UAE Golden Visa: Who Can Obtain It and What Benefits Does It Offer?

UAE Golden Visa: a complete guide to requirements, benefits, and the application process

How to obtain a 10-year residency permit for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and talents. We break down all stages, required documents, costs, and practical benefits of resident status.

Forget about annual visa extensions and dependence on a sponsor. The UAE’s “Golden Visa” offers freedom-freedom to live for 10 years in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, run your own business, bring your family, and enjoy all the advantages of a low-tax jurisdiction. That’s why this program has become a true magnet for investors and talents from around the globe seeking long-term residency in Dubai. In this guide, we will cover:

• What the Golden Visa is and what its key differences are.
• Who exactly can apply for it-from investors to students.
• What initial steps you need to take after obtaining resident status.

What is the Golden Visa and why is it so popular?

At its core, the Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (residency) in the UAE valid for 5 or 10 years. However, its main value lies not in the duration but in the status itself. Unlike a standard work visa, the “golden” visa is not tied to a specific company. It is a strategic move by the Emirati government aimed at attracting individuals who can drive the economy: investors with capital, entrepreneurs with fresh ideas, and recognized professionals in their fields.

Independence from a sponsor is a key feature

The main advantage of the Golden Visa, which sets it apart from standard residency visas, is the complete absence of any requirement for an employer or local sponsor. In practice, this provides near-absolute independence: you can change jobs without fear of your visa being canceled, start and fully own your own business on the mainland, or simply live in any emirate without being tied to a work contract.

Stylish collage: the official Golden Visa program logo against the backdrop of a panoramic view of Dubai’s modern business district, showing skyscrapers from ground level.

Key benefits for you and your family

Holders of the Golden Visa gain access to an exclusive set of benefits that make life in the UAE as comfortable and stable as possible:

• Stability for 10 years: You receive a guarantee of long-term residency with the option for automatic renewal as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Full business ownership: You are granted the right to 100% ownership of a company on the mainland of the UAE without the need to involve a local partner.
• Care for your loved ones: You can sponsor not only your spouse and children but also, crucially, children of any age. It is also possible to obtain visas for domestic staff.
• Financial freedom: The UAE does not impose personal income tax, which is a significant financial advantage.
• Flexibility of movement: Unlike a standard residency visa, the Golden Visa is not canceled if you stay outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months.

Who can obtain the Golden Visa?

The program aims to attract various categories of professionals and investors who make a significant contribution to the economy and development of the UAE. The government has clearly defined the criteria for each group of applicants. Find your category in the list below.

Real estate investors: the most straightforward path to a visa

Purchasing real estate is perhaps the most transparent and popular way to obtain a Golden Visa. Square meters in the UAE become your key to long-term residency.

• Requirements: You must own one or more real estate properties with a total value of at least 2 million UAE dirhams. Importantly, the law allows the use of mortgage financing, but not more than 50% of the property’s value.

Financial investors: betting on the economy

This category is suitable for those who prefer to invest not in real estate, but directly in the country’s economy through financial instruments.

• Requirements: Placing a deposit of at least 2 million UAE dirhams in one of the country’s accredited investment funds.

Entrepreneurs and startups: for those who create the future

The UAE is actively seeking bold business ideas and is ready to support their creators with a long-term residence visa.

• Eligibility: You must be the owner or partner of a startup registered in the UAE, with an annual revenue of at least 1 million dirhams. An alternative option is to have an approved business project worth from 500,000 dirhams.

Outstanding professionals and talents: a headhunting initiative

The Emirates are actively “hunting” for the best minds and talents from around the world. If you are a recognized expert in your field, the country is prepared to offer you special conditions.

• Eligibility: This broad category includes doctors, scientists, cultural and artistic figures, as well as outstanding athletes. The key requirement is to have letters of recommendation and official approval from relevant ministries and government agencies in the UAE, such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) for medical professionals.

Bright minds: a visa for future leaders

The program opens doors for the most brilliant young talents, offering them an ideal start for an international career.

• Eligibility: Graduates of top global universities (ranked in the top 100 according to recognized international rankings) with a high GPA (not lower than 3.8 out of 4.0) are eligible to apply for the visa.

How to obtain the Golden Visa: a step-by-step process

Despite its apparent complexity, the process of obtaining a Golden Visa follows a clear sequence of steps. Your main task in the first stage is to compile a compelling package of documents that proves you meet the criteria for your chosen category. After that, you submit your application and, upon approval, enter the country (if you were outside it), undergo a mandatory medical examination, provide biometric data, and obtain a resident identity card (Emirates ID).

Required documents: your checklist

Although the exact list depends on your category, there is a basic set of documents required for all applicants:

• General package for everyone: A color copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months), a passport-sized photograph, and valid health insurance covering treatment in the UAE.
• Category-specific documents:
  • Real estate investor: A key document will be proof of ownership of property(ies) worth at least AED 2 million.
  • Entrepreneur: Documents confirming the company’s annual revenue or the value of the project will be required.
  • Outstanding talent: You must provide diplomas, patents, publications, and, most importantly, an official letter of approval from the relevant UAE government authority.

Application stages and timelines

You can submit your application through official online portals of government agencies or through authorized service centers. Processing times may vary from a few days to several weeks and depend on the chosen category, as well as on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted package of documents.

Cost of processing: a complete breakdown

Let’s talk money. Obtaining a Golden Visa will require not only time but also financial investment. Be prepared for the following main expense items:

• Government fees for submitting and processing the application.
• The cost of issuing an Emirates ID valid for 10 years.
• Payment for a mandatory medical examination.
• The cost of annual health insurance.

Please note: the amounts of fees and charges may change. We recommend checking the latest information on the official government websites of the UAE before submitting your documents.

A new life: from the Emirates ID to parking regulations

Congratulations! You’ve got the coveted visa in your passport and the Emirates ID in your pocket! But this is just the beginning. Now comes the most exciting part—setting up your life and fully settling into the UAE. Here are some key steps you should take first.

Opening a bank account and finances

With an Emirates ID in hand, you can easily open an account at any local or international bank. This will give you access to a full range of financial services, from obtaining debit and credit cards to applying for a mortgage.

Transport, communications, and cultural norms

• Transport: Dubai boasts a well-developed public transportation system. The metro, buses, and trams operate using a single rechargeable Nol card. Official RTA taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem are also widely available.

A futuristic driverless Dubai metro train travels along an elevated track against the backdrop of iconic skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s a sunny day with sharp shadows.

• Communications: The main mobile operators are Etisalat and Du. They offer a wide range of plans for residents with favorable rates for calls and mobile internet.
• Cultural norms: A key to a comfortable life in the UAE is respecting local traditions. Dress modestly in government offices and shopping malls, behave with restraint in public spaces, and show particular respect for the rules of conduct during the holy month of Ramadan.

Tips for quick adaptation

To ensure your adaptation goes as smoothly as possible (and doesn’t hit your wallet hard), here are some tried-and-tested tips from the “veterans”:

1. Use discount apps: Services like The Entertainer or a Zomato Pro subscription can help you save significantly on restaurant visits, cafés, and entertainment.

2. Plan your purchases: Major purchases are best made during global sales events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) in winter or Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) in summer.

3. Learn the parking rules: Fines for incorrect parking in Dubai are very high. Use RTA mobile apps for convenient and timely payment.

4. Drink more water: Especially during the hot summer months. The climate requires constant attention to hydration to avoid dehydration and heatstroke.

5. Follow the rules on public transport: Remember that food and drinks (including chewing gum) are prohibited on the metro and buses and are punishable by a fine.

Conclusion: your next step

So what’s the bottom line? The UAE Golden Visa is not just a right to long-term residence. This is a ticket to the elite league of residents, offering the most important benefits: stability for 10 years, complete independence from your employer, and significant tax advantages. It’s important to understand that this is not an immigration program leading to citizenship, but rather a long-term residence permit designed for established professionals and investors. Assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria, and if the answer is “yes,” don’t delay. This strategic investment in your freedom, security, and well-being begins with a simple first step: gathering the documents that verify your status.

Your first step? Not dreams-but cold, hard calculation. Lay out on the table all the documents that confirm your status as an investor, entrepreneur, or talent. The path to the Golden Visa starts not with buying a ticket, but with a perfectly prepared dossier.