Visa Guide
Updated February 2026
UAE Golden Visa: Who Qualifies, What It Costs, and How to Apply
The Golden Visa is the UAE's long-term residency programme — 5 or 10 years, self-sponsored, with flexible entry/exit. Here is exactly who qualifies and what it costs.
Introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022, the UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency without employer sponsorship. For entrepreneurs and investors, it removes the biggest limitation of a standard visa — the risk of losing residency if your business circumstances change.
Processing costs AED 5,000-15,000 — roughly 2-3x a standard visa, but you get 5-10 years of validity instead of 2-3 years. Per year, a Golden Visa is actually cheaper than renewing a standard visa every two years. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.
Who Qualifies for a Golden Visa
10-Year Golden Visa
Investors
Invest AED 2 million+ in UAE property, business, or a deposit with an approved UAE bank. Property can be one or multiple properties totalling AED 2M+. Mortgaged properties count if equity exceeds AED 2M. Can be in any emirate.
Exceptional Talent
Scientists, researchers, and creatives with exceptional achievements. Requires recommendation from a relevant UAE authority (e.g., Ministry of Economy, Culture, or Health). Artists, authors, inventors, and cultural figures qualify.
Outstanding Students & Graduates
Students or graduates from UAE or top 100 global universities with GPA above 3.75/4.0. Available for secondary and university students. Graduates can apply within 2 years of graduation.
5-Year Golden Visa
Entrepreneurs
Own a business with AED 1 million+ in annual revenue, OR own a business/project endorsed by an approved UAE incubator or accelerator worth AED 500,000+. Your free zone company qualifies if it meets the revenue threshold.
Skilled Professionals
Professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, science, education, technology, and accounting. Requires: a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a valid employment contract in the UAE, and a minimum salary (typically AED 30,000/month). Must hold a valid professional certification.
Retirees
Ages 55+. Requires one of: AED 1 million in UAE property, AED 1 million in savings, or active income of AED 180,000+ per year. Property and savings can be combined to reach AED 1M.
Golden Visa Processing Costs
| Fee Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Golden Visa application fee | 2,800 – 3,800 |
| Medical examination | 300 – 500 |
| Emirates ID (5-year) | 570 |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | 1,150 |
| Visa stamping | 500 – 1,000 |
| Typing / service fees | 200 – 500 |
| PRO service (optional) | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Total (without PRO) | ~AED 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Total (with PRO service) | ~AED 8,000 – 15,000 |
Per-dependent processing adds AED 3,000-5,000 per family member.
Golden Visa vs Standard Visa
| Golden Visa | Standard Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 or 10 years | 2-3 years |
| Sponsorship | Self-sponsored | Employer/license sponsored |
| Stays outside UAE | Unlimited (no 6-month rule) | Max 6 months or visa cancelled |
| Dependent ages | Children of any age | Children under 18 (25 if studying) |
| Cancellation risk | Stays valid even if business changes | Cancelled if license/job ends |
| Processing cost | AED 5,000-15,000 | AED 3,000-6,000 |
| Renewal | Auto-renewable if criteria still met | Every 2-3 years |
Validity
Golden
5 or 10 years
Standard
2-3 years
Sponsorship
Golden
Self-sponsored
Standard
License-sponsored
Time abroad
Golden
Unlimited
Standard
Max 6 months
Dependents
Golden
Any age
Standard
Under 18/25
Cost
Golden
AED 5K-15K
Standard
AED 3K-6K
How to Apply
Confirm eligibility
1-3 daysVerify you meet the criteria for your chosen category. Gather supporting documents: property deed, business financials, salary certificate, or endorsement letter.
Submit application
1-2 daysApply through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) smart services portal or through a PRO service. Upload supporting documents.
Approval
1-4 weeksICP reviews your application. Straightforward cases are approved in 1-2 weeks. Complex cases may take up to 4 weeks. You may be asked for additional documents.
Entry permit + processing
1-2 weeksOnce approved, receive your Golden Visa entry permit. Complete medical exam, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping in person in the UAE.
Tips for Free Zone Entrepreneurs
- Revenue threshold is your fastest path. If your free zone company earns AED 1M+ annually, apply for the 5-year entrepreneur Golden Visa. You do not need to invest in property.
- Some free zones offer Golden Visa support. DMCC, DAFZA, IFZA, and Dubai South have dedicated desks or packages to help licensees apply. Ask your zone's customer service.
- Property investment counts from any zone. Even if your company is in SHAMS (Sharjah), buying AED 2M in Dubai property qualifies you for the 10-year investor Golden Visa.
- Start with a standard visa, upgrade later. You do not need a Golden Visa to start your business. Get your license and standard visa first, then apply for the Golden Visa once you meet the threshold.
- Golden Visa does not replace your trade license. The visa is for personal residency. You still need an active trade license to operate your business. Both are separate requirements.
Start with the right free zone
Your free zone license is the foundation for residency, banking, and business operations. Choose the right one first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UAE Golden Visa cost?
Total processing cost is AED 5,000-15,000 depending on the category and whether you use a PRO service. This includes the application fee (AED 2,800-3,800), medical exam (AED 300-500), Emirates ID (AED 570-1,150 for 5/10 year), and visa stamping. The investment or business threshold is separate from the processing cost — for example, AED 2 million in property for an investor visa.
What is the minimum investment for a Golden Visa?
For investors: AED 2 million in UAE property, business, or a combination (down from AED 10 million in 2022). For entrepreneurs: AED 500,000 endorsed by an approved UAE incubator or accelerator, or AED 1 million in annual revenue. For skilled professionals: no investment required, but you need a specialised degree and a minimum salary (typically AED 30,000/month).
Can I get a Golden Visa through a free zone company?
Yes. If your free zone company generates AED 1 million+ in annual revenue, you can apply for a 5-year entrepreneur Golden Visa. Alternatively, if you invest AED 2 million+ in your business or UAE property, you qualify for the 10-year investor visa. Some free zones like DMCC, DAFZA, and IFZA have dedicated Golden Visa support services.
What is the difference between a Golden Visa and a standard residency visa?
A standard visa lasts 2-3 years, requires continuous sponsorship, and can be cancelled if you leave your job or close your business. A Golden Visa lasts 5 or 10 years, is self-sponsored (no employer needed), allows unlimited entry/exit without losing status, and permits sponsoring dependents of any age. You can also stay outside the UAE for extended periods without the visa being cancelled.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes, and with more flexibility than a standard visa. Golden Visa holders can sponsor: spouse, children of any age (not limited to under 18/25), domestic workers, and in some categories, parents. Dependent Golden Visa validity matches the main applicant (5 or 10 years). Each dependent pays processing fees of AED 3,000-5,000.
How long does Golden Visa processing take?
Approval takes 1-4 weeks after submitting a complete application. The full process — including document preparation, application, medical exam, and Emirates ID — takes 3-6 weeks. Using a PRO service speeds up the process but adds AED 2,000-5,000 in service fees.
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Last updated: February 2026. Golden Visa eligibility criteria are set by the UAE government and may change.