In recent years,Emigrating to the UAE(UAE), as a global business and technology center, has attracted a large number of high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, professionals and investors to settle there. In order to encourageLong-term residence and economic developmentThe UAE has introduced the Golden Visa.The program provides eligible expatriates with up to10 years of residency without employer sponsorship and freedom to travel to and from the UAE.
Who is the Golden Visa for? How to apply? What are the advantages? This article will give you a detailed breakdown of the UAE Golden Visa'sApplication Requirements, Processing Procedures, Fees and Holders' Rights and BenefitsThis is one of the world's most popular long-term residence visas.
1. What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa (UAE Golden Visa) is anLong-term resident visas, for eligible applicantsResidence for 5 or 10 years, and is renewable. This visa is applicable toInvestors, entrepreneurs, senior professionals, scientists, outstanding studentsand other special talents.
Key features of the Golden Visa::
✅ Long-term residence: Available10 years of permanent residence, which does not need to be renewed annually.
✅ No employer sponsorship required: Unlike a regular work visa, a Golden Visa does not require sponsorship by an employer or company and can be applied for directly by an individual.
✅ Residency for the whole family: can beSpouses, children and, in some cases, parentsApply for residency.
✅ Free to work or start a business: Applicants holding a Golden Visa are free to invest, work or set up a business in the UAE.
✅ free entry and exit: Available atFreedom of movement within and outside the UAEThe visa validity will not be affected even if you are not in the UAE for a long period of time.
✅ Enjoy quality of life: Golden Visa holders can enjoy the UAE'sTop healthcare, education, tax advantages and business opportunitiesThe
2. The UAE Golden Visa Applicable People
The UAE Golden Visa coversMultiple categories of applicants, mainly including:
2.1 Investors (10 years of residence)
💰 population (esp. of a group of people): Real estate investors, commercial investors
📌 Requirements for application::
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Buying in the UAEProperties worth more than AED 2 million (approximately $540,000)The
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Property is not mortgaged (if mortgaged, pay at least 50% on the loan).
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Investment in multiple properties with a total value of AED 2 million or more is permitted.
2.2 Entrepreneurs (5-10 year stay)
🚀 population (esp. of a group of people): Entrepreneurs, founders of technology companies
📌 Requirements for application::
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Have a corporate investment or entrepreneurial program of **at least 500,000 AED (~$136,000)**.
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Startups need to be registered in the UAE and belong to an innovative industry (e.g. technology, green energy, fintech, etc.).
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attainmentRecognition by the UAE government or related agencies(e.g. Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai Future Foundation, etc.).
2.3 Senior professionals (10 years' residence)
👨⚕️ population (esp. of a group of people): Doctors, scientists, engineers, IT specialists, university professors
📌 Requirements for application::
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The applicant must be inMedicine, Science, Engineering, IT, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Biotechnology, etc.Outstanding contribution.
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Must hold a Ph.D. or M.S. degree in a related field and haveMore than 5 years of experienceThe
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Published research papers in internationally recognized journals or received an industry-recognized international award.
2.4 Persons of outstanding ability (10 years' residence)
🏆 population (esp. of a group of people): artists, writers, musicians, athletes
📌 Requirements for application::
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Required to obtain a certificate from the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth or a related organization.officially recognizedThe
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Outstanding artistic, cultural, sporting or creative achievements of international or regional scope.
2.5 Researchers and scientists (10 years' residence)
🔬 population (esp. of a group of people): Scientific researchers, university professors, senior engineers
📌 Requirements for application::
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need to obtainRecognition by the Emirates Council for Science and Higher TechnologyThe
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Holding a senior research position in a reputable research organization, university or laboratory.
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A Ph.D. or M.S. degree with high-level research publications is required.
2.6 Outstanding students (5-10 years of residence)
🎓 population (esp. of a group of people): International students with high academic performance
📌 Requirements for application::
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senior high school student: Graduation grades must be achieved95% and aboveand approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
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university student: GPA required3.8 or more (out of 4.0)He graduated from one of the top 100 universities in the world.
3. UAE Golden Visa Application Process
🔹 Step 1: Determine eligibility

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Select the appropriate Golden Visa category and ensure that all application requirements are met.
🔹 Step 2: Submission of application
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Submit your application online (available viaUAEimmigrantsBureau website, Dubai Now App, Abu Dhabi Government portal(etc.).
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Upload the required documents such as passport, educational certificates, bank statements, proof of business investment, etc.
🔹 Step 3: Medical Examination and Biometrics
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Complete a local health checkup in the UAE (including HIV and TB testing).
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Perform biometric collection (fingerprinting).
🔹 Step 4: Waiting for Approval
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Applications are usually made inWithin 30-45 daysApproved.
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If approved, you will receive an e-visa (Entry Permit) allowing you to enter the UAE.
🔹 Step 5: Receive your UAE Residence Permit
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Upon entry, you will be required to complete the UAE Residence Registration and receive theEmirates IDThe
4. Golden visa fees
The application fee for UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the category and visa validity, the following are the approximate costs:
visa category | Costs (United States dollars) | note |
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10-year investor visa | $4,000 – $6,000 | Suitable for real estate and commercial investors |
5-10 year entrepreneur visa | $2,000 – $3,500 | For entrepreneurs |
10-year professional visa | $1,500 – $3,000 | For doctors, engineers, researchers |
10-year Outstanding Talent Visa | $2,000 – $4,000 | For artists, athletes, etc. |
5-10 year student visa | $1,000 – $2,000 | For students with high academic achievement |
5. Conclusion: The UAE Golden Visa opens up new opportunities for your long-term stay!
The UAE Golden Visa is aAttractive long-term residence program, especially suitable for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals and outstanding talents. If you wish to work in aNo personal income tax, high quality of life, thriving economyof the country for a long time, UAE Golden Visa will be the best choice for you!