UAE Golden Visa: The Complete Guide for International Applicants
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme that allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a national sponsor. Unlike a standard UAE employment visa tied to an employer, the Golden Visa gives you independent residency for either 5 or 10 years, renewable upon meeting the same conditions.
If you are researching whether you qualify, how much it costs, and how to actually apply, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
Introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency scheme managed federally by the UAE government through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
It was designed to attract and retain talented individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals who contribute to the UAE's long-term economic and social development.
The key difference from a regular UAE residence visa is independence. A Golden Visa holder does not need an employer or local sponsor to maintain their residency status. You also receive the right to sponsor your own family members regardless of income thresholds that normally apply, and you can stay outside the UAE for longer than six months without your visa being cancelled.
Who Can Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa has multiple eligibility categories. You do not need to apply through an employer, and you do not need to already be living in the UAE, though many applicants do apply from within the country.
Investors in Real Estate
You may qualify if you own property in the UAE with a minimum value of AED 2 million. The property must be fully paid, not mortgaged beyond the AED 2 million threshold. Off-plan properties purchased from approved developers may also qualify in some cases. Properties across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates are eligible, though specific procedures differ by emirate.
Investors and Business Owners
Business owners and investors can qualify through several routes:
- Owning a company or business with a minimum capital of AED 2 million
- Having a public investment of AED 2 million or more in an investment fund accredited by the UAE
- Depositing AED 2 million or more in an approved bank
- A combination of the above totalling AED 2 million
Skilled Professionals and Employees
The 2022 expansion introduced a professional category covering people working in priority sectors. Eligible occupations include doctors, engineers, scientists, IT specialists, lawyers, educators, and other specialists identified by UAE authorities.
To qualify as a skilled employee, you generally need:
- A valid employment contract in a listed specialty
- A minimum monthly salary (currently AED 30,000 per month is cited as a common threshold, though this can vary by sector and authority)
- An educational qualification of at least a bachelor's degree
- An employment visa in a government-approved sector
Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders
Entrepreneurs can apply if they own or have previously owned a startup that meets certain conditions, including a valuation or exit value of AED 500,000 or more, or accreditation from an approved UAE business incubator.
Outstanding Students and Graduates
High-achieving students can apply under the student category:
- Secondary school students with a minimum GPA of 95% or above from UAE schools
- University graduates from UAE universities with a minimum GPA of 3.75 or above
- Graduates from the top 100 ranked universities globally within one year of graduation
Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Workers
Special categories exist for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, including humanitarian workers and frontline health workers recognised during the COVID-19 response.
Scientific and Research Professionals
Scientists and researchers with strong publication records or patents, and those affiliated with accredited research institutions, may qualify. Applications in this category are often reviewed by the UAE Academy of Scientific Research and Technology or equivalent bodies.
Doctors and Healthcare Specialists
Doctors and healthcare professionals can apply if they hold a specialisation in a field listed as a priority, are licensed in the UAE, and meet the salary threshold.
UAE Golden Visa Durations: 5 Years vs 10 Years
| Category | Visa Duration |
|—|—|
| Real estate investors (AED 2M+) | 10 years |
| Business investors (AED 2M+) | 10 years |
| Entrepreneurs (approved startups) | 5 years |
| Skilled professionals (priority sectors)