project with a university degree, nominated by Awqaf Dubai or an authorised UAE humanitarian institution	10 years

*Want to check your eligibility for UAE Golden Visa? Get free eligibility assessment from Y-Axis.
 

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

To apply for the UAE Golden Visa, visit the ICP portal or the GDRFA portal for Dubai applications, select the Golden Residency service, upload the required documents, and pay the fees. Some categories may require approval from a relevant UAE authority before submission.

Step-by-Step UAE Golden Visa Application Process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm whether you qualify based on investment, profession, salary, talent, academic achievement, or property ownership.

Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather your passport, eligibility proof, educational or professional certificates, health insurance, and supporting documents.

Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through the ICP portal or GDRFA Dubai portal, upload documents, and pay the required fees. Some categories may require prior approval.

Step 4: Medical Test and Processing
Complete medical fitness tests and Emirates ID biometrics after initial approval while authorities review your application.

Step 5: Receive Your Golden Visa
Once approved, receive your UAE Golden Visa and Emirates ID. You can also sponsor eligible family members.

*Want to apply for UAE Golden Visa? Get expert guidance from Y-Axis professionals.

Documents Required for the UAE Golden Visa

Document requirements for the UAE Golden Visa vary by eligibility category. While all applicants must provide core documents such as a valid passport, photographs, and health insurance, additional documents may be required based on your investment, profession, business, or talent category.

Property Investors

• Title deed or sale and purchase agreement

• Property valuation certificate from the relevant Land Department
• Bank NOC for mortgaged property (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate for jointly owned property with spouse (if applicable)

Note: Property investors are no longer required to pay 50% of the property value upfront. The total property value must reach AED 2 million regardless of mortgage structure.

Skilled Professionals & Executives

• Attested university degree
• Valid UAE employment contract
• Salary certificate on company letterhead
• Recent payslips

Entrepreneurs

• UAE trade licence showing ownership or partnership
• Approval letter from a recognised UAE business incubator (if required)
• Proof of business eligibility or investment

Exceptional Talents

• Recommendation or approval letter from a relevant UAE authority
• Portfolio, publications, awards, or proof of professional achievements

*Planning to apply for UAE Golden Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance with the process.

 

UAE Golden Visa Fees

The UAE Golden Visa cost ranges from around AED 4,600 to AED 10,250, depending on your visa category and emirate. The total fee generally covers the visa application, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, residency processing, and related service charges. Skilled professionals and specialised talent categories qualify at the lower end of this range, from AED 4,600.

Fee Component	Amount (AED)
Visa application & processing fee	AED 2,800 – 4,800
Medical fitness test	AED 500 – 700
Emirates ID issuance	AED 370 – 1,200
Typing / service centre charges	AED 200 – 500
Degree attestation (if applicable)	AED 150 – 300

Estimated Total by Category

Applicant Type	Estimated Total (AED)
Skilled professionals / talented individuals	AED 4,600 – 5,000
Property investors (Dubai / DLD route)	AED 9,600 – 10,250
Applications from outside UAE	AED 3,800 – 4,800

Note: Final fees vary by eligibility category and emirate and may change over time. Check the ICP or GDRFA portal for the latest fee structure before applying.

UAE Golden Visa Processing Time

The UAE Golden Visa processing time is 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the visa category, document verification, and approval requirements. Property investors and skilled professionals may receive faster approval within 2 to 4 weeks, while entrepreneurs and exceptional talent categories can take up to 8 weeks due to additional verification or nomination requirements.

Category	Average Processing Time
Property Investor	2 to 4 weeks
Skilled Professional or Executive	2 to 4 weeks
Exceptional Talent	4 to 8 weeks
Entrepreneur	4 to 8 weeks
Outstanding Student or Graduate	2 to 5 weeks

Note: Processing times depend on the visa category, document verification, and approval requirements.

UAE Golden Visa vs UAE Green Visa

The UAE Golden Visa and UAE Green Visa are both long-term residency options that do not require employer sponsorship, but they differ in eligibility, visa duration, and benefits. The Golden Visa is designed for investors and high-earning professionals seeking long-term residency, while the Green Visa suits skilled employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking for flexible sponsor-free residency.

Feature	UAE Golden Visa	UAE Green Visa
Visa Duration	5 or 10 years	5 years
Eligibility	Investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional talents	Skilled employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs, outstanding graduates
Salary / Investment Requirement	Higher salary or investment requirements	Lower salary or income requirements
Employer Sponsorship	Not required	Not required
Family Sponsorship	Spouse, children, and domestic helpers	Spouse and children
Extended Stay Outside UAE	No 180-day absence limit	Standard residency rules apply
Best For	Investors and high-earning professionals	Skilled professionals and freelancers

 

Renewing the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is renewable for the same duration if applicants continue to meet the qualifying requirements of their category, such as investment, employment, or exceptional talent criteria. Renewal applications can be submitted through the ICP or GDRFA portal with updated supporting documents where required.

Can UAE Golden Visa Holders Sponsor Family Members?

Yes. UAE Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, parents in some categories, and domestic helpers. Family members must complete the required medical and background checks to receive residency under the Golden Visa.

Does the UAE Golden Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

No. The UAE Golden Visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It is a long-term renewable residency that can be maintained as long as eligibility requirements are met, while UAE citizenship is governed under separate regulations.

*Want to settle in the UAE? Get step by step guidance from Y-Axis professionals.

How can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration consultancy in the UAE with over 25 years of experience, helping you choose the right UAE Golden Visa category, prepare documents, and navigate the application process with confidence.

• Eligibility assessment to identify the right UAE Golden Visa category
• Document preparation and review support
• Application guidance through the ICP or GDRFA portal
• Family sponsorship assistance for eligible dependants
• Renewal support to help maintain visa eligibility

*Want to apply for the UAE Golden Visa? Book a free consultation with Y-Axis today.

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