The Golden Visa is a long-term UAE residence permit valid for 5 or 10 years depending on the category. It is issued to specific groups of people, and the conditions are updated periodically.
Who it is for
- Investors. For property, the threshold usually cited is from AED 2 million. The official UAE portal states a minimum capital of AED 2 million and conditions on property ownership or investment in a company
- Entrepreneurs with an innovative or technical project. Documents on the project's value and a letter from a business incubator or the relevant emirate authority are required
- Highly skilled specialists: doctors, scientists, inventors, cultural figures, athletes and senior executives. Each subcategory has its own requirements
- Outstanding students and humanitarian categories
The term depends on the category. According to the official u.ae portal, some categories receive a 10-year visa and others 5 years. For property investors, sources differ: the federal portal cites 5 years, while Dubai describes a 10-year option for qualifying properties. The threshold for entrepreneurs is stated differently in different sources, and the exact amount is not given on the official page. Check the current conditions with ICP or GDRFA before applying.
What it provides
- Long-term residency for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category
- The ability to include family
- More flexible conditions for staying in the country compared with a standard visa
- No need to be tied to a single employer or sponsor
Golden Visa through a company
Entrepreneurs may qualify for a Golden Visa if the business meets the criteria: for example, in terms of capital, turnover, number of employees or strategic importance. This is harder than obtaining the standard founder's residence visa. For the standard route, see the article Residence Visa Through a Company.
How to apply
- Determine the category you qualify for
- Gather documents: passport, proof of investment or income, company documents
- Submit an application to the authorised body
- Complete a medical test and obtain an Emirates ID
Timelines and the list of documents depend on the category.
Typical mistakes
- Choosing a category without checking the thresholds
- Incomplete or unattested documents
- Expecting the Golden Visa to resolve tax matters automatically: these are best clarified with a tax adviser
For a comparison with other types of residency, see the article UAE Residency.