UAE Golden Visa (10-Year)
A long-term residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, granting the right to live, work, and study in the UAE with extended benefits and no sponsor.
Overview
The UAE Golden Visa, launched in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022-2023, is the premier long-term residency program in the Gulf region. It grants holders 10-year renewable residency (5 years for some categories) with the right to live, work, and study freely in the UAE without needing a national sponsor. Unlike standard employment visas, the Golden Visa is self-sponsored, meaning your residency is not tied to any employer. Categories include investors (AED 2M+ in property or deposits), high-earning professionals (AED 30,000+/month basic salary as of October 2025), entrepreneurs with accredited startups, scientists recommended by the UAE Council for Scientists, outstanding students from top universities, creative professionals, and elite athletes. New 2025-2026 additions include gaming professionals and expanded cultural categories. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members for the same duration, employ domestic workers, and critically -- stay outside the UAE for extended periods without risking their residency status. With 0% personal income tax and a 9% corporate tax only on profits above AED 375,000, the UAE continues to be one of the world's most tax-efficient jurisdictions for professionals and investors.
Eligibility by Category
| Category | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Investors | Own property valued at AED 2,000,000+ (without outstanding loans) |
| Public Investors | Personal deposit of AED 2,000,000+ in a local UAE bank |
| Business Investors | Valid trade license with capital of AED 2,000,000+ |
| Tax-Based Investors | Annual tax payment of AED 250,000+ to UAE government |
| Entrepreneurs | Accredited startup/SME valued at AED 500,000+, approved by accredited incubator or accelerator |
| Executive Directors | University degree, 5+ years senior experience, salary AED 50,000+/month |
| Professionals | Basic salary AED 30,000+/month (excl. allowances, as of Oct 2025), bachelor's degree or higher |
| Doctors | Approval from Ministry of Health, basic salary AED 30,000+/month |
| Scientists/Researchers | Recommendation from UAE Council for Scientists or Scientific Excellence Award |
| Artists & Creatives | Recognition from relevant cultural bodies, international awards (incl. gaming/culture 2025-2026) |
| Athletes | Elite-level recognition, approval from relevant sports authority |
| Inventors | Patent approved by UAE Ministry of Economy, recommendation letter |
| Outstanding Students (UAE) | GPA 3.75+ from accredited UAE university |
| Outstanding Students (Global) | Top 100 global university graduate (within 2 years), GPA 3.5+ |
Key Benefits
Golden Visa vs. Standard Employment Visa
| Feature | Golden Visa | Standard Employment Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5-10 years, renewable | 1-3 years, tied to contract |
| Sponsor | Self-sponsored | Employer-sponsored |
| Job change | No impact on visa | Must transfer or cancel visa |
| Time outside UAE | Unlimited | 6+ months risks cancellation |
| Grace period | 6 months | 30 days |
| Family sponsorship | Same duration as holder | Usually 1-2 years |
Application Process
Verify eligibility
Check which category matches your profile and gather the required documentation (property title, salary certificate, degree attestation, etc.).
Submit application
Apply through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) portal or GDRFA portal. Some categories require pre-approval from relevant authorities.
Medical examination
Complete a medical fitness test at an approved health center in the UAE (blood test, chest X-ray).
Biometrics & Emirates ID
Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo) and apply for Emirates ID at an ICP service center.
Receive Golden Visa
Processing takes approximately 2-3 months. Receive your 10-year residency visa stamp and Emirates ID card.
Application Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residency permit (10-year) | ~AED 9,885 |
| Medical examination | AED 700 |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | AED 1,153 |
| Residency permit confirmation | AED 2,857 |
| Dubai Land Dept. fees (real estate only) | AED 4,020 |
| Administrative fees | AED 1,155 |
| Total estimate (all fees) | ~AED 10,400 (~USD 2,832) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for the Golden Visa?
As of October 2025, professionals need a basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 (excluding housing and transport allowances) plus a bachelor's degree or higher. Executive Directors need AED 50,000+/month with 5+ years of senior management experience.
Can I stay outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes. Unlike regular visas which can be cancelled after 6 months outside the UAE, Golden Visa holders can travel freely and stay abroad for any duration without risking their residency status. This is one of the most valuable benefits of the Golden Visa.
Does the Golden Visa lead to UAE citizenship?
The Golden Visa does not directly lead to citizenship. However, the UAE has a naturalization pathway for exceptional contributors (scientists, investors, creatives), though it remains highly selective and by invitation only.
Can I sponsor my family with a Golden Visa?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and children for the same duration as your Golden Visa (5 or 10 years). You can also sponsor domestic workers (maids, drivers) linked to your Golden Visa residency.
What is the difference between Golden Visa and Green Visa?
The Golden Visa offers 5-10 year residency with higher investment/salary thresholds (AED 2M property or AED 30K salary). The Green Visa is 5 years with lower requirements (AED 15K salary for skilled workers) and is also self-sponsored but does not allow unlimited time outside the UAE.
Official Sources
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (icp.gov.ae) – Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
- MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae) – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation