The UAE Golden Visa Program offers wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents, as defined by the country’s laws, the opportunity to immigrate and secure long-term residency through investment. This residence permit enables holders to live in the UAE for an extended period without restrictions, benefiting from the nation’s high standard of living and numerous advantages. The program grants residency in one of the world’s wealthiest and most developed countries, providing favorable conditions for business, opportunities for high returns on investment, competitive salaries, and the chance to build a successful career after graduating from a local or foreign university.
What is a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that enables foreigners to work, start or grow a business, study, and access various privileges within the Emirates. Eligible applicants include investors and entrepreneurs who meet specific investment thresholds in government funds, real estate, or commercial projects, as well as certain professionals and other qualified foreign nationals. Given that UAE immigration laws typically require a minimum of 30 years to acquire citizenship, the Golden Visa offers a valuable alternative for those seeking long-term residency. Depending on the applicant’s category, the visa can be issued for 5 or 10 years and is renewable. It provides access to the labor market, education, and healthcare while allowing residents to integrate fully into Emirati society.
Advantages of the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa grants the right to reside in Dubai or any other emirate and offers the following benefits:
- Extended residency: Live in the UAE for an extended period without restrictions or the need for frequent status renewal.
- Flexibility for travel: Retain residency even when staying abroad for more than six months.
- Access to opportunities: Enter the labor market and business environment, benefiting from one of the world’s most favorable tax policies.
- Family sponsorship: Sponsor residency permits for family members, including adult children, and domestic staff.
- Family security: Ensure the validity of residency permits for family members in the event of the principal applicant’s passing.
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Types of Golden Visas
As of 2025, the UAE Golden Visa is available in several categories:
- Investor visa.Foreign nationals can secure a Golden Visa by investing in government funds or real estate. Specific conditions apply, including minimum investment thresholds, depending on the chosen route.
- Visa for outstanding specialists.Designed for top-tier professionals such as doctors, scientists, executives, artists, and athletes. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional qualifications and gain approval from relevant authorities to obtain residency and pursue their expertise in the UAE.
- Entrepreneur visa.Entrepreneurs with innovative economic projects can enjoy favorable tax conditions and an efficient pathway to UAE residency. Applicants must present their business ideas for review and approval before proceeding.
- Visa for exceptional students and graduates.High-achieving high school students and graduates from local or international universities, who completed their studies within the past two years, are eligible for this visa. No sponsor is required, but applicants must provide evidence of their academic excellence.
- Humanitarian pioneer visa.Granted to individuals who are active members or distinguished contributors to international organizations or those recognized for humanitarian efforts. Approval from relevant authorities or evidence of sponsorship in aid initiatives is required.
- Frontline heroes visa.Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions during critical events, such as pandemics or emergencies, acknowledging their extraordinary service to society.
The Golden Visa is not available for individuals planning to move to the UAE as freelancers. However, there is an alternative program specifically designed for such applicants. can guide freelancers through the immigration process and offer comprehensive support to ensure a smooth transition to the Emirates.
How to get a UAE Golden Visa
- Choose the visa type.
Applicants must decide on the most suitable visa type based on their capital, investment goals, experience, and circumstances. Investors aiming to secure privileges through financial contributions might opt for the Investor Golden Visa. Entrepreneurs planning to expand their business under favorable economic and tax conditions may apply for the Entrepreneur Visa. Specialists in specific fields can choose a visa type aligned with their expertise.
- Meet requirements and prepare documents.Applicants must then meet the necessary requirements and prepare documentation proving their eligibility for residency. For investors, this involves completing transactions such as property purchases or fund investments while meeting the minimum financial thresholds. Entrepreneurs are required to submit a business plan and secure relevant approvals. It is essential to ensure compliance with all conditions related to investment amounts, sources of funds, and other criteria based on the chosen visa type.
- Obtain an entry visa and arrive in the UAE.
Before obtaining residency, applicants must first secure an entry permit. This document allows them to enter the UAE to complete mandatory formalities, such as medical examinations and arranging health insurance. The permit can be requested via the ICP Smart Services website or UAEICP mobile app and is valid for six months.
- Apply for a resident visa and await approval.After arriving in the UAE, the applicant must submit a residency application. This can be done either online, by creating an account on the government platform, selecting the appropriate service, filling out the application form, uploading the necessary documents, and paying the fees, or in person, by preparing a paper dossier and submitting it at a Customer Service Center or Amer Service Center. The decision will be communicated to the applicant via email. The decision is sent to the applicant via email.
- Obtain an Emirates ID.
Following residency approval, it is mandatory to apply for an Emirates ID, which serves as an official identification document and grants access to government, banking, and other services. This involves providing a photo and biometric data during the process. Once issued, the Emirates ID card will be delivered to a designated post office, and the applicant will be notified when it is ready for collection.
Obtain a UAE residence permit in just 1 month
- Live in a country with a developed economy
- Open accounts in reliable banks
- Do business in the UAE
- Easily obtain visas to Schengen countries and the USA
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Who is eligible for a Golden Visa and under what conditions
The general requirements that need to be met by applicants for a UAE gold visa are to be 18 years of age, have a foreign passport and finances, no open criminal record and/or no criminal convictions. Applicants should also undergo an examination at a local clinic and obtain medical insurance upon arrival in the Emirates. Other conditions for issuance of a document marked “Golden Visa Dubai” (or indicating another emirate) are set according to the specific grounds.
Investment in a public fund
A foreigner is required to have a letter of confirmation from a government fund that there is a deposit of at least 2,000,000 AED (544,600 USD) or provide an active business license for a company with a capital contribution of at least this amount. The third option is to be the owner or partner of the company, and the Federal Tax Administration must confirm that the firm pays to the government a fee of at least 250,000 AED (68,075 USD) annually. The applicant’s assets must be personally owned and not in the form of loans. If the above conditions are met, the golden visa is granted to the investor and his relatives for 10 years at a time.
Real estate investment
To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment, the applicant must own one or more properties in the UAE with a combined value of at least 2,000,000 AED (544,600 USD). Proof of ownership is required in the form of a letter issued by the registration office of the land department in the emirate where the property is located. It is essential that the property is fully paid for and not under any financing or credit agreements. The Golden Visa under this category is valid for five years and can be renewed as long as the ownership conditions are maintained. This visa also extends to include the applicant’s family members.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs with innovative or promising technical ideas are eligible to apply for a 5-year Golden Visa, provided their project is approved by the relevant Emirate authorities and accredited within the state. Additionally, a business incubator must confirm that the project meets the required standards, and a local auditor must assess the value of the proposed company at no less than 500,000 AED (136,150 USD).
Qualified professionals
Certified doctors, scientists, athletes, inventors, and individuals in creative professions must present a recommendation or endorsement letter from an authorized body in their respective field, such as the Ministry of Economy, the Council of Scientists, or the Department of Culture and Arts. Medical practitioners need approval from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice. Executive directors are required to submit a bachelor’s degree or higher, proof of at least five years of professional experience, a salary certificate demonstrating earnings of 50,000 AED (13,615 USD) or more, and a current employment contract. These specialists are eligible for a 10-year visa.
Outstanding students and university graduates
Outstanding students and university graduates can apply for a residence permit in the UAE without the need for sponsorship. High school students from public or private institutions who have excelled academically, as certified by the Ministry of Education, are eligible for a 5-year residence permit. To qualify, the applicant must have achieved a grade point average of at least 95%.
Former students of local universities can obtain a 10-year residence permit if their university is rated A or B by the Ministry of Education. To apply, they must provide a recommendation letter from the educational institution, a diploma, or an academic certificate with a total grade of at least 3.5 for category A universities and 3.8 for category B universities. The application must be submitted within two years of graduation. Graduates from foreign universities are also eligible for a 10-year visa if their university is ranked among the top 100 in the world by a ranking recognized by the Ministry of Education, their diploma is valid in the UAE, and they meet the minimum score requirement of 3.5. The application must also be submitted within two years of graduation.
Humanitarian aid pioneers
This category offers the opportunity to obtain a 10-year visa. Eligible individuals include outstanding employees and active members of international or local organizations and associations dedicated to public interests, provided they have contributed to these entities for at least 5 years. No additional requirements apply to those who have received commendations from such institutions. For investors supporting humanitarian efforts, a minimum investment of 2,000,000 AED (approximately 544,600 USD) is required.
Guardians of public welfare
This program primarily targets paramedics, laboratory technicians, and other medical personnel recognized by the relevant authorities. However, it may also extend to professionals from other fields who have significantly contributed to society during critical times. While there are no specific eligibility conditions, applicants must provide official confirmation from a competent authority verifying their involvement in such activities. The final decision is then made on a case-by-case basis by the authorized body.
| Visa type | Investment, $ | Residence permit / entry visa fee, $ |
|---|---|---|
| Investor visa | 544 600 | 639 / 340 |
| Real estate investment | 544 600 | 449 / 340 |
| Entrepreneurship | 136 150 | 449 / 340 |
| Qualified professionals | – | 639 / 340 |
| Students and university graduates | – | 449-639 / 340 |
| Humanitarian aid pioneers | 544 600 for investors | 639 / 340 |
| Guardians of public welfare | – | 449–630 / 340 |
The cost of obtaining an ID card is $68—$27 for the card (valid for 5 years) and $41 for its maintenance. Additional expenses to consider include medical examinations, insurance, relocation, and living costs in the country.
Individuals without significant achievements can qualify for the Golden Visa program solely through substantial capital investments.
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Processing time of a residence permit
Before obtaining a residence permit, the applicant needs to obtain an entry permit, collect documents, meet the requirements according to the basis (e.g., purchase real estate or register a company with a license), which also involves time. Therefore, the total period for acquiring a Golden Visa is predominantly several months. As for the officially declared waiting periods for the relevant documents, the data are presented in the table below:
| Type of service | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Processing of entry permit | 2 working days |
| Obtaining a Golden Visa | 48 hours |
| Issuance of Emirates ID | 5 days |
An alternative to the UAE Golden Visa
It is a common misconception that obtaining residency in the UAE requires significant financial investments. While the Golden Visa program does emphasize substantial investments or exceptional achievements, there are accessible alternatives for individuals who either lack the means or prefer not to invest large sums. The UAE offers appealing pathways for those planning to establish a new company, partner with an existing business, or work as freelancers. These options enable long-term residency without the necessity of substantial financial commitments.
With the guidance of iWorld’s experienced, client-focused specialists, you can navigate these opportunities and achieve results in record time. Based in the UAE, iWorld’s team possesses in-depth knowledge of the legal process and provides on-the-ground support, while maintaining seamless remote communication. Once a suitable immigration route is chosen, tailored to your personal plans and preferences, their experts will handle the document preparation, application submissions, and all formalities, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
