UAE Golden Visa for Russian Citizens: Get Dubai Residency in 2025

The UAE Golden Visa offers Russian citizens a unique opportunity to live, work, and invest in one of the world’s most dynamic and tax-friendly regions. Designed for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and exceptional talents, this long-term investment program provides stability, independence, and a range of lifestyle and economic benefits.

With a UAE Golden Visa for Russian citizens, you can enjoy flexible residency without a local sponsor, sponsor family members, access world-class healthcare and education, and take advantage of a business-friendly environment with no income or capital gains tax.

In this guide you will learn about:

• What the UAE Golden Visa is
• Eligibility criteria for Russian citizens
• Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Russians
• Document requirements
• Application process

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa offers 5- or 10-year renewable residency in a stable, tax-free environment, available through real estate, business ownership, or professional merit.

It is self-sponsored, allows family inclusion, and provides access to top-tier infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

For Russian nationals, the UAE is a strategically neutral hub with open banking, business opportunities, and no minimal physical presence requirements, making it ideal for flexible relocation, and international mobility.

Eligibility For UAE Golden Visa for Russians

• Investors: Russian citizens who buy property worth at least AED 2 million (around ₽44 million), make major investments in UAE companies or funds, or place a deposit in a UAE bank.
• Entrepreneurs: Founders of UAE start-ups with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million (around ₽ 22 million), or those who have sold a business for more than AED 7 million (around ₽154 million). UAE residency through company formation is quickly becoming a top option for entrepreneurs.
• Exceptional talents: Foreign inventors, innovators, and specialists in fields like culture, art, sports, or digital technology, regardless of education or professional level.
• Scientists and professionals: Experts with degrees or experience in medicine, engineering, science, research, or technology.
• Outstanding students and graduates: Top UAE university students or graduates with a GPA of 3.5/3.8 or equivalent.
• Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes: Foreign citizens who have made significant humanitarian contributions or served on the frontlines in emergencies.

Benefits of UAE Golden Visa for Russian Citizens

1. Long-term residency and flexibility

For Russian citizens, the UAE Golden Visa provides 5- or 10-year renewable residency, offering long-term stability. Unlike standard visas, holders can reside outside the country for extended periods without jeopardizing their residency status.

2. Independence and family security

Russian citizens do not need a local sponsor to obtain or maintain the Golden Visa, giving them full independence. The visa allows sponsorship of family members, including spouses and children, as well as domestic helpers and other employees.

3. Economic opportunities and lifestyle advantages

Foreign nationals who hold the investor visa can fully own businesses and companies in the UAE, opening access to diverse investment opportunities across multiple sectors. They also benefit from world-class public services, including high-quality healthcare and education.

4. Tax friendly environment

The UAE’s tax-friendly environment is free of income, capital gains, inheritance, and gift taxes.

5. Security and quality of life

The UAE offers one of the highest standards of living globally, with excellent infrastructure and low crime rates. Russian citizens can enjoy a safe environment with effective law enforcement, making it ideal for families.

Documents Required for Russian Citizens UAE Golden Visa

To apply for the UAE Golden Visa, Russian citizens will need:

• A valid passport (with at least six months remaining).
• A recent color passport photo with a white background.
• Proof of health insurance in the UAE for yourself and any family members included in the application.
• Family documents, such as marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children.
• If applicable, a copy of your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.

UAE Golden Visa Application Process for Russian Citizens

1. Step 1: Check eligibility: Make sure you qualify under one of the categories (investor, entrepreneur, exceptional talent, professional, student, etc.). A UAE Golden Visa lawyer or advisor can help confirm the best route for you. Global Citizen Solutions offers tailored advice with consultations available in Russian.
2. Step 2: Prepare documents: Gather your documents, including a valid passport, proof of investment or qualifications, police clearance, health insurance, and any relevant contracts.
3. Step 3: Submit your application: Apply through the official UAE portals—the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.) or the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai, depending on the emirate. You can also apply via authorized service centers.
4. Step 4: Pay the fees: Expect visa costs of around AED 2,800–4,800. Fees vary by emirate and visa type.
5. Step 5: Medical and biometric tests: Complete a medical fitness exam at a licensed clinic and provide biometric data for your Emirates ID. If applying from outside the UAE, you’ll usually receive a six-month multiple-entry visa to complete these steps.
6. Step 6: Await approval: Processing normally takes about 7–10 business days, though this can vary by category, personal circumstances and documentation.
7. Step 7: Receive your Golden Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your residence permit—valid for either 5 or 10 years depending on your pathway.
8. Step 8: Apply for Emirates ID: Finally, register for your Emirates ID, which is essential for residency and everyday life in the UAE.

UAE Golden Visa Price for Russian Citizens 

The cost of a UAE Golden Visa typically ranges between AED 2,800 and AED 4,800, depending on your visa category and whether you apply from within the UAE or abroad.

There may be additional costs including government and processing fees, medical exams, Emirates ID, family sponsorship, and additional charges like registration or property-related fees.

Processing Time for the UAE Golden Visa for Russians

The UAE Golden Visa processing time for Russian citizens usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months. Initial approval may be granted in as little as 3–4 working days, but the full process, including document checks, medical exams, and visa issuance, depends on how complete and accurate the application is.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm that helps individuals find the right residency or citizenship by investment program to achieve their goals of becoming global citizens.

With offices worldwide and an experienced, multilingual team, we have supported hundreds of clients in securing citizenship, residence visas, and property investments, while helping them diversify their portfolios.

For Russian nationals, we offer dedicated support through our Russian-speaking consultants, ensuring clear communication and guidance every step of the way. We understand the unique challenges Russian citizens face in today’s landscape, and our team provides personalized guidance in line with international compliance practices, prioritizing programs with dual citizenship opportunities and simplified banking requirements.

At Global Citizen Solutions, we go beyond application assistance, offering comprehensive, localized support to help you achieve your long-term residency, citizenship, and investment goals with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Golden Visa for Russian Citizens

What are the eligibility requirements for Russian citizens to apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

Russian citizens can apply for a UAE Golden Visa by meeting the requirements of their chosen pathway, such as investing AED 2 million or holding a specialized professional role. They should also submit necessary documents, including a passport, health insurance, medical fitness certificate, and security clearance.

What is the minimum investment for Russian citizens to get a UAE Golden Visa?

For Russian citizens, the minimum investment required for a UAE Golden Visa is AED 2 million (around $545,000). This can be through different options, such as real estate investments, contributing to public investment funds, or investing as capital in a company.

How can Russian investors apply for the UAE Golden Visa program?

Russian investors can apply for the UAE Golden Visa online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website. The process involves completing the application, uploading the required documents, and paying the service fees electronically.

Can Russian entrepreneurs qualify for the UAE Golden Visa?

Yes. Russian entrepreneurs are eligible for the UAE visa if they meet the set criteria, such as establishing a start-up with notable revenue (AED 1 million) or obtaining approval from an accredited business incubator.

Can Russian students in the UAE apply for the Golden Visa?

Yes. Russian students studying in the UAE can apply for the Golden Visa if they meet the academic requirements. Eligibility is based on academic merit, such as maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA at a recognized UAE or internationally ranked university.

What documents are required for Russian citizens applying for a UAE Golden Visa?

Russian citizens need to submit several documents when applying for a UAE Golden Visa. These include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a clean criminal record certificate, and valid UAE health insurance. Applicants must also provide a completed application form along with proof of eligibility for their chosen visa category, such as an investment record, employment contract, or academic certificate.

What is the cost of a UAE Golden Visa for Russian applicants?

The cost of a UAE Golden Visa for Russian citizens depends on the application route and where the application is submitted. Fees typically range from AED 2,800 to AED 3,800 for applicants inside the UAE, and from AED 3,800 to AED 4,800 for those applying from abroad.

What is the processing time for Russians applying for the UAE Golden Visa?

The processing time for a UAE Golden Visa varies for Russian citizens. In some cases, preliminary approval is granted within 3–4 working days but completing the entire process can take several weeks or even months. Factors such as medical examinations, document verification, and the accuracy of the submitted application all affect how long it takes.

What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Russian citizens?

Russian citizens who hold a UAE Golden Visa enjoy several benefits. They can live in the UAE long-term without needing a local sponsor and can sponsor family members indefinitely. The visa also allows them to travel freely without affecting their residency. Other advantages include a tax-friendly environment with no income or capital gains tax, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and more opportunities to start or invest in businesses.

Can Russian Golden Visa holders sponsor their family members?

Yes. UAE Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including a spouse and children. They can also sponsor their parents, although this requires meeting additional conditions and obtaining approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).