The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term, self-sponsored residency visa valid for 5 or 10 years. It allows eligible expatriates to live in the UAE without the need for renewal every six months, unlike the standard 2-year residence visa. Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their immediate family members for residency visas matching the same duration.
The UAE Golden Visa is granted to a diverse group of individuals, including real estate and bank investors, senior executives, professionals in specialized fields, exceptional talents, top-performing athletes and students, representatives from the gaming industry, and retirees with sufficient income or investments.
Who Can Apply
Foreign investors can qualify for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by purchasing or owning real estate valued at a minimum of AED 2 million. This can include a single property or multiple properties, as long as the combined value meets the threshold.
Requirements
An official letter from the Land Department of the respective emirate confirming ownership of real estate worth at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000).
As of 2024, investors can now finance their property purchase through approved local banks without any specific minimum down payment requirement. Previously, investors had to pay at least 50% (AED 1 million) upfront to be eligible, but this condition has been removed—making the Golden Visa more accessible to real estate investors.
Cost of a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa via Property Investment
The total cost of obtaining the 10-year Golden Visa through real estate investment includes government fees, medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and other administrative charges. While costs may vary slightly depending on the emirate, it generally ranges between AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DLD Golden visa fee | 8,300 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| 10-year Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 10,250 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Who Can Apply
Foreign investors can apply for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by depositing personal funds into a local UAE bank. The minimum investment required is AED 2 million or its equivalent in another currency.
Requirements
The deposit must be held in an accredited UAE bank, typically earning an average interest rate of around 4%.
The funds must remain in the account for a minimum of two years; early withdrawal may lead to visa cancellation.
Applicants must provide proof of paying at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes to the UAE government.
The invested amount must be fully owned by the investor and not financed through a loan.
Valid medical insurance coverage is required for both the applicant and their family members.
Cost of a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa via Bank Deposit
The overall cost of securing a 10-year Golden Visa through a bank deposit includes government fees, medical examinations, Emirates ID issuance, and other administrative charges. The total typically ranges between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000, depending on the emirate and application details.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-year visa fee | 2,700 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| 10-year Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 4,650 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Who Can Apply
Top executives and company directors are eligible for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, provided they meet the necessary qualifications and hold positions such as Manager, Executive Director, or President of the Board of Directors.
Requirements
A university degree (minimum bachelor’s) accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in the same role, supported by an official letter.
A salary certificate or labor contract showing a monthly income of at least AED 30,000.
A valid employment contract.
A no-objection letter from the current employer.
The applicant’s professional title must be one of the following: Manager, Executive Director, or President of the Board.
Cost of a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa for Executives and Managers
The total cost, including government processing fees, Emirates ID issuance, medical testing, and other administrative expenses, typically ranges between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000, depending on the emirate and application specifics.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-year visa fee | 2,700 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| 10-year Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 4,650 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Who Can Apply
Foreign nationals who purchase or own a residential property in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 750,000 are eligible to apply for a 2-year residence visa.
Requirements
The property can be either ready for occupancy or under construction. Off-plan properties may come with installment plans offered by the developer.
Mortgage financing is allowed only for completed (ready) properties. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the financing bank is mandatory for visa application.
The property must be registered under the applicant’s individual name or jointly owned by spouses with equal ownership shares.
The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed upon meeting the eligibility criteria.
The property must not be sold during the visa period; selling or transferring ownership will require the visa to be canceled.
Any change in property ownership automatically leads to the revocation of the visa.
Cost of a 2-Year UAE Residence Visa via Property Purchase
The total cost, including government application fees, medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and administrative charges, generally ranges from AED 7,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the emirate and other factors.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Property investor visa fee | 9,800 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 400 AED |
| Police clearance certificate | 220 AED |
| Total | 11,170 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Who Can Apply
Foreign nationals aged 55 or older, as well as individuals who have worked in the UAE for at least 15 years, are eligible to apply for a 5-year UAE retirement residency visa.
Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following financial criteria:
Own real estate in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 1 million, or
Maintain a fixed deposit of at least AED 1 million in a local UAE bank, or
Receive a monthly pension or salary of at least AED 15,000 in Dubai or AED 20,000 in other emirates.
Additional Requirements:
Valid medical insurance is mandatory for the applicant and their dependents.
The visa may be canceled if the applicant no longer meets the required financial conditions.
Cost of a 5-Year UAE Visa for Retirees
The overall cost, including government fees, Emirates ID, medical tests, and related administrative expenses, typically ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 12,000, depending on the emirate and application specifics.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5-year visa fee | 7,000 AED |
| Medical test | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 8,950 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
Who Can Apply
Talented individuals across various fields—such as science, culture, arts, sports, engineering, and more—are eligible for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Exceptional students and, more recently, professionals in the gaming industry, including game developers, are also included under this category.
Requirements
The application process, required documents, processing time, and associated costs vary based on the applicant’s field and profile. Each application is reviewed individually, and the visa is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Doctors must obtain an approval letter from the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine. They are also required to provide proof of a monthly basic salary of at least AED 30,000. This can be in the form of a salary certificate (for free zone employment) or a labor contract (for mainland LLC companies).
Scientists need to submit a recommendation letter from either the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, confirming that they have received the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
Inventors are required to submit a recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Economy, confirming that their patent contributes positively to the country’s economic development.
High school students who achieve national-level excellence, with a minimum grade of 95% in public or private secondary school, are eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa without the need for a sponsor.
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) is required.
The 5-year Golden Visa can be extended if the student enrolls in a major or college program that requires a study period longer than five years.
Outstanding university students are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor, provided they meet the following criteria:
The university must be classified as A or B by the Ministry of Education.
Applicants must submit a recommendation letter from the university, along with an accredited graduation certificate or academic record, showing a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities.
Graduation must have occurred within the last two years.
Outstanding students who graduate from foreign universities are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor, provided they meet the following requirements:
The university must be ranked among the top 100 globally, according to a rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education.
The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
Graduation must have occurred within the last two years.
The graduation certificate must be accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
The Dubai government has introduced the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 to attract skilled gamers, game developers, and digital product creators. This initiative provides entrepreneurs and startups in the gaming industry with access to advanced infrastructure, networking and collaboration opportunities, educational programs, and specialized events.
Participants in this program can apply for a long-term 10-year Golden Visa.
Requirements for Obtaining a Golden Visa in the Gaming Industry:
Applicants must be 25 years or older.
Proof of qualifications and experience in the gaming industry is required.
A detailed business plan and evidence of share capital if starting a company are necessary.
Select the desired visa category, such as investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, and check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Collect all necessary documents specified by the UAE government for your chosen category, including investment or property-related documents, recommendation letters, academic records, or proof of achievements.
Go to an Amer office, a designated government service center, with your prepared documents to initiate the application process.
Submit the applicable fees associated with the Golden Visa application.
Wait for the approval, with UAE golden visa processing time can take anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, depending on your chosen category and other factors.
If you have an existing residence visa, follow the procedures to cancel it before proceeding with the Golden Visa application.
Provide necessary details and submit your Golden Visa application, including passport information and additional required information.
To obtain the visa, you must undergo an HIV blood test, a chest X-ray, and provide fingerprint scans.
Once approved, the Golden Visa will be sent electronically, granting you the desired residency status. The Golden Visa stamp no longer exists.
Unrestricted Relocation and Visits: UAE residents can relocate or visit the country without any restrictions.
Tax Benefits: Residents are exempt from personal income tax, capital gains tax, property tax, and taxes on gifts and inheritance.
Banking: UAE residency allows individuals to open accounts in local banks, with the option to hold multiple currencies, including AED, USD, and EUR.
Driver’s License: Residents can obtain a local driver’s license either by passing a driving test or by exchanging their existing foreign license.
Healthcare and Education: UAE residents have access to the country’s world-class healthcare and education systems, including clinics, hospitals, schools, and universities.
Family Sponsorship: UAE residents can sponsor their family members for long-term visas. The cost of a Golden Visa for dependents is generally lower.
Exclusive Discounts: UAE residents are eligible for the Esaad discount program, which offers exclusive deals and benefits at various local and international establishments.
Citizenship Eligibility: UAE residents may qualify for citizenship based on significant achievements, major investments in the UAE economy, or after living in the country for 30 years through the naturalization program.
| Feature | 2-year investor visa | 10-year Golden visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | AED 750,000 (approx. $205,000) | AED 2,000,000 (approx. $550,000) |
| Eligible properties | Completed real estate only | Completed or under-construction real estate (≥50% complete) |
| Multiple properties | Not applicable | Up to 3 properties, with a total value ≥ AED 2 million |
| Mortgage requirements | Allowed, with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the lender | Allowed, but loan amount must be ≥ AED 2 million |
| Ownership requirements | Individual or joint ownership (spouses only, equal shares preferred) | Individual or joint ownership (not restricted to spouses). The value of each party should be ≥ AED 2 million |
| Visa duration | 2 years | 10 years |
| Renewal option | Yes | Yes |
| Income proof requirement | Not required | Investment documents |
| Government fees | AED 2,707 for visa issuance + AED 1,153 for Emirates ID per person | AED 2,707 for visa issuance + AED 1,153 for Emirates ID per person |
| Health insurance (per person) | AED 1,000+ | AED 1,000+ |
| Medical examination (per person) | AED 700+ | AED 700+ |
| Revocation policy | Visa is cancelled once the property is sold | The property can be sold after 2 years of ownership. To renew the Golden visa the owner needs to have other properties valued at ≥ AED 2 million |
| Additional benefits | Short-term flexibility | Long-term stability, broader property options, family benefits |
After successfully obtaining your UAE residency visa, here are some practical steps to help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your new status:
As a UAE resident, it’s essential to open a local bank account for managing your finances. Here are some reliable banks for expatriates:
Emirates NBD: Renowned for excellent digital banking services.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB): Offers tailored products for both residents and non-residents.
Mashreq Bank: Known for easy online banking and investment options.
Tip: Be sure to bring your Golden Visa Emirates ID, proof of residency, and a valid passport when opening an account.
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. Some well-known insurance providers include:
Daman: Provides comprehensive coverage options for individuals and families.
Oman Insurance: Offers affordable plans with wide hospital networks.
AXA Gulf: Known for premium packages with international coverage.
Tip: Compare different health insurance plans to find one that suits your needs and budget.
If you’re relocating with your family, the UAE offers many options for schooling, childcare, and cultural integration:
Schools: Explore international or local schools based on curriculum preferences (e.g., British, American, or IB).
Childcare: Numerous nurseries and daycare centers cater to expatriate families.
Cultural Adaptation: The UAE is a diverse country, so understanding local customs and laws will help your family integrate more easily.
To keep your residency status, it’s crucial to comply with the requirements of the Golden Visa:
Visitation Requirement: If you hold a 2-year investor visa, you must visit the UAE at least once every 6 months to maintain your residency. However, Golden Visa holders are not required to follow this rule.
Property Ownership Compliance: Ensure that your property maintains the minimum value threshold (e.g., AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa or AED 2 million for a 10-year visa).
Certain actions can lead to the revocation of your residency visa:
Selling Property: If you sell your property, your 2-year residency visa will be canceled. For 10-year Golden Visa holders, you must retain the property for at least 2 years before selling it. If you wish to renew your Golden Visa, you must invest in other properties worth AED 2 million or more.
Failure to Meet Criteria: Not updating your income documentation or failing to renew mandatory health insurance can also result in visa revocation.
What to Do:
Consider alternative investments to maintain the required residency criteria.
Consult with a business setup expert or legal advisor to explore your options for retaining your status.
Taking the Hassle Away: We handle your concerns and provide effective solutions to solve your challenges.
Saving Your Time: Our solutions are tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring efficiency.
Dedicated Personal Manager: Get personalized support via email, phone, or messaging platforms from a dedicated manager.
Expertise in the UAE Market: Leverage our in-depth knowledge of the UAE market for clear and concise answers to your questions.
The brand name Visa Kings Global is used under licence by Visa Success Limited. Visa Success Limited is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Visa Success Limited does not give financial, legal or tax advice.
Information affecting all users of this website can be found on our Legal Notices page which you are deemed to have read and accepted.
