LONG-TERM UAE RESIDENCY

The UAE Golden Visa, Explained

Everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, costs and the step-by-step process for securing a 5 or 10-year UAE Golden Visa.

OVERVIEW

A residency system built for the UAE's future

Launched by the UAE government, the Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme that allows foreign talent to live, work and study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits, without needing a national employer as sponsor.

Unlike a standard employment visa, the Golden Visa is tied to the individual, not a job — giving holders the freedom to change employers, start a business, or spend extended periods abroad without losing their residency status.

5–10

Years validity

8

Eligible categories

100%

Business ownership

0

Employer sponsor needed

Key Benefits

Why thousands of investors and professionals choose the Golden Visa route every year.

Long-Term Validity

Live in the UAE for 5 or 10 years at a time, with straightforward renewal.

No Employer Sponsor

Sponsor yourself; you're free to work, freelance or leave the country without losing your visa.

Full Family Sponsorship

Sponsor your spouse, children of any age and parents on the same terms.

100% Business Ownership

Set up and fully own a business on the UAE mainland.

Extended Stay Abroad

Remain outside the UAE for longer than one year without invalidating your visa.

Access to Services

Eligibility for premium banking, schooling and healthcare services.

ELIGIBILITY

General eligibility criteria

While each category has its own specific requirements, every applicant must satisfy these baseline conditions:

A qualifying investment, business, skill set or academic record matching one of the eight Golden Visa categories.
A valid passport with at least six months' validity.
A clean criminal record and a passed medical fitness test.
Health insurance valid in the UAE for the applicant and any sponsored family members.
Category-specific supporting documents (e.g. title deed, business licence, salary certificate, academic transcript).

See Category Requirements

Application Process

A straightforward five-step journey from choosing your category to receiving your visa.

Choose Your Category

Identify the Golden Visa category that matches your profile — investor, entrepreneur, professional, specialist, talent, student, graduate or family.

Gather Documents

Collect and attest the required supporting documents, including passport copies, proof of investment or qualification, and photographs.

Submit Your Application

Apply online through ICP or GDRFA (for Dubai) or with the help of an authorised typing centre or advisory service.

Pass Medical & Biometrics

Complete the mandatory medical fitness test and biometric capture appointment at an approved centre.

Receive Approval

Once approved, pay the remaining fees and receive your Emirates ID and Golden Visa sticker or digital residency.

Fees & Costs

Indicative government and processing fees. Final costs depend on your category and family size.

Item	Typical Cost
Federal government fee (per applicant)	AED 2,800 – AED 4,000
Medical fitness test	AED 320 – AED 700
Emirates ID issuance	AED 370 (5-year) / AED 1,070 (10-year)
Typing / processing centre fee	AED 150 – AED 300
Investment or qualification amount	Varies by category (see Categories)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

What you'll need to apply

Keep digital and attested copies of the following ready before you begin your application:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) with a clear photo page
Recent passport-sized photograph on a white background
Category-specific proof: title deed, business licence, salary certificate, degree or portfolio
Valid UAE health insurance policy
No Objection Certificate (where applicable)
Emirates ID application form and current visa copy, if residing in the UAE