Long-term 5 and 10-year residency in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency (5 or 10 years) for investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, scientists, exceptional students, and individuals with outstanding achievements. It is one of the most attractive residency programs globally because it offers independence from employer sponsorship and greater mobility, stability, and family security.
This comprehensive guide explains:
- What the Golden Visa is and how it works
- Who qualifies under each category
- Investment and salary thresholds
- Property investor eligibility rules
- Required documents
- Step-by-step application process
- Fees and timelines
- Benefits compared to other visas
- Common mistakes and reasons for refusal
This UAE Golden Visa guide is written for:
- Investors and HNW individuals
- Property buyers seeking residency
- Entrepreneurs and founders
- Senior executives
- Highly skilled professionals
- Students and recent graduates
- Families relocating long term
Primary Calls to Action
→ Check Golden Visa eligibility in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Book a consultation for personalised advice
UAE Golden Visa FAQs
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program offering 5 or 10-year renewable residence to investors, property owners, professionals and exceptional talent without employer sponsorship.
How long is the Golden Visa valid?
Five or ten years, depending on category.
Can Golden Visa holders work?
Yes, provided applicable work authorization is held.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor family?
Yes, spouses, children and domestic workers (under regulation).
Do Golden Visa holders need to stay inside the UAE every 6 months?
Golden Visa holders are usually permitted longer periods outside the UAE than standard residency visas.
Is the Golden Visa citizenship?
No, it is long-term residency, not citizenship or a passport.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a type of long-term residency in the UAE designed to attract:
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Scientists & researchers
- Highly skilled professionals
- Exceptional students and graduates
- Cultural and creative talent
The UAE Golden Visa offers:
- Renewable 5- or 10-year residency
- Self-sponsorship (no employer sponsor required)
- Ability to sponsor family members
- More travel flexibility than standard visas
A quick and accurate definition of the UAE Golden Visa:
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that grants 5 or 10-year renewable residence to investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and exceptional talent without employer sponsorship.
Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
Eligibility categories evolve but typically include:
- Property investors
- Public or private investment fund investors
- Entrepreneurs/founders
- Highly skilled professionals
- Scientists and researchers
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Frontline heroes and exceptional achievers
Below are the most common UAE Golden Visa pathways used by expats.
Golden Visa for property investors
This is one of the most widely used categories of UAE Golden Visa
Typical criteria (varies by emirate and over time):
- Minimum property value threshold (commonly AED 2 million total value)
- Ownership must be in your name
- Off-plan properties may or may not qualify depending on rules
- Mortgage thresholds may apply
You may qualify through:
- A single qualifying property
- Multiple properties meeting threshold collectively
- Certain mortgaged properties, subject to valuation
Additional considerations:
- Proof of title deed(s)
- NOC from developer or bank in some cases
- Valuation certificate where required
Internal links to create/use
- UAE Property Investor Visa Guide
- Real Estate in the UAE – Buying Property
Golden Visa for investors in companies or funds
This pathway suits:
- Shareholders in mainland or free zone companies
- Investors in approved funds
Requirements may include:
- Audited financial statements
- Proof of investment value
- Company licence
- Establishment card
- Share certificate or registry record
This route is often paired with banking and corporate structuring, making financial planning highly relevant.
Internal linking suggestion
- link to Business Setup in UAE / Company Formation
Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup founders
Eligibility can include:
- Founding a registered startup
- Owning intellectual property or innovative project
- Business with minimum revenue/value thresholds
- Accelerator or incubator endorsement
Documentation may require:
- Proof of ownership/shareholding
- Letters of support from incubators/authorities
- Trade licence
- Financials or business valuation
This route is ideal for:
- Tech startups
- Innovative ventures
- Fast-growth companies
- Founders seeking stability and international mobility
Golden Visa for highly skilled professionals
A major category for senior-level talent.
The route often suits:
- Doctors and medical specialists
- Engineers
- Academics and researchers
- IT and AI professionals
- Executives and senior managers
Criteria generally include combinations of:
- University degree (typically bachelor’s or higher)
- Professional licence, classification or recognition
- Minimum salary threshold
- Labour contract in a qualifying category
This is a major pathway for experienced expatriates already working in the UAE.
Golden Visa for scientists and researchers
Granted to individuals recognised for academic or research contribution.
May be endorsed by:
- Emirates Scientists Council
- Academic institutions
- Research entities
Typical applicants include:
- University researchers
- Patent holders
- Innovators in science and technology
Golden Visa for outstanding students and graduates
Designed to retain high-performing talent educated in the UAE or at top global universities.
Requirements may include:
- High GPA thresholds
- Graduating from approved universities
- Academic excellence awards
Family sponsorship rights usually remain strong under this category.
Key benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Golden Visa holders benefit from privileges beyond standard residency:
Residency benefits
- 5 or 10-year residency validity
- Self-sponsored residency
- Simpler renewals
- Independence from employer
- Flexibility to change jobs or employers
- Potential long absences allowed without losing status
Family & household benefits
Golden Visa holders can typically sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children (including adult children under certain conditions)
- Domestic workers (subject to legal regulations)
Lifestyle & planning benefits
- Eligibility for property ownership in designated areas
- Long-term education planning
- Stable residency plan for families
- Easier entry/exit travel planning
Golden Visa vs standard UAE residency
| Feature | Standard Residency | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Employer/family | Self-sponsored |
| Validity | 1–2 years | 5 or 10 years |
| Job flexibility | Limited | High |
| Absence allowance | Usually <6 months | More flexible |
| Target group | General expatriates | Investors/high achievers |
Internal linking suggestion
- link to UAE Residency & Visas Guide pillar page
Required documents for Golden Visa application
Documentation varies by category but commonly includes:
Personal documentation
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Emirates ID (if already resident)
- Current visa copies (if applicable)
Eligibility documentation
Depending on category:
- Property title deed
- Investment fund certificate
- Trade licence/company documents
- Employment or salary confirmation
- Degree certificates and equivalency
- Professional licences
- Research or award evidence
Compliance documentation
- Medical fitness certificate
- Health insurance policy
- Good conduct certificate where applicable
Internal link prompts
- Health insurance → Financial Services – Insurance
- Attestation/legalisation → Professional & Legal Services
- Banking & investment structures → Financial Planning in UAE
Step-by-step Golden Visa application process
The application process may differ slightly by emirate but generally includes the following stages.
Step 1 – Determine eligibility category
Common decision points:
- Property vs professional vs investor
- Whether to purchase property or restructure investments
- Short vs long-term residency goal
Step 2 – Gather required documentation
This may include:
- Attestations
- Bank statements
- Valuation reports
- Academic certificate equivalency
Step 3 – Apply through relevant UAE authority
Applications are typically submitted via:
- Authorised government platforms
- Approved immigration channels
- Licensed service providers
Step 4 – Receive initial approval
Your eligibility is assessed before full issuance.
Step 5 – Medical fitness test and biometrics
Required for:
- Residence visa issuance
- Emirates ID card
Step 6 – Health insurance policy issuance
Mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and typically required elsewhere.
Step 7 – Final visa issuance and Emirates ID delivery
Issuance formats include:
- Electronic (e-visa)
- Entry permit/change of status
Fee ranges and processing times
Costs vary significantly by:
- Category
- Emirate
- Service provider
- Whether applying inside or outside the UAE
- Insurance costs
However, typical elements include:
- Application fee
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID fee
- Visa issuance
- Administrative costs
- Insurance premiums
What are the typical costs for applying for a UAE Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa fees usually range from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000+ depending on category, emirate, insurance costs and service provider fees.
Processing time typically ranges from:
- 2 to 8 weeks depending on the case
Common reasons Golden Visa applications are refused
Golden Visa applications may be rejected due to:
- Incorrect category selection
- Property below minimum qualifying threshold
- Insufficient proof of investment value
- Salary below required limits (professional category)
- Degree not attested or recognised
- Incomplete corporate documentation
- Discrepancy in records or employment status
- Failure to secure mandatory insurance
- Medical fitness issues
Many cases can be resubmitted once documentation gaps are resolved.
Obligations and compliance for Golden Visa holders
With Golden Visa status come responsibilities, including:
- Keeping health insurance active
- Renewing visa and ID within required timeframe
- Complying with investment or business obligations if tied to eligibility
- Respecting maximum absence rules when applicable
Failure to comply may lead to fines, cancellation, or difficulty with future renewals.
Living in the UAE with a Golden Visa
Golden Visa holders can:
- Legally live in the UAE long term
- Buy or rent property (as allowed per emirate)
- Open local bank accounts
- Obtain driving licences
- Register utilities and telecom services
- Enrol children in schools and universities
- Travel frequently without frequent renewals
Internal linking suggestions
- Banking guide → Banking & Finance in UAE
- Real estate → Buying Property in UAE
- Cost of living → UAE Cost of Living Guide
- Relocation → Moving to UAE Guide
Golden Visa vs Green Visa
A clear comparison of two of the most popular UAE residency pathways.
| Feature | Golden Visa | Green Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 or 10 years | 5 years |
| Sponsor required | Self-sponsored | Self-sponsored |
| Main target group | Investors and exceptional talent | Skilled professionals & freelancers |
| Typical thresholds | Higher | Moderate |
| Flexibility | Very high | High |
Internal linking
- link to UAE Green Visa Guide (you have already created)
Is the UAE Golden Visa a path to citizenship?
No. The Golden Visa does not automatically lead to citizenship; it provides long-term renewable residency.
Obtaining citizenship in the UAE is very rare, discretionary, and regulated under separate legal frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions about the UAE Golden Visa
Can I work in the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes, provided you hold appropriate work permissions in addition to residency.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor parents?
Under some categories and rules, yes, where financial conditions are met.
Do Golden Visa holders pay income tax?
The UAE currently does not levy income tax on salaried employment; however, taxation in other countries of residence/citizenship may apply.
Does buying any property qualify for Golden Visa?
No. Property must meet minimum value and eligibility requirements by emirate.
Can I convert my existing visa to Golden Visa?
Yes — through a status change process if eligibility criteria are met.
How we help prospective Golden Visa applicants
At PlanUAE we support:
- Eligibility assessment
- Pathway selection (property, professional, investor, entrepreneur)
- Financial structuring and residency planning
- Introductions to licensed immigration partners
- Connections to real estate partners and corporate services
- Relocation and settlement support
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→ Check your eligibility in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request personalised assistance
Legal disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. UAE regulations, eligibility criteria and fees change frequently and may vary by emirate and personal circumstances. Always confirm requirements through official UAE government sources or licensed immigration service providers.