The UAE golden visa requirements come down to one question: which category you fit. A foreign resident can qualify by investing at least AED 2 million, earning a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more in a senior job, running a successful business, graduating at the top of a class, or being nominated as an exceptional talent.
This guide explains every route with the exact numbers published by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Land Department. It also covers the documents, the real fees, the family rules and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
What Are the UAE Golden Visa Requirements?
The UAE golden visa requirements are a minimum investment of AED 2 million, a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 with a bachelor’s degree, a business with AED 1 million in yearly revenue, top academic grades, or an official nomination in a talent category. Meeting one route is enough.
The golden visa, officially called Golden Residency, is a long term residence permit that needs no employer or family sponsor. The ICP Golden Residency guide now lists a 10 year residency for every category, renewable as long as the holder still meets the conditions.
Route
Main requirement
Who approves
Property investor
Property worth AED 2 million or more
Dubai Land Department or ICP
Public investor
AED 2 million in a company, fund or bank deposit
GDRFA or ICP
Skilled professional
AED 30,000 monthly salary, degree, MOHRE level 1 or 2
ICP or ADRO
Entrepreneur
AED 1 million yearly revenue or AED 7 million exit
Incubator or authority, then ICP
Outstanding student
95% in grade 12 or GPA 3.5 plus
Ministry of Education, then ICP
Exceptional talent
Official nomination letter
Relevant ministry or authority
Humanitarian pioneer
5 years of service or AED 2 million donated
ICP with the relevant body
ICP lists a 10 year residency for investors and entrepreneurs in its Golden Residency guide. Source: icp.gov.ae
Every applicant also needs a passport valid for at least six months and valid health insurance. Our guide to health insurance for golden visa holders explains which plans meet the rule.
Golden Visa Requirements for Investors
Investors qualify for the golden visa with at least AED 2 million placed in UAE property, a UAE company, an approved investment fund or a frozen bank deposit. The money must belong to the investor, and ICP asks for proof of its source.
Property Investors
A property investor needs one or more properties worth at least AED 2 million in total, registered in the investor’s name. According to GDRFA Dubai, a jointly owned property only counts if the applicant’s own share is worth AED 2 million, and a lien stays on the property for the life of the visa.
Mortgaged property is allowed, with a no objection letter from the bank showing the amount paid and the balance
Off plan units of AED 2 million or more qualify when bought from an approved developer, as listed by ICP
Dubai uses the purchase value at the time of buying, not today’s market value
The applicant must be inside the UAE to apply through the Dubai Land Department
Public Investment, Deposit and Tax Routes
A public investor can qualify without property. GDRFA Dubai accepts any one of these:
A share of company assets worth at least AED 2 million, backed by an audited financial report
A deposit of AED 2 million or more with an accredited UAE bank, or in local bonds or Sukuk, frozen for at least 2 years
A company paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes, confirmed by the Federal Tax Authority
The deposit cannot be withdrawn during the 10 year validity, and the investor must be able to support the family without government help.
Golden Visa Salary Requirement for Skilled Professionals
The golden visa salary requirement is a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, together with a bachelor’s degree and a job classed as level 1 or level 2 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Level 1 covers managers and executives, while level 2 covers professionals in fields such as science, engineering, health, education, IT and law.
A salary certificate plus 6 months of bank statements showing AED 30,000 a month
A valid UAE practising licence where the job needs one, such as doctors or teachers
Foreign degrees usually need attestation and, for many jobs, an UAE equivalency certificate before the application. If the salary later drops below AED 30,000 or the job ends, the visa can be reviewed.
Golden Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs qualify for the golden visa through a project with at least AED 1 million in yearly revenue, an idea approved by an accredited incubator or the Ministry of Economy, or the earlier sale of a business for AED 7 million or more. ICP lists these three paths, and the company can be on the mainland or in a free zone.
In Dubai, GDRFA entrepreneur rules add a nomination from the Dubai Future Foundation before the file is reviewed. The nomination is not final approval, so GDRFA still checks the documents.
Golden Visa Requirements for Students and Graduates
Students qualify for the golden visa with a grade 12 score of at least 95%, or a university GPA of at least 3.5 within two years of graduating. The exact rules depend on where the student studied.
Student type
Grade needed
Extra condition
High school
95% or more
School licensed in the UAE, certificate attested
UAE university, class A
GPA 3.5 or more
Graduated within 2 years
UAE university, class B
GPA 3.8 or more
Graduated within 2 years
Foreign university
GPA 3.5 or more
World top 100, within 2 years
According to GDRFA student rules, a student golden residency is not renewed once it expires, so graduates usually move to a work based visa or another golden visa route later.
Golden Visa for Exceptional Talents and Humanitarian Pioneers
Exceptional talents get the golden visa through a nomination letter from the authority that oversees their field, not through a fixed salary or investment. The ICP talent visa service names the approving bodies:
Culture and arts: UAE cultural authorities, with proof such as awards or five years of creative work
Innovators and inventors: the Ministry of Economy or the local authority
Athletes: the General Sports Authority or local sports councils
Digital technology talents: the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions
Scientists, doctors and specialists: bodies such as the Emirates Scientists Council or the Ministry of Health and Prevention
Humanitarian pioneers need five years with a recognised international, regional or non profit organisation, or donations of at least AED 2 million, plus a university degree. Frontline heroes are recognised through official nominations by the authorities. Nurses have their own route, explained in our guide to the UAE golden visa for nurses.
Documents Required for the UAE Golden Visa
The documents required for the UAE golden visa start with a passport, a photo and health insurance, and then add proof for the chosen route. Foreign documents normally need attestation by the UAE embassy abroad and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Route
Key documents
All applicants
Passport valid 6 months, photo, health insurance, Emirates ID and residence copy if any
Property
Title deed or e certificate, bank letter if mortgaged
Company or tax
Audited report, trade licence, FTA tax letter
Skilled professional
Contract, salary certificate, 6 months of bank statements, attested degree
Student
Attested certificate or transcript with the required grade
Talent or humanitarian
Nomination or recommendation letter
Every adult applicant also completes the residence medical test. Our guide to the UAE medical fitness test explains where to take it and what it costs.
How to Get a Golden Visa in the UAE
To get a golden visa in the UAE, you confirm your category, collect the evidence, apply through ICP, GDRFA Dubai or the Dubai Land Department, pay the fees and complete the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics. Most complete files are processed within days.
Check your category with the eligibility tool linked from the ICP Golden Residency guide.
Get any nomination first if your route needs one, such as a talent, entrepreneur or humanitarian letter.
Apply online through ICP smart services or the GDRFA Dubai website with UAE PASS, or visit an Amer centre. Dubai property owners apply at Dubai Land Department service centres.
Pay the fees, then complete the medical test and Emirates ID fingerprints.
Receive the residence permit electronically after approval.
Applicants who are still abroad can receive a six month multiple entry visa, renewable once for six more months, to finish the process inside the UAE. You can track the file using our guide to check UAE visa status.
How Much Does the UAE Golden Visa Cost?
A UAE golden visa for a Dubai property investor costs AED 9,884.75 through the Dubai Land Department, which already includes the medical test and a 10 year Emirates ID. Other routes are priced by GDRFA or ICP and depend on the category.
Dubai Land Department fee
Amount (AED)
Medical examination
700
Emirates ID, 10 years
1,153
Residency permit, 10 years
2,856.75
Dubai Land Department fee
4,020
Administrative fee
1,155
Total for the investor
9,884.75
The Dubai Land Department golden visa service lists AED 5,774.50 for each spouse or child, the same for each parent, a one time AED 318.75 family file fee and AED 100 extra per sponsored person.
Worked Example: Investor With a Spouse and Two Children
A Dubai property investor sponsoring a spouse and two children would pay about AED 27,827 in government fees:
Investor: AED 9,884.75
Three family permits at AED 5,774.50 each: AED 17,323.50
Family file opening: AED 318.75
AED 100 for each of the three family members: AED 300
Health insurance for each person is a separate cost. For non property routes, GDRFA Dubai lists a residence permit fee of AED 1,100, AED 20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees, AED 500 for applying inside the country and AED 20 delivery, with AED 100 added for each year beyond two years.
UAE Golden Visa Benefits
The main UAE golden visa benefits are 10 years of residency without a sponsor, the right to sponsor family of any age and domestic workers, and freedom to stay abroad for long periods without losing the visa. ICP lists these benefits:
Residence permits for spouses and children of any age, and for parents
Sponsorship of domestic workers under UAE rules
Freedom to live, work, study and invest in the UAE
A six month multiple entry visa for eligible applicants who are abroad
Family members can stay until their permits expire if the golden visa holder dies
ICP lists the official benefits of Golden Residency, including family sponsorship of any age. Source: icp.gov.ae
Golden visa holders are also exempt from the usual rule that cancels a residence visa after more than six months outside the UAE. In Dubai, Dubai Police sends the free Esaad privilege card to eligible golden visa holders by SMS, giving discounts at thousands of partner businesses.
Family Sponsorship Rules for Golden Visa Holders
A golden visa holder can sponsor a spouse, children of any age and parents for residence visas of the same length. The Dubai Land Department asks for an undertaking that sons and daughters over 18 are unmarried.
Spouse and children: certified marriage and birth certificates, health insurance and photos
Parents: a dependency certificate from the consulate and a certified birth certificate
A mother sponsoring children needs a notarized no objection letter from the father
Conditions You Must Keep After Getting the Golden Visa
The golden visa stays valid only while the holder keeps meeting the original condition. GDRFA Dubai states that an investor cannot sell the qualifying property or withdraw the frozen deposit during the 10 year period.
Property investors keep ownership, with the lien in place
Skilled professionals keep a salary of AED 30,000 or more in a qualifying job
Entrepreneurs keep the business active
Student golden residency is not renewed after it ends
Renewal follows the same conditions. Our UAE residence visa renewal guide covers the general renewal steps and timings.
Common Reasons Golden Visa Applications Are Rejected
Most golden visa rejections come from evidence that does not match the threshold exactly. These are the mistakes to check before applying:
A property bought for less than AED 2 million, even if it is worth more today
A joint property where the applicant’s own share is below AED 2 million
A salary of AED 30,000 on paper that bank statements do not show for 6 months
A job title that is not MOHRE level 1 or 2
A degree that is not attested, or a graduation older than two years for the student route
Funds borrowed or not traceable to the investor
Golden Visa vs Other Long Term UAE Visas
The golden visa is the longest UAE residence permit, but it is not the only self sponsored option. The green visa gives 5 years to freelancers, skilled workers and investors with lower thresholds, as explained in our golden visa vs green visa comparison.
Retirees aged 55 or over have a separate 5 year route, and environmental champions can apply for the blue visa. Our overview of the types of UAE residence visa compares every option.
UAE Golden Visa Requirements: Latest Updates
These points were checked against official pages in October 2026:
ICP’s Golden Residency guide lists a 10 year residency for all categories, including property investors and entrepreneurs.
The Dubai Land Department lists AED 9,884.75 for a property investor’s 10 year golden visa, with processing in 7 to 10 working days.
ICP accepts off plan property of AED 2 million or more from an approved developer.
The UAE government portal still shows 5 year terms for some categories in its older table, so confirm the term shown on your approval.
Conclusion
The UAE golden visa requirements are clear once you pick your route: AED 2 million for investors, AED 30,000 a month plus a degree for professionals, proven revenue for entrepreneurs, top grades for students, or a nomination for talents. Check the ICP eligibility tool first, prepare evidence that matches the threshold exactly, and budget for family fees and health insurance. For more residency topics, browse our UAE visa guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the UAE golden visa requirements in 2026?
The UAE golden visa requirements in 2026 are AED 2 million in property or other investments, a monthly salary of AED 30,000 with a degree and a MOHRE level 1 or 2 job, a business with AED 1 million in yearly revenue, top academic results, or an official talent nomination. Applicants also need a valid passport and health insurance.
What is the minimum salary for the UAE golden visa?
The minimum salary for the UAE golden visa is AED 30,000 a month for skilled professionals. The applicant also needs a bachelor’s degree, a job classed as MOHRE level 1 or 2 and 6 months of bank statements showing the salary.
Can I get a golden visa with property worth less than AED 2 million?
No single property needs to reach AED 2 million in Dubai, because GDRFA accepts one or more properties worth AED 2 million in total. The value counted is the purchase price, and a joint owner’s own share must reach AED 2 million.
Can I get a UAE golden visa with a mortgaged property?
Yes, a mortgaged property can qualify for the UAE golden visa. The Dubai Land Department asks for a no objection letter from the bank showing the amount paid and the balance.
How much does the golden visa cost in Dubai?
The golden visa costs AED 9,884.75 for a Dubai property investor through the Dubai Land Department. Each spouse, child or parent adds AED 5,774.50, plus a one time AED 318.75 file fee and AED 100 per person.
Can I apply for the golden visa from outside the UAE?
Yes, ICP grants eligible applicants abroad a six month multiple entry visa, renewable once, to complete the golden visa inside the UAE. Dubai property investors must be in the UAE when they apply at a Dubai Land Department centre.
Do golden visa holders lose residency after six months abroad?
No, golden visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency. The visa only lapses if it expires and is not renewed.
Can golden visa holders sponsor their parents?
Yes, golden visa holders can sponsor their parents, spouse and children of any age. Parents need a dependency certificate from the consulate and health insurance.
Is health insurance required for the UAE golden visa?
Yes, ICP requires valid health insurance for the golden visa holder and every sponsored family member. The plan must be valid in the emirate where the visa is issued.
Anees is a UAE-based content creator, writer, and SEO professional with over 12 years of experience. Since 2014, he has published research-backed guides on UAE visas, labour laws, jobs, traffic fines, and government services, all verified against official sources. He is certified in SEO by HubSpot Academy and Digital Marketing by Google Digital Garage.
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Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only, based on publicly available UAE laws and regulations. It does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with official UAE government sources or a qualified legal professional.
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