Golden Visa UAE – What Is It?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is granted to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, qualified professionals, and exceptional talents. It offers several benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without any restrictions. The Golden Visa Dubai, UAE is valid for 5 or 10 years and can be renewed.
The Golden Visa, which grants up to a 10-year residency has significantly increased interest in multiple areas, including the hospitality sector, food and beverage sector, and Dubai’s property market. The success of the Golden Visa is unparalleled and has already led to higher rental yields, especially in popular areas like Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Hills Estate, where returns have reached 8.5%. This makes owning property in Dubai even more appealing.
The UAE’s strong job market and attractive economy make it a prime choice for both investors and career-driven individuals.
What are the benefits of Golden Visa UAE?
The UAE introduced the UAE Golden Visa scheme to offer additional security for those looking to make their future in the UAE. There are numerous benefits of Golden Visa UAE, including:
- Long-term residency: Golden Visa holders can live, work or study in the UAE for five or ten years.
- 100% business ownership: Golden Visa holders do not need to find a national sponsor for almost all business activities.
- Employment: Golden Visa holders can apply for jobs with any company in the UAE.
- UAE driving license: Golden Visa holders from one of 32 approved countries are automatically eligible for a UAE driver’s license.
How Golden Visa Has Transformed the UAE
Attracting Global Talent:
- The Golden Visa has attracted skilled professionals and investors, boosting industries like healthcare, education, and technology.
- This influx of talent has led to a positive trickle-down effect on the economy.
Increased Investment:
- The Golden Visa has encouraged investment in real estate and other sectors, including technology.
- The UAE’s supportive regulatory environment, especially in the fintech and crypto sectors, has further stimulated investment.
Job Creation and Economic Growth:
- The increased population has driven demand for housing, infrastructure, and commercial spaces, creating numerous jobs.
- A stable, long-term population fosters business growth, innovation, and international trade, contributing to long-term economic prosperity.
UAE Golden Visa New Rules 2025
- Elimination of Minimum Down Payment: A significant change entails the elimination of the previous AED 1 million ($272,000) minimum down payment prerequisite for property investments to qualify for the Golden Visa.
- Updated Qualification Standards: Investors are now eligible for the Golden Visa by possessing a property valued at AED2 million ($545,000) or higher, irrespective of the down payment and the property’s status (whether off-plan, completed, mortgaged, or not).
- Diverse Property Options: This revision allows investors selecting properties valued at AED2 million ($545,000) or more to access long-term residency in the UAE.
- 10-Year Residency: The Golden Visa, with a 10-year validity and renewable under the same terms, provides investors with an extended duration to integrate into the UAE’s community and nurture their investments.
Eligibility Criteria for UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors:
To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa under the new regulations, real estate investors must fulfill the following conditions:
- Confirmation of Property Ownership: a letter from the land department of the respective emirate confirming ownership of one or more properties valued at no less than AED 2 million ($545,000).
- Loan Procurement: Alternatively, investors can acquire a property through a loan from specific local banks endorsed by the competent local entity.
The final approval of the Golden Visa application is still upon the land department’s assessment on a case-by-case basis, ensuring a fair and personalized evaluation of each applicant.
What Are The Benefits of Getting a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The benefits of getting a Golden Visa in the UAE vary depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general benefits include:
- The ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without any restrictions.
- The ability to bring dependents (spouse and children) to the UAE.
- The ability to travel freely to and from the UAE.
- The ability to own property in the UAE.
- The ability to open a business in the UAE.
- The ability to access world-class healthcare and education.
- The ability to enjoy a high standard of living.
Golden Visa UAE Eligibility
The Golden Visa UAE eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general Golden Visa UAE eligibility requirements include:
- You must be a non-UAE national.
- You must have a valid passport.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You must meet the specific Dubai Golden Visa requirements UAE or the category of visa you are applying for.
Golden Visa UAE for Real Estate Investors
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for real estate investors, you must purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million. The property must be located in the UAE and it must be freehold.
Related Article: How To Start A Real Estate Company In The UAE
Golden Visa UAE for Public Investors
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for public investors, you must invest at least AED 5 million in a public project in the UAE. The project must be approved by the UAE government.
Golden Visa UAE for Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners, you must establish or own a business in the UAE that creates at least 10 jobs for UAE nationals. Your business must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Related Article: How do Successful Entrepreneurs differ from Ordinary People?
Golden Visa UAE’s Exceptional Talents
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for exceptional talents, you must be a highly skilled individual in a field such as science, medicine, education, or sports. You must have made significant contributions to your field.
Golden Visa UAE for Scientists
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for scientists, you must be a highly qualified scientist with a PhD degree. You must have published at least 10 research papers in international journals.
Golden Visa UAE for Educators
On World Teachers’ Day, the Golden Visa for exceptional educators was announced.
Eligible educators can apply on RAK DOK website. Educational institutions can nominate members of their teaching staff who meet the criteria, adding that it is essential to provide supporting documents, including school inspection assessment reports (for school principals only), survey results, letters of recommendation from students and parents, letters of recommendation from teaching staff (for educational institution managers), evidence of community involvement, documents demonstrating improved student outcomes, a letter of recommendation, and a nomination letter from the Board of Trustees.
The opportunity opens doors for school principals, early childhood centre directors, academic directors in higher education institutions, teachers in schools and early childhood centres, and faculty members and senior administrative leaders who work full-time in higher education institutions.
To be eligible, educators must have a minimum of three years of residency and work experience in Ras Al Khaimah, possess a relevant advanced degree, and demonstrate a positive influence on their school’s performance.
Golden Visa UAE for Skilled Professionals
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for skilled professionals, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least 5 years of experience in your field. Your profession must be on the list of eligible professions.
Golden Visa UAE for Students
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for students, you must be enrolled in a full-time degree program at a university in the UAE. You must have a valid student visa.
Golden Visa UAE for Humanitarian Pioneers
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for humanitarian pioneers, you must have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes. You must have been recognized for your work by a reputable organization.
Golden Visa UAE for Doctors and Nurses
To be eligible for the Golden Visa for doctors and nurses, you must have a valid license to practice medicine or nursing in the UAE. You must also have at least 5 years of experience in your field.
Golden Visa for Exceptional Coders
The UAE government has also introduced a new Golden Visa category for exceptional coders. To be eligible, you must be a highly skilled coder with a proven track record of success. You must also have a valid work visa in the UAE.
Golden Visa expanded categories for Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi government has also expanded the categories of Golden Visas that are available. In addition to the categories mentioned above, you can also be eligible for a Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi if you are:
- A retired person with a pension of at least AED 20,000 per month.
- A high-net-worth individual with assets of at least AED 10 million.
- A member of a family of investors or entrepreneurs who have invested at least AED 10 million in Abu Dhabi.
What is the price of a UAE Golden Visa?
The price of a UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, the general 5 and10-year Golden Visa UAE cost is as follows:
- Real estate investor visa: AED 2 million
- Public investor visa: AED 5 million
- Entrepreneur and startup owner visa: AED 500,000
- Exceptional talents visa: AED 500,000
- Scientists visa: AED 500,000
- Skilled professionals visa: AED 250,000
- Student visa: AED 100,000
- Humanitarian pioneers visa: AED 100,000
- Doctors and nurses visa: AED 100,000
- Exceptional coders visa: AED 100,000
5-year UAE Golden Visa requirements
The golden visa UAE requirements for a 5-year UAE Golden Visa are the same as the requirements for a 10-year visa, with the exception of the investment threshold. The investment threshold for a 5-year visa is AED 1 million.
The validity period of the UAE Golden Visa
The validity period of a UAE Golden Visa Dubai depends on the category of visa you are applying for. However, the general validity period is 5 or 10 years.
UAE Golden Visa: Extension & Cancellation
The UAE Golden Visa Dubai can be extended for an additional 5 or 10 years, if you continue to meet the eligibility golden visa UAE requirements. The visa can also be cancelled if you violate the terms of the visa or if you are convicted of a crime.
Other conditions for a 5-year visa
In addition to the general requirements, there are some other conditions that you must meet to be eligible for a 5-year UAE Golden Visa. These conditions include:
- You must have a valid health insurance policy.
- You must have a valid UAE residence visa.
- You must not have any outstanding debts in the UAE.
Renewing Your Health Insurance For Golden Visa
As a Golden Visa holder in the UAE, the country’s health insurance law applies to you.
In Dubai, a sponsor is obligated to provide health insurance if they are not covered by an employer and bear the cost of this enrollment by themselves.
The sponsor needs to ensure that the health insurance of the individuals they sponsor is valid throughout the person’s duration of stay in the UAE. In the event that the sponsored individual has not been provided with health insurance, the sponsor will have to bear the cost of health services and medical intervention if any emergency takes place.
How to get Golden Visa UAE, 5-year or 10-year Visa: Step-by-step guide
The process of applying for a UAE Golden Visa is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps involved:
- Gather the required documents.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application to the UAE government.
The processing time for a UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, the general processing time is 3-6 months.
Want to set up a business in the UAE? Calculate your business setup cost today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UAE Golden Visa?
A UAE and Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is granted to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, qualified professionals, and exceptional talents. Benefits of Golden Visa UAE for family are plenty, including the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without any restrictions.
The eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general eligibility requirements include:
– You must be a non-UAE national.
– You must have a valid passport.
– You must have a clean criminal record.
– You must meet the specific requirements for the category of visa you are applying for.
The Golden Visa UAE price depends on the category of visa you are applying for. However, the general Golden Visa cost is as follows:
– Real estate investor visa: AED 2 million
– Public investor visa: AED 5 million
– Entrepreneur and startup owner visa: AED 500,000
– Exceptional talents visa: AED 500,000
– Scientists visa: AED 500,000
– Educators visa: between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000
– Skilled professionals visa: AED 250,000
– Student visa: AED 100,000
– Humanitarian pioneers visa: AED 100,000
– Doctors and nurses visa: AED 100,000
– Exceptional coders visa: AED 100,000
To know the UAE Golden Visa fees and costs, consult with a business setup consultant.
The processing time for a UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, the general processing time is 3-6 months.
The UAE Golden Visa benefits vary depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general benefits include:
– The ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without any restrictions.
– The ability to bring dependents (spouse and children) to the UAE.
– The ability to travel freely to and from the UAE.
– The ability to own property in the UAE.
– The ability to open a business in the UAE.
– The ability to access world-class healthcare and education.
– The ability to enjoy a high standard of living.
The process of applying for a Golden Visa Dubai, UAE is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps involved:
– Gather the required documents.
– Fill out the application form.
– Pay the application fee.
– Submit the application to the UAE government.
The required documents for a UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the category of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general documents include:
– A valid passport.
– A clean criminal record.
– A medical examination report.
– A financial statement.
– A letter of sponsorship (if applicable).
To apply for a Golden Visa Dubai, UAE for engineers, you must meet the following requirements:
– You must be a non-UAE national.
– You must have a valid passport.
– You must have a clean criminal record.
– You must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university.
– You must have at least 5 years of experience in engineering.
– You must have a job offer from a company in the UAE.
The application process for a UAE Golden Visa for engineers is the same as the process for other categories of visas. You must gather the required documents, fill out the application form, and pay the application fee.
To apply for a UAE Golden Visa for doctors, you must meet the following requirements:
– You must be a non-UAE national.
– You must have a valid passport.
– You must have a clean criminal record.
– You must have a medical degree from a recognized university.
– You must have a valid license to practice medicine in the UAE.
– You must have at least 5 years of experience in medicine.
The application process for a UAE Golden Visa for doctors is the same as the process for other categories of visas. You must gather the required documents, fill out the application form, and pay the application fee.
The sponsor is responsible for renewing your health insurance as a visa holder. As a Golden Visa holder, you may need to consult with your sponsor to ensure your health insurance is renewed annually.
Yes, Pakistanis can get a UAE Golden Visa. The UAE government has relaxed the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa, and Pakistanis are now eligible to apply for the following categories of visas:
– Real estate investor visa: Pakistanis can apply for a Golden Visa if they purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million.
– Public investor visa: Pakistanis can apply for a Golden Visa if they invest at least AED 5 million in a public project in the UAE.
– Entrepreneur and startup owner visa: Pakistanis can apply for a Golden Visa if they establish or own a business in the UAE that creates at least 10 jobs for UAE nationals.
– Exceptional talents visa: Pakistanis can apply for a Golden Visa if they are a highly skilled individual in a field such as science, medicine, education, or sports.
– Scientists visa: Pakistanis can apply for a Golden Visa if they are highly qualified scientists with a PhD degree.
– Skills professional visa: Pakistanis can apply for a Golden Visa if they have a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least 5 years of experience in their field.
Whether or not a Golden Visa is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
– The benefits of UAE Golden Visa: Golden Visas typically offer a number of benefits, such as the ability to live, work, and study in the country without any restrictions. They may also allow you to bring your dependents with you, travel freely, and own property.
– Your eligibility for the visa: Not everyone is eligible for a Golden Visa. You typically need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain amount of investment or a certain level of skills or education.
– Your long-term goals: If you are planning to stay in the country for the long term, a Golden Visa can be a good investment. However, if you are only planning to stay for a short period of time, it may not be worth the cost.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a UAE Golden Visa is a personal one. You should weigh the costs and benefits carefully and decide what is best for you.
#uaegoldenvisa #goldenvisauae #10yearvisa #5yearvisa #spcfreezone
4 Replies to “Golden Visa UAE Guide 2025: Costs, Benefits and Rules”
Driving job
If one gets the golden visa does he or she lose all the benefits they get from their current employer?
Thanks for sharing the article. It is very informative.
If someone buys a property in umm al quwain which is worth 2 million Aed and pays 20% of it will he be able to apply for golden visa? As the oqood will be on handover itself, If yes, then after how much time he can apply