UAE Golden Visa Requirements and Costs 2026

Last updated: March 2026

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What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme introduced by the United Arab Emirates government in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022. It grants qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and exceptional talents the right to live, work, and study in the UAE for a renewable period of ten years — without the need for a national sponsor and without any minimum physical stay requirement.

Unlike a standard UAE residence visa, which is typically tied to employment and valid for only two to three years, the Golden Visa offers genuine long-term stability. Holders are free to travel internationally without fear of their status lapsing and can build a life in one of the world's most dynamic business hubs. The programme is administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in coordination with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate.

For a broader comparison of long-term residency and investment migration options globally, visit our guide to the best golden visa investment programmes.

UAE Golden Visa Requirements and Cost: Investment Options Explained

The UAE Golden Visa requirements and cost vary depending on which category the applicant qualifies under. Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary investment and qualification pathways available in 2026.

1. Real Estate Investment

This is the most popular route for internationally mobile families and investors. Applicants must purchase one or more properties in the UAE with a combined value of at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). The property can be off-plan (purchased from an approved developer) or completed. Crucially, since the 2022 rule update, mortgaged properties are permitted — provided the portion already paid to the bank meets the AED 2 million threshold. The property must be residential and located within the UAE.

2. Business Investment

Entrepreneurs and investors who own or establish a business in the UAE may qualify under two sub-categories:

• Established investors: Those with a minimum capital investment of AED 2 million in an existing UAE company, or who own a business valued at AED 2 million or more.
• Start-up entrepreneurs: Founders of an approved, innovative start-up with a minimum valuation confirmed by an accredited business incubator or accelerator.

3. Skilled Professionals and Employees

Individuals working in priority sectors — including healthcare, science, technology, engineering, education, law, and business — may qualify if they hold a valid employment contract with a company in the UAE and earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,170). Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent and be employed at a first-grade job classification level.

4. Scientists and Researchers

Persons who hold a doctorate or master's degree from a reputable university in specific scientific fields, or who hold a recognised patent or have made significant contributions to their field, may apply through a nomination from the Emirates Scientists Council or a relevant UAE government authority.

5. Outstanding Students and Graduates

Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 from UAE universities, or those who graduate from one of the world's top 100 universities (as ranked by recognised global indices), may apply within two years of graduation. This route is particularly valuable for families already educating their children in the UAE or abroad.

6. Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes

A dedicated category exists for individuals who have made outstanding contributions in humanitarian work, or who were recognised as frontline heroes during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications in this category are made by nomination.

Government Fees and Professional Costs

In addition to the investment itself, applicants should budget for the following:

• ICP/GDRFA application fees: Approximately AED 2,800–4,000 (USD 760–1,090) per adult applicant, covering the residency visa issuance, Emirates ID, and medical examination.
• Dependant fees: Each family member included in the application incurs similar processing fees.
• Professional consultancy and legal fees: Mirabello Consultancy's service fees are disclosed clearly during your initial consultation — we believe in full fee transparency with no hidden charges.
• Property transfer fees (real estate route): A transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price is payable to the relevant emirate's land department (e.g., the Dubai Land Department).

Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa?

To be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa, applicants must generally meet the following baseline requirements, in addition to satisfying the investment or professional criteria outlined above:

• Hold a valid passport from any nationality (the UAE Golden Visa is open to all nationalities).
• Pass a UAE medical examination (screening for communicable diseases).
• Maintain a clean criminal record — both domestically and internationally.
• Demonstrate that any investment meets the minimum qualifying threshold.
• For employment-based categories: hold a valid UAE employment contract and meet the salary and education thresholds.

There is no age restriction for the primary applicant, and no language requirement. The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most inclusive long-term residency schemes in the world in terms of nationality eligibility. Whether you are a European entrepreneur, a South Asian skilled professional, or a GCC national seeking to cement your ties to the UAE, the programme is designed to accommodate a wide range of profiles.

For families considering a second citizenship as well as residency, our comprehensive guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes outlines complementary options that pair well with UAE residency.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Understanding the procedural pathway is essential for managing expectations and ensuring a smooth application. Here is how the UAE Golden Visa application process typically unfolds when working with Mirabello Consultancy:

1. Initial eligibility assessment: Our consultants conduct a thorough review of your personal and financial profile to identify the most appropriate Golden Visa category, minimising risk and maximising speed of approval.
2. Document preparation: We compile and authenticate all required documents, including passport copies, title deeds or investment proof, salary certificates, educational certificates, and medical records. All foreign documents must be attested and officially translated into Arabic where required.
3. Entry permit (if applicable): If the applicant is outside the UAE, a Golden Visa entry permit is applied for through the ICP or relevant GDRFA portal. This permit allows entry into the UAE to complete the residency stamping process.
4. Medical fitness test: Conducted at an approved health centre in the UAE. Results are typically available within 48–72 hours.
5. Emirates ID registration: Biometrics are taken at an ICP-approved service centre as part of the Emirates ID enrolment process.
6. Residency visa stamping: The Golden Visa stamp is applied to the passport. For real estate investors, this can often be completed in a single visit to the relevant authority.
7. Emirates ID issuance: The physical Emirates ID card is delivered, completing the process and confirming full residency status.

Mirabello Consultancy manages every stage of this process on your behalf, liaising directly with UAE authorities, coordinating document authentication across multiple jurisdictions, and keeping you informed at every step.

Processing Times and Timeline

One of the most attractive aspects of the UAE Golden Visa is its relatively swift processing timeline compared to other major residency programmes globally.

• Entry permit issuance: Typically 5–10 business days once the application is submitted online.
• Medical examination and Emirates ID biometrics: Can usually be completed within 1–3 days of arrival or appointment booking.
• Emirates ID delivery: Approximately 5–7 business days after biometric enrolment.
• Visa stamping: Same day to 3 business days in most cases.

In total, applicants with documents already prepared can complete the UAE Golden Visa process in as little as 2–3 weeks. More complex cases — particularly where foreign document authentication is involved — may take 6–8 weeks. Mirabello Consultancy's pre-submission document review is specifically designed to avoid delays caused by incomplete or incorrectly attested paperwork.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa delivers a compelling suite of benefits that make it one of the most sought-after long-term residency schemes in the world:

• 10-year renewable residency: Live, work, study, and conduct business in the UAE for a decade, with straightforward renewal as long as qualifying conditions are maintained.
• No minimum stay requirement: Unlike many residency programmes, the UAE Golden Visa does not require holders to spend a minimum number of days per year in the country. Your visa will not lapse due to extended travel.
• Zero personal income tax: The UAE levies no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax on residents, making it one of the world's most tax-efficient jurisdictions for wealth management.
• World-class infrastructure: From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers outstanding healthcare, education, connectivity, and lifestyle amenities.
• Business environment: Free zone structures, 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, and streamlined company formation make the UAE a premier destination for entrepreneurs and investors.
• Strategic location: Positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE serves as an ideal base for globally active individuals and families.
• Safety and stability: The UAE consistently ranks among the world's safest countries, with low crime rates and strong political stability.
• UAE travel document access: Whilst the Golden Visa is a residency (not citizenship) programme, holders with UAE citizenship benefit from one of the world's most powerful passports, with access to 180+ destinations visa-free. For those interested in accelerating towards UAE citizenship, Mirabello Consultancy can advise on the distinct naturalisation pathway.

Family Inclusion: Who Can You Sponsor?

The UAE Golden Visa programme is deliberately designed to be family-friendly. As a Golden Visa holder, you may sponsor the following dependants under your residency:

• Spouse: Your husband or wife may be included regardless of nationality.
• Children: Sons and daughters of any age may be included. Notably, male children are permitted to remain on the Golden Visa beyond the age of 18 — a significant advantage over standard UAE residence visas, which require young men to obtain independent sponsorship at adulthood.
• Parents: In many categories, Golden Visa holders may also sponsor their parents for long-term residence in the UAE.
• Domestic staff: Household staff, including drivers and housekeepers, can be sponsored under the Golden Visa holder's file.

Each dependant is subject to the standard processing fees (AED 2,800–4,000 per person) and must undergo a medical examination. There is no restriction on the number of dependants you may include. Family members retain their Golden Visa residency even if the primary visa holder passes away — a vital protection for families making long-term lifestyle decisions based on UAE residence.

To explore how the UAE Golden Visa compares to similar programmes in the region and beyond, visit our detailed profile on the UAE Golden Visa programme page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment required for the UAE Golden Visa?

The minimum investment for the real estate route is AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). For business investors, the minimum capital investment threshold is also AED 2 million. Skilled professionals qualify based on salary and employment criteria rather than a direct financial investment, with a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 required.

How long does the UAE Golden Visa last, and can it be renewed?

The UAE Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and is renewable. Renewal is straightforward provided you continue to meet the qualifying criteria — for example, maintaining ownership of the qualifying property or continuing in the relevant professional role. There is no upper limit on renewals, making this an indefinite long-term residency solution.

Does the UAE Golden Visa lead to UAE citizenship?

The UAE Golden Visa is a residency programme, not a citizenship pathway. UAE citizenship is separate and granted by naturalisation under specific presidential decree — it is not automatically available through long-term residency. However, holding a Golden Visa and establishing deep ties to the UAE may be relevant context when naturalisation is being considered. Mirabello Consultancy can advise on both residency and citizenship options during your consultation.

Can I include my adult children in my UAE Golden Visa application?

Yes. One of the distinctive advantages of the UAE Golden Visa over standard residence visas is that adult children — including sons above the age of 18 — may be included as dependants. Daughters may also be sponsored regardless of age and marital status in many cases. This makes the Golden Visa particularly attractive for families with older children studying or starting their careers.

Do I need to live in the UAE to maintain my Golden Visa?

No. The UAE Golden Visa does not impose a minimum annual stay requirement. You may live abroad for extended periods without your UAE residency lapsing. This is a fundamental advantage for internationally mobile individuals who wish to maintain UAE residency as part of a diversified global lifestyle without being required to spend a set number of days in the country each year.

What documents are required for a UAE Golden Visa application?

Core documents typically include a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), passport-sized photographs, proof of qualifying investment or employment (e.g., title deed, salary certificate, business licence), educational certificates (for professional categories), a clean criminal record certificate, and medical fitness test results. Foreign documents generally require official translation into Arabic and attestation. Mirabello Consultancy's document management service ensures all materials are prepared to the precise standard required by UAE authorities.

How much does it cost in total to obtain the UAE Golden Visa?

Total costs vary by route. For the real estate route, the all-in cost includes the property investment (minimum AED 2 million / USD 545,000), the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, and government processing fees of approximately AED 2,800–4,000 per applicant. For professional applicants, costs are limited to government processing fees and professional service fees, as no direct capital investment is required. Mirabello Consultancy provides a full, transparent cost breakdown during your initial consultation.