The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that offers eligible foreigners a 5- or 10-year residence visa in the United Arab Emirates.
Introduced in 2019, this initiative aims to attract expatriate investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and exceptional talents to the UAE.
With recent reforms making it more accessible than ever, the Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after pathways for expats and businesspeople to secure stability in the UAE.
In this guide, we outline the benefits of Golden Visa in UAE, new rules, eligibility requirements (including salary criteria and processing time), and how Corporate Business Services (CBS) can support your application through expert PRO services.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE’s Golden Visa is essentially a renewable long-term residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
Depending on the qualification category, it is issued for 5 or 10 years and renews upon meeting applicable conditions.
This visionary program is part of the UAE’s strategy to attract top global talent and investment, fostering sustainable economic growth.
Golden Visa holders are often investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals (e.g. doctors, engineers), researchers, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, or frontline heroes who contribute significantly to the UAE.
In essence, the Golden Visa opens the door to long-term stability in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
Benefits of the Golden Visa in UAE
The UAE Golden Visa comes with exclusive benefits that far exceed those of standard residence visas. Key advantages include:
- Long-Term Residency & Security: Enjoy 5 or 10 years of renewable residency in the UAE, enabling long-term planning without frequent visa renewals. This stability gives families and investors a sense of security for the future.
- No Local Sponsor Required: Golden Visa holders do not need a UAE national sponsor or employer to maintain their residency.
You have the independence to live and work freely, which is a significant perk for entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Freedom of Travel: You can travel outside the UAE for extended periods without losing your residency.
Unlike normal visas which become invalid if you’re out for 6+ months, the Golden Visa lets you stay abroad beyond six months and return without issues.
- Family Benefits: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members with ease. Spouses, children of any age, and even dependent parents can obtain residency under the Golden Visa sponsorship.
Family members can stay in the UAE until the end of the permit’s duration even if the primary Golden Visa holder passes away.
- Sponsor Domestic Staff: Visa holders are allowed to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers (maids, drivers, etc.) as needed for their household.
- Access to Services: As long-term residents, Golden Visa holders and their families enjoy access to the UAE’s world-class healthcare and education systems, as well as other government services on par with citizens.
For example, children can enroll in both public and private schools, and families can utilize public health facilities (often by obtaining a health card or insurance).
- Tax Advantages: The UAE levies no personal income tax on residents, and also has no tax on capital gains or inheritance.
This favorable tax environment means Golden Visa holders can maximize their income and investments without tax erosion.
Businesses owned by Golden Visa investors also benefit from a low-tax regime (the UAE’s new corporate tax is only 9% on business profits above AED 375,000, with 0% below that threshold).
- Other Privileges: Golden Visa recipients in certain emirates receive additional perks.
For instance, Dubai offers a discount privilege card (Esaad card) for Golden Visa holders, unlocking special discounts on retail, hospitality, and services as a loyalty benefit.
Golden Visa holders are also typically eligible to obtain a UAE Driver’s License more easily, and can apply for a Tax Residency Certificate which can facilitate international business and banking.
These perks make day-to-day life in the UAE even more convenient.
Eligibility and Requirements for a UAE Golden Visa
Who can get a Golden Visa in UAE? The program is targeted at expatriates who are either investing in the UAE or contributing exceptional skills.
The eligibility criteria are grouped into several categories, each with specific requirements:
Investors (10-year Visa):
Those who make substantial financial investments in the UAE qualify.
For example, investing at least AED 2 million in UAE real estate (one or more properties) is a popular route to a 10-year Golden Visa.
Investments can be financed up to 50% by a UAE-based mortgage under new rules, and off-plan (under construction) properties from approved developers also count.
Other investment options include AED 2 million deposit in an investment fund or company or owning a business that pays AED 250k+ in annual taxes.
(Note: A 5-year visa is available for real estate investors at the same AED 2 million threshold in some cases, but recent changes aim to extend most investor visas to 10 years).
Entrepreneurs (5-year Visa):
Founders or owners of startups can qualify if they meet certain benchmarks.
The business should be registered in the UAE and generate at least AED 1 million in annual revenue, or the entrepreneur must have sold a startup for AED 7 million or more, or have the endorsement of an official business incubator in the UAE.
Additionally, having a technical or innovative project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 and approval from a UAE auditor and relevant authorities is a common criterion.
Entrepreneurs are typically granted a 5-year Golden Visa, which can be upgraded to 10-year as their business grows.
Highly Skilled Professionals (10-year Visa):
This category saw a major expansion under the new rules to attract top talent in medicine, science, engineering, information technology, business, arts, etc.
To qualify, the applicant must have a valid employment contract in the UAE in a field classified as level 1 or 2 (highly skilled) by the Ministry of Human Resources. A minimum education level of a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required, and the monthly salary should be at least AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,200).
This salary requirement is a key condition – it confirms the individual is in a top-tier professional role. For example, a specialized engineer, university professor, or medical doctor with a salary above AED 30K would fall in this group.
In Abu Dhabi’s Golden Visa program for skilled professionals, the same AED 30,000 minimum salary and a relevant professional license (where applicable) are mandated.
Meeting these criteria can earn a professional a 10-year Golden Visa. (Note: In August 2024, UAE authorities clarified that the AED 30,000 threshold refers to basic salary only, excluding allowances, to ensure consistency in applications.)
Exceptional Talents (10-year Visa):
Individuals with outstanding achievements in fields like science, innovation, medicine, culture, art, athletics, or academia may be granted a Golden Visa regardless of their education, employment status, or salary.
What’s required is a recommendation or endorsement from a UAE government body in the relevant field.
For instance, an inventor needs a letter of recommendation from the UAE Ministry of Economy, an artist might need approval from a UAE arts council, and a researcher could require a letter from the Emirates Scientists Council.
There are sub-categories: scientists must have a high achievers award or recommendation (e.g. the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence);
- Creative artists need approval from a government arts or culture department.
- Executives (senior business leaders) must have a bachelor’s degree, 5+ years experience, and a salary of AED 50,000+.
- Athletes require a sports authority recommendation and so on.
If you have proven excellence in your field, the UAE welcomes you through the Golden Visa, trusting your contributions will enrich the nation’s prestige.
Outstanding Students & Graduates (5 or 10-year Visa):
The UAE is also retaining bright minds educated locally or internationally. High school toppers in the UAE (grade 95% or above) can get a 5-year Golden Visa for themselves and their families.
University students with exceptional GPA (3.8/4.0 or above, from approved universities) can qualify for a 10-year visa upon graduation.
Graduates from the world’s top 100 universities (as recognized by UAE’s Ministry of Education) may also be eligible. The idea is to encourage outstanding students to build their futures in the UAE.
Humanitarian Pioneers (10-year Visa):
Individuals who have made significant charitable or humanitarian contributions can be granted a Golden Visa in recognition of their impact.
This includes distinguished members of international humanitarian organizations, recipients of important humanitarian awards, and major donors who have contributed at least AED 2 million to charitable causes.
Frontline Heroes (10-year Visa):
As a gesture of thanks, the UAE offers Golden Visas to frontline heroes who showed extraordinary courage, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
This covers frontline medical staff such as nurses, doctors, lab technicians, and other critical support staff who are recommended by a relevant government authority for their service.
As shown above, UAE Golden Visa requirements vary by category – from financial investments to professional achievements.
It’s important to identify which category best fits your profile and ensure you meet all criteria (documents like degrees, salary certificates, reference letters, etc., will be required to prove your eligibility).
If you qualify under any of these categories, you can pursue the Golden Visa and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
UAE Golden Visa Application Process and Processing Time
How do you apply for the Golden Visa in UAE? The application process is straightforward but does involve multiple steps and coordination with UAE authorities.
Here’s an overview of how to obtain a Golden Visa in the UAE:
- Determine Your Eligibility: First, identify under which category you qualify (investor, skilled professional, etc.) and ensure you have the necessary proofs (e.g. investment documents, degree and work contract, recommendation letters).
Our experts Public Relation Officers (PROs) in Dubai can guide you to Check your eligibility for Golden Visa in the UAE.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all required documentation. Common documents include your passport, current UAE visa (if applicable), passport-size photos, Emirates ID (if you already have one), and specific papers like academic certificates, salary certificates, tax receipts, business licenses, patents, or medical fitness certificate, depending on the category.
Also ensure you and any dependents have valid health insurance, as this is typically needed for visa issuance.
- Apply for Nomination (if required): Certain categories (especially exceptional talents, entrepreneurs, and students) require an endorsement or nomination from a relevant UAE government body before you can apply for the visa itself.
For example, scientists must be endorsed by the Emirates Scientists Council, and creative artists by the Department of Culture.
You would submit your credentials to the respective authority and obtain a letter of recommendation or approval. This step filters candidates to ensure they meet the high standards of the Golden Visa.
- Submit the Golden Visa Application: Once you have all documents (and any required recommendation letters), submit your application through the official channels.
Along with the application, you will pay the required fees (which can range from around AED 2,800 to AED 4,000+ depending on visa duration and medical fees).
- Complete Medical Exam and Biometrics: As with any UAE residence visa, a visa medical examination (blood test and chest X-ray) is required for the primary applicant and any adult dependents to screen for communicable diseases.
You’ll also need to submit biometric data (fingerprints) for the Emirates ID. These can typically be done after an initial approval, and there are numerous health centers and service centers to complete these formalities.
- Receive Approval and Visa Issuance: The government will review your Golden Visa application. Processing times can vary by category and emirate.
In straightforward cases, initial approval (or nomination approval) can come in about 5–7 working days, but the overall process to get the visa stamped can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
On average, applicants report about 2 months from start to finish for the Golden Visa – this includes gathering documents, waiting for approval, and completing medical and Emirates ID stages.
The UAE has also launched a “One Touch” Golden Visa service to streamline renewals and applications, bundling visa issuance, Emirates ID, and other steps together to save time.
Once approved, you’ll receive a notification to submit your passport for visa stamping or to do a status change if you’re inside the country.
Finally, you’ll receive your Golden Visa stamped in your passport (or as an e-visa) and your Emirates ID card valid for the duration of the visa.
- Enjoy Your Golden Residency: With the visa issued, you’re a long-term resident of the UAE! Remember to renew your Emirates ID and visa at expiry (5 or 10 years later) if you wish to continue, which is a simple renewal as long as you still meet the criteria.
Processing Time: As noted, the timeline can range widely. Some applicants under the professional category have seen approvals in as little as 2–3 weeks, especially in Dubai which often expedites Golden Visas for qualifying individuals.
Officially, expect anywhere from 1 to 2 months for the whole process. It’s advisable to plan ahead and apply well in advance of any travel plans or current visa expiry.
Engaging a professional service (like CBS) can further speed up the process by ensuring your application is complete and correct on the first submission, avoiding delays.
How CBS Can Help with Your UAE Golden Visa Application
Applying for a UAE Golden Visa involves careful preparation of documents, meeting strict criteria, and navigating government procedures.
This is where Corporate Business Services (CBS) comes in as a valuable partner. As a leading business consultancy in the UAE, CBS offers specialized PRO services to support Golden Visa applicants at every step.
- Expert Guidance: Not sure which Golden Visa category you fit into or how to prove your eligibility? CBS’s experienced consultants will evaluate your profile and advise the optimal strategy.
Whether you are a business investor or a skilled professional, we help interpret the official requirements in plain language and chart out a clear roadmap.
- Document Preparation: One of the biggest pain points in the Golden Visa process is getting the documentation right.
CBS will assist you in compiling and attesting all necessary documents, from bank letters and trade licenses to salary certificates and recommendation letters.
Our PRO team double-checks all paperwork to ensure it meets the government’s specifications, significantly reducing the chance of rejection due to incomplete documentation.
- Application Submission and Follow-up: CBS handles the end-to-end submission of your application through the appropriate channels, sparing you the hassle of dealing with multiple portals and forms.
We also coordinate the medical test appointments and biometrics scheduling for you and your family.
Once the application is in, our team will monitor the status and keep you updated. If any additional info is requested by authorities, we promptly address it on your behalf.
- Liaison with Authorities: As your PRO representatives, CBS team members will liaise directly with UAE immigration officials and leverage our on-ground expertise to expedite the process.
Our familiarity with the system means we can swiftly resolve any issues and ensure a smooth experience.
You won’t need to worry about language barriers or procedural misunderstandings – we’ve got it covered.
- Seamless Relocation Support: Beyond the visa itself, CBS can assist with related services like opening bank accounts, setting up businesses, or finding local service providers, making your transition to long-term UAE residency effortless.
Our mission is to let you focus on your career and investments, while we handle the bureaucracy.
With our professional support, you can save time, avoid costly mistakes, and move to the UAE with confidence.
Contact CBS today for a free consultation and let us help you unlock the full benefits of the UAE Golden Visa.
