About

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit designed for exceptional individuals—such as investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and highly talented people—offering stays of 5 or 10 years that are renewable. It allows holders and their families to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor, offering stability and freedom that typical visa programs do not. This visa also lets you travel in and out of the country without time restrictions and allows flexibility for long absences without losing residency status.

Who can apply

1. Investors
   
   
• Invest at least AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund, establish a business with a minimum capital of AED 2 million, or pay at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes to federal authorities. 
• Real estate investors: Own one or more properties valued at AED 2 million or more. A bank loan may be used if arranged through approved institutions.
  
  
2. Entrepreneurs
   
   Must lead or own a high-innovation project valued at a minimum of AED 500,000, with support from a UAE-incubated body and auditor confirmation.
   
   
3. Specialized Talents & Professionals
   
   
• Includes doctors, scientists, inventors, engineers, creatives, athletes, PhD holders—and those recognized by official bodies or with accredited achievements.
  
  
4. Outstanding Students & Graduates
   
   
• High-performing students (for instance, top grades or notable academic performance) are eligible for long-term residency.
  
  
5. Humanitarian Pioneers & Frontline Heroes
   
   
• Individuals recognized for exceptional contributions may also qualify under special consideration.
  
  
6. New Nomination-Based Pathway (Pilot Program)
   
   
• A recent initiative enables certain nationals (e.g., Indian professionals in fields like education, digital media, maritime, healthcare, and creativity) to receive lifetime Golden Visas through nomination—without property purchase or business investment. A one-time fee of AED 100,000 applies.

Benefits

• Long-term, Self-Sponsored Residency- Golden Visa holders enjoy independent residency without requiring a local sponsor and can benefit from 5- or 10-year permits that are renewable.
  
  

• Flexibility in Travel- You can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing your visa, unlike standard residency visas.
  
  

• Family Inclusion & Sponsorship- You can sponsor your spouse, children regardless of age, numerous domestic helpers, and close family members. Dependent stays continue even if the main holder passes away.
  
  

• Work Mobility- Golden Visa holders can change jobs or start fresh employment freely—though a valid work permit is still needed. The “Tawteen” platform simplifies this process.
  
  

• Access to Services & Lifestyle Advantages- Holders typically access UAE healthcare, education, and public services, along with eligibility for tax residency status in UAE.

Real-Life Examples

• Investor Scenario
  
  A real estate investor acquiring AED 2 million worth of property secures a 5-year Golden Visa, while someone investing AED 2 million in public funds or a business earns a 10-year visa. This pathway lets them live, work, and include their family in the UAE, independent of local sponsorship.
  
  
  

• Professional in Innovation
  
  An innovator leading a high-tech startup valued over AED 500,000, endorsed by an approved business incubator, qualifies for a 5-year Golden Visa—empowering them to grow their enterprise and reside long-term.
  
  
  

• Nominated Specialist (Pilot Scheme)
  
  A creative professional or healthcare expert in a priority sector receives a lifetime Golden Visa after nomination and processing; they gain full residency and mobility based on merit, not investment.

Frequently Asked Questions