UAE Golden Visa – Your Gateway to Long-term Success in the Emirates
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program designed for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and exceptional talents. It grants 5 or 10 years of renewable residency with complete freedom to live, work, study, and invest—without the need for a local sponsor.
Unlike standard visas, the Golden Visa provides stability, flexibility, and security, while also allowing you to sponsor family members. Eligibility is based on meeting criteria related to investment, talent, or professional achievements.
With Prism Dubai, the process becomes clear and manageable. We guide you through eligibility checks, document preparation, and government approvals, ensuring your application is fully compliant with UAE regulations.
Start your Golden Visa journey today with our expert consultants.
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Benefits of Golden Visa UAE
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency of 5 or 10 years without the need for a local sponsor, giving stability and flexibility. It allows family sponsorship, tax advantages, career freedom, and access to benefits such as a UAE driving license. Families can also remain in the country for the full visa duration, subject to approval.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a residence permit issued for either five or ten years that allows foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE. It is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, executives and individuals with exceptional talents.
Applicants must meet specific criteria based on their category—such as making qualifying investments, holding high‑level jobs or demonstrating outstanding achievements in their field.
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— Park Joon-ho, Client
We help individuals and businesses navigate the complex requirements and procedures involved in obtaining visas for travel, work, or relocation abroad.
UAE Golden Visa – Your Pathway Options
The UAE Golden Visa program offers a path to five‑ or ten‑year residency for investors, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals who contribute to the nation’s growth. Designed to attract people who work, innovate and succeed, this self‑sponsored visa lets you live, work and invest in Dubai and the wider UAE while enjoying a stable base in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
The Golden Visa, sometimes called the Dubai Golden Visa, provides a renewable long‑term residence permit for applicants and their families. It removes the need for a local sponsor and opens up opportunities for business, education and personal development in a tax‑friendly environment.
Eligibility and criteria
To qualify for the Golden Visa you must satisfy one of several investment, salary, property or talent‑based criteria. Applicants should also pass background checks and hold a valid passport.
You can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa through one of several independent pathways. Each pathway is independent – meeting one set of criteria is sufficient.
See all pathways below:
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
- Long-Term Residency: Enjoy a renewable 5 or 10 years visa without the need for a local sponsor, providing stability for you and your family.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers, ensuring your loved ones stay close and protected.
- Family Security: Family may remain in the UAE for the full visa duration, subject to approval.
- Tax Advantages: Benefit from the UAE’s tax-free personal income system and a favourable corporate tax environment.
- Career Flexibility: Golden Visa holders can work for any employer in the UAE, enjoying full professional freedom.
- UAE Driving License: Golden Visa holders from approved countries can automatically apply for a UAE driver’s license.
Investment Pathway
Earn your Golden Visa through smart investments in the UAE:
- Show proof of funds and commit to maintain the investment for 3 years.
- Deposit at least AED 2 million (approx. USD 550 000) in a UAE bank or approved investment fund for 2+ years.
- Invest AED 2 million+ in public shares or government approved bonds
Salary & Professional Pathway
Top professionals can qualify through career excellence:
- Earn a monthly salary of AED 30,000+ (approx. USD 8,000)
- Hold a senior leadership role (director or above) with 4+ years of experience
Property Pathway
Invest in UAE real estate to unlock residency:
- Purchasing property worth AED 2M+ (approx. USD 550,000)
- Investing in one or more off-plan properties from approved developers totalling AED 2M
- Owning a financed property with a down payment of AED 2M, fully handed over
Exceptional Talent and Education Pathway
Recognising world-class skills and innovation:
- Be a scientist, doctor, engineer, artist or other recognised professional with a proven track record and endorsements from respected organisations.
- Hold a PhD or equivalent advanced degree in your field.
- Demonstrate notable achievements or innovations in your industry.
How to apply for the Golden Visa
Securing your Golden Visa is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Here’s a clear guide to get started. We can also assist with your application:
Check Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the requirements for your chosen category – investor, professional, entrepreneur, or exceptional talent.
Gather Documents
Gather all necessary paperwork:
- Valid passport & passport photo
- Current residency visa or entry permit
- Medical fitness results
- Emirates ID
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of financial stability
- Private health insurance
- Category-specific documents such as investment proofs or attested qualifications
Obtain a Nomination (if applicable)
Certain categories, including scientists and creative professionals, require a nomination from a UAE authority before applying.
Submit Application
Apply through the official channels for your location and visa type:
- ICP Smart Services portal
- GDRFA Dubai website
- TAMM Abu Dhabi portal
Pay the fees
Golden Visa fees vary by emirate and visa category. Applicants applying from within the UAE typically pay AED 2,800–4,000, while fees for applicants outside the country may be higher.
Complete Medical & Security Checks
Undergo a medical fitness test and submit a UAE police clearance certificate to ensure eligibility.
Receive your Golden Visa
Once approved, you’ll receive a long-term residence permit and an updated Emirates ID, granting you and your family the privileges of the UAE Golden Visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a sponsor to renew my Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa is self-sponsored; you can renew it directly while maintaining eligibility.
Is there a limit on how many people I can sponsor?
You can sponsor your spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers—no limit—provided income and housing requirements are met.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor domestic helpers?
Yes. There is no limit, as long as salary and housing requirements set by UAE authorities are met.
Is there a limit on how many people I can sponsor?
You can sponsor your spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers—no limit—provided income and housing requirements are met.
When can I sponsor my family?
Sponsorship can start as soon as your Golden Visa is issued, and their residence permits will match your visa validity.
Can the Golden Visa be extended to my family members?
Yes. Your spouse, children, and sponsored household staff can hold residence permits for the entire Golden Visa period, even in the event of your passing.
What supporting documents are required for the Golden Visa application?
Applicants must provide:
- Valid passport & passport photo
- Entry permit or residency visa (if applying from within the UAE)
- Medical fitness test results
- Emirates ID
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of fee payment
- Evidence of financial self-sufficiency and private health insurance
- Category-specific documents such as investment proofs or attested educational certificates
Need help navigating the Golden Visa process?
Our visa consultants can guide you step by step and help you explore the best pathway. Book your consultation today by filling out the form.
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