UAE Golden Visa – Build Your Future in the UAE
Long-term UAE residency starts with understanding the right eligibility pathway.
The UAE Golden Visa offers eligible individuals the opportunity to live, work and study in the UAE through a long-term residence programme. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, exceptional talent or outstanding student, Al Aseel Business Hub can help you understand the available category and navigate the application process.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit designed for eligible investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, talented individuals and other qualifying categories. Depending on the category, it may be issued for five or ten years and can be renewed if the applicant continues to meet the applicable requirements.
Unlike many standard residence arrangements, holders generally do not need an employer or individual sponsor for their own residence permit, and can also sponsor family members, subject to the applicable rules.
The programme is intended to attract people who contribute to the UAE through investment, business, professional expertise, academic achievement, innovation and other recognised fields.
UAE Golden Visa Categories
Each category has its own criteria. We help you identify which may apply to you.
Property Investors
Owners of qualifying UAE property, subject to valuation, ownership and documentation conditions.
Entrepreneurs
Founders with qualifying ventures, approved projects or other recognised entrepreneurial credentials.
Skilled Professionals and Specialists
Highly qualified professionals in recognised occupational levels and priority fields, subject to education, employment and salary criteria.
Exceptional Talents
Individuals recognised for outstanding achievement in arts, culture, sports, innovation, digital technology and other approved fields.
Outstanding Students and Graduates
High-performing school students and graduates of qualifying institutions.
Scientists and Researchers
Specialists with significant achievements, through the applicable recommendation and approval process.
Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes
Individuals with recognised humanitarian contributions or qualifying frontline service, under dedicated categories.
Find Your Golden Visa Pathway
Select a category to see how Al Aseel can help.
Golden Visa for Property Investors
Property ownership is a recognised pathway. In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department provides a Golden Visa route for qualifying real estate investors. Its published service information refers to property with a purchase value of at least AED 2 million. For mortgaged property, additional evidence of the amount paid may be required.
Al Aseel can assist with:
- Reviewing basic property ownership information
- Understanding relevant property valuation and ownership documents
- Preparing the application document checklist
- Coordinating the application process through the appropriate channel
- Guiding you on related residence and Emirates ID procedures
Property value, ownership share, mortgage status and other conditions must be checked against current rules for the relevant emirate and application route.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Eligible entrepreneurs and founders may need to demonstrate business ownership, qualifying revenue, project value, innovation or approval from an accredited business incubator or relevant authority, depending on the category.
Al Aseel can assist with:
- Reviewing your business profile and available documents
- Identifying the relevant entrepreneur pathway for further assessment
- Preparing a checklist of supporting business documents
- Coordinating the application process where eligible
- Guiding you on related residence procedures
A business licence alone does not automatically qualify an applicant. The applicant must meet the criteria for the specific category.
Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals
Certain professionals may qualify based on occupation, qualifications, salary and other conditions. The ICP's published criteria for the specialised professionals category include a valid UAE employment contract and work permit, at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. Other requirements and classifications apply.
Potential fields: doctors and healthcare professionals, engineers and technical specialists, scientists and researchers, senior executives and qualified managers, education specialists and other priority fields.
Al Aseel can assist with:
- Reviewing employment and qualification documents
- Understanding the relevant professional category
- Preparing the supporting document checklist
- Coordinating application-related steps
Meeting a salary or education threshold alone does not guarantee eligibility or approval.
Golden Visa for Exceptional Talents
Applicants may need awards, professional recognition, recommendation letters, evidence of achievements or approval from a relevant government body. Potential fields include arts and culture, creative industries and design, sports, innovation and invention, digital technology and other fields recognised by the authorities.
Al Aseel can help you organise supporting evidence and understand the relevant application route.
Required recommendations or approvals must come from the appropriate authority where applicable.
Golden Visa for Outstanding Students and Graduates
Eligibility can depend on the institution, academic performance, graduation date, qualification and relevant recommendations or approvals.
Al Aseel can assist with:
- Reviewing academic certificates and transcripts
- Understanding the applicable student or graduate category
- Preparing the required document checklist
- Coordinating application-related procedures
Criteria are specific to the applicant's education category and should be checked against current official guidance.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Long-term residency
Eligible categories may receive a five- or ten-year residence permit.
No individual sponsor requirement
Holders generally do not need an employer or individual sponsor for their own residence.
Family sponsorship
Eligible holders can sponsor family members, subject to applicable conditions.
Extended time outside the UAE
Holders are generally exempt from the usual six-month absence restriction.
Greater flexibility
Live, work and study in the UAE in accordance with applicable laws.
Long-term planning
A longer residence period helps individuals and families plan their professional and personal lives.
Benefits and conditions are subject to current rules and the specific residence category.
Documents Required for a UAE Golden Visa
The checklist depends on your category. Tap the common documents you already have.
Additional documents by category
| Applicant category | Possible supporting documents |
|---|---|
| Property investor | Title deed, property valuation or ownership certificate, mortgage or payment evidence where applicable |
| Business investor | Trade licence, company documents, shareholding details, financial statements and relevant tax evidence |
| Entrepreneur | Business plan, project valuation, revenue evidence, incubator or authority approval |
| Skilled professional | Employment contract, work permit, salary certificate, degree and professional documents |
| Exceptional talent | Awards, portfolio, professional achievements and recommendation letters |
| Student or graduate | Academic certificates, transcripts, graduation documents and required recommendations |
| Scientist or researcher | Academic credentials, research record, achievements and relevant recommendations |
This is a general guide, not a final checklist. The relevant authority may request additional documents depending on the applicant and category.
How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa
Initial consultation
Share your personal, professional, investment or business details with our team.
Eligibility assessment
We review your information to identify the potentially relevant Golden Visa category.
Document preparation
We provide a category-specific checklist and help organise supporting documents.
Application submission
The application is submitted through the relevant government channel or authorised service provider.
Additional requirements
Complete any requested medical fitness, Emirates ID, insurance or other applicable procedures.
Application outcome
The relevant authority reviews the application and communicates its decision.
The exact process varies by category and emirate. Approval is entirely at the discretion of the relevant government authority.
Golden Visa for Your Family
Eligible holders can sponsor family members. Depending on the applicable rules, this may include a spouse, children and other eligible dependants, subject to the relevant conditions. Family members must meet applicable documentation and residence requirements. Al Aseel can guide Golden Visa holders through related family residence procedures.
Golden Visa Renewal
Golden Visas are generally issued for five or ten years depending on the category. Eligible holders may apply for renewal if they continue to meet applicable requirements. We can review your existing permit, check renewal requirements, prepare supporting documents, coordinate the application and guide you through related Emirates ID procedures. Renewal is subject to eligibility conditions and government approval.
Processing Time
Processing time depends on your Golden Visa category and the documents submitted. Our team will provide an estimated timeline after reviewing your case. Final processing and approval are subject to the relevant UAE authorities.
UAE Golden Visa Cost
Golden Visa costs vary depending on your eligibility category and application requirements. Possible expenses include government application and residence permit fees, medical fitness, Emirates ID, health insurance, attestation or translation, and professional service fees. Contact Al Aseel for a personalised quotation with the applicable service charges and government fees.
Why Choose Al Aseel Business Hub?
Al Aseel provides assistance and application coordination. Final approval rests with the relevant UAE government authority.
- Eligibility guidance: understand which category may apply to your circumstances
- Document assistance: guidance on the documents required for your application
- Application coordination: assistance with the relevant application procedures
- Related services: support with connected visa, Emirates ID and document services
- Personal assistance: a team available to guide you through the process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE. Depending on the category, it may be issued for five or ten years.
Who is eligible for a UAE Golden Visa?
Eligible categories include property and other investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, exceptional talents, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers and certain frontline personnel. Each category has specific criteria.
How much investment is required for a Dubai Golden Visa through property?
The Dubai Land Department's published investor service refers to a qualifying property purchase value of at least AED 2 million. Additional ownership, valuation and mortgage-related requirements may apply.
Can I get a Golden Visa if I own a business in the UAE?
Some business owners and entrepreneurs may qualify. However, owning a UAE trade licence alone does not automatically make someone eligible. The applicant and business must meet the relevant category requirements.
Can salaried employees apply for a Golden Visa?
Certain skilled professionals may qualify if they meet applicable occupation, qualification, salary and employment requirements. The ICP's published specialised professional criteria include a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000, alongside other conditions.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
Depending on the eligibility category, Golden Visa residence permits may be issued for five or ten years. Renewal is subject to applicable requirements.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor their families?
Yes. Eligible Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members, subject to applicable government requirements.
Can I stay outside the UAE while holding a Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders generally benefit from an exemption from the usual six-month absence restriction that applies to many other residence permits. The residence permit must still remain valid.
Do I need a sponsor for a Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders generally do not need an employer or individual sponsor for their own residence permit.
Can Al Aseel guarantee Golden Visa approval?
No. Golden Visa approval is granted by the relevant UAE government authorities. Al Aseel can assist with eligibility guidance, documentation and application coordination, but cannot guarantee the outcome.
Verify current requirements with official sources: UAE Government Portal, ICP, GDRFA Dubai, Dubai Land Department and UAE Ministry of Culture.
Find Out If You Qualify for a UAE Golden Visa
Thinking about long-term residency in the UAE? Whether you are a property investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional or exceptional talent, Al Aseel Business Hub can help you understand the available Golden Visa options. Speak to our team and take the next step towards your UAE residency journey.
