Golden Visa
GLV
Definition
Long-term residence visa of 5 or 10 years that does not require an employer sponsor. Handled alongside family sponsorships and investor visas by senior visa specialists.
Also known as
- UAE 10-Year Visa
- Long-term Residence Visa
- Golden Residency
Attributes
| Type | Long-term residence visa |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Arab Emirates |
| Applicable law | UAE immigration laws |
| Governing authority | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Country | UAE |
| Currency | AED |
| Reports to | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) |
| Member of | UAE Golden Visa Program |
What it is
The Golden Visa is a long-term UAE residency, granted for 5 or 10 years, that does not require an employer sponsor. It was introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022 to cover investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, scientists, outstanding students, frontline workers, humanitarian pioneers, and creative professionals. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) issue and renew Golden Visas.
Unlike standard employment or investor visas, a Golden Visa holder sponsors themselves — there is no employer, partner, or family member tied to the residency. The holder may sponsor their spouse, children (any age), and domestic workers. Holders can stay outside the UAE for unlimited periods without losing residency, a clear departure from the 6-month rule on standard visas.
Eligibility is category-driven, not income-driven alone: a real-estate investor with property worth at least AED 2 million qualifies, as does a public-investor with AED 2 million in approved deposits, a salary-based skilled professional earning AED 30,000+ monthly with the right academic and seniority profile, or a holder of distinguished talent in science, technology, culture, or sport.
Key characteristics
- Duration
- 5 or 10 years (renewable)
- Sponsorship
- Self-sponsored — no employer required
- Family
- Sponsor spouse, all children, and domestic workers
- Stay-outside rule
- No 6-month limit; can stay abroad indefinitely
- Authority
- ICP (federal) and GDRFA (Dubai)
- Issuance
- 1–4 weeks for a complete file in the right category
How it works
The Golden Visa is typically obtained through one of three main pathways: investor, family, or profession.
1. **Investor Pathway:** Requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million in a UAE-licensed company. 2. **Family Pathway:** Allows individuals to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents for a long-term residency visa. 3. **Profession Pathway:** For highly skilled professionals and specialists, meeting specific criteria and demonstrating relevant experience.
The application process involves submitting required documents, including proof of investment, family relationship, or professional qualifications, along with other supporting documentation. Once approved, the Golden Visa is issued, granting the holder the right to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years.
Types of Golden Visa
| Type | Description | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Golden Visa | Real estate worth ≥ AED 2 million or approved investment fund commitments | Property and capital investors |
| Entrepreneur Golden Visa | Founder of an SME with AED 1 million+ revenue or an approved startup project | Operating-business founders |
| Specialised Talent | Doctors, scientists, inventors, executives meeting category criteria | Professional achievement-based |
| Outstanding Student | Top secondary-school and university grads (UAE or top-100 global universities) | Education excellence pathway |
| Skilled Professional | Salary AED 30,000+ with bachelor's degree and specified job categories | High-income employees |
Examples
A startup founder in Dubai whose company hits AED 1 million revenue applies under the Entrepreneur category. A property buyer with two AED 1.5 million apartments combines them to qualify for the Investor category.
Why it matters
The Golden Visa decouples residency from a specific employer or business. For founders, that means trade-license amendments, layoffs, even Company Liquidation no longer threaten residency. For families, the children's visas don't expire when they turn 18 — a meaningful long-term planning advantage.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
Golden Visa = UAE citizenship.
Reality
It is a renewable residence visa, not citizenship. UAE citizenship remains separate, by Cabinet decree, and is rare.
Misconception
Anyone earning a high salary qualifies automatically.
Reality
Salary is one trigger; you must also hold the right academic profile, role classification, and current valid residency. ICP/GDRFA validate against published category criteria.
FAQs
- How long does a Golden Visa application take?
- From submission of a complete file, ICP/GDRFA typically issue the entry permit in 1–2 weeks and the residency stamping within 4 weeks. Talent and entrepreneur categories can take 4–8 weeks because of the additional nomination/recommendation process.
- Can I keep my Golden Visa if I leave the UAE for a long time?
- Yes. The Golden Visa removes the standard 6-month-out-of-country rule. Holders can live and work abroad while maintaining UAE residency, Emirates ID, and family sponsorship rights.
- Does the Golden Visa give 0% tax automatically?
- It gives UAE tax residency on the personal side (which is already 0% income tax). Corporate tax obligations on any UAE-licensed business you own remain unchanged — register with the FTA and file as normal.
See also
- UAE Residency Visa
- Investor Visa
- Family Sponsorship
- UAE Golden Visa(Best Solution service)
For better understanding, see also
- UAE Golden Visa: Your Long-Term Dubai Residency Awaits(post)
- Establishment Card in Dubai | Requirements, Process Guide(post)
- Business Ideas in Dubai 2025: Top Opportunities & Trends(post)
- Dubai Visa Guide 2025: Options for Expats & Entrepreneurs(post)
- Market Research in Dubai: Business Setup Guide in UAE(post)
- Start a Business in Dubai: Top Reasons & Benefits in 2024(post)
- Dubai Property Investor Visa: New Rules Explained(news)
- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility: Your Gateway to Long-Term Residency(news)
- UAE Introduces New Visit Visa Categories & Updates Entry Permit Rule(news)
- UAE Golden Visa Now Open to Waqf Donors: Support Humanity(news)
- UAE Visa for Pakistanis 2025: Latest Updates & How to Apply(news)
- New VAT Rules in UAE: Updates for Businesses in 2026(news)
- UAE Passport & Emirates ID Renewal Made Easy | Apply Online(news)
- UAE Visa Updates 2025: New Rules for Dubai Entry & Residency(news)
- Company Formation in Dubai | Business Setup & Benefits(news)
- How do you expect Dubai’s startup environment to evolve in the next years?(insight)
- UAE Golden Visa for Waqf Donors: A New Chapter for Humanitarian Support(news)
- Visa Options for Entrepreneurs and Employees in Dubai: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide(post)
- Doing Business in UAE(post)
- Doing Business in UAE(post)
- 8 Types of Business Visa in Dubai: Benefits and Eligibility Needed(post)
- UAE Golden Visa for Investors & Entrepreneurs – Your Gateway to Long-Term Residency in 2025(post)
Sources
External references
Need help with Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa
