In short
The UAE Golden visa is a long-term, renewable residence that needs no sponsor or employer. Investors (including owners of UAE property worth at least AED 2 million), entrepreneurs, specialised talents, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, and humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes can qualify. Holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age and parents. We check your category, prepare the file and see it through to the Emirates ID.
What the Golden visa gives you
The UAE government portal describes a renewable residence of 5 or 10 years, depending on the category; ICP's current guide and GDRFA Dubai's investor permit give 10 years. You need no sponsor, and you can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing it.
ICP lets holders get residence for a spouse, children regardless of age and parents, and sponsor domestic workers. If the holder dies, the family can stay until their own permits expire.
Who qualifies: the main Golden visa categories
| Category | Main requirement (ICP / GDRFA Dubai) |
|---|---|
| Property investors | One or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2 million in total, registered in your name. Bank-financed and off-plan purchases can count under conditions |
| Public investors | An AED 2 million deposit with a fund or national bank, AED 2 million in company capital or shares, or at least AED 250,000 a year in federal tax |
| Entrepreneurs | A UAE-registered SME with at least AED 1 million in yearly revenue and approval from an accredited incubator or authority, or past ventures sold for AED 7 million or more |
| Specialised talents | Culture and arts, inventors, athletes and digital talent; senior professionals with a bachelor's degree and a salary of at least AED 30,000 a month |
| Scientists and specialists | A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or the relevant ministry or local authority |
| Outstanding students and graduates | 95% or more in Grade 12 at a UAE school, or a high GPA from an eligible university within two years of graduating |
| Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes | Five years with an international, regional or non-profit organisation, or at least AED 2 million in humanitarian support; frontline professionals are a category of their own |
The property route: AED 2 million and joint ownership
The total must be at least AED 2 million, from one unit or several. In Dubai, the value is certified by a Dubai Land Department property status statement or a DLD-licensed valuation, mortgaged property is accepted, and GDRFA places a lien on the property so it is kept for the life of the residence.
For joint ownership, GDRFA Dubai counts only your own share of a jointly owned property, and that share must be worth at least AED 2 million. Spouses cannot add their two shares together to reach the threshold. If one spouse's share meets the rule, that spouse applies and then sponsors the other as family.
Family sponsorship and newborns
Once your Golden residence is issued, we add your spouse, children and parents to your file, with valid health insurance and attested marriage and birth certificates.
A baby born in the UAE goes on the same file. The UAE government gives residents 120 days from the birth to complete the birth certificate, passport, Emirates ID and visa. After that, a fine of AED 100 a day applies and the baby cannot leave the country, so we start as soon as the birth certificate is issued (see our newborn baby visa page).
How to apply for a Golden visa, step by step
- Free eligibility check. Send your documents on WhatsApp and we match you to the right category.
- Nomination or recommendation. Where your category needs one, we prepare the request to the ministry, council, university or incubator.
- Entry visa if you are abroad. ICP gives eligible applicants abroad a six-month multiple-entry visa, renewable once, to finish the process.
- Application. We submit the Golden residence application to GDRFA Dubai, or to ICP for the other emirates, with your category proof.
- Medical test and Emirates ID. We book the medical fitness test and the Emirates ID biometrics appointment.
- Residence issued. The Golden residence is issued and the Emirates ID is delivered by courier.
- Family next. We sponsor your spouse, children and parents.
Golden visa documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months, and a personal photo
- Proof of eligibility for your category: title deed or DLD property status statement, bank or fund letter, trade licence and audit report, FTA letter, recommendation letter or attested degree
- Employment contract and salary certificate (specialised professionals)
- Proof of residence in the UAE: a title deed or tenancy contract
- Valid health insurance for you and your family
- For family members: attested marriage certificate and children's birth certificates
Government fees depend on the category and emirate, so we confirm your full cost before you apply. More detail: our guides to Golden visa requirements, property rules, family sponsorship and costs.
Ready to start? Send your documents on WhatsApp to +971 52 505 3494. We check them before anything is submitted, and the first consultation is free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum property value for a Golden visa?
AED 2 million in total, from one property or several, registered in your name. ICP accepts financing from an approved local bank, and GDRFA Dubai accepts mortgaged property.
Can my spouse and I combine our property shares?
No. For jointly owned property, GDRFA Dubai counts only the applicant's own share, and that share must be worth at least AED 2 million. If one spouse's share qualifies, that spouse applies and sponsors the other.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden visa?
Yes. ICP allows residence permits for your spouse, your children regardless of their age, and your parents. Each family member needs valid health insurance.
How do I add a newborn to my Golden visa?
Get the birth certificate and passport, then apply for residence on your file. Residents have 120 days from the birth; after that, a fine of AED 100 a day applies.
How long is the Golden visa valid?
The UAE portal gives 5 or 10 years by category; ICP's current guide and GDRFA Dubai's investor permit give 10 years. It renews while you meet the conditions.
Can I apply from outside the UAE?
Yes. ICP gives eligible applicants abroad a six-month, multiple-entry visa, renewable once for six months, to complete the process in the UAE.
How much does a Golden visa cost?
Government fees depend on the category and emirate, so we confirm the full cost for your case on WhatsApp before you apply.