UAE Golden Visa: All You Need to Know
In 2025, the conditions for obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai became more flexible — the list of eligible applicant categories has been expanded, document submission simplified, and processing accelerated. Nevertheless, it is still a costly and not the easiest process — especially for those applying for the first time. We have gathered the current requirements, a step-by-step guide, and all the key changes of 2025.
Alisa Vyd, Real estate expert
26.09.2025
5 minutes
September 26, 2025
What is a Golden Visa and What Are Its Benefits
The UAE Golden Visa is a residence permit valid for up to 10 years. It allows you to live, work, study, and run a business in the Emirates without being tied to an employer or a sponsor. The program was launched in 2019 and has since become the main tool for attracting investors, professionals, and talents from around the world.
How It Differs from a Regular Visa
- Issued immediately for 5 or 10 years (instead of 2–3). No constant renewals or visits to the immigration office.
- No local sponsor required (neither employer nor relative). You can change jobs or start a business.
- 0% income tax. Earn and invest — no personal income tax is charged.
- Free entry and exit. You can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months in a row without losing your status.
- Visa for the whole family. Issued for spouses, children, and even parents.
Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility: Who Can Apply
A Golden Visa is not only for millionaires. It can be issued to investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and even talented graduates. Here are the main categories:
Category |
Eligibility Conditions |
Validity |
| Real Estate Investors | If you purchase a property above the required threshold, you may use a mortgage — but no more than 50% of the property’s value. That means at least AED 2 million must be paid from your own funds. | 10 years |
| Startup Founders | A minimum 25% share in the company or charter capital of AED 500,000 + incubator accreditation. | 5–10 years |
| Highly Qualified Specialists | Monthly salary from AED 30,000, higher education, and expertise in an in-demand field (IT, medicine, engineering, etc.). | 10 years |
| Top Students and Graduates | Graduation from one of the world’s top 1000 universities (1), GPA of at least 3.5, diploma obtained within the last 2 years. | 5–10 years |
Important:
Required for all categories:
- valid international passport
- health insurance
- certificate of no criminal record
- willingness to provide proof of eligibility
Family Sponsorship: Who Can Be Included
Holders of the UAE Golden Visa can obtain long-term visas for their close relatives, without the need for separate grounds. All family members receive the same duration of residency as the main applicant.
Who can be included:
- Spouse — with no restrictions on income or employment.
- Minor children — automatically, up to 18 years old.
- Daughters of any age — if unmarried. After a change in marital status, she is no longer considered a dependent. In such cases, the daughter can apply for her own visa if she qualifies under one of the categories.
- Sons up to 25 years old — if they are financially dependent on parents.
- Parents — provided the applicant takes full financial responsibility for them.
Real Estate Agent
Comparison of Conditions in Different Emirates
The Golden Visa is valid throughout the country, but the application conditions differ slightly from one emirate to another. Below is a comparison of the three most popular options.
Parameter |
🇦🇪 Dubai |
Abu Dhabi |
Sharjah |
| Minimum Investment | |||
| Government Fee | ~AED 10,400 (including DLD fees) | ~AED 6,000 | ~AED 5,500 |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks | ||
| Visa Renewal | Automatic if conditions are maintained | Investment confirmation required | Strict review of assets and status |
| Notes | Additional fees at Dubai Land Department, more business opportunities | Active support for IT and science, government subsidies available | Many government and private services (document processing, medical centers, municipal services) operate only in Arabic |
Conclusion:
- Dubai — more expensive, but more prestigious and convenient for business.
- Abu Dhabi — easier renewal conditions and strong support for startups.
- Sharjah — budget-friendly in terms of Golden Visa processing costs (lower fees and charges) and cost of living: rent, healthcare, insurance.
What Changed in 2025
Since the beginning of 2025
- Down payment restrictions were lifted, the main requirement is a minimum investment of AED 2 million.
- Both ready-to-move-in properties and off-plan (under-construction) purchases are eligible, even with a mortgage.
- All applications have moved online (via ICP Smart) (2).
- Application processing time reduced to 10–15 business days.
Since May 2025 — the Golden Visa became available for new categories:
- Nurses and medical staff with at least 5 years of experience.
- Teachers and lecturers.
- Bloggers, influencers, and digital content creators.
- Esports players (25+ years old).
- Owners of large yachts and specialists in the yachting industry.
Since Summer 2025 — priority processing for specialists in the fields of:
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Climate technologies.
- Sustainable development.
Since June 2025 — simplified process for real estate investors:
A visa can now be obtained immediately after making the first payment and receiving the title deed. Full payment is no longer required beforehand.
Dubai Golden Visa Application Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose the appropriate category. Investor, professional, business founder, graduate, etc. — the criteria differ.
- Collect the documents. Passport, photo, diploma (if required), proof of income or investment, certificate of no criminal record, health insurance.
- Submit the application online. Through the ICP Smart or GDRFA Dubai portals. Select “Golden Visa.”
- Undergo medical exam and biometrics. A medical check and fingerprint scan at a licensed center are mandatory.
- Obtain Emirates ID. An electronic resident ID card valid for the duration of the visa (up to 10 years).
- Wait for approval. A decision is usually made within 2–4 weeks. Status can be tracked online.
- Apply for family visas (if needed). Submission through the same portal — spouse, children, and parents can be added.
- Enter the UAE and activate the visa. If you are outside the country, an entry permit is issued and the visa is activated upon arrival.
Tip
Without experience, it’s easy to make mistakes, such as submitting incorrect documents, missing deadlines, or choosing an unsuitable property. This can result in rejection, reapplication, or loss of time and money.
List of Documents and Their Validity
Before applying for a Golden Visa, prepare a complete set of documents. Some of them have an expiration date — don’t miss it.
Document |
Validity / Requirements |
| Applicant’s Passport | At least 6 months before expiration |
| Photograph (white background) | Recent, not older than 6 months |
| Proof of income or investment | Certificate / contract, must be current |
| Medical Certificate (UAE medical exam) | 30 days from issue date |
| Emirates ID (if available) | Valid, or must be reissued |
| Certificate of No Criminal Record | Issued no more than 3 months ago and apostilled |
| Educational Diploma (for professionals/graduates) | Translation + apostille |
| Marriage/Birth Certificates (for family) | Translation + proof of validity |
How to Prepare the Full Set of Documents Correctly
- Check validity dates, accuracy of translations, and file formatting. Applications are often rejected due to expired certificates, incomplete scans, or incorrect formats.
- Get an official translation and apostille according to the UAE immigration requirements.
UAE Golden Visa Costs & Government Fees Explained
Expense Item |
Cost (AED) |
| Government fee (includes visa) | 1,300 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 575 |
| Medical test | ~800–1,000 |
| Health insurance (1 year) | ~900–2,500* |
| PRO / service center fees | ~1,000–5,000** |
| Total (excluding investment) | ~4,575–10,375 AED |
The main advantage is 0% tax on income and capital. Holding a Golden Visa guarantees full exemption from personal income tax, corporate tax, and property tax across the UAE.
Why Do Costs Vary?
- Different categories require different sets of documents and certificates (e.g., diploma, apostille, translation).
- The benefit of PRO services — faster submission, fewer errors, and time savings.
- Insurance depends on age and health condition.
Real Estate Agent
How Our Agency Can Help You with the Golden Visa
Bonadomus is an agency that helps you purchase property eligible for the Golden Visa. We work only with reliable developers, know the market from the inside, and select real estate that truly qualifies for the Golden Visa. No hidden pitfalls, no wasted time.
Why Bonadomus is Reliable:
- Legal support — we work with top lawyers and tax consultants in the UAE and abroad.
- Everything under control — we verify the developer, oversee the transaction, and prepare documents.
- Transparency — we deal only with verified properties, always in the client’s best interest.
- “Post-purchase” issues — we also assist with family relocation, company setup, taxes, insurance, and inheritance.
With us, you won’t be left alone with Arabic laws — we guide clients through the entire process. Book a consultation — we’ll review your case and suggest the best solution.
We use Cookie