Golden Visa
Key Benefits
Long-term residency: Visas are issued for 5 or 10 years and are automatically renewable, provided the conditions are met.
No sponsor required: Holders can live and work in the UAE under self-sponsorship, offering greater autonomy.
Extended stay abroad: There is no limitation on the maximum period of time a Golden Visa holder can stay outside the UAE to keep their visa valid, unlike standard visas.
Family sponsorship: Holders can sponsor their family members (spouse and children of any age) and an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
Family security: Family members can remain in the UAE until their permits expire, even if the primary visa holder passes away.
Business ownership: Certain categories of applicants are allowed 100% ownership of their businesses on the UAE’s mainland.
Eligibility Categories & Requirements
Category | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
Investors (Public Investments) | Investment of at least AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund, a company with capital of at least AED 2 million, or an annual tax payment of at least AED 250,000 to the UAE government. The invested capital must be fully owned (not a loan) and held for at least two years. |
Real Estate Investors | Ownership of one or more properties with a gross value of at least AED 2 million. Mortgaged properties and off-plan properties from approved developers may be accepted under specific conditions. |
Entrepreneurs | Ownership of an existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000, or approval from an accredited business incubator in the UAE. |
Skilled Professionals | A valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a minimum of 5 years' experience, and a salary of at least AED 30,000 per month. |
Exceptional Talents | Individuals with outstanding abilities in vital fields such as culture and art, sports, digital technology, or inventions, typically requiring a nomination or recommendation letter from a competent government authority. |
Scientists & Researchers | A recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (for doctors), among other potential criteria like a high H-index or field-weighted citation index (FWCI) score. |
Outstanding Students & Graduates | Top-performing high school students (minimum 95% grade) or university students from accredited universities (specific GPA requirements), with a recommendation from the Ministry of Education. |
Humanitarian Pioneers & Frontline Heroes | Individuals with significant contributions to humanitarian work for at least five years, or frontline workers who displayed extraordinary effort in crises, requiring a recommendation from a competent authority. |