UAE Golden Visa

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program launched by the UAE government to attract investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent from around the world.

Key features:

10-year renewable residency (some categories offer 5 years)
No sponsor required, your visa isn’t tied to an employer
Sponsor your family, spouse, children, and even parents
Live anywhere in the UAE, and move between emirates freely
No minimum stay, you can be outside the UAE for more than 180 days without losing your visa
Full ownership, you can own 100% of your business

Since it launched in 2019, over 158,000 Golden Visas have been issued. The program keeps expanding. More categories. Lower barriers. Easier applications.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Categories)

The Golden Visa isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are multiple paths. Pick the one that fits you.

1. Investors (Real Estate)

Minimum investment: AED 2 million in property

What counts:

One property worth AED 2 million or more.
Multiple properties combined, reaching AED 2 million.
Off-plan properties from RERA-approved developers.
Mortgaged properties (with bank NOC).

Key rules:

Property must be in a designated freehold area.
Value confirmed by DLD valuation certificate, not purchase price.
You must be inside the UAE to complete the process.

Good news: The old rule about paying a 50% down payment on mortgaged properties was removed in January 2024. If your property value hits AED 2 million, you qualify, regardless of how much you’ve paid so far.

Total cost: Approximately AED 9,885 for the main applicant.

Medical: AED 700
Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,153
Residency permit: AED 2,857
DLD fees: AED 4,020
Administrative fees: AED 1,155

2. Investors (Public Funds)

Minimum investment: AED 2 million in an approved investment fund

What counts:

Deposit in a UAE-licensed investment fund
Or establish a business with AED 2 million capital
Or own a company paying AED 250,000+ annually in federal taxes

Key rule: Investment cannot be financed by a loan.

3. Entrepreneurs

Minimum project value: AED 500,000

You qualify if:

You own a pilot project registered in the UAE as an SME, generating annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
Or you’re approved by an accredited business incubator (like AREA 2071 in Dubai or HUB 71 in Abu Dhabi).
Or you’ve previously sold a project for at least AED 7 million.

Required:

Comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family.
Approval letter from the relevant authorities.

4. Skilled Professionals (Salary-Based)

This is the category most people ask about. Yes, you can qualify based on your salary.

Requirements :

Requirement	Details
Monthly salary	Minimum AED 30,000
Employment contract	Valid UAE contract
Education	Bachelor’s degree or higher, attested by UAE Ministry of Education
Profession level	Must be classified as Level 1 or 2 by MOHRE
Professional license	Required for regulated professions (doctors, pharmacists, teachers, etc.)

Which professions qualify?

Healthcare (doctors, nurses, specialists).
Engineering.
Information technology.
Education.
Science and research.
Management and executive roles.

Processing time: 48 hours after all documents are approved. The total process typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Cost: From AED 2,707

5. Outstanding Talents

This category covers people with exceptional abilities in specific fields.

Doctors:

Approval letter from the Ministry of Health to practice in the UAE.

Scientists:

Recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists.

Creatives and artists:

Approval from the relevant Department of Culture and Arts.

Inventors:

Recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.

Executives:

Certified university degree.
Minimum 5 years of experience.
Salary of AED 50,000+.
Valid employment contract.

Engineers and specialists in:

Artificial Intelligence.
Big Data.
Biotechnology.
Epidemiology.
Computer Engineering.
Software Engineering.
Electronics.

6. Outstanding Students

For high school students:

Recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
5-year Golden Visa.

For university students:

GPA of 3.8 or higher.
Recommendation from an accredited university.
10-year Golden Visa.

Benefits: Can sponsor parents, siblings, and eventually a spouse and children.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Golden Visa

The process is fully digital now. Here’s what happens at each stage.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you do anything, confirm you qualify.

For investors: Calculate your total property value. Get a current DLD valuation certificate; market value matters, not what you paid.
For professionals: Check your MOHRE classification. Confirm your degree is attested. Get a salary certificate showing AED 30,000+
For entrepreneurs: Gather your project documents and approvals.

You can use the ICP online eligibility tool to check.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Before you do anything, confirm you qualify.

Valid passport (6+ months validity).
Recent photograph meeting ICP specifications.

Valid UAE health insurance.

Proof of housing in the UAE (title deed or tenancy contract).
Current Emirates ID (if applicable).

Title deed or e-certificate of title.

DLD valuation certificate.

Bank NOC (if property is mortgaged).
Mortgage statement showing paid amount (if applicable).

Attested degree certificate.

Salary certificate.

Valid employment contract.
Professional license (if required).

Auditor’s letter confirming project value.
Approval from the business incubator or the relevant authority.

Step 3: Submit Nomination Application

ICP Smart Services website (www.icp.gov.ae) or the UAEICP app for most emirates.

Go to the Golden Residency Services on the home page. You can also check your eligibility on this page by clicking the eligibility option

Select whether you are inside or outside the UAE.

If you choose inside, then select the nomination request.

If you choose outside, then select the start service option.

Go to the service option on the home page and select residency services. From here, you can select the golden residency option.

Then, select the golden visa type according to your category (entrepreneur, student, etc.) and click on start services.

What you’ll do:

Upload all required documents
Pay the application fees
Submit and wait for review

Once submitted, you can track your visa application status online.

You’ll receive notifications at each stage.

Step 4: Receive Initial Approval

If your nomination is approved, you’ll get an invitation to proceed with the full visa application.

Step 5: Cancel Existing Residency (If Applicable)

If you already hold a UAE residency visa, it must be cancelled after receiving Golden Visa approval.
You can cancel your current residency visa by visiting the public visa services on Icp and selecting the cancellation of current visa option.
On GDRFA, go to the services option, under it go to residency services and select cancellation of residency visa..
The ICP handles the status change automatically. If there are fines on your old visa, you’ll get a payment link. Clear those first.

Step 6: Complete Medical Test

All applicants aged 18+ must undergo a medical fitness test.

What to expect:

Blood test (HIV, hepatitis, etc).
Chest X-ray (for tuberculosis).

Results are usually ready within 24-48 hours. At Smart Salem centres, results are electronic within 30 minutes.

Step 7: Biometrics (Fingerprints)

If your biometrics aren’t already in the system, you’ll get a link to schedule an appointment at any ICA or GDRFA center.

Step 8: Receive Your Golden Visa and Emirates ID

Once everything is approved, your 10-year residence permit is issued electronically. You’ll receive instructions for collecting your Emirates ID.

The whole process from submission to visa issuance typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Golden Visa Costs by Category

Category	Total Cost (Approx)	Includes
Property Investor (10-year)	AED 9,885	Medical, ID, permit, DLD fees
Professional (10-year)	From AED 2,707	Varies by situation
Family Member (per dependent)	AED 5,775	10-year residency
Parent (per parent)	AED 5,775	10-year residency

Additional fees:

Knowledge Dirham: AED 10.
Innovation Dirham: AED 10.
In-country processing (if inside UAE): AED 500.

Benefits Once You Have the Visa

Sponsor your family: spouse, children (no age limit for daughters; sons up to 25), and parents.
No 180-day rule: Unlike standard visas, you can stay outside the UAE for as long as you want without losing residency.
Work freedom: Work for multiple employers, start a business, or do both.
Sponsor domestic staff: House help, drivers, etc.
Access to services: Healthcare, education, and banking are all easier.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Applications

1. Wrong Portal

Applying through ICP when you should use GDRFA (or vice versa) causes delays. Know which one covers your emirate.

2. Property Value Issues

Using the purchase price instead of the current DLD valuation. If your property value dropped below AED 2 million, you may not qualify.

3. Missing Bank NOC

If your property has a mortgage, you must have a no-objection certificate from the bank.

4. Unattested Degrees

For professionals, your degree must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. Foreign degrees need equivalency certificates.

5. Salary Below Threshold

AED 30,000 is the minimum. Your salary certificate must clearly show this amount. Allowances count if they’re part of your contract.

6. Incomplete Documents

Missing passport copies, photos that don’t meet specifications, and expired documents all cause rejection.

Outstanding Fines or Violations

Previous overstays, unpaid fines, or immigration violations will block your application.

What Happens at Renewal?

The Golden Visa is renewable every 10 years, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.

For property investors

You must still own a qualifying property worth AED 2 million+ at renewal time. If you sold the property, you won’t qualify for renewal under this category.

For professionals

You must meet the salary and employment requirements that qualified you for the Golden Visa initially, which means providing updated proof that your monthly income is above the required threshold.

When renewal time approaches, checking our visa processing and pending status guide helps you track your renewal application every step of the way.”

Good news: Selling your property during the 10-year period doesn’t cancel your visa. It only matters at renewal.

Green Visa (5-Year Residency)

The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residency introduced for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who want independence from employer sponsorship. Unlike the standard employment visa that ties you to one company, the Green Visa lets you live and work in the UAE on your own terms.

Think of it as the middle path between a standard work visa (2 years, employer-sponsored) and the Golden Visa (10 years, high investment). It’s designed for people who have a good income or skills but don’t necessarily meet the Golden Visa’s AED 2 million investment threshold.

Who Can Apply?

The Green Visa covers three main categories :

1. Skilled Professionals

Requirement	Details
Job level	Must fall under MOHRE occupational Levels 1, 2, or 3 (managers, scientists, engineers, technical professionals)
Education	Bachelor’s degree or higher
Salary	Minimum AED 15,000 per month
Contract	Valid employment contract with a UAE-based company

2. Freelancers and Self-Employed

Requirement	Details
Permit	Valid freelance or self-employment permit from MOHRE
Education	Bachelor’s degree or diploma
Income	Annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the past two years (or proof of financial solvency)

3. Investors and Business Partners

Requirement	Details
Investment	Minimum AED 1 million in a UAE-based business
Ownership	Must be listed as a shareholder or partner in the company’s legal documents
License	Valid trade license from the mainland or the free zone
Approval	Approval from the relevant local authorities

The old 2-year investor visa was phased out in 2022 and replaced by this 5-year Green Visa option.

Benefits of the Green Visa

Benefit	What It Means
Self-sponsored	No employer or UAE national sponsor needed
5-year validity	Renewable as long as you meet the criteria
Family sponsorship	Sponsor spouse, children, and first-degree relatives
Extended children’s age	Sons up to 25 years, unmarried daughters of any age
Children of determination	Issued residence visas regardless of age
6-month grace period	If your visa expires or is cancelled, you have 6 months to stay in the UAE
Business freedom	Legally run your own company, access banking, and lease property
Travel flexibility	Multi-entry travel and access to GCC countries

Documents You'll Need

For all applicants:

Valid passport (6+ months validity).
Recent passport-size photos.
Medical fitness test report.
Valid UAE health insurance.
Proof of accommodation (tenancy contract).
Emirates ID application form.

Additional by category :

Category	Documents
Skilled professionals	Degree certificates (attested), employment contract, salary certificate, and MOHRE classification
Freelancers	Freelance permit, degree/diploma, bank statements showing income, tax returns (if applicable)
Investors/partners	Trade license copy, Memorandum of Association (MOA), proof of AED 1 million investment, approval from authorities

How to Apply Step by Step

Go to the ICP Smart Services portal (for most emirates) or GDRFA Dubai portal (if you’re in Dubai).

Select “Green Residency” under services option on GDRFA.

Choose your category (skilled professional, freelancer, or investor)

Fill out the online form with personal and professional details
Upload all required documents

Application and processing fees vary by category and location. You’ll pay online through the portal.

Authorities review your application. You may be asked to submit additional documents. Responding quickly helps speed things up.

If you’re outside the UAE and approved, you’ll receive an entry permit valid for 60 days to travel to the UAE.

Once in the UAE, complete:

Medical fitness test at an approved center.
Biometric fingerprinting for Emirates ID.

Submit all documents to GDRFA or ICP. Once approved, your 5-year Green Residence Visa is issued electronically. Your Emirates ID will be delivered by post.

Processing time: 2 to 15 working days total.

Green Visa Costs (Approximate)

Cost Component	Amount (AED)
Residence permit fee	200
Knowledge/Innovation Dirhams	20
In-country status change (if inside UAE)	500
Medical fitness test	300 – 500
Emirates ID (5 years)	1,000 – 1,200
Health insurance	700 – 1,500
Typing/service fees	500 – 1,000
Estimated total	3,200 – 4,500

Costs vary based on your situation and service providers.

Green Visa vs Golden Visa: Quick Comparison

Feature	Green Visa	Golden Visa
Validity	5 years	10 years
Target audience	Skilled professionals, freelancers, mid-level investors	High-value investors, exceptional talent, top professionals
Investment required	AED 1 million (investors)	AED 2 million (investors)
Salary requirement	AED 15,000/month	No fixed salary (talent-based)
Self-sponsored	Yes	Yes
Family sponsorship	Yes (with extended age limits)	Yes
Grace period	6 months	6+ months

The Green Visa suits professionals seeking independence and medium-term stability. The Golden Visa is for those planning deeper, long-term roots .

Blue Visa (10-Year Residency for Sustainability Leaders)

The Blue Visa is the UAE’s newest long-term residency option, a 10-year visa designed specifically for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

Think of it as the “Green Golden Visa.” It recognizes people working to protect our planet, whether through climate research, conservation, or sustainability innovation.

What Is the Blue Visa?

Launched in 2025–2026, the Blue Visa is a 10-year residence permit for environmental advocates, sustainability experts, and climate pioneers. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global leader in environmental innovation and climate action.

Who Can Apply?

The Blue Visa is open to individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability both inside and outside the UAE.

Eligible individuals include :

Category	Examples
Environmental researchers	Climate scientists, marine biologists, and conservation researchers
Sustainability experts	Professionals in renewable energy, circular economy, green technology
Global award winners	Recipients of international environmental awards
NGO/association members	Leaders in environmental non-profits and advocacy groups
International organization members	UN environmental program participants, global climate bodies
Distinguished activists	Recognized environmental advocates and campaigners

The visa is available to both Emiratis and expatriates who meet the criteria .

Fields of Expertise Recognized

According to experts, the Blue Visa will attract talent in the following areas:

Environmental, conservation, and governance (ECG): Developing policies and guidelines that improve environmental regulations.
Sustainable development: Integrating sustainability across sectors, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.
Marine life conservation: Research, monitoring, restoration of marine ecosystems.
Climate action: Reducing carbon emissions, advancing renewable energy.
Environmental sciences: Research and innovation in sustainability.
Policy-making: Climate action and conservation governance.

How to Apply

There are two ways to get the Blue Visa :

Your employer starts everything. They must:

Have a valid trade license and no violations with MOHRE .
Apply for a visa quota based on their office space (for free zones, it’s typically one visa per 9 square meters).
Submit a job offer and employment contract through the MOHRE system.

The contract must be signed by both parties. Once submitted, MOHRE reviews it. This takes 1 to 5 working days.

Once the work permit is approved, you receive an entry permit. This is sometimes called a “pink visa”.
If you’re outside the UAE, the entry permit lets you enter the country. It’s valid for 60 days.
If you’re already in the UAE, you’ll get a “change of status” permit instead. Same 60-day validity.
During these 60 days, you must complete all remaining steps, including medical, biometrics, and visa stamping .

All applicants must pass a medical test at a government-approved center .

What they check:

Blood test (HIV, hepatitis, etc.)
Chest X-ray (for tuberculosis)

Results usually come within 48 hours. VIP services can be faster, 4-6 hours.

If you test positive for certain communicable diseases, your visa will be rejected.

Next, you visit an EIDA center (ICP) to provide biometrics, fingerprints, and a photo.
This registers you for your Emirates ID, which is your official ID card in the UAE. It’s linked to your visa and lets you open bank accounts, sign contracts, and more.
Emirates ID is usually issued within 1-2 weeks.

Once your medical results are clear and your biometrics are done, your employer applies for your residence visa.

For Dubai visas: Processed through GDRFA.
For other emirates: Processed through ICP.

The visa is issued electronically within 48 hours. Your passport gets stamped (or digitally linked) with the residence visa.

For private sector employees, MOHRE activates your work permit after the residence visa is issued. This officially authorizes you to start working.

Option 1: Direct Application

Sustainability experts and advocates can apply directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) .

Option 2: Nomination by Authorities

Qualified individuals can be nominated by competent UAE authorities, including :

Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Environmental agencies.
Approved business incubators and sustainability organizations.

In the first phase, 20 sustainability thought leaders and innovators were granted the Blue Visa through nomination.

Benefits of the Blue Visa

Benefit	What It Means
10-year residency	Long-term stability for environmental pioneers
Self-sponsored	No employer or local sponsor required
Family sponsorship	Sponsor spouse, children, and dependents
Travel flexibility	No strict 180-day stay requirement
Recognition	Official UAE government recognition of your environmental contributions
Global mobility	Base yourself in the UAE while working on global sustainability projects

Blue Visa vs Golden Visa vs Green Visa

Feature	Blue Visa	Golden Visa	Green Visa
Validity	10 years	10 years	5 years
Focus	Environmental sustainability	Investment, exceptional talent	Skilled professionals, freelancers
Key requirement	Proven contribution to environment	AED 2 million investment or exceptional talent	AED 15,000 salary or AED 1 million investment
Self-sponsored	Yes	Yes	Yes

Why the Blue Visa Matters

The Blue Visa positions the UAE as a global hub for sustainability talent. For environmental professionals, it offers :

A stable base to operate from in the Middle East
Recognition of their life’s work
Opportunity to contribute to UAE’s green transformation
Access to a dynamic economy while working on global environmental challenges

As one expert noted: “The Blue Visa significantly enriches prospects for freelancers and consultants specialising in the environmental and sustainability sectors. By offering extended residency options, it provides these professionals with a stable and attractive base to operate within the UAE” .