UAE Golden Visa & Long-Term Residency Guide
Eligibility Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a 10-year renewable Golden Visa to investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent — without needing a local sponsor. You can live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate while keeping your original citizenship.
Who Can Apply:
- Property investors with AED 2 million+ in UAE real estate
“(AED = United Arab Emirates Dirham, the local currency)” by the 2M+ AED place in parentheses (~545,000 USD) - Entrepreneurs with a UAE-based company
- Professionals earning AED 30,000+ per month (about USD $8,000)
- Scientists, doctors, engineers, creatives, and researchers
- Top graduates and high-performing students from UAE universities
Special Exception: No minimum stay required. You don’t need to live in the UAE full-time to keep your visa. This makes it ideal for remote professionals, frequent travelers, and global citizens.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose your eligibility category (“your path”): Choose the category you’re applying under, such as: Investor, Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur or Special Talent
- Gather your documents (based on your category): Typical documents include: Passport copy, Passport-style photo, Proof you qualify for your category, Criminal record / police clearance (often required), Health insurance
Do you need UAE health insurance?
Usually, yes — you should expect to need valid health insurance coverage in the UAE to complete residency and Emirates ID steps. Requirements may vary depending on the Emirate and application type, but in practice it’s best to plan for it. - Apply through the correct authority (ICP or GDRFA): You submit your application through one authority depending on which Emirate will issue your residency:
- GDRFA (Dubai) – apply here if your visa/residency file will be based in Dubai
- ICP (Federal) – apply here if your visa/residency file will be based in any Emirate other than Dubai
- If applying from outside the UAE: receive an Entry Permit): If you apply while abroad, you may receive an Entry Permit (often valid for several months) allowing you to enter the UAE and complete the remaining steps in person.
- Complete medical exam and biometrics inside the UAE: Once inside the UAE, you’ll complete the in-country requirements under the Emirate where your application is filed, including:
a UAE-approved medical exam (health screening)
a biometrics / fingerprinting appointment as part of Emirates ID and residency processing
- Receive your Golden Visa (10-year residence), renewable: Once approved and the in-country steps are complete, the UAE will issue your Golden Visa residency (commonly valid for 10 years). It can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
- 10-year renewable residency with no local sponsor
- Live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate in the UAE
- Zero personal income tax or capital gains tax
- Sponsor your spouse, children (no age limit if unmarried), and domestic workers
- Access top-tier healthcare, education, and public services
- No physical presence required to keep your residency
- Maintain your original citizenship — UAE allows dual residency but not dual nationality
Frequently asked questions.
Can I work in the UAE with this visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor or employer.
Do I need to live in the UAE full-time?
No. There’s no physical presence requirement to maintain your Golden Visa status.
Can I include my family?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children (even adult children if unmarried), and household staff.
Does the Golden Visa lead to UAE citizenship?
Not directly. UAE citizenship is very limited and typically granted by special decree. The Golden Visa is for long-term residency only.
Are there taxes in the UAE?
No. There is no personal income tax, making the UAE a top destination for high earners and entrepreneurs.