Sub-service · Residence visas · Golden
Golden Visa in the UAE
The Golden Visa is a 10-year, renewable, self-sponsored residence visa. It detaches residency from a single employer: holders live, work and study in the UAE without a national sponsor and can sponsor their spouse, children and support staff. Nominations run through ICP and the specialised committees — investment thresholds are set by category.
- Validity
- 10 years renewable, self-sponsored
- Family
- Included spouse, children, support staff
- Sponsor
- Not required holder is their own sponsor
- Main track
- AED 2M+ investment or property value
Process
How the investor visa process goes
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Check the category
day 0Match your profile to a nomination track — property, investment, talent or study — and assemble the category-specific proof.
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Get the nomination
1–3 weeksProperty owners file through the Dubai Land Department channel; talents through their council; investors through the Ministry of Economy.
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File with ICP
3–5 daysSubmit the Golden Visa application with passports, Emirates ID biometrics and medicals for each family member.
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Receive the residency
1–2 weeks10-year Emirates ID issued; family files ride on the holder's nomination.
Typical package sequence in the snapshot: License registration → Establishment card → Investor visa → Corporate bank account (1,833 of 2,047 packages follow this order).
Zones
Where packages include the investor visa
| Route | Who qualifies | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Property investor | Real estate of AED 2M+ (completed, or off-plan from approved developers) | 10 years |
| Investor / business owner | Investment of AED 2M+ or a company with AED 500k capital and strong performance | 10 years |
| Specialised talent | Science, engineering, health, education, IT, culture or sport — approval by the relevant council | 10 years |
| Exceptional student | Top graduates from accredited UAE universities with endorsement | 10 years |
| Humanitarian pioneer | Distinctive field members and humanitarian organisations' staff | 10 years |
Programme rules as of 2026 — confirm current thresholds with ICP or the free zone before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UAE company for a Golden Visa?
Not necessarily. Property owners and nominated talents are self-sponsored without a company. Investors may qualify through their business, and many Golden Visa holders later add a company for banking and operations.
Does the property need to be paid off?
The AED 2M threshold is based on the property value; mortigated properties qualify when the down payment and the developer's approval meet the programme's conditions.
Can I include my family?
Yes — spouse and children are included, and Golden Visa holders may also sponsor domestic support staff.
Do I have to live in the UAE to keep it?
The visa stays valid regardless of stay pattern, but long absences can affect renewal assessments and Emirates ID services.
Planning an investor visa for your company?
We match the license package to your visa plan — quota, family sponsorship and bank account in one scope.