UAE Golden Visa — 10-year long-term residency
The UAE Golden Visa grants a renewable ten-year residency that is not tied to an employer and survives long absences from the country. Here is who qualifies across investors, entrepreneurs and specialised talents, what it costs in 2026, and how we manage the application from eligibility to Emirates ID.
What this guide covers
Quick summary
- Residency: renewable 10 years, not tied to an employer.
- 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: sponsor spouse, children of any age and parents on the same term.
- Flexibility: long trips abroad do not cancel the visa.
What the UAE Golden Visa is
The Golden Visa is the UAE's long-term residence visa. Instead of the usual two or three-year cycle, it grants a renewable ten-year residency that is not tied to a single employer and is not cancelled if you spend long periods outside the country. For investors, founders, specialists and their families, it is the most secure way to make the UAE a long-term base.
It also comes with real day-to-day advantages: you can sponsor your spouse, children and parents, keep your residency even after leaving a job, and — in many categories — sponsor domestic staff. For a lot of our clients, the Golden Visa is the difference between living in the UAE and simply being based here for a while.
Who qualifies for a Golden Visa
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.
The benefits of a Golden Visa
| Benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| 10-year residency | A long, renewable term instead of the usual 2–3 year cycle. |
| 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 | Sponsor your spouse, children and parents, regardless of their age. |
| Domestic staff | Sponsor domestic workers under your own name in many categories. |
Golden Visa cost in 2026
Government fees for the Golden Visa are modest relative to what it gives you — the medical, Emirates ID and visa issuance for the main applicant generally fall within a few thousand dirhams, with additional fees per dependant. The larger number is the qualifying investment itself where the investor route applies. Because the categories and required documents vary, we quote you precisely for your situation before starting, and manage the nomination and paperwork so the application is right first time.
How to apply for a 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 ten-year residency is stamped and linked to your Emirates ID.
Sponsor your family
We add your spouse, children and parents to your sponsorship.
Bringing your family
One of the Golden Visa's biggest advantages is family security. You can sponsor your spouse and children regardless of the children's age, and your parents, all for the same ten-year term. 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
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- UAE Government portal — Golden Visa
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?
It grants a renewable ten-year residency. It is not cancelled by long periods spent outside the UAE, unlike standard residence visas.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, your children regardless of age, and your parents for the same ten-year term, and in many categories sponsor domestic staff too.
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.
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