The UAE Golden Visa, also knowns as the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residency program allowing eligible foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE for five or ten years, with easy renewal.
Through real estate investment, public investment, or entrepreneurial ventures, applicants can gain residency by meeting criteria.
UAE Golden Visa benefits include tax-free living, exceptional healthcare and education, family sponsorship, and access to one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
To attract investors and individuals with exceptional talents who can contribute to the UAE economy
Eligible Applicants
Investors, entrepreneurs, teachers, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals, and humanitarian pioneers
Application Process
Obtain an entry visa → Make the investment → Submit the application with supporting documents → Track status via SMS and email
Processing Time
Approximately 3 months
Application Cost
AED 8,000- AED 10,500
Minimum Salary Requirement
AED 30,000 (supported by a salary certificate)
Key Benefits
Long-term residency, visa-free travel to select destinations, real estate investment opportunities, and family inclusion
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa, commonly referred to as the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residence program designed for investors and skilled professionals, offering renewable 5- or 10-year visas. It allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Key advantages include the freedom to stay abroad for more than six months, the ability to sponsor family members and domestic staff, and full ownership of businesses in the country.
Top 12 UAE Golden Visa Benefits
As of October 2025, the top Golden Visa UAE benefits include:
Long-term residency: The UAE Golden Visa grants a renewable 10-year residency, ensuring long-term stability for personal and professional growth.
Freedom to work and live in the UAE: The UAE Golden Visa program does not require a local sponsor, meaning Dubai Golden Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UAE.
Tax-free income: There is no personal income tax in the United Arab Emirates, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings, making it financially attractive for investors.
Family inclusion: The Golden Visa Dubai allows you to sponsor your spouse and children, regardless of their age, so your loved ones can share in the UAE experience.
Support with domestic help: UAE Golden Visa holders can sponsor as many domestic helpers as they need, such as nannies or drivers. This not only adds to daily comforts but also helps younger children integrate into UAE life.
Access to top-quality healthcare: Healthcare in the UAE is fantastic, with various medical facilities throughout the country, making healthcare accessible for all.
Multiple entries allowed: One of the best UAE Golden Visa benefits is that applicants are entitled to multiple entries, so you can come and go freely without reapplying.
Stable economy: The United Arab Emirates has an extremely stable economy. It is one of the main reasons the country is such an attractive option for foreign investors. The UAE’s economy makes planning for your future much more reliable, while also providing peace of mind for future generations.
Flexibility for travel: You can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing your residency status. The United Arab Emirates is also in the ideal location, between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a strategic hub for travel and business.
Esaad privilege card benefits: The Esaad Card offers discounts at over 7,000 UAE businesses and in 92 countries worldwide, adding even more value to your UAE residency.
Job opportunities: With a thriving economy and continuous expansion across various sectors, the UAE offers diverse career prospects. Key industries include IT, blockchain development, healthcare, digital marketing, real estate, logistics, and renewable energy, among others.
Expat friendly environment: The United Arab Emirates is one of the most expat friendly nations in the world. In fact, expats make up over 88% of the UAE population. The country is very open to expats with UAE residency, with a large English speaking population, a range of international schools, and thriving expat communities throughout the country.
Who can apply for the Golden Visa in UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is open to a wide range of individuals, including entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, frontline heroes, humanitarian pioneers, and high-achieving students or graduates.
Investors: Real estate investors who purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million (approximately $545,000) or make significant public investments in investment funds or UAE companies or a bank deposit.
Entrepreneurs: Founders of start-up companies registered as SMEs in the UAE with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million (approximately $270,000), or those who have sold their entrepreneurial project for over AED 7 million (approximately $1.9 million).
Exceptional talents: Inventors, innovators, and talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports, and digital technology, regardless of their educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional level.
Scientists and professionals: Individuals with specialized degrees or experience in fields such as medicine, engineering, science, research, and technology.
Outstanding students and graduates: Top students and graduates from UAE universities and those with a GPA of at least 3.8 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes: Individuals who have made significant humanitarian contributions or served on the frontlines during emergencies.
Golden Visa UAE Eligibility
Must be a non-UAE national
Must be at least 18 years old
Must have a legal source of income, depending on the visa category
Must have a clean criminal record
Must have valid medical insurance that is approved by the UAE authorities.
Must be in good health with no communicable diseases, verified by a medical fitness certificate.
Applicants should not have any outstanding debts in the UAE, as this may affect their eligibility for residency.
Important to note: The UAE Golden Visa does not offer UAE citizenship. Additionally, each residency pathway will have its own UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria; it’s essential to understand what is required for your application before applying.
Can family members be sponsored under the UAE Golden Visa?
Holders of the UAE Golden Visa can include family members in their sponsorship, such as spouses, children, and parents. Under this program, daughters face no age limits, while sons can be sponsored up to age 25, offering more flexibility than standard visas. Sponsored family members receive a Golden Visa matching the primary holder’s duration, and in the event of the holder’s passing, the family is allowed to remain in the UAE until the visa expires.
Golden Visa UAE Requirements to sponsor dependents in the UAE
Ensure they have a valid Golden Visa
Meet the income requirements (currently AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation)
Provide required documents like passport copies, marriage/birth certificates, employment contracts, etc.
Apply through the relevant authority (GDRFA in Dubai, DED in Abu Dhabi)
Pay the applicable visa fees
UAE Golden Visa Document Requirements
A valid passport with at least six months validity.
A recent passport-sized color photo with a white background.
Valid health insurance for the applicant and their family members.
Proof of family relationships (birth certificates, marriage certificates).
A current UAE residence permit (if applicable).
An Emirates ID card copy (if applicable).
Note: All documents must be officially translated into Arabic and notarized.
UAE Golden Visa 2025 Application Process
Check Eligibility: Review the specific Golden Visa requirements based on your category. Working with an immigration advisor or UAE Golden Visa lawyer can help determine the most suitable category and ensure you meet the criteria.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include a valid passport, proof of investment, academic qualification, police clearance, health insurance, and employment contracts.
Submit Your Application: Apply through the official UAE government portals—the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), depending on the emirate. Applications can also be submitted through authorized service centers.
Pay Visa Fees: Submit the required documents and pay applicable fees. Costs may vary based on the emirate and visa type, but expect to budget between AED 8,000 and AED 10,000.
Complete Medical and Biometric Testing: After preliminary approval, undergo a medical fitness test at a licensed clinic and complete biometric verification for your Emirates ID. Most applicants are granted a six-month multiple-entry visa to enter the UAE and finalize these steps, especially if applying from abroad.
Await Final Approval: Application review typically takes 7–10 business days, though timelines may vary depending on the visa category and documentation provided.
Receive Your Golden Visa: Upon approval, your UAE residency permit will be issued. Depending on your qualifying pathway, this permit is valid for either five or ten years.
Apply for Emirates ID: Finally, apply for your Emirates ID, which includes biometric data capture and is essential for residency and daily life in the UAE.
Golden Visa UAE Price
The UAE Golden Visa cost varies based on the residency pathway. For example, the 10-year Golden Visa UAE cost will differ to the five-year visa. However, here are some of the various costs that most applicants will incur during the application process:
Visa application fee
Approximately AED 2,856.75 for the residency permit
UAE ID application fee
Approximately AED 1,153 for a 10-year Emirates ID
Medical examination fee
Approximately AED 700 for the medical fitness test
Administrative processing fee
Approximately AED 1,155
Land department fee
Approximately AED 4,020
Consular legalization
Approximately AED 1,000 (around $272) per person
Family residence permit fee (if applicable)
Approximately AED 5,774.50 for each dependent for a 10-year residency
Family sponsorship file opening fee (if applicable)
Approximately AED 318.75
Taxes in the UAE for Golden Visa Holders
Golden Visa holders in the UAE do not pay personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes. However, they are subject to a 5% VAT on most goods and services. Certain investors may also have additional requirements, such as obtaining a tax residency certificate or paying a minimum annual tax.
Tax Type
Rate
Income Tax
0% on personal income
Capital Gains Tax
0% on property sales
Inheritance Tax
0% on inherited assets
VAT
5% on most goods and services
For individuals residing in the UAE for 183 days or more, it’s possible to apply for a UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC). This allows access to double taxation agreements with over 130 countries—potentially reducing tax obligations abroad.
Additionally, as of 2023, businesses earning above AED 375,000 are subject to a 9% corporate tax. Certain free zone entities may remain exempt, depending on compliance with qualifying activity criteria.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Get in Touch with our Investment Migration Experts
"*" indicates required fields
More about UAE
UAE Passport: Benefits, Application, and Emirati Passport…
More Info
UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani Citizens: A Complete Guide
More Info
How to Get UAE Passport in 2025: Eligibility, Process &am…
More Info
Golden Visa UAE: The Ultimate Guide to UAE Residency
More Info
Footnotes
Share this post:
Explore More Resources
Upcoming
UAE Residency Through Company Formation: The Ultimate Guide
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly evolved into a global business and investment hub, strategically positioned on the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Boasting a diversified economy spanning finance, real estate, tourism, a...
UAE Visa for US Citizens: The Ultimate Guide by Experts
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates in the Arabian Peninsula, is an exciting destination for US citizens. The country has everything you could possibly want, from sprawling beaches to ancient monume...
The UAE Golden Visa is a renewable long-term residency program granting 5- or 10-year visas to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. It allows holders to live, work, or study in the UAE and provides advantages such as staying abroad for more than six months and sponsoring family members without needing a local sponsor. Eligible applicants include individuals in business, science, education, arts, and sports, as well as investors who fulfill the program’s criteria.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa in the UAE?
Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa varies by category, but general requirements often include a minimum gross salary of AED 30,000 or a project investment of at least AED 500,000 for a 5-year visa. Specific criteria also apply to scientists, investors, and other professionals. The program is designed to grant long-term residency to individuals who contribute to the UAE’s economic growth.
What are the UAE Golden Visa benefits?
The UAE Golden Visa provides a safe and secure lifestyle along with the ability to work, live, and study in the country. Residents also enjoy a tax-friendly environment and access to high-quality services. Thanks to the UAE’s strategic location, it serves as a hub connecting Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, offering an excellent standard of living.
What are the disadvantages of UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa requires a high investment or income level, and living costs in the UAE—especially housing and education—can be expensive. It doesn’t lead directly to citizenship, and concerns have been raised about inequality and potential misuse. Visa holders must also return to the UAE before their 10-year visa expires to renew it.
How long does it take to get the Dubai Golden Visa?
The Dubai Golden Visa processing time is generally around 90 days. A complete application with all the required documents may be processed in as little as 7-10 days.
Is there a minimum salary requirement for the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. As of October 2025, applicants applying through employment must have a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 ($8,168), not including allowances such as housing or transportation.
How much does UAE Golden Visa cost?
The cost of the UAE Golden Visa typically ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 4,800, depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE. Additional fees may apply based on the visa category and required services, such as a medical test (around AED 750) and Emirates ID issuance (around AED 400).
Is there UAE Citizenship by Investment?
As of October 2025, the UAE does not offer citizenship through standard investment programs. However, in rare cases, exceptional Golden Visa holders may be granted citizenship through merit-based selection at the government’s discretion.
What are the Dubai Golden Visa requirements?
Requirements for the Dubai Golden Visa differ depending on the category. Investors typically need a minimum investment of AED 2 million (around $550,000 USD) and must prove the funds are not borrowed. Other applicants—such as professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals with exceptional talents—may need academic qualifications, professional recommendations, or a minimum monthly salary, depending on the visa type. Comprehensive health insurance is required for all applicants.
Can I work in the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes, the UAE Golden Visa allows holders to work in the United Arab Emirates without the need for a local sponsor. This flexibility applies to both entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, offering them the freedom to work in the country without restrictions.
What professions qualify for the UAE Golden Visa?
Investors (including property and public investments)
Can family members be included in the UAE Golden Visa application?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children of any age, parents, and an unlimited number of domestic workers.
What are the new rules for the UAE Golden Visa in 2025?
As of October 2025, the UAE Golden Visa new rules expands to cover additional professions, including teachers, AI and sustainability specialists, while providing long-term residency without a local sponsor. Updates also feature broader family sponsorship options. UAE Golden Visa holders can also make use of the extended consular services, including extended overseas protection, emergency crisis assistance, and dignified end-of-life support.
What is the difference between the golden visa UAE and standard residency visas?
The key differences between the Golden Visa and standard residency visas are: the Golden Visa offers a renewable 5- or 10-year residency, no need for a local sponsor, full business ownership, and a minimal physical presence requirement. Standard residency visas, by comparison, are usually shorter-term (3 months to 5 years), require a local sponsor, and demand a longer continuous stay.
How much does the 10-year Golden Visa UAE cost?
The 10-year Golden Visa UAE cost is approximately AED 10,500 ($2,800). Additional costs, such as government fees, medical examinations, and health insurance can amount to an extra $3,000-$4,000.
