The Definitive Guide to the UAE Golden Visa (Straight from Official Sources)
The UAE Golden Visa is getting a lot of attention lately. More and more people, from business owners to professionals are curious about it.
Why? Because it’s not just another visa. It gives you long-term residency in the Emirates, with real perks for you and your family.
And here’s the deal: what you’ll read below isn’t based on guesses or hearsay. It’s straight from official UAE government sources, explained in plain, simple language.
So, What Exactly is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that lets foreigners live, work, or study in the UAE with some big advantages:
- You don’t need a sponsor.
- You can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing your residency.
- You can sponsor your spouse, kids, and even domestic helpers.
- The visa is valid for 5 or 10 years depending on the category.
Who Can Actually Get a Golden Visa?
According to the official portals, there are several categories. Each one has its own conditions:
| Category | Requirements (as per UAE government) |
|---|---|
| Investors (Public Investments) | Invest at least AED 2 million in an approved fund or company. Must also pay AED 250,000 in annual federal taxes. |
| Real Estate Investors | Own property worth AED 2 million or more. Mortgages are allowed if financed through local banks. |
| Entrepreneurs | Own or partner in a project worth at least AED 500,000. Need approval from an auditor, a UAE business incubator, and recognition from the local emirate authority. |
| Special Talents | Doctors, scientists, engineers, inventors, cultural talents and more. Must have official recognition or recommendation from UAE bodies. |
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How Do You Apply?
The process is straightforward, but you need to follow the right channels:
- Check which category you fall under.
- Prepare your documents (proof of investment, property ownership, professional credentials, approvals, etc.).
- Apply through the official government portals: ICP, GDRFA (Dubai), or TAMM (Abu Dhabi).
- Complete health checks, security clearance, and make sure you have valid medical insurance.
- If approved, you’ll receive a 5- or 10-year Golden Visa which can be renewed.
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What’s in it for You?
Here’s what the government highlights as Golden Visa benefits:
- Live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a sponsor.
- Bring your family along — spouse, children, and domestic workers are covered, family visa guide.
- Enjoy peace of mind with long-term residency (5 or 10 years at a time).
- Keep your residency valid even if you spend long periods abroad.
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Important Things to Keep in Mind
Based on the official information, here are a few key conditions you can’t ignore:
- Investments must usually be owned outright, not financed with loans (except for certain real estate cases).
- Health insurance is mandatory for you and your family.
- Entrepreneurs need endorsements from incubators and local authorities.
- Specialists must provide verifiable credentials and official recommendations.
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The Nomination System
In some cases, especially for talents and entrepreneurs, you’ll need a nomination from a recognized UAE authority before applying. For example, Abu Dhabi has a Golden Visa Nomination service on TAMM where you submit details for review.
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Final Thoughts
The UAE Golden Visa isn’t just a residency permit — it’s a way to build long-term security in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. But remember: all requirements come directly from government rules, so always double-check with the official portals before applying.
Want to apply without the stress?
Most FAQs
Who is eligible for the Golden Visa in UAE?
According to the UAE Government’s official portal, these categories are eligible: investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students & graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
How much does the Golden Visa cost in UAE?
Official portals don’t always publish one fixed fee for all categories. It depends on category (e.g. investor, real estate, entrepreneur etc.).
What happens after 10 years of a Golden Visa in Dubai / UAE?
The Golden Visa is renewable, provided the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria of the category under which they were granted.
Can you lose your Golden Visa?
Yes, if you no longer meet the criteria required for your visa category, you may lose renewal eligibility. Official sources say one must maintain the required conditions.
What is the minimum salary for Golden Visa?
For professional / skilled categories, there are reports of a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000/month for eligibility in some cases.
As a licensed PRO services provider in the UAE, we assist with Golden Visa applications across all categories, from document attestation and translations to submitting through ICP, GDRFA, and TAMM.
Contact us today for a consultation.
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