What the Golden Visa is
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence for people the UAE wants to attract and keep. The official portal describes it as renewable and valid for five or ten years. The holder does not need a sponsor.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, called ICP, also describes advantages that ordinary residents do not have. Holders can stay outside the UAE for longer than the usual period without losing the visa, and they can sponsor family members. Residence rules can differ in detail between the portal and the ICP guide, so check the category you plan to use.
Investors in public investments
For this category, the ICP guide asks for one of the following:
- A deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 with an investment fund or a national bank in the UAE
- A company or establishment in the UAE with capital of at least AED 2,000,000, or a partner share of at least AED 2,000,000
- A company paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes, or a shareholding that corresponds to that amount
The capital must be fully owned by the investor, must not come from a loan and must be supported by documents that show the source of funds. The government portal lists a duration of 10 years for public investments.
Investors in real estate
The ICP guide asks for property in the UAE worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, registered in the investor's name. Financing is allowed if it is obtained from an approved local bank. Off-plan units worth at least AED 2,000,000 bought from an approved local developer also count.
The government portal lists a duration of 5 years for real estate investors, while the ICP guide describes the Golden residency as ten years. The two pages differ, so confirm the period that applies to your case before you buy.
Senior skilled professionals
Under exceptional talents, the ICP guide lists senior skilled professionals. They need a valid UAE work permit and an approved employment contract, at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency, and health insurance for the applicant and family.
Other talent routes cover culture and arts, scientists and specialists, and sport. For scientists, a recommendation from the relevant body is needed, for example the Emirates Scientists Council. The portal also names doctors, inventors, executives, athletes and PhD holders among those who can qualify.
Entrepreneurs
There are two routes in the ICP guide. The first is a UAE-registered small or medium enterprise in an approved field with annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000, with venture approval from an accredited incubator, the Ministry of Economy or another relevant authority. The second is the founder of previously sold ventures with a combined value of at least AED 7,000,000. Health insurance for the entrepreneur and family is required.
The government portal describes a five-year duration for entrepreneurs, with proof of an innovative or technical project and a letter from a business incubator or the relevant authority.
Outstanding students and graduates
The ICP guide sets these tests:
- Secondary school: a Grade 12 certificate from a licensed school, with at least 95%, attested by the Ministry of Education
- Graduates of international universities: a university in the world top 100, a minimum GPA of 3.5 for a bachelor's degree, graduated within the last two years, attested
- Graduates of UAE universities: a bachelor's, master's or doctorate from a licensed university in Category A (GPA 3.5 out of 4.0) or Category B (GPA 3.8 out of 4.0), graduated within the last two years, attested
The portal lists five years for high school achievers and ten years for top university students.
Humanitarian pioneers
The ICP guide lists at least five years as a member or outstanding employee of an international, regional or non-profit organisation, or financial contributions to humanitarian work of at least AED 2,000,000 or the equivalent. A university degree is required.
Family and long stays abroad
Golden Visa holders can obtain residence permits for a spouse and children of any age, and for parents, according to the ICP guide. They can also sponsor domestic workers under the applicable rules. If the holder dies, sponsored family members may stay for the validity of their permits.
Applicants outside the UAE receive a six-month, multiple-entry visa, renewable for six more months, to complete the process.
Before you apply
Check the category that fits you and collect proof early. The pages checked for this guide do not give a full document list or fees, so use the official eligibility tool on the ICP site. Most categories require comprehensive health insurance for the applicant and family. Be careful with anyone who promises a guaranteed Golden Visa for a fee, and check them against the official channels.
Common questions
Do I need a sponsor?
No. The Golden Visa does not require a sponsor.
What is the investment minimum?
AED 2,000,000, either in public investments or in real estate registered in your name.
What salary do senior professionals need?
A monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency, with a UAE work permit and a degree.
How long does it last?
The government portal lists 5 or 10 years depending on the category. The ICP guide describes ten years. Confirm for your category.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Holders can sponsor a spouse and children, and the ICP guide also lists parents.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often. We last checked it on 31 October 2026, so please confirm the details on the official page before you apply.