What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa (officially “Golden Residency”) is a long-term residence permit that lets eligible foreigners live, work, study and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor or employer. ICP describes it as a ten-year residency with renewal, available to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and specialists, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers — and holders can sponsor their spouse, children and parents.
Golden Visa benefits, as listed by ICP
These are the official benefits on the ICP Golden Residency Guide. They apply on top of the rights every UAE resident already has.
No sponsor needed
Long-term residency without a sponsor or employer, so the permit does not end when a job does.
Spouse, children, parents
Residence permits for spouses and children regardless of their age, and for parents.
6-month entry visa
Eligible applicants outside the UAE get a six-month multiple-entry visa, renewable for six more months, to complete the process.
Family stays protected
If the Golden Residency holder dies, sponsored family members may stay until their own permits expire.
Also on the official list
- Freedom to live, work, study and invest with the full benefits of UAE residents (ICP).
- Ability to sponsor domestic workers in line with UAE regulations (ICP).
- Holders can stay outside the UAE beyond the usual six-month limit that applies to ordinary residence visas (u.ae).
Who the Golden Visa is for
You qualify through one category — they are alternative routes, not stages. The full criteria are on our eligibility guide.
| Category | Headline requirement | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate investors | Property in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million, owned in your name (mortgage from an approved local bank allowed). | Property route |
| Public investors | AED 2 million deposit, company capital or partner share — or a company paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes. | Business owners |
| Entrepreneurs | A UAE SME with at least AED 1 million annual revenue, an approved project idea, or prior ventures sold for AED 7 million+. | Business owners |
| Scientists & specialists | Authority recommendation, or a senior-level professional with a bachelor’s degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. | Eligibility |
| Outstanding students | 95%+ in secondary school, or a qualifying GPA from a UAE or top-100 global university within two years of graduating. | Students |
| Exceptional talents | Culture and arts, innovators, athletes and digital talent with recognised achievements. | Eligibility |
| Humanitarian pioneers & frontline | Five years with qualifying organisations, AED 2 million in humanitarian support, or frontline service. | Eligibility |
Summarised from the ICP Golden Residency Guide. Each category has detailed conditions; the competent authority decides every application.
Golden Visa vs a standard UAE residence visa
| Golden Visa | Standard residence visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Self-sponsored | Employer or own company |
| Validity | 10 years (ICP); 5 or 10 years by category on u.ae | Typically shorter terms tied to the sponsor |
| Time outside the UAE | Not limited to the usual six months | Usually invalid after six months abroad |
| Family | Spouse, children regardless of age, parents | Subject to salary and sponsorship rules |
| Ends with a job? | No | Employment visas end with the job |
Comparison based on ICP and u.ae guidance. Standard-visa terms vary by sponsor type and authority.
How much it costs and how long it takes
For a Dubai property investor, the Dubai Land Department lists government fees totalling AED 9,884.75 and a service time of 7–10 business days. Other categories have different fee schedules. See the full cost breakdown and the step-by-step process.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UAE Golden Visa a citizenship or passport?
No. It is a long-term residence permit. It does not grant UAE citizenship or a UAE passport.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
ICP’s Golden Residency Guide lists ten-year residency for every category. The u.ae portal still shows five years for some routes, such as high-school achievers, so confirm the term for your category before applying.
Do I need to live in the UAE to keep a Golden Visa?
Golden Residency holders are not bound by the usual six-month absence rule that applies to ordinary residence visas. GDRFA notes the permit becomes void only if it expires while the holder is outside the country.
Can I buy a lifetime Golden Visa for AED 100,000?
No. In July 2025 ICP called reports of a paid “lifetime” Golden Visa false and stated that Golden Visa applications are handled only through official UAE government channels.
What does THAJ do in the process?
THAJ reviews eligibility and documents, prepares the file and coordinates appointments through the official channels. THAJ is not a government authority; approval rests with ICP, GDRFA or the relevant emirate authority.
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)
- ICP denies granting lifetime Golden Residency to a number of nationalities (8 July 2025) — ICP media centre
Find out which route fits you
Send us your profile and we will tell you which category applies — or that none does yet.