The UAE is a major tourism hub in the Middle East. Beyond tourism, the country is looking for high-net-worth individuals to come and live, work, and do business in the UAE. The Golden visa is a residency program that allows exceptional individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals to live, work, study, and carry out business activities in the UAE for a long time without local sponsors. This article explores the golden visa UAE requirements and how you can obtain it. 

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

This program was introduced in 2019 as part of the UAE’s Vision 2021 (now part of Vision 2030). Under this program, foreign nationals are given a 5- or 10-year residence permit without frequent renewals. Unlike the standard two-year residency visa, the golden visa grants its holders the ability to sponsor family members, including spouse, children, parents, and household staff. It provides greater independence and security to its holders because they are self-sponsored and do not require a UAE-based employer or sponsor.

Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

The category an applicant is opting in for will determine the eligibility criteria, each having unique requirements. Below are those qualified to apply for the UAE Golden Visa:

• Investors: Those who meet the minimum required investment in real estate or other forms of investments.
• Entrepreneurs: Approved founders of startups with incubators.
• Professionals and Executives: Senior executives, managers, and other professionals who set criteria for experience and salary.
• Specialized Talents and Researchers: These are recognized doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals with specialized skills.
• Outstanding Students: Students who have excellent academic records and are considered high-performing can apply. They are required to have not less than a 3.8 GPA.
• Retirees: Older individuals who have sufficient investment or income seeking to retire in the UAE are eligible.
• Residency Requirement: Applicants are required to reside in the UAE for at least 6 months per year.

And you can learn more from exports and consultants on how to apply for the UAE Golden Visa on this website.

Golden Visa UAE Requirements by Category

There are certain requirements to meet to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa. It is noteworthy that different category has different requirements, including:

Investors

Investors are required to have the following:

• Real Estate Investment: A minimum of AED 2 million worth of real estate in the United Arab Emirates is required. The real estate must be developed or at least 50% in building. Furthermore, the UAE Land Department must issue a letter to confirm land ownership. In addition, investors are allowed to own multiple properties as long as their total value is not less than AED 2 million.  
• Business Investment: For those using the business route, they are required to have a minimum of AED 10 million in a UAE-based business or public investment fund. They are also required to maintain the business for at least two years.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are required to have the following:

• A registered startup in the UAE that is approved by a government-recognized incubator.
• A business plan and proof of growth potential and innovation
• At least AED 500,000 business capital

Professionals and Executives

Senior professionals and executives are required to have the following:

• A university degree from a university accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
• At least 5 years of experience in the current role.
• AED 30,000 as minimum salary.
• Valid work contract with a UAE mainland company.

Specialized Talents and Researchers

Specialized Talents are required to have the following:

• Relevant degrees and licenses, where applicable
• A valid employment contract in the UAE
• A base salary based on the profession. For example, healthcare professionals are required to have AED 35,000, while researchers are required to have AED 14,000. 

Outstanding Students

• High performing students are required to have the following:
• A CGPA of 3.8 or equivalent from accredited institutions
• Graduated within the last two years

Retirees

Retirees are required to have at least one of the first 3 things below:

• AED 20,000 in monthly Income
• Ownership of at least AED 2 million worth of properties in the United Arab Emirates
• savings of AED 1 million in a UAE bank
• A valid health insurance

Cost of the UAE Golden Visa

• Real Estate Investor – AED 10,250
• Bank Deposit Investor – AED 4,650
• Professionals and Executives: AED 4,650
• Specialized Talents: 4,500
• Retiree – 8,900

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

The application process is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application:

• Determine Eligibility: The very first thing you should do is identify under which category you qualify and ensure that to meet all requirements.
• Prepare Required Documents: The required documents will vary depending on the category you are applying for. You should ensure to cross-examine to ensure you are submitting the right documents.
• Fill out the Application Form and Submit: Proceed to fill out the application form and submit. Application can be submitted to either of these two bodies: ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs & Port, or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai. You can also submit through the Amer service centers in the UAE. In addition, online applications can be made through the official website www.icp.gov.ae  and its smart application "ICP UAE Smart".
• Make Payment and Wait for Approval: After submission, you should go ahead to make payments for applicable visa fees and processing charges wait for approval. Approval time varies, but you will typically need to wait for about 2 months or more. However, investors may get approval within 2 to 4 weeks, while entrepreneurs may receive approval in 4 to 6 weeks.
• Receive Visa: The Golden Visa is now issued electronically, so there is no need for the physical stamp anymore, so. Keep checking your email.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

• Visa-Free Travel
• Family Sponsorship
• No personal income tax, capital gain tax, or inheritance tax
• Property ownership
• Exclusive discounts
• Work and Study without restrictions
• Pathway to citizenship
• Global networking
• Sources:
• https://multicitizenship.com/uae-golden-visa-2025-benefits-eligibility-and-how-to-apply/
• https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/golden-residency/