The UAE Golden Visa program, started in 2019, gives up to 10 years of residency to investors, entrepreneurs, top students, and skilled professionals. It allows them to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
Since October 2022, the UAE Resident Scheme has been updated to simplify access to Dubai’s Golden Residence Visa for more professionals. The program now includes experts, specialists, and those with exceptional skills.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa category you are applying under, such as investor, entrepreneur, talent, student, etc.
Visit the relevant portal for application:
Fill in the required personal and professional details on the portal. Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
Upload all required supporting documents based on your category. These typically include identification, proof of eligibility, and other supporting paperwork.
Proceed to pay the application and processing fees as instructed on the portal.
Complete a medical fitness test at an authorized medical center in the UAE.
Monitor your application status via the portal and respond promptly if further documentation or information is requested.
Once approved, you will receive your Golden Visa and Emirates ID. Collect them from the respective authority to finalize your residency.
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Basic Eligibility Criteria and Visa Tenure By Category
| Category | Visa Tenure | Basic Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Public Sector Investors » | 10 years | Invest at least AED 2 million in accredited funds or own a commercial/industrial license with the same capital |
| Real Estate Investors » | 10 years | Own property worth at least AED 2 million; mortgage financing is possible |
| Entrepreneurs » | 5 years | Own a technical/innovative project valued at least AED 500,000; requires local endorsements |
| Doctors and Scientists » | 10 years | Must have relevant approvals or recognitions from UAE health/science authorities |
| Inventors » | 10 years | Need a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy for the patent |
| Artists » | 10 years | Require approval from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate |
| Executive Directors » | 10 years | University degree accredited by Ministry of Education, 5+ years in role, minimum salary of AED 50,000 |
| Athletes » | 10 years | Recommendations needed from the General Sports Authority or local sports council |
| Engineers and Other Specialists » | 10 years | Relevant degree and an approved work contract by the UAE Ministry of Education |
| High School Students » | 5 years | Top national student with a minimum grade of 95% |
| University Students » | 10 years | Graduated from a top-rated university with a high GPA, within two years of graduation |
| Humanitarian Pioneers » | 10 years | Worked in recognized humanitarian organizations for at least 5 years or significant humanitarian funding |
| Frontline Heroes » | 10 years | Recognized for exceptional services during crises with appropriate endorsements |
As per UAE Govt Portal, the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa, including necessary documents and eligibility criteria, differ depending on the applicant’s category:
Investing in a UAE-accredited investment fund can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa.
To be eligible, you must:
Investing in real estate within the UAE may qualify you for a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same terms.
To be eligible, you must:
A 10-year visa is available to individuals with outstanding specialized talents in fields such as medicine, science, culture, art, invention, executive leadership, athletics, and various scientific and engineering disciplines. Eligible engineering and science fields include epidemiology, virology, artificial intelligence, big data, and various branches of engineering like computer, electronic, software, electrical, and genetic biotechnology. Applicants must meet specific criteria for each category to qualify.
Doctors: An approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine.
Scientists: A recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence confirming you have received the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy confirming that your patent adds value to the country’s economy.
Approval from the respective emirate’s Department of Culture and Arts.
A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or a sports council.
A certified copy of your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from the Ministry of Education and a work contract.
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
Students from foreign universities in the global top 100, as recognized by the Ministry of Education, also qualify for a 10-year visa if:
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The Golden Visa processing fee is 2,800 AED for most categories, except investors in land or the public sector. Additional costs include a medical exam (approximately 1,000 AED) and the Emirates ID fee.
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Yes, applicants can apply for the UAE Golden Visa from outside the country via the relevant application portals for their respective emirates.
If rejected, applicants can review the reason for the rejection and reapply with the necessary corrections or additional documentation.
Yes, individuals on a regular residence visa can apply for the Golden Visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Currently, the UAE Golden Visa does not have a specific category for retirees, but they may qualify under investment or other eligible categories.
The Golden Visa can be renewed by meeting the eligibility criteria and following the streamlined renewal process via the relevant portals.