UAE Golden Visa — 10-year residency.
Eligibility (AED 2M property, qualifying investment, or specialised talent) + GDRFA Dubai or ICP application + ~30 working days. Sponsor your family with no income threshold.
- Validity
- 10 yrs
- Processing
- ~30 d
- From
- AED 6,650
- Family sponsor
- Unlimited
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency visa introduced in 2019 and expanded under multiple amendments through 2024. Eligibility includes owning real estate valued at AED 2 million or more, holding a qualifying investment of AED 2 million or more, running an audited entrepreneurial venture worth AED 500k+, or receiving nomination in specialised talent categories (PhD, doctor, scientist, athlete, executive, outstanding student). Applications submitted through GDRFA Dubai for Dubai applicants or ICP Smart Services for other emirate applicants. Processing typically 30 working days as of 2026. Golden Visa holders sponsor family without standard income thresholds.
Which Golden Visa route fits you?
Seven routes as of 2026, each with its own threshold, validity, processing window, and core requirement. YABS pre-screens against this matrix before any document work begins.
| Route | Threshold | Validity | Processing | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate investor | AED 2M property | 10 years | ~30 d | Owned outright or equity ≥ AED 2M; off-plan accepted from approved developers |
| Public investor | AED 2M qualifying investment | 10 years | ~30 d | UAE company shares, 2-year+ deposit certificates, or government bonds; must be maintained |
| Entrepreneur | AED 500k+ project | 5 years (renewable) | 30–60 d | Audited project valuation + recommendation from approved UAE incubator or auditor |
| Specialised talent — Doctor / Scientist | PhD or specialist accreditation | 10 years | 60–90 d | Peer-reviewed publications or specialist board accreditation; UAE body recommendation |
| Specialised talent — Executive | Senior role + AED 30k/mo salary | 10 years | 60–90 d | C-suite or equivalent at major company; salary certificate + employment confirmation |
| Specialised talent — Athlete / Creative | International recognition | 10 years | 60–90 d | Federation nomination or proven international competition record |
| Outstanding student | Top GPA in approved institution | 5 years (renewable) | 30–45 d | Graduation from MoE-recognised institution; GPA threshold per category |
5 steps from eligibility to stamping.
Confirm eligibility category
Five main routes as of 2026: real estate investor (AED 2M property, owned not financed), public investor (AED 2M qualifying investment), entrepreneur (audited project worth AED 500k+), specialised talent (PhD, doctor, scientist, athlete, executive), and outstanding student. YABS pre-screens eligibility before submission.
Document preparation
Property route: title deed, valuation. Investor route: investment proof, audited financials. Entrepreneur route: business audit, project valuation. Talent route: qualification certificates, recommendation letters, achievement evidence. All documents MoFAIC-attested if issued abroad.
Application submission via GDRFA Dubai or ICP
Dubai applicants apply through GDRFA Dubai (https://gdrfad.gov.ae). Other emirate applicants via ICP Smart Services portal (https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae). Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security manages the rest.
Review and approval (~30 working days)
GDRFA or ICP reviews application, financial proofs, and supporting documents. Approval typically issued within 30 working days. Some categories (talent, exceptional skills) require nomination council review — extends to 60–90 days.
Medical fitness + Emirates ID + visa stamping
Approved applicants undergo medical fitness test at DHA Dubai or DOH-approved centres. Emirates ID biometrics at ICP. Golden visa stamping in passport (or e-visa if travelling). Validity: 10 years renewable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a UAE golden visa?
UAE golden visa eligibility includes owning real estate valued at AED 2 million or more, holding a qualifying investment, or receiving a nomination in specialist talent categories. Applications are submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or ICP Smart Services for other emirates. The golden visa grants 10-year renewable residency. Processing takes approximately 30 working days as of 2026.
What is the property route for UAE Golden Visa?
Owning UAE real estate worth AED 2 million or more (single property or aggregate) qualifies for the property-investor Golden Visa. Property must be owned outright (no mortgage), or with a mortgage where the equity portion alone exceeds AED 2 million. Off-plan property qualifies if developer is approved. Joint ownership counts proportionately.
What is the public investor route?
Holding AED 2 million in qualifying investments — UAE-incorporated company shares, deposit certificates with UAE banks (minimum 2-year term), or government bonds. Investment must be maintained for the visa duration; sale or withdrawal triggers visa review.
Can I qualify as a specialised talent?
Specialised talent route covers: PhD holders in approved fields, exceptional doctors with PhD or specialist accreditation, scientists with peer-reviewed publications, top-rank athletes (international competitors), executives of major companies (typically AED 30k+/month salary). Each sub-category has specific evidence requirements; some require recommendation from UAE government bodies.
How long does Golden Visa processing take?
Standard processing: approximately 30 working days from submission to approval for property and investor routes. Talent and exceptional skills routes: 60–90 days due to nomination council review. Add 5–10 days post-approval for medical fitness, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping. Total typical 35–100 days.
How much does UAE Golden Visa cost?
GDRFA government fees AED 1,150 per applicant. YABS service fee from AED 5,500 (eligibility review, document preparation, application submission, follow-up). Property-route applicants don't pay additional property valuation if title deed is current. Talent-route applicants may pay nomination fees AED 2,500–10,000 if going through specialised talent council.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes — Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouse and children regardless of standard residency income thresholds. Children sponsored until age 25 if studying. Domestic helpers sponsored without the standard quota limits applicable to other residency types. Family Golden Visa fees same as principal: AED 1,150 government + YABS service fee.
Does Golden Visa allow tax benefits?
UAE doesn't impose personal income tax regardless of visa type — Golden Visa doesn't provide additional tax benefit at personal level. For corporate tax (9% on profits over AED 375,000), the Golden Visa investor's owned UAE companies are taxed normally. Some international tax residence structuring depends on individual circumstances — speak to a tax advisor.
Apply for UAE Golden Visa
Apply online in 4 steps. Itemised AED quote, no sales-call gate.
This page was last reviewed by the YABS compliance team in Q2 2026 and reflects current Dubai DED, Dubai Municipality, DHA, MOHRE, FTA, and DLD requirements.