The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. First introduced in 2019, it offers a 5- or 10-year residency to investors, professionals, students, and talented individuals across various sectors.
Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa?
1. Investors
- Public Investment: AED 2 million in approved UAE investment funds.
- Real Estate: Purchase of AED 2 million+ property (off-plan or ready).
2. Entrepreneurs
- Must own a startup registered in the UAE with a minimum valuation of AED 500,000.
- Approval from an official business incubator is required.
3. Skilled Professionals
- Must be in high-demand sectors such as medicine, IT, science, education, or engineering.
- Minimum salary requirement: AED 30,000 per month.
4. Outstanding Students & Graduates
- GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Graduated from top 100 global or UAE-accredited universities.
5. Special Talent Categories
- Scientists, artists, athletes, gamers, and digital creators.
- Must be approved by a government-recognized entity (e.g., Dubai Culture, Emirates Scientists Council).
Benefits of the Dubai Golden Visa
- 5 or 10-year self-sponsored residency (renewable).
- Sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents).
- No sponsor or employer needed.
- Own 100% of a business in the UAE.
- No income tax or corporate tax on personal income.
- Continued residency even if staying outside the UAE for 6+ months.
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Visit u.ae or ICP portal.
- Submit Documents:
- Valid passport
- Emirates ID (if available)
- Medical fitness test report
- Police clearance certificate
- Financial/investment proofs
- Accreditation certificates (if needed)
- Review and Approval:
- Applications are processed via ICP or GDRFA portals.
- Expect processing time of 2–6 weeks.
Golden Visa Cost Breakdown
| Category | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Investors (Real Estate) | 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Entrepreneurs | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Skilled Professionals | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Additional (Insurance, Testing) | Varies |
Golden Visa vs Green Visa
| Feature | Golden Visa | Green Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 10 years (renewable) | 5 years (renewable) |
| Sponsorship Needed | No | No |
| Investment Required | Yes (in some cases) | Not necessarily |
Why the Golden Visa Matters
The UAE government aims to attract 100,000+ talented professionals and investors under its Vision 2031 and DPG 2033 programs. With the introduction of gaming, education, and digital economy visas, the Golden Visa is more inclusive than ever before.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s Golden Visa is one of the world’s most forward-thinking residency programs. It not only offers long-term security but also empowers entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives to build a future in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Apply through official channels like the ICP portal or consult with certified UAE immigration advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, if they meet the minimum income or investment requirements.
A: Yes, but you must enter the country for biometrics and ID issuance.
A: Yes, you can fully own and operate a UAE business.
A: Yes, dependents can study, work, or live in the UAE.
