Golden Visa

UAE Golden Visa: Comprehensive Guide

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency to individuals across various categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, students, and more. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to obtain the Golden Visa and the specific documents required for each category.​

The UAE Golden Visa offers numerous benefits that make it highly attractive for investors, professionals, students, and other eligible individuals. Here’s a rundown of the key advantages:

Top Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Long-Term Residency

1) 10 years of renewable residency.
2) No local sponsor required.

Full Ownership of Business

1) 100% foreign ownership of UAE mainland businesses.
2) No UAE national sponsor needed.

Family Sponsorship

1) Sponsor your spouse, children (no age limit), and domestic staff.
2) Family members may stay in UAE even after the primary visa holder's death until the permit expires.

Work, Study, and Live Freely

1) Live, work, and study in UAE without a national sponsor.
2) Access to schooling, UAE driver’s license, and banking services.

Access to Exclusive Services

1) Priority lanes at airports, VIP health insurance, and government perks.
2) Fast-track services through dedicated Golden Visa centers.

Attractive to Top Talent

1) Encourages professionals, creatives, scientists, and athletes to settle in the UAE.

Real Estate & Business Incentives

1) Eligibility for property programs and business facilitation.
2) Reduced fees or access to exclusive zones and benefits.

Emirate-Specific Perks

  • Abu Dhabi: Discounts on cars, property, healthcare, and hospitality.

  • Dubai: Fast-track licensing and exclusive banking services for entrepreneurs.

General Application Process

Determine Eligibility

Choose your qualifying category.

Prepare Required Documents

Based on your category.

Submit Application via

1) Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
2) Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO)
3) Dubai Land Department

Await Approval

Notification will follow after review.

Investors (Real Estate)

Eligibility: Property valued at AED 2 million+

Documents:

  • Passport

  • Title deed / e-Certificate of Title

  • Photograph

  • UAE ID (if any)

  • Residence permit (if applicable)

  • Bank’s no-objection letter (if mortgaged)

  • Health insurance

  • Proof of family relationships (for dependents)

Entrepreneurs

Eligibility: Startup ownership/partnership with AED 500,000+ capital

Documents:

  • Passport

  • Business license

  • Audited financials

  • Business plan

  • Letter from accredited business incubator

Skilled Professionals

Eligibility: MOHRE Level 1 or 2 job, AED 30,000+ salary/month

Documents:

  • Passport

  • UAE-approved employment contract

  • Attested bachelor’s degree

  • Practicing license (if applicable)

  • Salary certificate + 3-month bank statements

  • Health insurance

Doctors and Scientists

Eligibility: Recognized in medical or scientific fields

Documents:

  • Passport

  • MOH approval (for doctors)

  • Letter from Emirates Council of Scientists (or equivalent)

  • Health insurance

Creative Professionals

Eligibility: Distinguished achievements in arts or culture

Documents:

  • Passport

  • Letter from the Emirate’s Department of Culture and Arts

  • Portfolio

  • Health insurance

Outstanding Students

A. High School Students
Eligibility: Minimum 95% grade in secondary school
Documents:

  • Passport

  • Letter from Ministry of Education

  • Health insurance

B. University Students
Eligibility: Graduated from A/B class university with:

  • GPA 3.5+ (A class)

  • GPA 3.8+ (B class)

Documents:

  • Passport

  • Graduation certificate / academic record

  • Letter from university

  • Health insurance

PhD Holders

Eligibility: PhD in a priority discipline

Documents:

  • Passport

  • Attested PhD certificate (MOE)

  • Employment contract

  • Salary certificate + bank statements

  • Health insurance

Humanitarian Pioneers

Eligibility: Significant humanitarian contributions

Documents:

  • Passport

  • Proof of humanitarian work (awards, letters, etc.)

  • Health insurance