UAE Golden Visa Program

Program Overview

The UAE Golden Visa Program, launched as part of the United Arab Emirates’ strategic initiative to attract global talent and investment, provides foreign nationals with a direct pathway to long-term residency in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. This comprehensive residency program offers qualified individuals and their families the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UAE with enhanced security and exclusive benefits.

The Golden Visa represents a transformative approach to immigration, designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, and outstanding students while providing a stable and supportive environment for establishing lasting roots in the UAE. Unlike traditional visa programs, the Golden Visa eliminates the need for national sponsorship and offers unprecedented flexibility for long-term residents.

Key Benefits

Long-Term Residency: Renewable 5 or 10-year residence permits providing extended security and stability

Family Inclusion: Comprehensive coverage for spouse and unmarried children under the visa program

No National Sponsor Required: Complete independence from traditional sponsorship requirements

Business Ownership: Full ownership rights for mainland businesses in the UAE

Educational Access: World-class education system from K-12 through university level with special considerations

Healthcare Benefits: Access to premium healthcare services and exclusive insurance plans

Geographic Freedom: Ability to live and work anywhere within the seven emirates

Renewal Flexibility: Straightforward renewal process based on continued eligibility

Investment Requirements

Option A: Real Estate Investment

Minimum Investment: AED 2,000,000 (approximately $544,000 USD)

Structure: Direct purchase of residential or commercial property in the UAE

Requirements:

• Property must be fully owned (not under mortgage to qualify)
• Investment must be maintained throughout residency period
• Property can generate rental income
• Includes off-plan properties from approved developers

Option B: Public Investment

Minimum Investment: AED 5,000,000 (approximately $1.36 million USD)

Structure: Investment in UAE-based companies, investment funds, or bank deposits

Requirements:

• Investment in local companies or approved investment funds
• Bank deposits in UAE financial institutions
• Investment must remain active throughout residency period
• Proof of investment source and legitimacy required

Option C: Entrepreneur Investment

Minimum Investment: AED 500,000 (approximately $136,000 USD)

Structure: Establishing or investing in UAE-based startup or existing business

Requirements:

• Viable business plan with endorsement from approved incubator
• Business must create employment opportunities for UAE nationals
• Ongoing business operations and growth demonstration
• Compliance with UAE commercial licensing requirements

Eligibility Categories

Investors

Individuals making substantial financial commitments to the UAE economy through real estate purchases, business investments, or fund deposits. Investors must demonstrate legitimate source of funds and maintain investments throughout the residency period.

Entrepreneurs

Business owners and startup founders with viable business plans and endorsement from approved UAE incubators or investors. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate innovation potential and job creation capabilities for the local market.

Exceptional Talents and Professionals

Skilled professionals with proven track records in specialized fields including:

• Medicine and healthcare
• Engineering and technology
• Science and research
• Arts and cultural fields
• Sports and athletics
• Academic and educational leadership

Outstanding Students and Scientists

Academically excellent students and researchers contributing to their fields through:

• Outstanding academic performance with high GPA requirements
• Research contributions and published work
• Awards and recognition in scientific or academic fields
• Enrollment in or graduation from prestigious institutions

Application Process

Stage 1: Eligibility Verification and Documentation

Documentation Requirements:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Recent passport-sized photographs with white background
• Completed visa application forms
• Proof of eligibility under chosen Golden Visa category
• Educational certificates and professional qualifications
• Investment documentation and source of funds proof
• Clean criminal record from home country and countries of residence

Timeline: Initial review and verification typically takes 2-4 weeks

Stage 2: Medical Examination and Health Clearance

Requirements:

• Comprehensive medical fitness certificate from UAE-approved health centers
• Negative HIV and Tuberculosis test reports
• Valid health insurance covering UAE medical services
• Additional medical tests may be required based on age and health status

Timeline: Medical clearance process takes 1-2 weeks

Stage 3: Investment Implementation

Timeline: Investment must be completed before visa issuance

Requirements:

• Deploy full investment amount according to chosen category
• Complete property purchase or business establishment
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits for business operations
• Maintain detailed records of investment deployment

Stage 4: Final Approval and Visa Issuance

Process:

• Final review by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
• Emirates ID application and biometric data collection
• Visa stamping and residence permit issuance
• Family member processing (if applicable)

Timeline: Final approval typically takes 2-4 weeks after all requirements are met

Family Inclusion

Eligible Family Members

Spouse: Legal spouse included in Golden Visa application and benefits Children: Unmarried children under 21 years of age at time of application Extended Family: Parents may be eligible under certain high-value investment categories

Family Benefits

• Same residence permit duration as principal applicant (5 or 10 years)
• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the UAE
• Access to UAE public and private education systems
• Healthcare access through family health insurance plans
• No requirement for separate sponsorship or national sponsor
• Eligibility for Emirates ID and full resident benefits

Sponsorship Requirements

• Principal applicant must maintain minimum salary of AED 4,000 monthly
• Alternative: AED 3,000 monthly plus accommodation provision
• Proof of financial stability and ability to support family members
• Valid health insurance covering all family members

Terms and Validity

Visa Duration Options

5-Year Golden Visa: Medium-term residency option with renewable terms 10-Year Golden Visa: Long-term residency providing maximum stability and planning certainty

Renewal Requirements

Investment Continuity: Maintained investment levels and ongoing compliance with original investment criteria Active Engagement: Continued business operations, employment, or educational enrollment as applicable Documentation Updates: Current passport, Emirates ID renewal, and updated medical certificates Fee Payment: Payment of renewal fees according to current government fee schedules

Renewal Process

• Submit renewal application 90 days before expiry
• Provide updated documentation and investment proof
• Complete medical examination if required
• Process through smart government services for efficiency
• Receive renewed residence permit with same duration as original visa

FAQs

What is the minimum investment required for the UAE Golden Visa?

The minimum investment varies by category: AED 500,000 for entrepreneurs, AED 2 million for real estate investors, and AED 5 million for public investments.

How long does the Golden Visa application process take?

The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from initial application to visa issuance, depending on the complexity of the case and documentation completeness.

Can I include my parents in the Golden Visa application?

Parents may be eligible under certain high-value investment categories, but standard Golden Visa applications typically cover spouse and children under 21.

Do I need to live in the UAE full-time to maintain my Golden Visa?

There is no minimum residency requirement, but you must maintain your investment and renew your visa according to the specified timeline.

Can I work for any employer in the UAE with a Golden Visa?

Yes, Golden Visa holders have the flexibility to work for any employer in the UAE without requiring additional work permit sponsorship.

What happens if my investment loses value during the residency period?

You must maintain the minimum investment level required for your visa category. If the investment value falls below the threshold, it may affect visa renewal eligibility.

Can I apply for UAE citizenship after holding a Golden Visa?

The UAE has recently introduced a pathway to citizenship for exceptional individuals, but specific criteria and timelines are determined on a case-by-case basis.