What Is the
UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program designed to attract talented professionals, investors, and exceptional individuals to the UAE. The visa allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, with the option to renew, providing security and stability for you and your family. The Golden Visa provides:
You get six-month multiple-entry visa to begin your UAE residency with ease.
It's renewable based on eligibility.
Ability to own and operate businesses in the UAE without local sponsorship.
Freedom to remain outside the UAE for extended periods without impacting visa validity.
Sponsor your spouse and children of any age under one unified residence status.
Residency in a tax-optimised environment with no personal income tax.
Family members may continue residing in the UAE until their permits expire, even in the event of the main holder’s passing.
Golden Visa Eligibility & Routes
Golden Visa for Property Investors
Long-term UAE residency for eligible real estate investors based on qualifying property ownership.
Golden Visa via Bank Deposit
Residency through qualifying fixed bank deposits in the UAE financial institution.
Golden Visa via Professional Background
Eligibility for highly skilled professionals based on qualifications, experience, and/or fame.
Golden Visa Eligibility for
Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors may qualify for a 5-year or 10-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions, without the need for a sponsor.
Eligibility Criteria
- You own one or more properties in the UAE with a combined value of at least AED 2 million.
- You can provide a letter from the Land Department of the respective emirate confirming property ownership valued at AED 2 million or more.
- If the property was purchased with a mortgage, the loan must be from a local bank approved by the relevant authorities.
- The property must be legally owned by the applicant (fully or partially). Joint ownership with spouse or others is allowed — but when jointly owned, the applicant’s portion must meet the AED 2 million threshold.
- Acceptable properties are typically residential (apartments, villas, etc.). Some guidance suggests that commercial properties and hotel apartments do not qualify — but this depends on the regulations of the specific emirate/land authority.
- Off‑plan properties (under construction) can also qualify — provided that the project is approved, necessary documentation (such as “Oqood” or contract of sale) is registered, and any other conditions set by the local authority are met.
Required Documents
To process the Golden Visa via property investment, the following documents are required:
- Copy of title deed.
- For off-plan properties: Oqood / Initial Contract of Sale and SOA (Statement of Account).
- Passport: Clear scanned copy, valid for at least 6 months. The front and back covers should be also scanned.
- Passport-size photo with white background (JPEG).
- 6-month personal UAE bank statement.
- Copy of medical health insurance (from any country).
- Proof of address.
- Current UAE visa or cancelled visa, if applicable.
Processing Time
The Golden Visa process through real estate investment takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the submission of all required documents. Priority option is available, where the process takes only 5-6 working days.
UAE Golden Visa Application Via Bank Deposit
Deposit Requirements
Minimum Deposit
You must invest AED 2 million or more in a fixed bank deposit account. This amount may be placed in a single account or distributed across multiple accounts at different banks, as long as each deposit meets the required minimum threshold.
Bank Selection
The deposit must be held with a UAE government-recognized or government approved bank. The UAE has a strong and regulated banking sector, and only authorized institutions – both local and international banks operating in the UAE – qualify for Golden Visa – related deposits.
Deposit Duration
The funds must be kept in a fixed deposit for 2 years period. Longer deposit terms may yield higher interest; however, for Golden Visa eligibility, the full deposit amount must remain untouched for the required duration.
Required Documents
- Original fixed deposit confirmation letter from the bank
- Clear scanned copy of the passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Clear scanned copies of the passport front and back covers
- UAE Visa copy (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photo with white background (studio quality)
- Proof of stay in the UAE:
- Hotel booking reservation, or Tenancy contract/property ownership document
UAE Golden Visa Application Through Professional Background
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievements or international recognition in their field. Typical eligible profiles include:
- Professionals with exceptional skills in medicine, science, engineering, or technology.
- Artists, writers, and researchers with notable contributions and/or awards Entrepreneurs and business leaders with proven impact and high-value ventures.
- Celebrities, public figures, or influencers with international recognition in sports, entertainment, or media.
- Inventors or innovators with patented technologies or groundbreaking projects.
Eligibility is generally assessed based on awards, certifications, publications, media recognition, or other proofs of professional excellence.
Timeline & process
These documents are submitted to the Creative Department of the Ministry of Culture and Youth for approval. Once the approval is obtained, the formal application for the Golden Visa can be submitted together with the other required documents.
Ministry’s Approval Timeline: With approx. 30 days
Once approved, the application process for the Golden visa would take approx.
7 – 8 working days.
Required Documents
- Passport (clear scanned copy, valid for at least 6 months. The front and back covers should be also scanned)
- CV
- Portfolio (summarizing the awards/recognitions, performances, media coverage, professional contributions to society, and etc.) and UAE visa (if applicable).
Ready to apply for your
UAE Golden Visa?