UAE Golden Visa 2025 | Benefits, Rules & Cost for Internationals

This Golden Visa is a special long-term residency program that lets non-UAE citizens live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates without needing a local sponsor. Introduced to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals, it offers a stable and exciting life in a global hub. There is no specific last date for UAE Golden Visas.

Benefits

The Golden Visa comes with fantastic perks for you and your family:

1. Long-Term Residency: Get a 5 or 10-year visa, renewable without a local sponsor, unlike standard 2-year visas.
2. Family Sponsorship: Include your spouse, children (any age), and parents, plus unlimited domestic helpers.
3. Stay Abroad Flexibility: Stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing your residency status.
4. Work and Study Freedom: Work for any employer start a business, and access top schools and universities.
5. World-Class Lifestyle: Enjoy the UAE’s excellent healthcare, safety, and vibrant cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
6. Business Opportunities: Own 100% of your business & invest in a booming economy with no personal income tax.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Investors:
   • Own property worth 2 million AED ($545,000) or more.
   • Invest 2 million AED in an approved UAE investment fund or company (not a loan).
   • Pay AED 250,000 annually in taxes as a business owner.
2. Entrepreneurs:
   • Own a technical or innovative project worth AED 500,000 (~$136,000) or more, approved by UAE authorities.
3. Skilled Professionals:
   • Doctors, scientists, engineers, or creatives with a bachelor’s degree, a UAE job contract, and a minimum salary of AED 30,000 (~$8,200) per month.
   • Scientists need a recommendation from the Emirates Scientist’s Council.
4. Outstanding Students:
   • High school students with a 95%+ average or university students with a GPA of 3.8+ or 3.5+ (top 100 global universities).
5. Humanitarian Pioneers:
   • Donors of AED 2 million+ to UAE humanitarian causes or frontline heroes (e.g., nurses) with a recommendation.

Required Documents

You’ll need these documents, depending on your category (some may need attestation):

1. Valid Passport: Copies for you and family members.
2. Passport-Sized Photos: Recent photos for all applicants.
3. Proof of Eligibility:
   • Property: Letter from the land department confirming ownership ( 2+ million AED).
   • Investment: Letter from an investment fund or Federal Tax Authority.
   • Entrepreneur: Auditor’s letter proving project value (AED 500,000+).
   • Professional: Employment contract, degree certificate, and salary proof.
   • Student: Academic records or recommendation letter.
   • Humanitarian: Proof of donation or frontline hero recommendation.
4. Health Insurance: Valid policy covering you and your family in the UAE.
5. Criminal Record: Certificate showing no criminal history.
6. Proof of Residence: Ejari/tenancy contract or property ownership.
7. Medical Fitness Test: Results from a UAE-approved health center (done after application).

Application Process

Applying for the UAE Golden Visa is straightforward and takes 2–6 weeks:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the criteria for your category (e.g., investor, professional) using the UAE government’s online tool at icp.gov.ae.
2. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, ensuring they’re attested or translated if needed.
3. Apply Online or in person:
   • Online: Visit icp.gov.ae or the GDRFA website, create an account, select your visa category, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay fees (AED 2,800–4,800).
   • In-Person: Go to an Amer Center, TAMM Center, or GDRFA office in your emirate.
4. Get a 6-Month Entry Permit: If outside the UAE, apply for a 6-month multiple-entry visa to enter and complete the process.
5. Medical Test and Biometrics: Visit a UAE health center for a medical exam and provide fingerprints for your Emirates ID.
6. Receive Visa: After approval, get your 5- or 10-year Golden Visa and Emirates ID within 3–5 days.

Tips for Success

• Hire an Expert: Use a service like Amer Center or a lawyer to ensure your application is error-free.
• Budget for Costs: Expect fees of AED 5,000–10,000, plus medical tests (AED 150–500) and investment costs.
• Apply Early: Processing can take longer during peak times, so start soon.

Why Choose the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a golden opportunity to live in a dynamic, tax-free country with endless possibilities. Whether you’re investing in property, launching a startup, or pursuing a career, this visa offers stability and freedom for you and your family. With a simple process and expert support, your dream of UAE residency is within reach. Start your journey now.