Golden Visa (Long-Term Residence)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 3650 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- AED 4,600-10,250 (approx. $1,252-$2,790 USD)
- Validity
- 5-10 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The UAE Golden Visa is a 5- or 10-year renewable long-term residence visa. It is self-sponsored and not tied to an employer. Categories include: Investors (real estate worth AED 2M+ or bank deposit of AED 2M+ or business investment), Entrepreneurs, Skilled Professionals (with valid UAE employment contract, minimum salary, and specialized qualifications), Scientists and Researchers, Outstanding Students, and select Creative and Cultural professionals. Since 2026, the program also covers nurses with 15+ years in UAE healthcare, teachers with 10+ years in UAE schools, digital creators/influencers, professional gamers and e-sports professionals (age 25+), and yacht owners/maritime executives. Government fees range from AED 4,600 (bank deposit route) to AED 10,250 (property investors).
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to all nationalities
-
Financial
Investors: own property worth AED 2M+ or maintain a bank deposit of AED 2M+ or invest in a business. Skilled professionals: salary requirements vary by category
Minimum funds: AED 2,000,000 for investors
-
Employment
Skilled professionals must have a valid UAE employment contract and specialized qualifications. Entrepreneurs must have a viable business project approved by an accredited UAE incubator
Required status: Investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional
-
Health
Must pass the UAE medical fitness test
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 4; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photographs with white background
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Property title deed, bank deposit certificate, business licence, employment contract, or evidence of specialized qualifications; Minimum amount: Varies by category: AED 2,000,000 for investors (property or bank deposit)
-
Travel insurance
Coverage area: UAE; Minimum coverage: Valid health insurance covering UAE
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via ICP or GDRFA portal; Amount: AED 4,600-10,250 depending on category
-
Medical fitness
Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.
Destination country: UAE; Examining center: UAE-approved medical centre
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport copies, passport photos, proof of investment/qualification/employment (property deed, bank statements, employment contract, academic credentials), and health insurance
-
Online application
Apply through ICP smart services portal, GDRFA Dubai, or the Creators HQ website (for content creators). Self-sponsored application
-
Fee payment
Pay government fees of AED 4,600-10,250 depending on your category
-
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for application review and approval
-
Document submission
Upon arrival, complete medical fitness test at an approved centre
-
Biometrics
Apply for Emirates ID at a typing centre with biometrics capture
-
Visa collection
Receive 5- or 10-year Golden Visa residence stamp in passport