The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (5 or 10 years) designed to attract global talent, investors, and outstanding students. In 2025, this visa continues to offer foreign nationals the opportunity to live, work, or study in the UAE with many privileges. Recent updates (for 2024–2025) have expanded categories and tightened requirements for certain professions. Whether you’re an investor, professional, entrepreneur or exceptional student, the Golden Visa provides stability and security in the Emirates.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows expatriates to reside in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Holders enjoy multiple-entry permits (6-month visa to enter) and renewable 5- or 10-year visas. Key features include:
- Long-term Residency: 5- or 10-year renewable visa (versus 2–3 years for regular visas).
- No Local Sponsor Required: Golden Visa holders can live and work independently, without employer sponsorship.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor family members (spouse, children of any age, and parents).
- Unrestricted Travel: Flexibility to stay outside the UAE for longer than the usual 6-month limit without losing the visa.
- Domestic Help: Freedom to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers.
These privileges make the UAE Golden Visa an attractive long-term residence visa for those looking to settle or invest in the Emirates.
Updated Eligibility Criteria for 2025
The Golden Visa eligibility has expanded, covering various categories of investors, professionals, and achievers. Major updated categories include:
Investors (Public & Real Estate)
- Public Investment – 10-Year Visa: Deposit AED 2 million in an approved UAE investment fund or invest AED 2 million in a company (owning 100% capital, no loan). The investor must pay at least AED 250,000 in UAE tax annually. Proof of full ownership and valid health insurance are required.
- Real Estate – 5-Year Visa: Own property worth at least AED 2 million (either fully paid or financed by approved local banks).
Entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneurs – 5-Year Visa: Must own an innovative project (tech/future-oriented) valued at ≥ AED 500,000, with approvals from an auditor, local authorities, and a UAE business incubator.
Specialized Talents
Eligible for 10-year Golden Visas with category-specific proofs:
- Doctors & Scientists: Approval to practice and recommendations from scientific councils.
- Inventors: Patent certified by UAE Ministry of Economy.
- Creative Professionals: Approval from cultural departments.
- Executive Directors: University degree, 5+ years’ experience, salary ≥ AED 50,000, and continuous work with the same employer for 2 years (in Dubai).
- Athletes: Recommendation from sports authorities.
- Engineering & Science Specialists: Accredited degree and employment in a relevant role, minimum salary of around AED 30,000.
Outstanding Students and Graduates
- Top High School Students: National top achievers with a recommendation letter.
- Top UAE University Graduates: Graduates with high GPAs from UAE universities.
- Top International Graduates: Graduates from global Top-100 universities with GPA ≥3.5.
Humanitarian Pioneers
- Outstanding humanitarian professionals who meet specific criteria, including awards or funding of projects.
Frontline Heroes
- Exceptional healthcare and crisis management workers, educators, and new categories such as gaming professionals and luxury yacht owners.
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa
- Long-term 5- or 10-year renewable residency
- No local sponsor requirement
- Sponsor family members and domestic workers
- Freedom to travel and stay abroad for extended periods
- 100% business ownership rights in Dubai
- Easy access to UAE banking, healthcare, and education services
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your category and specific requirements.
- Gather Documents: Passport, photos, health insurance, proof of investments or degrees, official approvals.
- Register on the ICP Portal: Create an account and submit your application.
- Submit Application & Pay Fees: Upload documents, pay visa fees, and use the ‘One-Touch’ service if available.
- Medical Test & Emirates ID: Undergo mandatory health tests and apply for your Emirates ID.
- Receive Visa: After approval, you’ll be issued a Golden Visa valid for 5 or 10 years.
Required Documents
- Valid passport and photographs
- UAE-compliant health insurance
- Financial proof for investors
- Academic certificates for students and professionals
- Employment records and approvals for executives and talents
- Humanitarian work certificates (if applicable)
Government Fees and Timelines
The Federal ICP has set fees for Golden Visa services (as of 2024):
- 6-month multiple-entry entry visa: AED 1,100 Applicants outside the UAE need this entry permit first.
- New 10-year Golden Visa issuance: AED 1,100 (one-time). (For a 5-year permit, fee is lower and prorated.)
- Emirates ID & Medical: Approximately AED 1,153 for Emirates ID issuance + medical test costs (varies).
- Residency stamping: AED 100 per year of visa (included in the above for 10-year).
(Example: A 10-year investor Golden Visa costs about AED 2,753 total – AED 1,600 visa fee + AED 1,153 ID). All fees are paid online during application.
Processing Time: Approval can range from a few days up to several weeks, depending on the category and completeness of documentation. (Industry reports note Golden Visa processing often takes 3 days to 30 days.) Applicants should apply early to accommodate any additional review or approval steps.
| Service | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| 6-month multiple-entry entry visa | 1,100 |
| 10-year Golden Residence permit | 1,100 |
| Emirates ID (10-year period) | ~1,153 (approx.) |
| Health/Medical Test | ~1,000 (approx.) |
| Estimated Total (10-year visa) | ~3,353 (excl. misc fees) |
Where to Apply
Applications and official services are handled by UAE immigration authorities:
- Federal Authority (ICP) – Golden Visa e-Services: The primary portal is the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) Golden Visa platform. Use the ICP smart services portal or the ICP UAE Smart mobile app to apply, pay fees, and track status. This is the general route for all emirates.
- UAE Government Portal: General information and e-services are also on the UAE Government official portal (u.ae).
- Dubai (GDRFA): For Dubai-based applicants, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) provides Golden Visa services and guidance. Visit GDRFA’s website or a GDRFA center.
- Abu Dhabi (TAMM): Abu Dhabi residents can use the TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi) for Golden Visa applications, or contact the Abu Dhabi Residence Office.
- UAE Pass: You’ll need a UAE Pass digital identity to log into these portals.
Always use official channels (ICP, u.ae, GDRFA, TAMM) for the latest forms and guidelines. For inquiries, contact the Federal ICP or your local immigration authority.
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
- Stay updated with latest rules (e.g., Dubai’s 2-year employment condition for executives).
- Submit clear, attested documents.
- Secure official approvals early.
- Use ‘One-Touch’ service for faster processing.
- Maintain eligibility (investments, salaries, etc.) throughout the validity period.
- Get UAE health insurance early.
- Follow UAE residency and visa laws carefully.
- Seek help from licensed immigration consultants if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the UAE 10-Year Golden Visa?
A: A renewable long-term residence visa offering stability and privileges for expatriates.
Q: Who is eligible for the Golden Visa in 2025?
A: Investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, top students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Apply through the Federal ICP portal, UAE Pass App, or Dubai/Abu Dhabi-specific platforms.
Q: Can I sponsor my family?
A: Yes, including spouse, children (of any age), and parents.
Q: Is a local sponsor required?
A: No, the Golden Visa allows independent living and working in the UAE.
Q: How long does the Golden Visa last?
A: 5 or 10 years, renewable under the same conditions.
Q: Can the Golden Visa be revoked?
A: Yes, if conditions are no longer met or if the holder violates UAE laws.