UAE Golden Visa eligibility: who qualifies
You are eligible for the UAE Golden Visa if you meet the conditions of one official category: property worth AED 2 million or more; AED 2 million in deposits, company capital or a partner share; an SME with at least AED 1 million in annual revenue; a senior-level job with a degree and at least AED 30,000 monthly salary; top academic results; or recognised talent, scientific or humanitarian achievement. Health insurance for you and your family is also required.
Golden Visa eligibility checker
Answer one question to see the route that matches your profile and the official condition behind it. Nothing is sent anywhere — the check runs in your browser.
Select an option to see the matching Golden Visa route and its main official condition.
Indicative only. The competent authority (ICP, GDRFA or DLD) decides eligibility.
Investors in real estate or public investments
| Route | Condition |
|---|---|
| Property | One or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, fully registered in your name. Bank financing from an approved local bank is allowed. |
| Off-plan property | One or more off-plan units worth at least AED 2,000,000 bought from an approved local developer authorised by the local authority. |
| Bank or fund deposit | A deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 with an investment fund or a national bank in the UAE. |
| Company capital | Establish a UAE company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000 — or hold a partner share worth at least AED 2,000,000. |
| Tax contribution | Own (or hold a share in) a company paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes. |
Invested capital must be fully owned and not borrowed (property financing aside), with proof of source. Comprehensive health insurance is required for you and your family.
Property situations with their own pages
The property test above is the rule. These pages apply it to the cases people actually ask about: mortgage, off-plan, joint owners, commercial property, selling or a value drop, and the separate two-year property visa. Profession notes, still without a private salary table, are on the doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, IT and researchers pages.
Entrepreneurs
- Own or be a partner in a UAE-registered SME in an approved field with annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000; or
- Obtain approval for your venture idea from an accredited business incubator, the Ministry of Economy or a relevant local authority; or
- Be a founder of one or more ventures previously sold for a total of at least AED 7,000,000.
- Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family at the time of applying.
Scientists, specialists and skilled professionals
| Who | Basis |
|---|---|
| Scientists & researchers | Recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. |
| Healthcare, education, industry & 4IR specialists | Recommendation from the relevant ministry or local authority. |
| Skilled professionals (MOHRE levels 1–2) | Valid UAE work permit and contract, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. |
Students, talent and humanitarian pioneers
Top academic results
95%+ in UAE secondary school; or a GPA of 3.5 (top-100 world university, or UAE Category A) or 3.8 (UAE Category B) within two years of graduating. Student guide.
Culture, arts, sport, digital
Recognised awards, nominations, honorary positions, published work or leadership roles, depending on the sub-category.
Pioneers
Five years with an international, regional or non-profit organisation, or AED 2 million+ in humanitarian contributions, plus a university degree.
First line of defence
Professionals working on the front lines of defence, under dedicated criteria.
If you do not qualify yet
Not qualifying for the Golden Visa does not rule out UAE residency. Company investor or partner visas, and Dubai’s separate two-year property investor visa, have lower thresholds. See the two-year investor options or ask us to compare routes for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for a UAE Golden Visa?
For investors the threshold is AED 2,000,000 — in property, a bank or fund deposit, company capital or a partner share. A company paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes is an alternative investor route.
Can I get a Golden Visa with a salary?
Yes, as a skilled professional at MOHRE occupational level 1 or 2, with a valid UAE work permit and contract, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.
Is a mortgaged property eligible?
Yes. ICP allows financing from an approved local bank. In Dubai, DLD asks for a bank letter showing the amount paid; DLD’s investor service requires AED 2 million paid where the property is mortgaged.
Is health insurance required?
Yes. ICP lists comprehensive, valid health insurance for the applicant and family members as a condition for the investor, entrepreneur and specialist categories.
How do I check my eligibility officially?
ICP offers an official eligibility check through its smart services, and the u.ae portal links to it. Our checker above is a quick guide only; the authority’s decision is final.
Official sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 26 October 2026. Rules and fees can change; the authority’s current page always prevails.
- Golden Residency Guide — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
- Golden visa — eligible categories — The UAE Government portal (u.ae)
- Golden Visa application — Investor (fees, documents, terms) — Dubai Land Department (DLD)
- Issuing a golden residence permit (top students, graduates) — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA)
Get a document-led eligibility review
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