How to Secure Your UAE Golden Visa: A Complete Guide?

Are you dreaming of living in the UAE long-term while enjoying premium benefits like 10-year residency, no local sponsor requirements, and access to a booming economy? The UAE Golden Visa might be your golden ticket.

Introduced in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, skilled professional, or exceptional talent, this guide will walk you through how to secure your UAE Golden Visa in 2025 — step by step.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa issued for 5 or 10 years, depending on your eligibility category. It's part of the UAE government’s efforts to attract global talent, investors, and skilled professionals to contribute to the country's growth and innovation goals.

Key Benefits:

• 5 or 10-year renewable visa

• 100% ownership of your business

• No Emirati sponsor required

• Family sponsorship (spouse, children, domestic helpers)

• Multiple entry visa to complete residence procedures

• Residence continuity even if you stay outside UAE for over 6 months

Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE has expanded the eligibility categories over the years.

As of 2025, the following groups can apply:

1. Investors

• Real estate investors: Must own a property worth AED 2 million or more.

• Public investments: Investment in UAE-based funds of at least AED 2 million (fully owned and not loaned).

2. Entrepreneurs

• Must own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million.

• Recognized by an official business incubator or UAE government body.

3. Skilled Professionals

• Must be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources.

• Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.

4. Exceptional Talents

• Includes artists, athletes, doctors, engineers, researchers, scientists, and tech experts.

• Must be endorsed by relevant UAE authorities like the Ministry of Culture, Health, or AI.

5. Students

• Top-performing high school or university students, with GPA thresholds and endorsements from educational institutions.

6. Humanitarian Pioneers

• Includes distinguished members of international humanitarian organizations or award recipients.

Step-by-Step Process to Secure Your UAE Golden Visa

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Review the categories above and match them with your professional background, investment, or contributions.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Each category has specific documentation. Common documents include:

• Valid passport

• Passport-size photo

• UAE entry visa or residence permit

• Proof of investment, salary, or achievements

• Endorsement letters from UAE authorities

Step 3: Apply Through the Federal Authority

Submit your application through:

• ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security):

• GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai-based applicants.

You can also apply via UAE government typing centers or authorized consultancies.

Step 4: Visa Processing

• Initial review and approval of your eligibility

• Issuance of a multiple-entry visa (valid for 6 months) to complete medical tests and Emirates ID

• After approval, receive your 5 or 10-year residency visa

Step 5: Get Emirates ID and Finalize Residency

Once approved, complete your:

• Medical test

• Biometrics

• Emirates ID application

Documents Checklist by Category

For Investors:

• Title deed of property worth AED 2M+

• Certificate from Dubai Land Department

• Bank statement if the property is mortgaged

• Passport and photo

For Entrepreneurs:

• Trade license

• Audited financial statements or business valuation

• Letter of recommendation from UAE incubator

For Professionals:

• Employment contract

• Degree certificates

• Experience letters

• Salary certificate

For Scientists/Researchers:

• Recommendation from Emirates Scientists Council

• Published research

• Proof of academic contributions

How Much Does the UAE Golden Visa Cost?

Service Approximate Cost

Medical test & Emirates ID AED 1,000–1,500

Golden Visa application fee AED 2,800–3,800

Typing center / consultancy fee AED 500–1,500

Total (Estimate) AED 5,000–7,000

Note: Prices may vary depending on emirate and service provider.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Long-term stability in the UAE
Business ownership rights (100% foreign ownership)
Family sponsorship, including domestic workers
No local sponsor required
Live, work, and study without additional permits
Stay abroad for over 6 months without visa cancellation
Fast-track access to healthcare and education

Final Thoughts:

The UAE Golden Visa is more than a residence permit — it’s a gateway to a prosperous future in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. With the right planning and documentation, securing this long-term visa is completely achievable.

Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or a highly skilled professional, now is the perfect time to explore your opportunities in the UAE.

FAQs:

Can I buy property to get a UAE Golden Visa?

Yes. If your real estate investment is worth AED 2 million or more, you are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa.

How long does it take to process a UAE Golden Visa?

It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on document verification and emirate-specific processing.

Can I sponsor my family with a Golden Visa?

Yes, you can sponsor your spouse, children (regardless of age), and domestic workers.

Is there a minimum salary requirement?

Only for skilled professionals, which is currently AED 30,000 per month.

Tips to Boost Your Application

• Ensure all your documents are attested and translated (if required).

• Secure endorsements early (especially for talents and researchers).

• Hire a visa consultancy if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

Use government portals (ICP, GDRFA) to track your application status.