The UAE Golden Visa, also known as the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residence programme allowing eligible foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, with straightforward renewal.
Through property investment, public investment or a business project, applicants may obtain residence by meeting the criteria.
The benefits of the UAE Golden Visa include tax-free living, excellent healthcare and education, family sponsorship and access to one of the most dynamic economies in the world.
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Quick facts about the UAE Golden Visa
| Programme name | Golden Visa UAE |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 to 10 years (renewable) |
| Purpose | To attract investors and exceptionally talented individuals who contribute to the UAE economy |
| Eligible applicants | Investors, entrepreneurs, teachers, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals and humanitarian pioneers |
| The application process | Apply for an entry visa → make the investment → submit the application with supporting documents → track the status by SMS and email |
| Processing times | Around 3 months |
| Application costs | AED 8.000 – AED 10.500 |
| Minimum salary requirement | AED 30,000 (with a salary certificate) |
| Main benefits | Long-term residence, visa-free travel to certain destinations, property investment opportunities and the inclusion of family |
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What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa, commonly called the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residence programme for investors and skilled professionals, providing a renewable 5- or 10-year visa. Holders may live, work and study in the UAE without a local sponsor. The main advantages include the freedom to stay abroad for more than six months, the ability to sponsor family members and domestic staff, and full business ownership rights in the country.
The top 12 benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
As at October 2025, the leading benefits of the UAE Golden Visa are:
- Long-term residence: the UAE Golden Visa grants renewable 10-year residence, ensuring long-term stability for personal and professional development.
- Freedom to work and live in the UAE: the UAE Golden Visa programme requires no local sponsor, meaning that Dubai Golden Visa holders may live, work and study in the UAE.
- Tax-free income: there is no personal income tax in the United Arab Emirates, allowing residents to retain more of their income, which is highly attractive financially for investors.
- Inclusion of family: the Dubai Golden Visa allows a spouse and children to be sponsored regardless of age, so that relatives can share the experience of life in the UAE.
- Domestic help support: UAE Golden Visa holders may sponsor as many domestic staff as needed, such as a nanny or a driver. This not only increases daily convenience but also helps young children settle into life in the UAE.
- Access to high-quality healthcare: healthcare in the UAE is excellent, with many medical facilities across the country, easily accessible to everyone.
- Multiple entry: one of the best benefits of the UAE Golden Visa is multiple entry, allowing free travel without reapplying.
- A stable economy: the United Arab Emirates has an extremely stable economy. This is one of the main reasons the country appeals to foreign investors. The UAE economy makes planning for the future more reliable, while also bringing peace of mind for future generations.
- Travel flexibility: it is possible to stay outside the UAE for long periods without losing residence status. The United Arab Emirates is ideally located between Europe, Asia and Africa, making it a strategic hub for travel and business.
- Esaad privilege card benefits: the Esaad card provides discounts at more than 7,000 UAE businesses and in 92 countries around the world, adding further value to UAE residence.
- Employment opportunities: with a developed economy and continually expanding sectors, the UAE offers a wide range of career prospects. The main sectors include information technology, blockchain development, healthcare, digital marketing, real estate, logistics and renewable energy, among many others.
- An expatriate-friendly environment: the United Arab Emirates is one of the most expatriate-friendly countries. In fact, expatriates make up more than 88% of the UAE population. The country is very open to residents with UAE residence, with a large English-speaking population, many international schools and thriving expatriate communities across the country.
Who can apply for the Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is open to a wide range of people, including entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, frontline heroes, humanitarian pioneers and outstanding school and university students.
- Investors: property investors purchasing a property worth at least AED 2 million (around USD 545,000) or making a substantial public investment in an investment fund, a UAE company or a bank deposit.
- Entrepreneurs: founders of a registered SME start-up in the UAE with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million (around USD 270,000), or who have sold a business project for more than AED 7 million (around USD 1.9 million).
- Exceptional talent: inventors, creatives and talent in important fields such as culture, art, sport and digital technology, regardless of level of education, employment status, monthly salary or professional level.
- Scientists and professionals: individuals with specialist qualifications or experience in medicine, engineering, science, research and technology.
- Outstanding school and university students: top school students and graduates of UAE universities with a GPA of at least 3.8/4.0 or the equivalent.
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes: individuals with significant humanitarian contributions or who served on the front line in emergencies.
UAE Golden Visa eligibility
- Must be a non-UAE national
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a lawful source of income, depending on the visa category
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Must have valid health insurance approved by the UAE authorities.
- Must be in good health and free from communicable disease, confirmed by a medical examination certificate.
- The applicant should have no outstanding debts in the UAE as this may affect residence eligibility.
Important note: the UAE Golden Visa does not grant UAE citizenship. In addition, each residence route has its own eligibility criteria; the requirements should be clearly understood before applying.
Can family members be sponsored under the UAE Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa holders may sponsor family members such as a spouse, children and parents. Under this programme, daughters have no age limit and sons may be sponsored up to the age of 25, which is more flexible than a standard visa. Sponsored family members receive a Golden Visa for the same period as the principal holder, and where the holder dies, the family is permitted to remain in the UAE until the visa expires.
UAE Golden Visa requirements for sponsoring dependants in the UAE
- Ensure the Golden Visa is valid
- Meet the income requirement (currently AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 with accommodation)
- Provide the necessary documents such as a copy of the passport, marriage/birth certificates, employment contract, and so on
- Submit through the relevant authority (GDRFA in Dubai, DED in Abu Dhabi)
- Pay the applicable visa fees
UAE Golden Visa documentary requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A recent colour passport-sized photograph on a white background.
- Valid health insurance for the applicant and family members.
- Evidence of family relationships (birth certificates, marriage certificate).
- The current UAE residence permit (where applicable).
- A copy of the Emirates ID card (where applicable).
Note:All documents must be officially translated into Arabic and notarised.
The UAE Golden Visa application process in 2025
- Check eligibility:Review the specific Golden Visa requirements for each category. Working with an immigration adviser or a UAE Golden Visa lawyer can help identify the appropriate category and ensure the criteria are met.
- Prepare the necessary documents:Gather all the necessary documents, usually including a valid passport, evidence of the investment, educational qualifications, a criminal record certificate, health insurance and an employment contract.
- Submit the application:Submit through the official UAE government portal – the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), depending on the emirate. Applications may also be submitted through an authorised service centre.
- Pay the visa fees:Submit the necessary documents and pay the applicable fees. Costs vary with the emirate and the type of visa, but allow for AED 8,000 to AED 10,000.
- Complete the medical examination and biometrics:After preliminary approval, undergo a medical examination at a licensed clinic and biometric verification for the Emirates ID. Most applicants are issued a six-month multiple-entry visa to enter the UAE to complete these steps, particularly where applying from abroad.
- Await final approval:Reviewing the application usually takes 7–10 working days, although the time varies with the visa category and the documents provided.
- Receive the UAE Golden Visa:After approval, the UAE residence permit is issued. Depending on the eligibility route, the permit is valid for 5 or 10 years.
- Apply for the Emirates ID:Finally, apply for the Emirates ID, which includes collecting biometric data, necessary for residence and daily life in the UAE.
UAE Golden Visa costs
UAE Golden Visa costs vary with the residence route. For example, the cost of a 10-year UAE Golden Visa differs from a 5-year visa. However, these are some of the costs most applicants encounter during the application process:
| Fee type | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | Around AED 2,856.75 for the residence permit |
| UAE ID application fee | Around AED 1,153 for a 10-year Emirates ID |
| Medical examination fee | Around AED 700 for the medical examination |
| Administrative processing fee | Around AED 1,155 |
| Land department fee | Around AED 4,020 |
| Consular notarisation | Around AED 1,000 (around USD 272) per person |
| Family residence permit fee (where applicable) | Around AED 5,774.50 per dependant for 10-year residence |
| Family sponsorship file opening fee (where applicable) | Around AED 318.75 |
Tax in the UAE for Golden Visa holders
Golden Visa holders in the UAE pay no personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax. However, they are subject to 5% VAT on most goods and services. Some investors may have additional requirements such as obtaining a tax residence certificate or paying a minimum annual tax.
| Tax type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Income tax | 0% on personal income |
| Capital gains tax | 0% on the sale of property |
| Inheritance tax | 0% on inherited assets |
| VAT | 5% on most goods and services |
For individuals resident in the UAE for 183 days or more, an application may be made for a UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC). This gives access to double taxation agreements with more than 130 countries – which may reduce foreign tax liabilities.
In addition, since 2023, businesses with income above AED 375,000 are subject to 9% corporation tax. Some free zone entities may be exempt subject to qualifying activity criteria.
Find out more about the UAE Golden Visa on the government website athere.
The UAE Golden Visa is a renewable long-term residence programme granting a 5- or 10-year visa to investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. Holders may live, work or study in the UAE and have advantages such as staying abroad for more than six months and sponsoring family without a local sponsor. Eligible applicants include individuals in business, science, education, the arts and sport, as well as investors meeting the programme criteria.
UAE Golden Visa eligibility varies by category, but the general requirements usually include a minimum gross salary of AED 30,000 or a project investment of at least AED 500,000 for a 5-year visa. Specific criteria also apply to scientists, investors and other professionals. The programme is designed to grant long-term residence to individuals contributing to the UAE’s economic growth.
The UAE Golden Visa brings a secure lifestyle together with the ability to work, live and study in the country. Residents also enjoy a favourable tax environment and access to high-quality services. Thanks to the UAE’s strategic location, the country is a hub connecting Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, offering an excellent standard of living.
The Golden Visa requires investment or a high income, and the cost of living in the UAE – particularly housing and education – can be expensive. It does not lead directly to citizenship, and there are concerns about inequality and potential abuse. Visa holders must return to the UAE before the 10-year visa expires in order to renew.
Dubai Golden Visa processing usually takes around 90 days. A complete application with the necessary documents may be processed in as little as 7-10 days.
Yes. As at October 2025, applicants applying through employment must have a minimum monthly basic salary of AED 30,000 (USD 8,168), excluding housing or travel allowances.
The UAE Golden Visa usually costs between AED 2,800 and AED 4,800, depending on whether the application is made from within or outside the UAE. Additional fees may apply depending on the visa category and the services required, such as the medical examination (around AED 750) and issue of the Emirates ID (around AED 400).
As at October 2025, the UAE does not offer citizenship through a conventional investment programme. However, in rare cases, exceptional Golden Visa holders may be granted citizenship through a merit-based option at the government’s discretion.
Dubai Golden Visa requirements vary by category. Investors usually need a minimum investment of AED 2 million (around USD 550,000) and must demonstrate that the funds are not borrowed. Other applicants – such as professionals, entrepreneurs and exceptionally talented individuals – may need educational qualifications, professional reference letters or a minimum monthly salary, depending on the type of visa. Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for all applicants.
Yes, the UAE Golden Visa allows holders to work in the United Arab Emirates without a local sponsor. This flexibility applies to both entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, bringing the freedom to work in the country without restriction.
- Investors (including property and public investment)
- Entrepreneurs
- Exceptional talent and skilled professionals (scientists, engineers, doctors, executives, skilled workers)
- Students (outstanding students)
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes
Golden Visa holders may sponsor a spouse, unmarried children regardless of age, parents and an unlimited number of domestic staff.
As at October 2025, the new UAE Golden Visa rules expand coverage to additional professions such as teachers and specialists in artificial intelligence and sustainability, while also providing long-term residence without a local sponsor. The updates also include broader family sponsorship options. UAE Golden Visa holders may use expanded consular services, including extended overseas protection, emergency crisis support and dignified end-of-life assistance.
The main differences between the Golden Visa and a standard residence visa are: the Golden Visa provides renewable 5- or 10-year residence, requires no local sponsor, allows full business ownership and requires minimal physical presence. A standard residence visa is usually shorter (3 months to 5 years), requires a local sponsor and demands longer continuous stays.
The 10-year UAE Golden Visa costs around AED 10,500 (USD 2,800). Additional costs such as government fees, the medical examination and health insurance may add USD 3,000 – USD 4,000.
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