UAE Golden Visa

The UAE offers the exclusive Golden Visa, a long-term residency program for outstanding individuals

Live, work, or study in the UAE for 5-10 years with benefits not available with standard visas

Apply for Golden Visa

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program from the UAE government. It allows foreign nationals to live in the UAE for 5 or 10 years. Unlike regular visas, it does not require sponsorship from a UAE citizen or employer, offering more freedom.

The visa is renewable and includes benefits like business opportunities, tax advantages, real estate options, and access to high-quality healthcare and education.

The program targets talented people in fields like investment, entrepreneurship, skilled work, research, and education. It supports economic growth, innovation, and stability for residents. This shows the UAE's goal to become a global center for business, culture, and research.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Long-Term Residency

Live in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, renewable for ongoing stability

No Sponsorship Needed

No UAE national or employer sponsor required, for greater independence

Business Flexibility

Run businesses without a local partner, with full control over investments

Tax Advantages

No personal income tax or capital gains tax, boosting financial gains

Family Residency

Include spouse and dependent children, with access to healthcare, education, and services

Real Estate Investment

Invest in the growing property market in Dubai and other areas

Access to Public Services

Use healthcare, education, and utilities like UAE citizens

Global Mobility

Easy travel via major UAE airports for business and personal needs

Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

The program is for those contributing to the UAE's economy and society. Main categories include:

Investors

Public investments, real estate, and business ventures

Entrepreneurs

Approved project owners with viable business plans

Skilled Professionals

Doctors, engineers, scientists, and specialists

Outstanding Students

High-achieving students and graduates

Retirees

Individuals seeking peaceful retirement in UAE

Real Estate Investors

Property owners meeting investment criteria

Specialized Talents

Scientists, researchers, artists, and innovators

Athletes

Professional athletes and sports achievers

Conditions and Criteria for the UAE Golden Visa

Investors in Public Investments

Must:

  • Plan to establish a business legally in the UAE
  • Provide a letter from a UAE-approved fund for a AED 2 million deposit, or a license showing AED 2 million capital
  • Or invest as a partner with shares of at least AED 2 million (not loan-funded)
  • Submit a Federal Tax Authority letter confirming annual payments of at least AED 250,000

Real Estate Investors

Must:

  • Provide a Real Estate Registration Department letter for property worth at least AED 2 million (no loan)
  • Show proof of residence (ownership or rental)

Entrepreneurs

Eligible for 5-year visa if:

  • Auditor letter confirms project value of at least AED 500,000
  • Emirate authorities letter verifies technical or future-oriented project
  • Accredited incubator approval letter
  • Passport copies, health insurance, and housing proof
  • In Abu Dhabi/Dubai, apply via incubators like AREA 2071 or HUB71

Outstanding Specialized Talents

Includes doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, executives, specialists, and athletes in areas like AI, epidemiology, and biotechnology.

Doctors and Scientists:

  • • Doctors: Ministry of Health approval
  • • Scientists: Emirates Council of Scientists recommendation or Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Award
  • • Passport and health insurance

Creative Individuals and Innovators:

  • • Artists: Department of Culture and Arts approval
  • • Inventors: Ministry of Economy recommendation
  • • Passport and health insurance

Executives:

  • • University degree
  • • At least 5 years' experience
  • • Salary of AED 50,000+ monthly with valid contract
  • • Passport and health insurance

Specialists and Athletes:

  • • Specialists: Certificate in rare field recognized by UAE
  • • Athletes: General Sports Authority or council recommendation
  • • Passport and health insurance

Ph.D. Holders and Engineering/Science Specialists:

  • • Ph.D.: Certified from Ministry of Education in priority field
  • • Specialists: Certified degree and relevant work contract
  • • Passport and health insurance

Outstanding Students

High School Students:

  • • Ministry of Education recommendation
  • • 5-year visa; extendable for longer programs (e.g., medicine)
  • • Can sponsor parents/siblings with approval

University Students:

  • • University letter with GPA of 3.8+
  • • 10-year visa
  • • Can sponsor spouse/children if financially able

UAE Golden Visa Validity

5 Years

5-Year Golden Visa

For:

  • Real estate investors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Retirees
  • Outstanding high school students
10 Years

10-Year Golden Visa

For:

  • Public investment investors
  • Skilled professionals
  • Specialized talents (doctors, scientists)
  • Outstanding university students

Renewable if criteria are met

Documents Required for the Dubai Golden Visa

Documents vary by category. General requirements include:

Passport copies

(all pages)

Recent passport-sized photos

(white background)

Valid UAE health insurance

Mandatory coverage

Proof of residence

(if in UAE)

Police clearance certificate

From home country

Proof of financial stability

(e.g., bank statements)

Educational qualifications

Degrees and certificates

Bank statement

with AED 3 million+ balance (or equivalent)

Property documentation

Sales agreement, Oqood, or Title Deed

Category-specific documents match earlier criteria.

Consult Hire Consultancy experts for accurate preparation.

Dependents on the UAE Golden Visa

Family Sponsorship Benefits

Sponsor spouse and children (no limit on number). Also sponsor unlimited domestic helpers.

This supports family and household stability for a complete UAE residence experience.

How to Obtain a UAE Golden Visa?

Often nominated by government or royal officials. Apply directly via Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) if eligible but not nominated.

Application Procedure

1

Check Eligibility

Review criteria and gather documents

2

Visit ICA Website

Go to official site for applications

3

Submit Nomination

Complete "Golden Residence - New Request" form

4

Select Category

Choose based on eligibility

5

Attach Documents and Pay

Upload files, pay fees by card. Get confirmation.

6

Track Application

Use reference number on ICA or ICP platform

7

Await Approval

Follow instructions upon notification

From Outside UAE:

  • Get 6-month multi-entry visa first
  • Apply online with attested documents

Golden Visa Renewal

Renew Before Expiry

Renew before expiry with updated details, eligibility proof, and fees. Similar to initial process.

Ready to Secure Your UAE Golden Visa?

Hire Consultancy makes obtaining the Golden Visa easy.

Our team guides investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and retirees every step of the way. Gain long-term residency and new opportunities in the UAE.

Start today with Hire Consultancy – your reliable partner for visa and business setup in the UAE.