The UAE Golden Visa
A 10-year renewable residence visa that does not need a sponsor and is not cancelled by long periods outside the UAE.
What the Golden Visa gives you
- Ten years of residence, renewable
- No employer or company sponsor needed
- The right to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without the visa lapsing
- Sponsorship of your spouse and children, with wider age allowances for children than standard visas
- Sponsorship of domestic workers
Main categories
- Property investors: owners of UAE property meeting the value threshold, currently AED 2 million, including some mortgaged and off-plan property from approved developers.
- Public investment: investment in an approved UAE fund or deposit at the threshold set by the authorities.
- Entrepreneurs: founders of approved or successful projects in the UAE, often with endorsement from an authorised incubator or economic body.
- Skilled professionals: employees in eligible occupations with a bachelor's degree and salary at or above the threshold, currently AED 30,000 per month.
- Exceptional talent: people with recognised achievement in culture, sport, science, technology and other fields.
- Outstanding students and graduates, and certain humanitarian and frontline categories.
Process
- Eligibility assessment and nomination or approval where required.
- Submission to ICP or GDRFA with supporting evidence.
- Entry permit if outside the UAE, or change of status.
- Medical test and biometrics.
- Visa and Emirates ID issued.
Golden Visa and your company
Owning a company does not in itself qualify you, but it can support the entrepreneur category. Many clients hold an Investor and partner visa through their company first and move to the Golden Visa when eligible.
Common questions
Can I include my parents?
Parents can be sponsored subject to the rules for parent visas, which have separate conditions.
Does the Golden Visa make me a UAE tax resident?
Residence is one factor. UAE tax residency for individuals depends on days in the UAE and other tests. See Tax residency certificate.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.