Frequently Asked Questions

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work, study and invest in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, without the need for a national sponsor and with 100% ownership of their business.

Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, and humanitarian pioneers can all apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for their category.

Government fees vary by category and typically range from AED 2,800 to AED 4,000 per applicant, in addition to any qualifying investment amount such as property or a business stake.

Requirements differ by category but generally include proof of investment or qualification, a valid passport, medical fitness test, Emirates ID application and, in some cases, a No Objection Certificate.

Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and parents, all of whom receive residency matching the validity of the main visa.

Most applications are processed within 30 to 90 days from submission of complete documentation, depending on the category and government workload.

No — the Golden Visa is issued to individuals based on their own qualifying criteria. Business partners must apply individually under the entrepreneur category.

Unlike standard visas, the Golden Visa is not cancelled if you remain outside the UAE for more than six months, giving holders far greater flexibility to live and travel internationally.

Yes, if your circumstances change — for example, from professional to investor — you can apply to switch categories provided you meet the new category's requirements.

No. Many categories, including property investor and entrepreneur, can be applied for directly from outside the UAE.