UAE Golden Visa Guide: Benefits, Eligibility, How to Apply in 2025
- Musleh Taalib-Deen
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
Discover the 5- and 10-year UAE Golden Visa: its key benefits, who qualifies, step-by-step application process, and how you can secure one with expert guidance.
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residence status in the United Arab Emirates, allowing eligible foreign nationals and their families to live, work or study in UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It represents one of the UAE's strategic initiatives to attract investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents and high-achieving students. The visa is issued for either 5 or 10 years and is renewable, depending on the category. According to the official UAE Government portal, services for the Golden Visa are available via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and other emirate-specific authorities.
In this guide we'll explore the key benefits, who qualifies, and how to apply for the Golden Visa -- providing a clear roadmap and linking you directly to the official resources.
Table of Contents
How to Apply for the Golden Visa Ready to explore the Golden Visa and what it means for you or your family?
The Benefits of the Golden Visa
Here are the major advantages of securing a Golden Visa in the UAE:
Extended stay & stability: The visa offers 5- or 10-year residence permits (depending on the category) which are renewable as long as you continue to meet eligibility criteria.
No sponsor required: Many traditional UAE residence visas require an employer or local sponsor; the Golden Visa frees you from that requirement, giving you greater independence.
Ability to live, work, study: Holders can live in the UAE long-term, work or set up their own business (depending on category) and sponsor dependents.
Family inclusion: In many cases you can sponsor your spouse, children, and sometimes parents – giving your family the benefits of your longer-term residency status. For example, the investor category allows sponsoring family as per the Dubai Land Department’s listing.
Attractiveness for business and lifestyle: The Golden Visa enhances the UAE’s appeal as a base for doing business, investing, or relocating with your family — and signals stability to stakeholders, partners and dependents.
Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa?
Eligibility depends on the specific category under which you apply. Below are some of the main categories and official criteria:
Investor / Real Estate Investor / Public Investment
Per the Ministry of Economy (UAE) FAQ:
Deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in an investment fund or in UAE national banks operating in the UAE. Ministry of Education
Or establish an enterprise in the country with capital of at least AED 2,000,000. Ministry of Education
Or own one or more properties valued at least AED 2,000,000 (for real-estate investor category). Ministry of Education
Professionals, Talents, Researchers, Students
The ICP lists categories including specialized talents, researchers, and bright students with promising scientific capabilities. ICP
In Abu Dhabi, for example, the Skilled Professionals category requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), role classified as Level 1/2 by MOHRE, and minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000. Abu Dhabi DED
For top students: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) lists criteria such as high school GPA of 95% (or equivalent) or top university graduate. GDRFAD
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs who own or partner in a business classified as a pilot SME with revenue of not less than AED 1 million, or approved incubator project, may qualify. Ministry of Education
Creative & Cultural Talents
According to the Ministry of Culture and Youth initiative page: creatives in arts, design, heritage, music, etc., may be eligible under the Golden Visa scheme. Ministry of Culture
How to Apply for the Golden Visa
Here’s a streamlined step-by-step process you can follow (the exact steps may vary by emirate and category):
1.) Check your eligibility under the relevant category (investor, talent, professional, student, etc.). Use the official portal of ICP or the emirate authority. ICP
2.) Prepare your documentation, which typically includes your valid passport, photo, proof of eligibility (investment proof, academic credentials, employment contract, etc.), health insurance. For example, the Dubai Land Department requires the e-certificate of title/deed, photo, passport, etc. Dubai Land Department
3.) Submit the application via the designated platform (ICP Smart Services, emirate portal such as TAMM for Abu Dhabi, or GDRFA for Dubai) or through your authorized service provider. GDRFAD
4.) Undergo medical exam and security checks, as required for residence permits. Then pay applicable fees. (Note: The fees vary by category and emirate.) Citizen Remote
5.) Receive your Golden Visa/residence permit, then proceed with Emirates ID registration and final visa stamping (if required).
6.) Sponsor your family (if eligible) and ensure you continue to meet the conditions for renewal (e.g., maintain investment level or employment status).
Ready to explore the Golden Visa and what it means for you or your family?
Visit our website www.SilverSmithBusinessSolutions.ae for a free personalized consultation.
► We cover the full process – business setup or investment planning, visa application, family sponsorship and ongoing support.
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Phone: +971 4 123 4567
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Location: Burjuman Business Tower Floor, 18 Office No 42, Al Mankhool Dubai, UAE
Feel free to reach out anytime — we’re here to help you begin your UAE residency and business setup journey.
References
“Golden visa | The Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae)”. U.AE
“Golden Visa – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security”. ICP
“What are the requirements for issuing a Golden Visa to an investor … – Ministry of Economy (UAE)”. Ministry of Education
“Golden visas for investors and entrepreneurs” – Invest in Dubai. Invest in Dubai
“Issuing a golden residence permit (investors)” – GDRFA. GDRFAD
“Abu Dhabi Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals” – Abu Dhabi Residents Office / Added. Abu Dhabi DED
“Golden Visa – Ministry of Culture (UAE)”. Ministry of Culture
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