UAE Golden Visa — eligibility, cost and long-term residency
The UAE Golden Visa offers renewable 5- or 10-year residency to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent and other qualifying applicants. Check the main eligibility routes, current cost components and how Aurum manages the application from assessment to Emirates ID.
What this guide covers
Quick summary
- Residency: renewable 5 or 10 years, depending on the qualifying category.
- Who it suits: investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, top talent and high earners.
- Investment route: around AED 2,000,000 in property or public investment.
- Family: eligible holders can sponsor a spouse and children; individual conditions apply.
- Flexibility: long trips abroad do not cancel the visa.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is the UAE's long-term residence programme. Depending on the qualifying category, it provides renewable residency for 5 or 10 years without an employer sponsor. Holders may remain outside the UAE for longer than six months without the residence permit becoming invalid, subject to the applicable rules.
It can also provide practical family and work flexibility: eligible holders may sponsor a spouse and children, retain independent residency when changing employment, and sponsor domestic staff where permitted. The exact term and supporting documents depend on the approved route.
UAE Golden Visa eligibility: who qualifies?
The Golden Visa is not only for the ultra-wealthy. It covers several categories, and many professionals qualify without realising it:
- Investors. Public investment or property of around AED 2,000,000, or a qualifying business.
- Entrepreneurs. Owners of a startup registered with an approved UAE incubator or with a certain project value.
- Specialised talents. Doctors, scientists, engineers, IT specialists, and leaders in culture, art and sport.
- Highly skilled professionals. Senior roles meeting a salary threshold — often around AED 30,000 a month — with the right qualifications.
- Outstanding students & graduates. Top performers from leading universities.
- Humanitarian pioneers & frontline heroes. Recognised contributors in specific fields.
Not sure which category fits you? Our free Golden Visa eligibility checker walks through the main routes in about two minutes and tells you where you stand.
UAE Golden Visa benefits
| Benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| 5- or 10-year residency | A renewable long-term residence period based on the approved category. |
| No employer sponsor | Your residency is yours — it is not cancelled if you change or leave a job. |
| Flexible travel | Long absences from the UAE do not cancel the visa. |
| Family sponsorship | Eligible holders can sponsor a spouse and children, subject to the relevant conditions. |
| Domestic staff | Sponsor domestic workers under your own name in many categories. |
UAE Golden Visa cost and fees in 2026
There is no single all-inclusive UAE Golden Visa price. The final amount depends on your eligibility category, the issuing authority, whether you apply inside or outside the UAE, medical screening, Emirates ID, insurance and the number of dependants. For Dubai investor applications, GDRFA lists a residence-permit fee of AED 1,100, plus AED 10 knowledge, AED 10 innovation, AED 500 for applications made inside the UAE and AED 20 delivery; other application, medical, Emirates ID, insurance and nomination charges may apply. Investment-based routes also require the qualifying investment itself. Aurum confirms the applicable government and professional fees in writing before starting. Official fees checked September 2026 and may change.
How to apply for a UAE Golden Visa
Applications go through the ICP or the relevant emirate's residency authority, and the route differs slightly by category. Aurum confirms your eligibility, assembles the evidence and manages the submission.
Confirm your category
We assess which Golden Visa route you qualify for and what evidence it needs.
Prepare your file
We gather qualifications, investment proof, salary certificates or nominations as required.
Submit the nomination
We file your application with the ICP or emirate authority and track its approval.
Medical & Emirates ID
You complete the medical test and biometrics inside the UAE.
Golden Visa issued
Your 5- or 10-year residency is issued and linked to your Emirates ID.
Sponsor your family
We prepare the eligible spouse and child sponsorship applications after your visa is issued.
UAE Golden Visa family sponsorship
One of the Golden Visa's biggest advantages is the ability for eligible holders to sponsor a spouse and children. The permitted term and documentation depend on the approved category and the relevant immigration authority. If a family member is instead joining you through work or standard sponsorship, our employment and family visa guide explains those routes. If you are still comparing long-term options, the investor visa guide sets out the shorter two and five-year alternatives.
Official sources
Golden Visa FAQs
Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents such as doctors and scientists, highly skilled professionals meeting a salary threshold, outstanding students, and recognised humanitarian and frontline contributors. Our free eligibility checker can tell you which route fits you.
How much do I need to invest for a Golden Visa?
The investor route generally requires a qualifying investment of around AED 2,000,000 in property or public investment. Other categories — talent, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs — are based on qualifications, salary or an approved project rather than a lump sum.
How long is the Golden Visa valid?
The Golden Visa is issued for 5 or 10 years depending on the qualifying category and is renewable when the conditions continue to be met. Holders may stay outside the UAE for longer than six months without invalidating the permit, subject to current rules.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Eligible Golden Visa holders can sponsor a spouse and children, and may sponsor domestic staff where permitted. The exact dependent term and supporting requirements should be confirmed for the approved category.
Do I need a job to keep my Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa is not tied to an employer, so it stays valid if you change jobs, become self-employed or leave employment altogether.
Can I qualify without buying property?
Yes. Many people qualify through the talent, skilled-professional, entrepreneur or student routes, which are based on qualifications, salary or achievement rather than an investment.
Ready to take action?
Whether you're ready to start or still comparing options, we'll give you a straight answer.
