UAE Golden Visa — Complete Explained Guide
🌟 What is the Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a sponsor.
It was launched to attract and retain talented individuals who contribute significantly to the UAE’s development in fields like:
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Business and Investment
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Science and Research
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Healthcare
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Culture and Art
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Engineering and Technology
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Education
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Humanitarian Work
🛡️ Benefits of the Golden Visa
By getting a Golden Visa, you unlock exclusive benefits:
✅ Residency for 5 or 10 years, renewable
✅ No need for a local sponsor (unlike normal visas)
✅ Entry visa for 6 months with multiple entries to complete the process
✅ Stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing residency
✅ Sponsor your family (spouse, children — no age limit)
✅ Sponsor unlimited domestic helpers
✅ Family stays even after your death, until their visa duration ends
🎯 Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
There are 7 main categories. Each has specific rules and required documents. Here's a detailed look:
1. 🏦 Investors in Public Investments (10-year Visa)
Who qualifies?
You’ve invested money in a business or fund in the UAE.
✅ Requirements:
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Proof of AED 2 million investment from an approved UAE investment fund
OR -
Valid commercial or industrial license + MoA showing capital ≥ AED 2 million
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Proof from the Federal Tax Authority that you pay AED 250,000+ per year in tax
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You must fully own the capital (no loans)
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Medical insurance for yourself and your family
2. 🏠 Real Estate Investors (5-year Visa)
Who qualifies?
You own property worth AED 2 million or more.
✅ Requirements:
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Letter from Land Department confirming you own property worth ≥ AED 2 million
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If bought with a loan, it must be through approved UAE banks
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Renewable as long as conditions are met
3. 💼 Entrepreneurs (5-year Visa)
Who qualifies?
You run a technological or future-focused business in the UAE.
✅ Requirements:
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Auditor’s letter proving your business is worth AED 500,000+
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Letter from local government authorities confirming it’s a future/tech-based project
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Approval from an accredited UAE business incubator
4. 🎓 Outstanding Specialized Talents (10-year Visa)
This applies to experts in science, medicine, engineering, art, culture, invention, and sports.
Subcategories & Requirements:
👨⚕️ Doctors
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Approval letter from UAE Ministry of Health to practice medicine
🔬 Scientists
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Letter from Emirates Council of Scientists
OR -
Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
💡 Inventors
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Patent approved by the Ministry of Economy, proving value to UAE’s economy
🎭 Artists & Creatives
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Letter of recognition from UAE Department of Culture & Arts
🧑💼 Executives
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Bachelor’s degree (certified by Ministry of Education)
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5+ years experience as executive
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AED 50,000+ salary and valid employment contract
🏅 Athletes
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Recommendation from UAE Sports Authority or local Sports Council
🧬 Engineers & Tech Specialists
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Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in science or engineering fields
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Valid employment contract in the UAE
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Fields include: AI, genetics, biotechnology, electrical, software, big data, epidemiology, etc.
5. 👨🎓 Outstanding Students
A. High School Toppers (5-year Visa)
Who qualifies?
Top national-level performers in high school (public or private)
✅ Requirements:
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Minimum 95% grade average
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Recommendation from the Ministry of Education
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Visa can be extended if the university program is longer than 5 years
B. UAE University Students (10-year Visa)
✅ Requirements:
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Must have graduated from a UAE university rated A or B
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GPA of:
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3.5+ for A class universities
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3.8+ for B class universities
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Graduated within the last 2 years
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Recommendation or degree certificate needed
C. International University Students (10-year Visa)
✅ Requirements:
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Graduated from a top 100 ranked global university (recognized by Ministry of Education)
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GPA 3.5+
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Graduation within 2 years
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Degree must be accredited in UAE
6. 🕊️ Pioneers of Humanitarian Work (10-year Visa)
Who qualifies?
You’ve contributed significantly to humanitarian efforts.
✅ Requirements:
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Worked 5+ years with a recognized humanitarian organization, local or international
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Or worked for public interest associations for 5+ years
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Or received awards for humanitarian work
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Or funded AED 2 million+ worth of humanitarian activities
7. 🩺 Frontline Heroes
Recognizing healthcare professionals who showed extraordinary service during crises, especially COVID-19.
✅ Eligible Roles:
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Nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacists, etc.
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Requires recommendation from the Frontline Heroes Office or relevant government body
🧾 Required Documents Summary (Quick Look)
| Category | Key Documents |
|---|---|
| Investor | Investment proof, tax letter, medical insurance |
| Real Estate | Land Department ownership proof, bank letter (if needed) |
| Entrepreneur | Auditor letter, government approval, incubator letter |
| Doctors | Ministry of Health approval |
| Scientists | Emirates Council letter or award certificate |
| Inventors | Patent + Ministry of Economy letter |
| Artists | Cultural Department approval |
| Executives | Degree, experience letter, salary slip, job contract |
| Athletes | Sports Authority/Council letter |
| Engineers | Degree + employment contract |
| Students | Marksheets, GPA proof, recommendation |
| Humanitarian | Experience proof, award certificate, donation proof |
| Frontline | Letter from approved health/hero authority |
Where to Apply:
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ICP Portal – for most Emirates: https://icp.gov.ae
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Dubai: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai)
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Abu Dhabi: https://www.tamm.abudhabi or Abu Dhabi Residents Office
📌 Final Tips
✅ Make sure all your documents are attested and translated into Arabic (if needed).
✅ GPA and degree recognition must match Ministry of Education standards.
✅ Keep all approvals, letters, and licenses current at the time of applying.
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