UAE Golden Visa, plainly.
10-year UAE residency for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, executives and skilled talent. Renewable. Family included.
The five qualifying tracks
1. Property investor — most common
Own UAE property worth at least AED 2 million (USD 545k). Can be one or multiple properties, owned outright or through a mortgage (subject to the mortgage being from a UAE bank and at least 50% paid down). 10-year visa.
2. Public investor
Deposit or investment of AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund regulated by the SCA (Securities & Commodities Authority), or own a UAE company with at least AED 2 million capital. 10-year visa.
3. Entrepreneur
Two routes available:
- Revenue route: own a previous or current project with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million, validated by the UAE auditor's office.
- SME / incubator route: be a founder of a startup with a minimum valuation of AED 500,000, approved by an authorised UAE business incubator.
Both routes lead to a 10-year visa.
4. Specialised talent
Doctors, scientists, engineers, IT specialists, artists, athletes, executives and others — with documented expertise and salary criteria. Salary typically AED 30k+ per month for executive Golden Visa. 10-year visa.
5. Outstanding students & high-achievers
Top students at UAE universities, and recognised humanitarian or scientific achievers. 5-year visa.
What it includes
- 10-year UAE residency, renewable.
- Sponsor spouse, children (no age limit), parents.
- Ability to sponsor unlimited domestic workers.
- No employer / mainland-LLC sponsor required — self-sponsored.
- Six-month grace period to enter the UAE after issuance, vs typical 60 days.
- No minimum stay requirement — can leave UAE for > 6 months without losing visa.
Cost & timing
Government fees for a Golden Visa application: approximately AED 4,000–10,000 (USD 1,090–2,725) depending on category and emirate. Our professional fee for a Golden Visa application: from USD 4,200 per applicant, including evidence pack preparation, application filing, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID. Family sponsorship: from USD 1,800 per dependent.
Application path
- Eligibility assessment with us (free).
- Evidence pack: property valuation / investment proof / qualification certificates / employment evidence.
- Application via GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (federal).
- Pre-approval typically 5–15 business days.
- Medical examination, biometrics.
- Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance.
Total realistic timeline: 4–8 weeks from eligibility confirmation, assuming all evidence is in order.
Golden Visa vs investor visa
Investor visa (linked to a UAE Free Zone or mainland company) is 2 years, employer-sponsored, terminates if the company ceases. Golden Visa is 10 years, self-sponsored, decoupled from any specific company. The Golden Visa is the better long-term option for any founder seriously committing to the UAE.
Updated 16 May 2026. Golden Visa criteria and government fees are revised periodically — confirm at enquiry.