Quick Eligibility Check
Takes under 60 seconds — no sign-up required
1. What best describes your professional situation?
2. What is your monthly salary or income (AED)?
3. Do you own property in the UAE?
4. What is your highest qualification?
5. Which sector do you work in?
Matching categories
What this means
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UAE Golden Visa Categories (2025)
10-year renewable residency — no employer sponsor required
The UAE Golden Visa grants 10-year renewable residency with no employer sponsor required. Once issued, it covers your spouse, children under 25, and domestic staff. The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as eligibility criteria remain met.
All 7 Golden Visa Categories
| Category | Key Requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Real Estate Investor | UAE property worth AED 2M+ (equity, not just value) | 10 years |
| 👔 Skilled Employee | AED 30,000+/month in specialised field + bachelor's degree | 10 years |
| 💼 Investor / Entrepreneur | AED 500k+ invested or AED 1M+ annual revenue | 10 years |
| 🎓 PhD Holder | Doctorate from any accredited university | 10 years |
| 🌟 Outstanding Student | GPA 3.5+ from UAE or top-ranked international university | 5 years |
| 🎨 Creative Talent | Endorsement from Ministry of Culture or UAE Sports Council | 10 years |
| 🤝 Humanitarian Pioneer | Significant contributions to humanitarian causes — nomination-based | 10 years |
Golden Visa Application Process
The standard pathway for most applicants:
- Confirm eligibility — Use this checker or consult the ICP website to verify your category meets current thresholds
- Prepare documents — Passport, UAE residency visa, proof of eligibility (salary certificate, property valuation, degree certificate, etc.), health insurance evidence
- Apply via GDRFA or ICP — Dubai residents apply through GDRFA (amer.ae); other emirates use ICP (icp.gov.ae). Fee: approx. AED 3,000–5,000
- Medical fitness test — Complete the standard UAE medical test at a HAAD/DHA-approved centre. Takes 1–3 days
- Emirates ID — Apply for your new Golden Visa Emirates ID via an Amer Centre or online. Biometrics required
- Visa stamp — Collect your 10-year visa stamp. Processing total: 7–21 days
Estimated Costs (Dubai 2025)
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| ICP / GDRFA Golden Visa fee | AED 2,800 – 3,600 |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | AED 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 320 – 450 |
| Document typing / admin | AED 150 – 300 |
| Approximate total (applicant) | AED 4,500 – 5,800 |
Dependant applications (spouse, children) each incur similar fees. Professional service charges (e.g. document assistance) are additional.
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa
- No sponsor required — your residency is independent of your employer. You can change jobs freely with no grace period anxiety
- Long absence allowed — you can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without your visa lapsing (unlike standard residence visas)
- 100% business ownership — Golden Visa holders can set up mainland businesses with full foreign ownership under UAE Commercial Companies Law
- Family coverage — spouse, children under 25 (male / female), and domestic workers are all covered under your Golden Visa umbrella
- Study and work freely — covered dependants can study and work without separate work permits in most sectors
Considering the Golden Visa? Read our complete 2025 Golden Visa guide covering every eligibility category in detail, the full application process, and answers to 7 common questions.
Golden Visa FAQ
Common questions about the UAE 10-year residency
Can I apply for a Golden Visa while on a standard employment visa?+
Yes. Most skilled employee applicants apply while already on a standard UAE employment visa. You do not need to cancel your current visa first. The Golden Visa replaces your existing residency once issued.
What happens to my Golden Visa if I lose my job?+
Unlike standard employment visas, a Golden Visa is not tied to your employer. If you lose your job, your Golden Visa remains valid for the full 10-year period. You can seek new employment, start a business, or remain in the UAE without the usual 30-day notice period stress.
Does the AED 2M property need to be fully paid?+
Not necessarily — off-plan and mortgaged properties qualify, but the equity you have paid must reach AED 2M. For off-plan, the paid portion must exceed AED 2M. For mortgaged properties, the outstanding loan balance must be subtracted from the property value, and the remaining equity must exceed AED 2M.
How long can I stay outside the UAE on a Golden Visa?+
Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for an unlimited period without their visa lapsing. Standard UAE residency visas void after 6 months outside the country — this is one of the most significant practical advantages of the Golden Visa for frequent travellers and those with international commitments.
Can I include my parents on my Golden Visa?+
No. The Golden Visa covers your spouse, children under 25, and domestic workers, but parents are not automatically included. You could sponsor parents separately on a standard UAE residence visa if you meet the standard income and accommodation requirements.
Is the AED 30,000 salary threshold for basic salary or total package?+
The AED 30,000 threshold refers to the total monthly salary as per your UAE employment contract — not basic salary alone. Allowances are typically included. However, the salary certificate you submit to GDRFA or ICP must confirm the total package figure from your employer.