What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor. Unlike standard employment visas, the Golden Visa remains valid even if you change jobs or start a business.
Introduced in 2019 and expanded significantly in 2022, over 150,000 Golden Visas have been issued. It has become one of the most attractive residency programs in the Middle East.
Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa?
1. Investors
- Property worth AED 2 million or more
- Public investment of AED 2 million in UAE-approved funds
- Business owners with capital of AED 2 million+
2. Entrepreneurs
- Own a startup/SME in the UAE
- Project value of at least AED 500,000 or accredited incubator approval
- Must have a valid trade license
3. Skilled Professionals
- Minimum salary of AED 30,000/month
- Bachelor degree or equivalent
- Priority fields: AI, biotech, engineering, healthcare, education
4. Outstanding Students
- GPA of 3.75+ (university) or 95%+ (high school)
- Recommendation from their institution
5. Humanitarian Pioneers
- Distinguished members of international organizations
- Winners of prestigious awards
Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Current UAE visa (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Emirates ID (if existing resident)
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Proof of qualification — title deed, trade license, or degree
- Bank statements showing financial stability
- No criminal record certificate
- Medical fitness test results
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Assess eligibility — determine which category you qualify under
- Prepare documents — collect and attest all required paperwork
- Submit online — apply through ICP smart services or GDRFA Dubai app
- Pay fees — AED 2,800 to AED 4,500 depending on visa duration
- Medical fitness test — visit an approved medical center
- Emirates ID biometrics — register at a typing center
- Receive visa — stamped in your passport within 2-4 weeks
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 2,800 - 4,500 |
| Medical Test | 300 - 500 |
| Emirates ID (5-year) | 370 |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | 570 |
| Health Insurance | 1,000 - 3,000/year |
| Visa Stamping | 500 - 1,000 |
| Total Estimate | 5,000 - 10,000 |
Key Benefits
- Long-term stability — 5 or 10 year residency, automatically renewable
- Self-sponsorship — no employer or sponsor required
- 100% business ownership
- Family sponsorship — spouse, children, and domestic helpers
- No stay requirement — visa remains valid even if you live outside the UAE
- Unlimited entry/exit
How PS Business UAE Helps
Our team has processed hundreds of Golden Visa applications with a high success rate. We handle everything from eligibility assessment to final visa stamping.
- Free eligibility assessment
- Document preparation and attestation
- Application submission and follow-up
- Medical test coordination
- Emirates ID registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Golden Visa without property?
Yes. You can qualify through entrepreneurship (trade license + AED 500K), professional employment (AED 30K salary + degree), or academic excellence.
Can my family also get Golden Visas?
Yes. The primary holder can sponsor spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers under the same visa duration.
Does the Golden Visa expire if I leave UAE?
No. Unlike regular visas that expire after 6 months outside, the Golden Visa stays valid regardless of how long you stay abroad.
How long does the application take?
Typically 2-4 weeks from submission to visa issuance.