UAE Golden Visa: All You Need to Know
In 2026, the UAE Golden Visa program continues to evolve. The rules introduced in 2025 remain in force, while several clarifications and practical changes have made the process more predictable for investors, professionals, and families. Below is an up-to-date guide based on current regulations and real application practice in 2026.
Alisa Vyd, Real estate expert
26.09.2025
5 minutes
February 9, 2026
What is a Golden Visa and What Benefits does It Offer?
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 limited to millionaires. It can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and even talented graduates. The main eligibility categories include:
Category |
Eligibility Conditions |
Validity |
| Real Estate Investors | Both completed and off-plan properties may qualify, provided the investment value is at least AED 2 million and the ownership is officially registered and confirmed by authorities. | 10 years |
| Startup Founders | A minimum 25% share in the company or charter capital of AED 500,000. Accreditation by an approved incubator or authority is mandatory. | 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.). Salary thresholds and profession lists are reviewed individually by authorities. | 10 years |
| Top Students and Graduates | Graduation from universities recognized by UAE authorities (global ranking criteria apply). | 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
Family sponsorship rules remain unchanged in 2026 and remain one of the program’s key advantages. 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.
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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.
2025 Updates and What Remains Relevant in 2026
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.
What to Expect in 2026
No major legislative changes have been announced. The Golden Visa framework remains stable, and most updates in 2026 relate to application practice, document verification, and digital processing rather than eligibility thresholds.
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 proper experience, applicants can easily make mistakes, such as submitting incorrect documents, missing deadlines, or selecting an unsuitable property. These errors may lead to application rejection, the need to reapply, and the loss of valuable 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 requirements remain unchanged in 2026.
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 UAE does not levy personal income tax. Corporate tax and other obligations depend on business structure and activity.
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.
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