UAE Golden Visa guide – benefits, eligibility, and application process explained by Aurum

UAE Golden Visa 2025: Benefits, Requirements & Steps

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    What is the Golden Visa?

    UAE Golden Visa is very popular in the world and valued by people as it is one of the safest options to live and work in the UAE. The UAE Golden Visa gives long-term residency to people who contribute to the country in one way or the other. It comes in 5-year and 10-year options and can be renewed if you still meet the criteria. Many people call it Golden Visa Dubai, but it applies across all emirates.

    This blog explains the main golden visa UAE benefits, the UAE golden visa requirements, and how to get golden visa UAE in a clear way. It also lists all main eligibility routes. Aurum is your partner whether you are applying for UAE investor visa or Golden Visa UAE.

    Golden Visa Stats

    Number of visas issued

    Increased from 47,150 visas in 2021 to 158,000 in 2023 

    Real estate rule change (2024)

    The AED 1 million / 50% down payment requirement for mortgaged properties was removed; AED 2 million property value still applies. 

    Top recipient groups

    Russians, Indians, and Pakistanis among leading Golden Visa recipients. 

    2025 expansion 

    Now five new eligible categories have been added.

     

    Expanded Categories of Golden Visa

    As Golden Visa’s popularity is increasing day by day, so, with new additions, more people can qualify now in 2025. 

    Category

    Eligibility / Criteria (concise)

    Healthcare Workers

    Nurses with 15+ years of service under Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

    Educators

    Private school teachers, principals, and university staff demonstrating academic excellence.

    Content Creators

    Filmmakers, influencers, podcasters, digital media professionals with notable work.

    E-sports Professionals

    Gaming experts over age of 25 with Dubai Culture accreditation.

    Luxury Yacht Owners

    Owners of more than 40m vessels or executives in maritime industries.

    Golden Visa UAE Benefits

    Benefit

    Explanation

      

    Long-term residency

    5 or 10 years, renewable; travel abroad for more than 6 months allowed.

    No local sponsor

    You manage your residency without an employer or local guarantor.

    Family sponsorship

    Add spouse and children under your file; continuity if the main holder is no more alive.

    Work & business flexibility

    Residency is self-sponsored. To work for an employer, get a work permit. Freelancing needs a freelance permit.

    Services & lifestyle

    Strong infrastructure and lifestyle options; keep valid health insurance as required by emirate.

    Property & investment

    Real estate from AED 2 million can qualify under the property route.

    Processing convenience

    Six-month multiple-entry entry permit during application.

    Esaad discount

    In Dubai, eligible holders can apply for the Esaad discount program.

    Driving license support

    If your licence is from an approved country, you can usually convert. If not, you may take a direct test route.

    Tax clarity

    No personal income tax on salaries. Corporate tax rules depend on your business setup.



    UAE Golden Visa Requirements in 2025

    Investors & Property

    Investors & Property Category

    Eligibility

    Investors in public investments

    Invest via an accredited UAE fund/company at the set thresholds; capital must not be loaned; meet any required federal tax criteria.

    Deposit investor

    Hold a qualifying deposit with an accredited UAE investment fund.

    Investor/Partner

    Hold a valid commercial/industrial licence with qualifying paid-up capital and provide required supporting records.

    Tax-contribution investor

    Provide an FTA letter showing annual federal tax contribution at the required level.

    Real-estate investors

    Own property worth AED 2,000,000+; mortgages allowed if from approved local banks. 

    Entrepreneurs

    Entrepreneurs are eligible if they are involved in innovative, risk-based project, with letters from an auditor (value), emirate authority, and an accredited incubator.

    Specialised Talents

    Specialised Talent Category

    Key Eligibility

    Doctors / Scientists / Researchers

    Relevant approval/endorsement from the competent authority.

    Senior Religious Scholars / Clerics

    Nomination/approval by the authorised body.

    Inventors

    Patent/recognised innovation with economic value + authority recommendation.

    Creative professionals

    Approval from the culture/arts authority.

    Executive Directors

    Degree, more than 5 years managerial experience, salary at threshold & valid contract.

    Athletes

    Recommendation from the sports authority/council.

    Engineering & science specialists

    Degree & work contract in an approved speciality.

    Digital talent

    Specialist in AI/data/digital economy & required nomination/endorsement.

    Exceptional talent / priority fields

    Endorsed elite specialist in the UAE’s strategic sectors.

    Students & Recognition Routes

    Students & Recognition Route

    Key Eligibility

    High-school toppers

    Top grades & MoE recommendation; often 5-year visa.

    UAE University students

    Top students at approved local universities; meet GPA thresholds.

    Outstanding graduates from top global universities

    Recent graduates from top-ranked foreign universities; meet GPA and recency conditions.

    Humanitarian work pioneers

    Proven long-term humanitarian record & official recognition/recommendation.

    Frontline heroes

    Medical/allied professionals with recognised service during major crises; official recognition required.

    Property Route as the Popular Choice

    Minimum value: AED 2,000,000 for one or more properties.

    Mortgages: allowed when issued by approved local banks; keep the bank letter handy.

    Key documents: passport, photo, title deed/e-title, and (if already resident) Emirates ID and current residence page.

    Off-plan: the visa process moves when you have acceptable ownership proof and meet the threshold. Ask when you’ll receive the title deed (or equivalent).

    Renewal: if your property value drops below the threshold later, renewal can be affected. Many owners keep a margin above the minimum or add a second property

    Work, Business, and Travel Rules

    • Working for an Employer: Even with a Golden Visa, you still need a work permit from MOHRE (or the relevant free zone).
    • Freelancing: Get a freelance/permit from the relevant authority.
    • Changing Jobs: Your residency is not tied to one employer, so you can change without risking the residence.
    • Travel: You may stay outside the UAE for more than six months and keep the residence valid.
    • Family Continuity: Your spouse and children remain under your file; if the main holder is not alive any more, they can stay until their visas expire.

    Health and Lifestyle

    Health Insurance: Keep a valid plan that meets your emirate’s rules. If you are employed, you are usually covered by your employer. If not, arrange your own coverage.

    Lifestyle (Dubai): Eligible Golden Visa holders in Dubai can apply for Esaad, which offers discounts across education, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and more.

    Driving: If your home-country licence is on the approved list, you can usually convert. If it isn’t, you may be among the eligible residents for a direct test route but you still must pass all tests.

    Taxes and Company Setup

    Personal Income Tax: The UAE does not levy personal income tax on salaries.

    Corporate tax:

    • Mainland: 9% on profits above AED 375,000.
    • Free zones: 0% may apply to qualifying income if you meet all “qualifying free zone person” conditions; non-qualifying income is usually 9%.

    If you are pairing your visa with a company, select your company structure carefully. Decide mainland vs UAE free zone based on customers, contracts, and tax treatment.

    How to Get Golden Visa UAE

    Step 1: Choose Your Route

    We will help you choose the right category from the abovementioned categories for which you are eligible. We will do it carefully as requirements and document names can differ by emirate. We will follow the wording on the portal where we will apply for you.

    Step 2: Submit Your Documents

    We will assist you for the basic documents like as passport, photo, health insurance as well as the proofs for your route. For each category there are different requirements and we are well aware of it. We will help you submit your application through the right portal and pay the fees.

    Step 3: Receive the Entry Permit

    If you are outside the UAE and want to complete your Golden Visa process with Aurum. We will help you get a six-month multiple-entry entry permit to complete the remaining steps.

    Step 4: Do Medical Fitness & Biometrics

    Aurum team will also support you in completing the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.

    Step 5: Residence Stamping & Emirates ID

    We will help you get through the process fast and after receiving approval, your residence is stamped or it will be issued electronically. After successful issuance of your Golden Visa, your Emirates ID will show Golden Visa status.

    Step 6: Add Your Family

    Aurum team will also help you sponsor your spouse and children under your file. You can add domestic workers later if needed.

    If you want help, choose Aurum as our expert team offers you reliable golden visa service.

    Documents Checklist

    • Passport with validity
    • Recent photo (UAE spec)
    • Category-specific proofs (title deed, bank letters, trade licence, endorsements, contracts, mark sheets, etc.)
    • Health insurance as required
    • Copies of payment receipts and application confirmations

    Apply for Your Golden Visa with Aurum

    The golden visa UAE benefits are clear: longer residency windows, freedom from sponsor dependency, and stability for the whole family. For many, pairing the visa with the right company setup is the smart move. Aurum can support you from finalizing the category to the Golden Visa issuance as well as we assist you with business setup in UAE.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does the Golden Visa let me travel visa-free to lots of countries?

    No. Your passport determines visa-free access. There are some countries which offer easier entry to UAE residents, but it isn’t universal and policies change.

    Is the Golden Visa a path to citizenship?

    Not by itself. UAE citizenship for foreigners is by nomination under strict rules (2021 update). Most residents will stay as residents.

    Can I stay outside UAE for more than 6 months?

    Yes, Golden Visa holders’ residency will remain valid even if they are abroad longer than 6 months.

    Can I get an Esaad card?

    If you are in Dubai and hold a Golden Visa, you can apply and enjoy the discounts.

    For Golden Visa holder, is driving licence with classes or no classes?

    If your current licence is from an approved country, you can usually convert. If it’s not, Golden Visa holders can skip classes and take the tests directly.

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