The UAE Golden Visa, also called the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residency program that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE for five or ten years, with easy renewal.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know; from eligibility criteria and application steps, to required documents, fees, family sponsorship rules, and the latest updates for 2026.
Golden Visa UAE: Key Takeaways
The UAE Golden Visa grants 5- or 10-year renewable residency for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and professionals.
Key benefits of the Golden Visa UAE include tax-free income, family sponsorship, world-class healthcare, education, and full business ownership.
Golden Visa applicants can sponsor spouses, children, and parents.
Eligibility requirements: Be 18+, a non-UAE national, have a clean criminal record, have legal income, have health insurance, and be in good health.
The application involves preparing documents, submitting to ICA/GDRFA, paying fees (AED 8,000–10,500), and completing medical/biometric checks.
Golden Visa holders pay no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance tax; VAT applies at 5%, corporate tax 9% above AED 375,000.
UAE Golden Visa Quick Facts
| Program Name | UAE Golden Visa |
| Validity | 5 to 10 years (renewable) |
| Purpose | 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 | 1-8 weeks (category dependent) |
| 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 UAE Golden Visa Benefits in 2026
As of 2026, the top Golden Visa UAE benefits include:
- Long-term residency: The renewable 10-year visa provides stability for personal and professional growth in the UAE.
- Freedom to work and live in the UAE: You don’t need a local sponsor, so you can live, work, and study freely.
- Family inclusion: You can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents, so your whole family can live in the UAE with you.
- Healthcare access: You’ll have access to excellent medical facilities across the country with mandatory medical insurance.
- Tax-free income: There’s no personal income tax, so you keep more of what you earn.
- Multiple entries: You can travel in and out of the UAE as often as you like without reapplying.
- Domestic help sponsorship: You can sponsor nannies, drivers, or other household staff to help with daily life and family needs.
- Consular and emergency support (New 2025–2026): Golden Visa holders abroad get 24/7 help, crisis support, repatriation, and document recovery.
- Esaad privilege card: Get discounts at more than 7,000 UAE businesses and at companies in 92 countries around the world.
- Expat-friendly environment: The UAE has a large English-speaking population, international schools, and active expat communities.
- Flexibility for travel: You can stay outside the UAE for long periods without losing your residency.
- Strategic location: The UAE is located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a great base for business and travel.
- Career opportunities: Growing fields in the UAE include IT, blockchain, healthcare, real estate, logistics, digital marketing, and renewable energy.
UAE Golden Visa Eligibility (2026 Update)
| Category | Duration | Requirements | Investment / Threshold | Family Sponsorship | Notes / Approvals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investors – Public Investments | 10 years | Own capital (not a loan), medical insurance | AED 2M in investment fund or business; pay ≥ AED 250,000 annually in taxes | Spouse, children, parents | Letter from accredited investment fund or commercial/industrial license; proof of tax payment |
| Investors – Real Estate | 5 years (renewable) | Own property, medical insurance | ≥ AED 2M property; loan allowed from approved banks | Spouse, children, parents | Letter from Land Department confirming ownership |
| Entrepreneurs | 5 years | Economic project of technical/future nature | Project value ≥ AED 500K | Spouse, children, parents | Approval from auditor, authorities, and accredited business incubator |
| Outstanding Specialized Talent – Doctors & Scientists | 10 years | Medical/research approval | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Ministry of Health letter (doctors); Emirates Council of Scientists or Mohammed bin Rashid Medal (scientists) |
| Outstanding Specialized Talent – Inventors | 10 years | Patent with economic value | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Recommendation from Ministry of Economy |
| Outstanding Specialized Talent – Creative People (Culture & Art) | 10 years | Cultural/art approval | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Approval letter from Dept. of Culture & Arts; endorsements from Dubai Culture / Abu Dhabi Tourism |
| Outstanding Specialized Talent – Executive Directors | 10 years | ≥ 5 years experience, bachelor’s degree | Salary ≥ AED 50,000/month | Spouse, children, parents | Degree accredited by Ministry of Education; valid work contract |
| Outstanding Specialized Talent – Athletes | 10 years | Extraordinary performance | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Recommendation from General Sports Authority or relevant council |
| Outstanding Specialized Talent – Specialists in Engineering & Science | 10 years | Relevant degree | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Bachelor/Master’s accredited by Ministry of Education; work contract |
| Outstanding Students – High School | 5 years | National-level top grade ≥95% | N/A | Spouse, children | Recommendation from Ministry of Education; may extend if university study >5 years |
| Outstanding Students – University | 10 years | GPA ≥3.5 (A class) / ≥3.8 (B class) | N/A | Spouse, children | Accredited graduation certificate; graduation ≤2 years; top 100 foreign universities accepted |
| Pioneers of Humanitarian Work / Philanthropists / Waqf Donors | 10 years | Minimum 5 years experience OR donation ≥ AED 2M | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Recognition from local, regional, or international organizations; donation proof required |
| Frontline Heroes | 10 years | Extraordinary effort in crises (e.g., COVID-19) | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Recommendation from competent authority; includes nurses, medical assistants, lab techs, pharmacologists |
| Content Creators / Influencers (New 2025) | 5–10 years | Recognition for cultural contribution | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Approval from Dubai Culture or Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism; demonstration of content impact |
| Superyacht Owners (New 2025) | 5–10 years | Ownership of UAE-registered luxury vessel | N/A | Spouse, children, parents | Verification by UAE maritime authority; vessel registration required |
Basic Requirements for the UAE Golden Visa
- 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?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor immediate family members for long‑term residency in the UAE: spouses, children, and parents, with benefits and conditions specific to the Golden Visa program.
Who you can sponsor
- Spouse: legally married husband or wife.
- Children:
- Unmarried sons up to age 25.
- Unmarried daughters with no age limit.
- Children with special needs can often be sponsored without age restrictions.
- Parents: can be sponsored if you have a valid Golden Visa and meet any applicable requirements.
Key conditions for sponsorship in the UAE
- Dependent visas typically match your Golden Visa duration (5 or 10 years).
- Medical insurance is required for all sponsored dependents at the time of application.
Unlike standard UAE residency visas, Golden Visa holders generally are not required to meet a strict minimum salary threshold to sponsor spouses, children, or parents. The Golden Visa itself serves as a signal of financial and residency stability.
Common sponsorship requirements
- Valid passports and Emirates ID copies for the sponsor and dependents.
- Attested marriage certificate for spouse; birth certificates for children.
- Proof of medical insurance for dependents.
- Submission through the relevant immigration authority (e.g., Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship, GDRFA).
UAE Golden Visa Document Requirements
Required documents for every applicant
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-sized photo on a white background
- Proof of UAE health insurance
- Marriage or birth certificates to prove family relationship
- Copy of Emirates ID or residence visa
Category-specific documents
| Category | Minimum Requirement | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investors | Property investment of AED 2 million+ | • Title deed or Land Department confirmation • No Objection Letter from mortgage provider (if applicable) • Proof of payment |
| Public Investment Investors | Public investment or deposit of AED 2 million+ | • Bank or fund letter confirming deposit • Commercial or industrial license (if investing in a company) • Proof of at least AED 250,000 in tax payments |
| Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders | Capital investment of AED 500,000+ | • Trade or commercial license • Business plan and financial statements • Auditor or incubator approval • Proof of capital investment |
| Specialized Talent & Professionals | Recognized qualifications and ministry approval | • Copies of degrees and professional licenses • Recommendation letters • Relevant ministry or authority approvals |
| Students & Graduates | High academic achievement | • Academic transcripts and GPA certificates • Recommendation letters • Degree equivalency (if foreign university) |
| Humanitarian & Frontline Heroes | Official recognition of service | • Recognition letters • Proof of contribution or national service |
| Content Creators / Influencers (2025–2026) | Demonstrated cultural or digital impact | • Portfolio and media links • Cultural endorsements or authority approval |
| Superyacht Owners (2025–2026) | UAE-registered vessel ownership | • Proof of vessel registration in the UAE • Maritime authority verification |
UAE Golden Visa 2026 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:
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee (main applicant) | AED 2,857 | ~$780 | Official government fee for the UAE Golden Visa application; may vary slightly by emirate and visa category. |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | AED 1,153 | ~$315 | Required for all residents; exact fee may vary depending on applicant age and emirate. |
| Medical examination fee | AED 700 | ~$191 | Paid to a licensed clinic for medical fitness check. |
| Land Department fee | AED 4,020 | ~$1,100 | Applies only for real estate investors; covers property registration verification. |
| Consular/legalization fee | AED 1,000 | ~$273 | Applies if documents need attestation abroad; may vary by country. |
| Estimated administrative/processing costs | AED 1,155 | ~$316 | Covers internal processing or service center handling; not an official separate fee. |
| Family residence permit fee (per dependent, 10-year visa) | AED 5,775 | ~$1,575 | Estimate; actual fee depends on emirate and age of dependent. |
| Family sponsorship file opening fee (per dependent) | AED 319 | ~$87 | Estimate; applies when opening a dependent file, varies by emirate. |
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.
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.
Working with GCS to obtain the UAE Golden Visa, we will ensure you are aware of any taxes you may be liable for before you make the investment.
What GCS Clients Have to Say
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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.
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