Golden Visa UAE: Complete Eligibility Guide and Application Process

What Is The UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa (Golden Residence permit) is a long-term residence visa issued for 5 or 10 years, renewable, for specific categories of foreign nationals. It targets investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and researchers, outstanding students and graduates, pioneers of humanitarian work, and frontline heroes.

The Golden Visa allows you to reside in the UAE without a local sponsor. Instead of being tied to an employer as with many standard residence visas, your right to stay is based on your investment, professional status, or recognised achievements. If you continue to meet the criteria when your 5‑ or 10‑year permit expires, it can be renewed under similar conditions.

Key Benefits Of The UAE Golden Visa For Holders And Families

The Golden Visa is designed as a “premium” residence status, and it brings several concrete legal and practical advantages compared to standard residence permits.

First, Golden Residence permit holders do not need a UAE sponsor. Your residence is not dependent on an employer or family member; instead, your own investment, qualification, or recognised status is the basis of the visa. This gives considerably more flexibility in changing jobs or business structures over time.

Second, Golden Visa holders are exempt from the usual rule that residence visas become invalid after spending more than six months outside the UAE. The Golden Residence remains valid even if you are abroad for over 180 days. In Dubai, the Golden Residence is only cancelled if it actually expires while you are not in the country.

Federal Golden Visa Eligibility Categories And Core Criteria

At the federal level, Golden Visa categories and their headline criteria are applied via the ICP. The table below summarises the main groups; note that it is indicative and not a substitute for checking the latest official conditions.

Investors In Public Investments And Real Estate (Federal)

Federally, “investors in public investments” may qualify for a 10‑year Golden Visa if they meet at least one of the following criteria and can submit official confirmation:

1. A letter from an accredited investment fund in the UAE stating a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000
2. A valid commercial or industrial licence and memorandum of association showing capital of at least AED 2,000,000
3. A letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming annual tax payments of at least AED 250,000.

The invested capital must be wholly owned by the applicant and not financed through a loan, and the investor must provide proof of medical insurance for themselves and eligible family members.

Real estate investors at the federal level may obtain a 5‑year Golden Visa (renewable) if they own one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000. This must be proven by a letter from the land department of the relevant emirate. Properties purchased with loans from specific local banks approved by the local authority can also qualify.

Outstanding Specialised Talents And Professionals

The “outstanding specialised talents” category covers several sub-groups:

• Doctors – must obtain an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention or other relevant health authority confirming the right to practise in the UAE.
• Scientists – need a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or documentation from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence confirming the award of the medal.
• Inventors – must provide a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy stating that their patent provides added value to the UAE economy.
• Creative people in culture and arts – require an approval letter from the relevant emirate’s department of culture and arts.

Outstanding Students And Graduates

Federal rules distinguish between high-school top achievers, UAE university graduates and foreign university graduates:

• High-school top achievers can receive a 5‑year Golden Visa if they are national-level top students with a grade of at least 95% in public or private secondary schools, supported by a recommendation from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). The visa may be extended if they enrol in university programmes longer than five years (for example, medicine).
• Outstanding UAE university graduates – may obtain a 10‑year Golden Visa if their university is classified as A or B by the Ministry of Education, they achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (A‑class) or 3.8 (B‑class), and not more than two years have passed since graduation. Evidence can be a recommendation letter, a graduation certificate or an academic record.
• Outstanding foreign university graduates – may also receive a 10‑year Golden Visa if they graduate from a university ranked among the top 100 globally (according to rankings recognised by the Ministry of Education), have a GPA of at least 3.5, graduate within the last two years, and obtain UAE Ministry of Education equivalency/accreditation for their degree.

Frontline Heroes/First Line Of Defence (Federal)

“Frontline heroes” cover healthcare and support professionals such as nurses, medical assistants, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and similar roles who demonstrated exceptional efforts during crises, including the COVID‑19 pandemic. They may be granted Golden Visas based on nominations or recommendations from the competent authorities overseeing their work.

Dubai-Specific Golden Residence Rules And Categories

Dubai applies the federal Golden Visa framework, but details some categories more specifically through the GDRFA services. These rules are particularly relevant if your residence file is or will be issued by the Emirate of Dubai.

Dubai Investors And Property Owners

Dubai’s issuing a Golden Residence Permit (Investors) service grants a 10‑year Golden Residence Permit to foreign investors in real estate or public investments, renewable if the conditions remain fulfilled.

For real estate investors, GDRFA specifies that:

1. The applicant must own one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000.
2. Ownership may be full or in shares, but the applicant’s share alone must be at least AED 2,000,000.
3. This must be supported by a property status statement certificate from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or a valuation certificate from licensed offices.
4. At least AED 2,000,000 of the property value must already be paid.
5. A lien is placed over the property to ensure that ownership is maintained for the Golden Residence.

The GDRFA’s separate service “issuing a visa to a foreigner who owns property” confirms that once AED 2,000,000 of the property value is paid, the owner is entitled to Golden Residency under the real estate investor category.

1. A minimum academic level of at least a bachelor’s degree
2. Recognition of any foreign qualification by the Ministry of Education
3. A valid licence to practise the profession where one is required (for example, healthcare or engineering)
4. Valid comprehensive health insurance covering the applicant and their family; and
5. A minimum salary requirement – for that specific service, at least AED 30,000 per month. GDRFA notes that the permit can be cancelled if the salary falls below this level or the employment contract is terminated.

For high-school students, additional Dubai rules include:

1. The high school diploma must be from a public or private school licensed by the Ministry of Education or the competent local authority
2. Golden Residence for students is not renewed after expiry

Regarding family sponsorship:

1. Top-achieving high-school Golden residents may sponsor their parents but not siblings
2. University Golden students may sponsor their spouse and children if they can prove an employment contract, a stable monthly income and suitable housing, in line with federal family sponsorship regulations.

The GDRFA also stresses that to obtain Golden Residency as a student through Dubai, the residence file must be issued by Dubai only, and applications cannot be submitted without prior approval by the relevant ministry via the ICP or nomination by competent local authorities.

These applications require prior nomination from the Ministry of Community Empowerment, which the Golden Residency Office processes at the GDRFA main building before applications are lodged via Amer centres or digital channels.

Dubai’s Golden Residence applies to those in the first line of defence, such as nurses, paramedics, medical assistants, laboratory technicians and pharmacy technicians who made exceptional efforts to protect the community. The service generally requires a passport copy, a recommendation from the relevant government authority, and a copy of the existing Dubai residence permit.

Step-By-Step Golden Visa Application Process (Federal And Dubai)

The exact online screens and required fields differ by category and emirate, but most Golden Residence applications follow a broadly similar sequence.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility And Obtain Required Nominations

Before starting any online application, you should first identify which Golden Visa category best fits your profile: investor (public investment, deposits, real estate or tax-based), entrepreneur, specialised talent, top student/graduate, humanitarian pioneer, or frontline hero.

For many categories, you must obtain external recommendations or nomination letters before the ICP or GDRFA will process your Golden Residence. Examples include:

Step 2: Apply Through the ICP, GDRFA Or Amer (Including a Multiple-Entry Visa)

Federally, applications are lodged via the ICP Golden Services Dashboard, available online and through the ICP app. This platform allows you to:

1. Check initial eligibility
2. Submit Golden Visa nomination requests and residence applications
3. Access related services such as a six‑month multiple‑entry visa, status adjustments, and renewals

The ICP also offers a “One‑touch Golden Visa” service, which groups nomination, visa issuance, status adjustment, residence permit and Emirates ID issuance, and subsequent renewals into a single integrated process.

Step 3: Medical Fitness Examination, Emirates ID And Final Issuance

Once your Golden Residence application has initial approval and you are physically in the UAE (or your status has been adjusted), you must complete two standard formalities required for all residence permits: the medical fitness examination and the Emirates ID application.

The medical fitness examination is mandatory for all residence applicants aged 18 years or older. You must attend an approved public health or residency medical examination centre. The process generally takes around 40 minutes, and results are usually available within 1–2 days. You should bring:

1. Your passport copy
2. Your residence or entry permit
3. Your Emirates ID card or Emirates ID application form (for renewals)

Fees, Timelines And Ongoing Maintenance Conditions

Typical Dubai Golden Residence Fees And Processing Times

Fees for Golden Residence vary by category, emirate, and whether you are applying from within or outside the UAE. As an example, the GDRFA-D service pages indicate that for many Dubai Golden Residence categories, a standard issuance fee is:

1. Approximately AED 1,100 for the residence permit itself
2. Plus Knowledge Dirham of AED 10 and Innovation Dirham of AED 10
3. An additional inside-country fee of around AED 500 if you are adjusting status within the UAE
4. Delivery charges of roughly AED 20

For residence durations longer than two years, the GDRFA notes that issuance fees may increase by around AED 100 for each extra year of validity, which affects 5‑ and 10‑year permits.

Several Dubai Golden categories, including investors, specialised scientists and humanitarian pioneers, explicitly demand that the holder can financially support themselves and their family without government assistance. Falling into financial distress or relying on public support may affect renewals or even lead to cancellation.

For some investment-based Golden Residences in Dubai, the GDRFA terms state that:

1. The qualifying property may not be disposed of (sold or transferred)
2. The qualifying financial deposit may not be withdrawn for the entire 10‑year residency period

If your investment falls below the required threshold because you sell the property or redeem the deposit, you may cease to meet the conditions for Golden Residence.

Practical Checklist For Golden Visa Applicants

1. Identify your most appropriate category: investor (funds, company, deposit or real estate), entrepreneur, specialised talent/professional, outstanding student or graduate, pioneer of humanitarian work, or frontline hero.
2. Check the latest official criteria on the ICP Golden Residency services (icp.gov.ae) and, if you are linked to Dubai, the relevant GDRFA service pages (gdrfad.gov.ae).
3. Secure all required recommendations and nominations: from ministries, councils, business incubators, Dubai Future Authority, Ministry of Community Empowerment, sports authorities, or university/education bodies, as applicable.
4. Gather supporting documents: investment fund letters, bank deposit confirmations, land department property certificates and valuations, tax certificates, audited financial statements, approved employment contracts, salary certificates and attested degrees.

FAQ: Golden Visa UAE Eligibility, Rules And Practical Points

Who Is Eligible For A Golden Visa UAE?

Eligibility for the Golden Visa UAE is limited to specific categories set by federal regulations: investors (in public investments, companies, deposits or real estate), entrepreneurs with innovative and high-value projects, specialised talents and professionals (including doctors, scientists, inventors, executives and specified engineers), outstanding students and graduates, pioneers of humanitarian work, and frontline heroes. Each category has detailed criteria such as minimum investment amounts, project values, GPA thresholds, professional qualifications, salaries and required recommendation letters.

What Is The Minimum Investment For a Golden Visa UAE?

At the federal level, the standard thresholds are: AED 2,000,000 in public investments (fund deposits or company capital) or real estate value; or AED 250,000 per year in paid tax as an alternative pathway for some investor categories.

In Dubai, the same AED 2,000,000 threshold applies to company investments, financial deposits and real estate, with the additional condition that at least AED 2,000,000 of a property’s value must already be paid. In some cases, the property or deposit must be held for the full 10‑year residence period.

How Does The Golden Visa UAE For Real Estate Investors Work?

Federally, you may obtain a 5‑year Golden Residence if you own one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, proven via a letter from the relevant land department. Properties financed with loans from approved local banks can be counted. In Dubai, real estate Golden investors receive a 10‑year Golden Residence if they own property or properties worth at least AED 2,000,000, with the applicant’s share alone meeting that amount, supported by DLD certificates or valuations, and often with a lien registered to ensure continued ownership.

How To Apply For a UAE Golden Visa Online?

To apply online, you usually:

1. Confirm your category and secure any necessary recommendation/nomination letters.
2. Log in to the ICP Golden Services Dashboard (icp.gov.ae) or, for Dubai, the GDRFA Dubai smart services using UAE Pass.
3. Select the relevant Golden Residence service, complete the application form and upload the documents.
4. Pay the required fees electronically and submit.
5. If issued, use the six‑month multiple‑entry visa to enter the UAE or adjust status, then complete medical fitness and Emirates ID procedures.
6. Await final approval and issuance of the Golden Residence permit and Emirates ID.

What Are The Golden Visa Dubai Requirements?

Dubai applies the federal framework but adds specific implementation details, especially for investors, entrepreneurs, talents and students. Examples include the requirement for audited financial reports and free-zone certificates for company investors, the DLD valuation and property liens for real estate investors, nomination letters from the Dubai Future Authority for entrepreneurs, minimum salary levels (such as AED 30,000) for specialised scientists, and specific sponsorship rules for Golden students. If your file is in Dubai, you should always check the relevant GDRFA service page for the precise documentation list and conditions.

Can Golden Visa Holders Stay Outside the UAE For More Than 6 Months?

Yes. One of the key benefits of the UAE Golden Residence is that holders are exempt from the usual rule that residence visas are cancelled if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. The GDRFA clarifies that for Golden Residence holders, the visa is considered void only if it expires while the holder is outside the country.

What Are The UAE Golden Visa Requirements For Doctors And Scientists?

Doctors must present an approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention or the relevant local health authority confirming permission to practise medicine. Scientists must provide a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or documentation from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence indicating that the medal has been awarded. In both cases, additional conditions such as recognised academic degrees, valid employment contracts, minimum salary thresholds and comprehensive health insurance may apply, depending on the specific service.

Is There A Medical Test For a UAE Golden Visa?

Yes. A medical fitness examination is compulsory for obtaining or renewing any UAE residence permit, including the Golden Visa. Applicants aged 18 or above must attend an approved medical examination centre, where tests are conducted (typically in around 40 minutes), and results are usually issued within one to two days. Applicants must bring their passport, residence or entry permit, and Emirates ID or ID application form.

What Are The Golden Visa UAE Benefits For Family Members?

Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children without an age limit, which is more flexible than standard residence visas. They may also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers, subject to labour regulations. If the primary Golden Residence holder dies, their sponsored family members may legally remain in the UAE until the expiry of their own residence permits. For some student categories, there are specific rules: for example, some top high-school Golden residents can sponsor their parents, while university Golden students may sponsor their spouse and children if they meet income and housing criteria.