UAE Golden Visa 2026: Eligibility, Requirements & How to Apply

Last updated: May 5, 2026

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that lets foreign nationals live, work, or study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years without needing a local sponsor. It is renewable, open to investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and more, and allows holders to sponsor family members.

Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

Real estate investors

You must own property — or a portfolio of properties — with a combined value of at least AED 2 million, as certified by the relevant land department.

As of February 2026, the requirement to pay at least 50% of the property value upfront has been removed. Mortgaged properties and off-plan purchases from approved developers now qualify, as long as the total registered value meets the AED 2 million threshold.

Required document: a letter from the land department confirming ownership of property worth no less than AED 2 million.

For Dubai applicants, the new unified GDRFA–DLD digital platform lets you handle the entire property-based visa process in one place.

Public investors

You qualify with any of the following:

A deposit of at least AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited investment fund
A commercial or industrial license showing investor capital of AED 2 million or more
A Federal Tax Authority letter confirming annual government payments of at least AED 250,000

Capital must be owned outright — loans do not qualify. Banks including ADCB, Ajman Bank, FAB, and RAKBank facilitate the deposit process.

As of May 2026, qualifying founders who inject AED 2 million into Emirati startups can receive fast-track residency and fee waivers on up to three dependent sponsorships under new SME-growth incentives.

Entrepreneurs and startup owners

Entrepreneurs with a UAE-registered company under the SME category with annual revenues of AED 1 million or more are eligible. You can also qualify if:

You founded a previous startup sold for at least AED 7 million
You own an innovative or tech-based project approved by the Ministry of Economy or a competent local authority, with an auditor’s letter confirming project value of at least AED 500,000, and endorsement from an accredited UAE business incubator

Exceptional talents

Open to individuals with outstanding achievements in art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, and law. The visa is awarded on talent alone — employment status and salary are not factors. A recommendation from a relevant government entity is required.

Creative people in culture and art: evidence of at least three qualifying criteria — award/nomination from a prestigious authority, honorary position, active membership in a recognized arts body, critical/media recognition, or work shown at prestigious forums
Inventors: approval from the Ministry of Economy or competent local authority
Athletes: recommendation from the General Sports Authority or a sports council
Doctoral degree holders

Executives

Senior executives qualify with a bachelor’s degree (or above) attested by the Ministry of Education, at least 5 years of experience in their current role, a valid work contract, and a salary of at least AED 50,000 per month.

Specialists in engineering and science

A bachelor’s or master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education and a valid work contract are required. Qualifying fields include artificial intelligence, big data, computer engineering, software engineering, electronic engineering, electrical engineering, genetics and biotechnology, and epidemiology.

Scientists and researchers

Applicants must hold a PhD or master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from a top-ranked university. A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council, or a letter confirming the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, is required.

Exceptional coders

The National Programme for Coders offers Golden Visas to distinguished software engineers, computer scientists, AI and data science specialists, and professionals working for leading global tech firms.

Skilled professionals

One of the broadest categories, covering professionals in education, law, technology, science, healthcare, social sciences, and more.

Requirements: a valid UAE employment contract, MoHRE occupational level 1 or 2 classification, a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (allowances excluded), and a bachelor’s degree.

Supporting documents: employer NOC from HR, a golden visa nomination from the relevant ministry, 6 months of salary bank statements, and valid health insurance.

Digital content creators

Video, audio, written, and artistic content creators for online and social platforms can apply through the Creators HQ initiative. Applicants must be at least 25 years old, show a proven track record with national or international impact, provide a portfolio and business plan, and hold a nomination from Creators HQ. Confirm current fees on the Creators HQ Golden Visa page.

Doctors, nurses, and frontline health workers

Doctors require an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Nurses with 15 or more years of experience now also qualify.

Medical assistants, lab technicians, and pharmacologists who demonstrated extraordinary effort during crises qualify with a recommendation from the Frontline Heroes Office.

Students

UAE secondary school toppers with a minimum grade of 95% qualify with a Ministry of Education recommendation.

University graduates from Ministry-rated A or B class institutions qualify with a GPA of 3.5 (A-class) or 3.8 (B-class). Graduates from top-100 global universities need a GPA of at least 3.5. Graduation must be within the last 2 years, and the degree must be Ministry-attested.

School leaders and teachers

Principals, vice principals, heads of departments, school directors, and teachers across public and private schools are eligible. This extends to academic heads and full-time faculty at higher education institutions, and managers of early childhood centers.

RAK applicants can apply through the RAK Department of Knowledge website. Nominees must be formally recommended by their institution’s board of governors.

Humanitarian pioneers and volunteers

Qualifiers include outstanding members of international or regional humanitarian organizations (minimum 5 years of service), award recipients from recognized humanitarian bodies, and funders contributing at least AED 2 million. Volunteers with 500+ service hours also qualify.

Recognized platforms include Volunteers.ae, Emirates Red Crescent, Dubai Cares, and Dubai Volunteering Centre.

Preachers and religious researchers

Mosque imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have served the UAE for a minimum of 20 years are eligible.

Yacht owners (Abu Dhabi)

Abu Dhabi offers a Golden Visa for superyacht owners and key maritime executives under the Golden Quay program. Eligible individuals include private yacht owners with vessels of 40 meters or more, as well as CEOs, major shareholders of yacht building companies, central yacht agents, yacht service providers, and yacht insurance providers. Immediate family members are also included.

How to apply for the UAE Golden Visa

Applications are submitted online via the ICP Smart Services platform or the GDRFA Dubai website. In-person applications are accepted at AMER Centers.

The steps are the same across all channels: submit a nomination request, select your visa category, upload supporting documents, and pay the applicable fees. You can check your visa status on the ICP portal at any time.

Applicants outside the UAE must first obtain a 6-month multiple-entry entry permit via the ICP portal before completing the Golden Visa process.

Dubai property investors can now complete the entire process through one unified digital platform that connects GDRFA and the Dubai Land Department.

What does the UAE Golden Visa cost?

Total costs typically range from AED 3,500 to AED 10,000 depending on your category, covering visa issuance, Emirates ID, and medical examination. Verify current fees on the ICP portal before applying.

The approximate breakdown for the 10-year investor visa:

Fee Component	Approximate Amount (AED)
Medical examination	500 – 700
Emirates ID (10-year)	1,070 – 1,200
Visa issuance / residency confirmation	2,800 – 4,500
Administrative fees	~1,155
Family residence permit (per person)	~5,668
Family sponsorship file opening	~319

An additional AED 100 is charged for each sponsored family member. Document attestation, translation, and optional PRO service fees are charged separately.

For a detailed breakdown of all UAE visa fees, see our full guide.

What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

5- or 10-year renewable residency with no employer or local sponsor required
Ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency status
Sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic staff under the same visa
Sponsor parents for the full visa term — the mandatory security deposit previously required for parent sponsorship has been removed for Golden Visa holders
100% business ownership with no local partner needed
Access to the UAE’s healthcare and education systems
Tax-free personal income
6-month grace period after visa expiry or cancellation for skilled professionals and students

For more on re-entry rules and residency validity, read our guide on what Golden Visa holders should know before returning to the UAE.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a UAE Golden Visa through a mortgaged property?

Yes. As of February 2026, the requirement to pay 50% of the property value upfront has been removed. As long as the total registered value of your property (or properties) is at least AED 2 million, you qualify — regardless of how much of the mortgage remains.

How long does it take to get the UAE Golden Visa?

Processing averaged 5 to 10 working days for complete applications in Q1 2026. For property investors, the unified GDRFA–DLD platform targets approval in under 5 working days. Express processing options are available for faster turnaround.

Can I sponsor my family on a UAE Golden Visa?

Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and domestic staff. Parents can also be sponsored for the full visa term without the mandatory security deposit required for standard visa holders.

What is the minimum salary for the UAE Golden Visa as a skilled professional?

The minimum basic monthly salary is AED 30,000, excluding allowances. You must also hold a bachelor’s degree and be classified at occupational level 1 or 2 by MoHRE.

Can I apply for the UAE Golden Visa from outside the UAE?

Yes. Applicants outside the UAE must first obtain a 6-month multiple-entry entry permit via the ICP portal, then complete the Golden Visa process after entering the country for medical tests and biometrics.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.