Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
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Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–5 days

Estimated Cost

AED 300

Stay Duration

10 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 126,000
Quality of Life
169/200

Overview

Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers.

The UAE Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program designed to attract and retain global talent, investors, and high-achieving individuals. Unlike standard employment visas, the Golden Visa offers the unique benefit of self-sponsorship, meaning holders do not require a local employer or sponsor to maintain their residency. The visa is issued for either 5 or 10 years and is fully renewable, providing long-term stability for residents and their families. It allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE while enjoying the same rights and privileges as other residents, including the ability to sponsor family members.

This program is tailored for a diverse group of beneficiaries, including real estate investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and outstanding students. By removing the need for employer sponsorship, the Golden Visa grants individuals greater freedom to pursue business ventures, invest in the local economy, or contribute to the UAE's scientific and cultural landscape. The application process involves verifying the applicant's specific credentials—such as investment records, academic achievements, or professional recognition—and ensuring they meet the UAE's health and security standards. It is a cornerstone of the UAE's strategy to foster a knowledge-based economy and position itself as a global hub for innovation.

Cost Breakdown

Application feeAED 100
Issuance feeAED 100
Smart services feeAED 100
TotalAED 300

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant10 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must fall into a qualifying category: Investors, Entrepreneurs, Scientists, Outstanding Students/Graduates, Humanitarian Pioneers, or Frontline Heroes.

Investors: Minimum investment of AED 2 million in real estate or public investments.

Entrepreneurs: Must own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE (SME) with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million, or have approval for a project from an authorized incubator.

Exceptional Talents: Must possess specialized skills in fields like science, engineering, culture, or arts, often requiring recommendation letters or accredited degrees.

Outstanding Students: Must meet specific academic excellence criteria (e.g., high school ranking or university GPA).

Must pass a medical fitness test.

Must hold valid health insurance.

Must have a clean criminal record.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

360,000 AED/yr

Investment

2,000,000 AED

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of qualification (e.g., title deeds for real estate, shareholder certificates, or recommendation letters).

Medical fitness test report.

Valid UAE health insurance policy.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the country of origin or residence.

Completed application form for the specific Golden Visa category.

Application Process

1

Prepare business project

Develop innovative business proposal

2

Get MOE/incubator approval

Secure approval from Ministry of Economy or approved incubator

3

Submit golden visa application

Apply for 10-year golden visa

4

Provide business documentation

Submit business plan and financial details

5

Receive entry visa

Get 6-month entry visa for residence processing

6

Undergo medical examination

Complete health screening

7

Finalize residency

Complete residence visa procedures

8

Receive 10-year visa

Get 10-year renewable residence visa

Application Forms

Go to application portal
ICP online application—

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