Looking for stability and opportunity in the UAE? The UAE Golden Visa offers a renewable 10-year residency that lets you live, work, and invest with confidence. This guide covers eligibility, documents, the application process, and FAQs.
Summary:
You can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa via four routes
- Property investment (AED 2m)
- Bank deposit (AED 2m for 2 years)
- Skilled professional (AED 30k+ salary, MoHRE level 1–2, degree)
- Special talent (endorsement) — with family sponsorship and no six-month stay requirement.
Table of Contents
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
A long-term residency program launched in 2019 and updated to attract global talent and investment. It offers flexibility and benefits beyond standard UAE visas for qualified individuals and their families.
Key benefits
- 10-year renewable residency (ICP/GDRFA)
- Operate businesses under prevailing UAE ownership rules (no local sponsor in most mainland activities)
- Sponsor spouse, children of any age, and multiple domestic staff (where permitted)
- No maximum absence period (visa remains valid if you’re abroad)
- Access to services and discounts from participating providers
- Banking and insurance privileges with select institutions
Who Qualifies? Four Main Pathways
Property Investment Route
Best for: investors who want a tangible asset with residency benefits
Eligibility
- Minimum AED 2,000,000 in UAE property (title deed or eligible off-plan developer confirmation)
- Property types: completed or off-plan (with conditions), residential or commercial
- Ownership: sole; joint with spouse (marriage certificate); co-ownership with unrelated parties (each must meet AED 2m)
- Multiple properties can be combined to reach AED 2m
Special notes
- Mortgaged properties can qualify if equity meets the threshold
- Off-plan varies by emirate/developer; expect proof of paid-up value (often 40%+) and a developer letter
Documents
- Title deed or developer letter (if off-plan)
- Property valuation showing AED 2m+
- Mortgage letter (if applicable)
- Passport, photos, current visa/Emirates ID (EID)
- Marriage certificate (if joint with spouse)
Bank Deposit Route
Best for: capital-heavy applicants who prefer liquidity
Eligibility
- Fixed deposit AED 2,000,000, held 2 years, unencumbered (no loan/pledge), confirmed by a letter from a UAE-licensed bank regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE
Advantages
- Straightforward documentation
- Quick processing
- Fixed-term returns (per bank terms)
- Principal not exposed to market volatility
Documents
- Bank confirmation letter stating AED 2m, 2-year term, no encumbrance
- Account statements (last 3–6 months)
- Source of funds (if requested)
- Passport, photos, current visa/EID
Skilled Professional Route
Best for: senior executives, specialists, high-earning professionals
Eligibility at a glance
- Salary AED 30,000+
- MoHRE Skill Level 1–2
- Attested bachelor’s degree
- Valid UAE work permit
Documents
- Employment contract showing AED 30,000+
- Evidence of Skill Level 1–2 (MoHRE)
- Attested degree
- Six months of salary bank statements
- Employer NOC (No Objection Certificate)
- Passport, photos, current visa/EID
Pro tip: Make sure your MoHRE job title and your contract title match exactly.
Special Talent Route
Best for: exceptional profiles in culture, sports, science, innovation
Who qualifies
- Scientists / researchers (publications, patents)
- Creative professionals with international recognition
- Athletes (Olympics/world medals)
- Digital innovators (tech, AI, notable creators)
- Outstanding students (GPA 3.8+, top-100 universities)
Endorsement
- Submit portfolio to the relevant UAE authority → evaluation (typically 2–4 weeks) → endorsement letter → submit residency application
Documents
- Authority endorsement
- Portfolio (awards, publications, patents)
- Professional credentials (certificates, memberships)
- Passport, photos, current visa/EID
Family Sponsorship
- Spouse (no income requirement)
- Children (no age limit)
- Parents (with comprehensive health insurance)
- Multiple domestic staff (where permitted)
Travel Flexibility
Unlike standard residency visas that lapse after six months abroad, this long-term visa remains valid regardless of time outside the UAE.
Application Process
Coordinated via ICP/GDRFA; work-linked cases often flow through the national Work Bundle.
Phase 1: Preparation (1–2 weeks)
- Confirm your route
- Gather documents (use the checklists above)
- Arrange attestations/translations if needed
Phase 2: Application (3–5 days)
- Apply through ICP or GDRFA portals
- Pay initial fees (about AED 3,850 — varies by emirate/category)
- Preliminary approval typically in 48–72 hours
- Presence required: you must be in the UAE for medical fitness, EID biometrics, visa stamping, and EID issuance
Phase 3: Finalization (5–7 days)
- Medical fitness at DHA-approved centers
- Biometrics for EID
- Visa stamping
- EID delivery
Speed tip: tidy files move faster; many cases complete in 10–14 days.
Note: timelines/fees vary by emirate and category; criteria can change.
Which route fits you?
| Route | Investment | Best for | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | AED 2m property | Long-term investors | Capital upside • Tangible asset • Possible rental income | Market swings • Maintenance • Unrelated co-owners each need AED 2m |
| Bank deposit | AED 2m fixed deposit | Risk-averse applicants | Fixed-term returns (per bank terms) • Simple • Principal not exposed to market volatility | Funds locked 2 years • No borrowing against deposit • Often lower returns than property |
| Skilled professional | AED 30k+ salary | Senior employees | No capital needed • Employer support • Career stability | Job dependency • Salary continuity • MoHRE level 1–2 needed |
| Special talent | Endorsement | Exceptional achievers | Recognition-based • Flexible criteria • Prestige | Competitive selection • Subjective evaluation • Portfolio demands |
Practical tips
- Name consistency across passport, degree, contracts, bank letters
- Bank statements ≤ 30 days; attestations within six months
- Scan quality: color, 300 DPI, <2MB per file
- Certified translations for non-English/Arabic documents
FAQs
Can I apply for the UAE Golden Visa while outside the UAE?
Yes. You can start online from abroad, but you must be in the UAE for biometrics, medical tests, visa stamping, and EID issuance.
Does the UAE Golden Visa itself grant business ownership?
No. Business ownership follows UAE company-law rules. Many mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership independent of residency category.
Can I switch routes at renewal (e.g., from skilled to property)?
Yes. You can renew under any route you qualify for at the time.
Do off-plan properties always qualify?
Not always. It depends on emirate rules, developer status, paid-up thresholds (often 40%+), and proper documentation.
What happens to my bank deposit after two years?
You can withdraw or reinvest. For renewal, you must meet a qualifying route at that time.
Are there costs beyond visa fees?
Budget for medical tests, EID issuance, attestations, and typing center fees; amounts vary by emirate.
Ready to Start Your UAE Golden Visa Journey?
Check UAE Golden Visa eligibility in 60 seconds →
Or book a free 30-minute consultation — we’ll confirm your best route, documents, and timeline.
Related services: business setup services • banking & KYC support • school search assistance • visa services