The Golden Visa UAE is quickly becoming one of the most popular Golden Visa programs. Since the recent changes to regulations, the UAE Golden Visa has opened up to various investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents from across the globe.
In this guide you will learn about:
- What is the UAE Golden Visa
- UAE Golden Visa benefits
- Golden Visa UAE eligibility
- UAE Golden Visa for investors
- UAE Golden Visa for entrepreneurs
- UAE Golden Visa for outstanding specialized talent
- How to get Golden Visa UAE
- UAE Golden Visa document requirements
- Golden Visa UAE price
- UAE Golden Visa processing time
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa for exceptional talents, allowing investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, top students, and humanitarian pioneers to live, work, and study in the Emirates with exclusive benefits.
This prestigious visa supports individuals who contribute significantly to the UAE’s future and innovation. The program allows foreign nationals to reside in the UAE for a total of five or ten years, which can be renewed.
UAE Golden Visa Benefits
Long-term residency
The Golden Visa offers 5 or 10 years of residency, so you won’t need to worry about frequent renewals.
Freedom to work and live in the UAE
The UAE Golden Visa does not require a local sponsor, meaning Golden Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UAE, giving you freedom to explore the best career and lifestyle options.
Tax-free income
The UAE’s lack of personal income tax lets residents keep more of their earnings, making it financially attractive for investors.
Bring your family
You can sponsor your spouse and children, regardless of their age, so your loved ones can share in the UAE experience.
Support with domestic help
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
You and your family can access high-quality healthcare at affordable rates, with added savings through the Esaad privilege card. There are also a range of private health insurance options for foreign nationals.
Easy travel
The Golden Visa allows multiple entries, so you can come and go freely without reapplying, making traveling across the globe easier.
Simple renewal
When your visa expires, you can renew it easily, allowing you to extend your stay in the UAE.
Flexibility for travel
You can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing your residency status.
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.
The UAE Golden Visa benefits are pretty much endless. Whether you are a skilled professional or an entrepreneur looking to get into some of the top countries for building wealth, the UAE offers something for everyone.
Golden Visa UAE Eligibility
As you will come to see shortly, there are various pathways to obtain the UAE’s Golden Visa. However, there are some basic eligibility criteria that must be met before applying, including:
- All applicants must be non-UAE nationals
- Main applicant must be over 18 years old
- Main applicant must be able to confirm the legality of income depending on the category of visa.
- Having a clean criminal record is mandatory
- Applicants must have valid health insurance that is approved by UAE authorities.
- Applicants must be in good health with no communicable diseases.
- 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 eligibility criteria, it’s essential to understand what is required for your application before applying.
UAE Golden Visa for Investors
Real estate investment 
The UAE’s Golden Visa is open to those who want to invest in UAE real estate. To qualify for this investment opportunity, real estate investors must purchase a property valued at AED 2 million ($544,517).
The real estate investment option has quickly become one of the top ways to obtain the UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani citizens.
The property can include residential, commercial, or land on the UAE mainland. There is no minimum down payment requirement.
Real estate investors must prove ownership of one or more properties in the UAE that is either owned or rented. The property must not be subject to any loans except those issued by a UAE-based bank.
Important to note: There are some additional requirements in specific Emirates, including:
- Abu Dhabi: Investors must prove a stable monthly income of AED 10,000 and show that the property is ready for living.
- Dubai: For the Golden Visa Dubai, applicants can invest in under-construction or off-plan properties, as long as they buy through a government-approved developer. Additionally, Dubai golden visa requirements state that applicants must commit to maintaining the qualifying investment for at least three years.
Public investment
Investors can obtain a UAE Golden Visa through a public investment in either an investment fund or a company. The options for this channel include:
- Invest in a UAE government approved investment fund: AED 2 million
- UAE bank deposit: Deposit AED 2 million
- Owning a company or a share in a UAE-based company: Company must be valued at a minimum of AED 2 million.
- Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority: Applicants must provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that the applicant contributes no less than AED 250,000 annually to the UAE government. This contribution can come from various sources, including corporate taxes, VAT, or other applicable taxes.
Applicants seeking to obtain Golden Residency through public investment funds, purchasing a UAE-based company, or purchasing UAE-based company shares must prove that the capital used is not borrowed or mortgaged.
Additionally, the investment must be fully owned by the investor and applicants must commit to holding the investment for a minimum of two years, ensuring long-term engagement with the UAE’s growing economy.
UAE Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneur Visa is a sub-category of the UAE Golden Visa program issued to owners, founders, partners, and executive directors of leading innovative startup projects.
Eligible applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- Entrepreneurs with successful projects: Entrepreneurs who have launched an innovative or tech-based project (technical or future nature) in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
- Owners of small to medium-sized enterprises: Owners or partners of an SME in the UAE that generates at least AED 1 million in annual revenue.
- Founders of pioneering projects: Founders of groundbreaking projects that have been sold for at least AED 7 million, either inside or outside the UAE.
- Owners of approved innovative ideas: Owners of innovative project ideas that have been approved by an accredited business incubator or relevant authorities, seeking to establish the project in the country.
Important to note: To qualify for a Golden Visa UAE, entrepreneurs must obtain approval for their project from an accredited UAE-based business incubator (an institution that supports start-ups) or another specialized authority such as the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, or the Ministry of Economy.
UAE Golden Visa for Outstanding Specialized Talent
Exceptional Talents 
Who qualifies: Inventors, innovators, and talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports, and digital technology, regardless of educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level. Outstanding specialized talents include doctors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, executives, specialists in scientific fields, athletes, doctoral degree holders, and specialists in engineering and science.
Requirements: A recommendation or approval from a federal authority or local government entity.
Scientists and professionals
Who qualifies:
- PhD or Master’s degree holders in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from top foreign universities, with substantial research achievements.
- Skilled labor classified in the first or second professional level approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, with an employment contract in the UAE and a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month.
Requirements: Applicants must prove their academic level through accredited certification and may need a recommendation letter from a relevant authority (e.g., healthcare professionals may require a recommendation from the UAE Ministry of Health). A minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month may apply for specific subcategories such as skilled workers, executive managers, and business and management specialists.
Outstanding students and graduates 
Who qualifies:
- Those with a GPA of at least 3.8 out of 4.0 from an accredited UAE university, or a GPA of at least 3.5 from a top 100 university worldwide.
- Applicants who have obtained an average rate of at least 95% in the UAE high school certificate.
Requirements: High school graduates must obtain a recommendation from the Ministry of Education or another relevant authority, such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. University graduates must apply within two years of graduation and provide a copy of the university degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education or another relevant authority.
Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes
- Who qualifies: Individuals with significant contributions to humanitarian efforts or service on the frontlines during emergencies.
- Requirements: Individuals working in humanitarian and volunteer fields must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to meet the basic application criteria.
How to Get Golden Visa UAE: Step by Step Process
The process of applying for the UAE Golden Visa may vary depending on the pathway chosen. However, these are the basic steps for the application process:
- Check eligibility: Review the criteria for the Golden Visa to ensure you qualify, such as being an investor, entrepreneur, scientist, or exceptional talent. Working with an immigration specialist here can help to identify which category best suits your needs.
- Prepare documentation: Gather necessary documents like proof of achievements, educational qualifications, and professional certifications. Please note, documents may need to be translated and notarized at this point.
- Submit application: Apply online through official government portals (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) or at authorized service centers.
- Pay fees: Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees as part of the application.
- Complete medical and biometric testing: Undergo a medical fitness test and biometric registration in the UAE. You will be given a six month entry visa to enter to pass these requirements, as well as look into your investment options if this is your chosen pathway.
- Await approval: The process usually takes 7-10 business days.
- Receive Golden Visa: Once approved, the UAE residency permit will be issued.
- Apply for Emirates ID: After receiving the visa, apply for your Emirates ID with biometric verification.
UAE Golden Visa Document Requirements
The UAE Golden Visa requirements can be extensive, particularly when looking at the document requirements. These will vary based on the UAE residency pathway, but here are some basic documents required for all applicants:
- 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 visa (if applicable).
- An Emirates ID card copy (if applicable).
Important to note: It is vital that applicants know which documents are required for their specific application to ensure the application is complete to avoid any delays.
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 UAE Golden Visa application process:
Visa application fee | Approximately AED 2,656.75 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 5,668.50 for each dependent for a 10-year residency |
Family sponsorship file opening fee (if applicable) | Approximately AED 318.75 |
UAE Golden Visa Processing Time
The UAE Golden Visa processing time is generally around 30 days, depending on whether the application is complete. A full and complete application with all the required documents may be processed in as little as 7-10 days.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Golden Visa UAE
What are the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa in the UAE?
- Applicants must be non-UAE nationals, and the main applicant must be over 18.
- Proof of legal income is required depending on the visa category.
- A clean criminal record is mandatory in both the UAE and home country.
- Valid health insurance approved by UAE authorities is necessary.
- Applicants must be in good health and free of communicable diseases.
- No outstanding debts in the UAE, as this may impact eligibility.
Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency for exceptional talents, allowing investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, top students, and humanitarian pioneers to live, work, and study in the Emirates with exclusive benefits.
What are the Golden Visa UAE benefits?
UAE residents and Golden Visa holders enjoy tax-free income, sponsor family and domestic help, and access quality healthcare. Multiple entries and simple renewal make travel easy, and the Esaad card provides discounts across the UAE and globally. You can also stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency.
What are the disadvantages of Golden Visa UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa does have a few disadvantages, including a high financial investment, strict rules and regulations to maintain compliance, and no direct pathway to citizenship.
Is there a UAE Golden Visa for students?
Yes, the UAE Golden Visa is available to outstanding students. To qualify, students must have a GPA of 3.8 or higher from an accredited UAE university, or a 3.5 GPA from a top 100 university worldwide. High school graduates with at least 95% are also eligible.
What is the UAE Golden Visa new rules?
The UAE recently implemented new rules to its Golden Visa program, making it more accessible. The visa categories have opened up to include more people, family sponsorship is more flexible, and the minimum investment amounts have changed.
Are there salary requirements for Golden Visa UAE in 2024?
A minimum monthly salary requirement of AED 30,000 may apply for specific subcategories, including skilled workers, executive managers, and business and management specialists.
What are visa-free countries for UAE Golden Visa holders?
There are a total of 179 UAE passport visa-free countries, including Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, to name a few.
How much does UAE Golden Visa cost?
The cost of a UAE Golden Visa varies between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000, depending on factors such as the validity period and eligibility requirements.
Is there UAE Citizenship by Investment?
No, there is no UAE Citizenship by Investment program. There is also no Citizenship by Investment in Dubai. The only way to obtain citizenship through an investment in the UAE is to invest and live in the country for 30 years and become a citizen through naturalization.
What is the Golden Visa Dubai?
There is no distinct difference between the UAE Golden Visa and the Dubai Golden Visa. This means the Dubai Golden Visa requirements are the same as the UAE Golden Visa.
