Definition

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that grants 5 or 10 years of renewable residency to investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and talented individuals who contribute to the country's growth.

Unlike a standard employment visa, the Golden Visa is self-sponsored. Your residency is not tied to any employer or business partner. It stays in your name, under your own qualification, for the full permit duration.

Holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, parents and domestic staff. The visa also grants full business ownership rights, tax-free income and consular support from MOFA when travelling abroad.

Golden Visa vs Standard Visa

How It Differs from Other UAE Visas

FactorGolden VisaStandard Visa
Validity5 or 10 years2 or 3 years
SponsorshipSelf-sponsoredEmployer required
Employer DependencyNoneFully dependent
Family CoverageFull family + staffSpouse & children only
Business Freedom100% ownership allowedLimited to sponsor
Absence RuleNo 6-month limit6-month max absence
Renewal FrequencyEvery 5 or 10 yearsEvery 2 or 3 years
Eligible Categories

Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa in 2026?

The Golden Visa covers a wide range of profiles across investment, professional achievement and talent. Below are the primary qualifying categories with their specific requirements.

1

Investors

Real Estate

Real Estate Investors

Own property in the UAE worth AED 2 million or more. Mortgaged properties from approved banks and off-plan units from licensed developers now qualify. Multiple properties can be combined.

  • Minimum property value of AED 2,000,000
  • Mortgaged properties eligible (no 50% rule)
  • Off-plan from approved developers accepted
  • Multiple properties can be combined
Min. Investment: AED 2,000,000
Business Investment

Business & Company Investors

Entrepreneurs and investors who own or hold shares in UAE-registered companies with substantial capital investment or annual tax contribution of at least AED 250,000.

  • Company capital of AED 2,000,000 minimum
  • Annual tax of AED 250,000+ also qualifies
  • Business must be UAE-registered and active
  • Audited financials and MOA required
Min. Capital: AED 2,000,000
Bank Deposit

Bank Deposit Investors

Place a fixed deposit of AED 2 million or more in an approved UAE bank. The deposit can include local sukuk or investment bonds. Proof of housing in the emirate is required.

  • AED 2,000,000 minimum deposit in UAE bank
  • Sukuk and investment bonds accepted
  • Bank certificate confirming deposit needed
  • Proof of UAE housing required
Min. Deposit: AED 2,000,000
2

Professionals & Specialists

Professional

High-Salary Professionals

Senior professionals employed in UAE priority sectors earning at least AED 30,000 per month. A bachelor's degree or higher and a valid UAE employment contract are required.

  • Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000
  • Bachelor's degree or higher required
  • Employed in a qualifying priority sector
  • Valid UAE work contract at time of application
Min. Salary: AED 30,000/month
Specialist

Skilled Specialists

Professionals with specialist expertise in fields like AI, engineering, biotechnology, healthcare and education. Requires a recommendation from the relevant UAE ministry.

  • Specialist credentials in a priority field
  • Ministry or authority recommendation needed
  • Evidence of exceptional contribution
  • Active employment or practice in UAE
Ministry Recommendation Required
Executive

Executive Directors

Senior executives holding at least a bachelor's degree, five or more years in the same position and a monthly salary of AED 50,000 or above with a valid UAE work contract.

  • Bachelor's degree minimum (attested)
  • 5+ years in the same executive role
  • Monthly salary of AED 50,000 or above
  • Valid work contract in the UAE
Min. Salary: AED 50,000/month
3

Entrepreneurs & Talents

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs

Founders of approved UAE startup projects with demonstrated innovation impact. Must have a project valued at AED 500,000 or more and approval from an accredited business incubator.

  • Project valued at AED 500,000 minimum
  • Approval from accredited UAE incubator
  • Demonstrated innovation or tech impact
  • Auditor letter confirming project value
Incubator Approval Required
Student

Outstanding Students

High-achieving students from UAE or top-ranked international universities. GPA of 3.75 or above required for A-class universities. Must apply within two years of graduation.

  • GPA 3.75+ (A-class) or 3.8+ (B-class)
  • Top 100 global university graduates eligible
  • High school achievers with 95%+ grades
  • Apply within 2 years of graduation
GPA 3.75+ Required
Talent

Exceptional Talents

Individuals with recognized extraordinary achievement in creative arts, science, athletics or digital innovation. Accreditation from a relevant UAE authority is required.

  • Official accreditation in relevant field
  • Ministry of Culture or equivalent approval
  • International or national achievement
  • Includes doctors, scientists, inventors
Authority Accreditation Required
4

New 2025-2026 Categories

Creators

Content Creators & Influencers

Digital creators, podcasters, filmmakers and visual artists can apply through the Creators HQ programme. Must demonstrate a track record of creative work and contribution potential.

  • Apply via Dubai Creators HQ platform
  • Track record of impactful creative work
  • Includes influencers and podcasters
  • Filmmakers and visual artists eligible
Creators HQ Nomination Required
Educators

Educators & Nurses

Exceptional private school teachers nominated by KHDA qualify for a 10-year visa. Nurses with 15 or more years of service at Dubai Health are also now eligible.

  • Teachers nominated by KHDA (Dubai)
  • Measurable education quality impact
  • Nurses with 15+ years at Dubai Health
  • RAK DOK educators also qualify
KHDA or Dubai Health Nomination
Humanitarian

Humanitarian & Special

Includes frontline heroes, Waqf donors, e-sports professionals and government-nominated individuals with significant societal or humanitarian contributions.

  • Frontline healthcare heroes eligible
  • Waqf donors via Awqaf nomination
  • E-sports pros with Dubai Culture nod
  • AED 2M+ humanitarian donors qualify
Government Nomination Required

Not Sure Which Category Fits You?

The Golden Visa has over 15 qualification routes. The right category depends on your profile, profession and assets. Our consultants at RIZ & MONA assess your situation and identify the strongest pathway so you apply under the correct category from day one.

Pricing

How Much Does the Golden Visa Cost?

The Golden Visa has two cost layers: government processing fees that every applicant pays, and the qualifying investment or salary threshold for your specific category.

Application & Processing Fees

AED 4,600 – AED 10,250

Total government fees including visa issuance, Emirates ID, medical test and admin charges. Property investors pay higher due to DLD verification fees.

Visa Issuance (GDRFA / ICP)AED 1,640 – 2,800
Emirates ID (10 Years)AED 1,153
Medical Fitness TestAED 300 – 700
Health Insurance (est.)AED 800 – 2,500
DLD Fee (Property Route Only)AED 4,020
RIZ & MONA Advisory FeeAED 1,500 – 2,500

Investment Thresholds by Category

CategoryMinimum RequirementVisa Duration
Real Estate InvestorAED 2,000,000 property value10 years
Business / Company InvestorAED 2,000,000 capital10 years
Bank Deposit InvestorAED 2,000,000 fixed deposit10 years
High-Salary ProfessionalAED 30,000/month salary10 years
EntrepreneurAED 500,000 project value5 years
Outstanding StudentGPA 3.75 or above5 – 10 years
Exceptional TalentAuthority accreditation10 years

Disclaimer: Application fees are estimates based on current government schedules and are subject to change. Investment thresholds are set by the UAE government and may be updated. A precise, all-inclusive cost breakdown for your specific category will be confirmed at consultation stage. RIZ & MONA Consultancy provides a personalized quote before any application is submitted.

Standard Timeline

4–12

Weeks

From complete document submission to Golden Visa issuance and Emirates ID delivery. Timeline varies by category and investment verification requirements.

Please Note: Timelines are indicative and depend on your category, the issuing authority, completeness of documentation and investment verification speed. Property-based applications involving DLD verification may take longer than salary-based professional applications. RIZ & MONA Consultancy manages every stage to minimize delays.

Standard Processing Timeline

The Golden Visa involves more verification stages than a standard residence visa. Investment confirmation and credential checks add time, which is why the process is measured in weeks.

  • Category assessment and document preparation: 1 to 2 weeks
  • Nomination or endorsement letters obtained: 1 to 2 weeks
  • Application submission and authority review: 2 to 4 weeks
  • Investment or credential verification: 1 to 4 weeks
  • Medical fitness test completed: 1 to 2 working days
  • Emirates ID biometrics and final visa issuance: 1 to 2 weeks
Requirements

General Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa

Beyond the category-specific thresholds, every Golden Visa applicant must meet a set of baseline requirements that apply across all routes. These are non-negotiable regardless of whether you apply as an investor, professional or talent.

Our consultants at RIZ & MONA review your complete profile during a free consultation and advise on the most appropriate category before any application is submitted.

Book a Free Consultation
  • Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity for applicant and all dependents
  • No active UAE immigration ban, legal issues or outstanding overstay fines
  • Proof of valid UAE health insurance covering the applicant and all sponsored family members
  • Meet the minimum investment, salary or achievement threshold for your chosen category
  • Willingness to complete a medical fitness examination at an approved UAE health centre
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor if already on a UAE employment visa
  • Academic qualifications may require attestation and equivalency from the Ministry of Education

Note: Specific requirements vary by category and emirate. Some routes like the property investment pathway involve additional DLD verification steps. Our team confirms exact requirements for your specific profile during consultation.

Renewal Information

The Golden Visa is fully renewable. Renewal is simpler than the original application
but you must still meet your category's eligibility conditions.

Golden Visa Renewal (10-Year)

Your Golden Visa must be renewed before its expiry date to maintain uninterrupted UAE residency. We recommend initiating the renewal process at least 60 days before expiry. You must continue to meet the original eligibility criteria at the time of renewal.

Required Documents

The following documents are required to renew your Golden Visa. Ensure all investment or employment conditions are still met before submission.

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Current Golden Visa residence permit copy
  • Emirates ID (front and back)
  • Updated proof of investment, salary or qualification
  • Property status certificate from DLD (investors)
  • Active trade licence and audited financials (business)
  • Current salary certificate and contract (professionals)
  • Valid UAE health insurance policy
  • Medical fitness certificate (obtained during process)

Renewal Cost

The total cost of renewing a Golden Visa ranges from AED 4,500 to AED 10,000 depending on category and processing route.

AED 4,500 – 10,000

Total estimated renewal cost

GDRFA / ICP Renewal FeeAED 1,640 – 2,800
Emirates ID Renewal (10 Years)AED 1,153
Medical Fitness TestAED 300 – 700
Health Insurance (est.)AED 800 – 2,500
RIZ & MONA Service FeeAED 800 – 1,500
7 – 15 working days

Golden Visa Renewal Process

RIZ & MONA manages every stage of the renewal on your behalf. Here is how the process works from start to finish.

1
Eligibility Reconfirmation

We verify that your investment, salary or professional status still meets the Golden Visa threshold before initiating the renewal application.

2
Document Collection & Review

We gather updated passport, Emirates ID, investment proof, health insurance and any category-specific documents. Everything is verified before submission.

3
Renewal Application Submission

We submit the Golden Visa renewal application to GDRFA or ICP on your behalf with all verified documents attached.

4
Medical Fitness Test

You attend a GDRFA-approved medical centre for the required examination. Results are typically available within 1 to 2 working days.

5
Emirates ID Biometrics

We submit your Emirates ID renewal and book your ICA biometrics appointment. A renewed Emirates ID is required before the visa stamp is issued.

6
Visa Stamp & Delivery

Your passport is stamped with the renewed Golden Visa residence permit. Emirates ID is issued and delivered. We verify all details before closing your file.

Established 2009 · Dubai, UAE

Securing a Golden Visa requires more than just meeting the eligibility threshold. It requires the right category selection, properly attested documents and a clean submission that does not get returned or delayed.

At RIZ & MONA, we have processed Golden Visa applications across every major category for over 15 years. Our team handles everything from initial eligibility assessment through to final visa stamping and Emirates ID delivery.

We do not just process visas. We structure your long-term UAE residency correctly from day one.

Experience

15+ Years in Dubai

Deep expertise across all Golden Visa categories

End-to-End

End-to-End Management

From assessment to visa stamping, handled in full

Process

Structured Process

Clear, step-by-step guidance throughout

Pricing

Transparent Pricing

Full cost clarity with zero hidden charges

15+

Years of expert operations in Dubai

10K+

Successful visas processed

7

UAE visa types we handle

50+

Countries our clients come from

Trusted by entrepreneurs, professionals and families worldwide

UAE Visa Categories

Each UAE visa type serves a different purpose, profile and set of goals. Here is what you need to know about each one and how RIZ & MONA can help.

Golden Visa

Golden Visa UAE

Long-term 5 or 10 year self-sponsored residency for investors, skilled professionals, researchers and exceptional students. The UAE's most prestigious residency pathway.

Govt. Fees

AED 4,600 – 10,250

Processing

4 – 12 weeks

Current Page
Investor Visa

Investor Visa Dubai

For business owners and shareholders establishing or investing in a UAE-registered company. Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking residency through business ownership.

Estimated Cost

AED 4,000 – 5,500

Processing

7 – 10 days

Learn More
Employment Visa

Employment Visa Dubai

For professionals employed by UAE-based companies. This visa allows you to legally work and reside in the UAE under employer sponsorship.

Estimated Cost

AED 6,500 – 8,000

Processing

5 – 10 days

Learn More
Freelance Visa

Freelance Visa Dubai

For independent professionals in media, technology, consulting and other approved fields. Get UAE residency without setting up a full company.

Estimated Cost

AED 7,500 – 15,000

Processing

7 – 14 days

Learn More
Family Visa

Family Visa Dubai

Enables UAE residents to legally sponsor their spouse and children. Eligibility is based on minimum salary requirements and suitable accommodation.

Per Dependent

AED 4,000 – 8,000

Processing

5 – 10 days

Learn More
Ready to Apply?

Start Your Golden Visa Application Today

Tell us about your investment, career, or achievement. We confirm your category, prepare your documents, and handle the full application. Free consultation, no obligation.

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