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UAE Golden Visa: Types, eligibility – the complete guide to long-term residency in 2025

Here is everything you need to know about receiving a UAE Golden Visa

by Staff Writer
UAE Golden Visas
In 2024, the UAE introduced several new rules that have significant implications for residents and businesses. Image: Shutterstock

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security offers Golden Visas for periods of five to ten years.

The programme allows residents and foreign expatriates to live in the UAE without requiring a sponsor.

13 reasons to set up a business in the UAE: Golden visas, no income tax, 100% ownership, free zones, low tariffs and more

Here is everything you need to know about receiving a Golden Visa in UAE:

Who can apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

  1. Investors
    • Put AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund, or
    • Own a business worth AED 2 million, or
    • Own shares worth AED 2 million in a UAE company, or
    • Own a company that pays AED 250,000 in annual taxes
  2. Property owners
    • Own property worth AED 2 million or more
    • Property must be fully paid off (no mortgages)
    • Must show proof you live in the UAE
  3. Entrepreneurs
    • Have a project worth at least AED 500,000
    • Project must be tech-focused or innovative
    • Apply through AREA 2071 in Dubai or HUB71 in Abu Dhabi
  4. Professionals doctors and scientists:
    • Doctors need UAE Ministry of Health approval
    • Scientists need recommendation from Emirates Council of Scientists
  5. Inventors:
    • A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy which states that a patent has an added value to the country’s economy
  6. Creative professionals:
    • Artists need approval from the Department of Culture and Arts
    • Inventors need the Ministry of Economy backing
  7. Business leaders:
    • Must have university degree
    • 5+ years experience
    • Earn at least AED 50,000
    • Have a valid UAE work contract
  8. Specialists:
    • Must have rare skills needed in UAE
    • Athletes need sports council recommendation
    • Engineers and scientists in fields like:
      • Computer engineering
      • Electronics
      • Programming
      • Biotechnology
      • AI and big data
      • Epidemiology
  9. Students in high school:
    • Need top grades
    • Get 5-year visa
    • Can sponsor family members
    • Can extend visa for longer courses
  10. University students:
    • Need 3.8 GPA or higher
    • Get 10-year visa
    • Can sponsor family
    • Can bring spouse and children if financially able
  11. Pioneers of humanitarian work
    • International/regional organisation workers with a minimum 5 years of service with an outstanding performance record.
    • Civil association employees with a minimum 5 years in public interest institutions and demonstrated significant contributions.
    • Humanitarian award recipients with recognition from local, regional, or international humanitarian organisations.
    • Humanitarian funders with a minimum donation of AED2 million direct financial support to humanitarian causes.
  12. Frontline workers
    • Eligible workers who worked during crises like COVID-19 pandemic
    • Covered professional categories include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, and pharmacologists and other cadres approved by frontline heroes office
    • Requires recommendation from competent authority

How to apply for a UAE Golden Visa:

  1. Submit application on the ICP website or ICP UAE Smart app
  2. Upload your documents
  3. Pay fees
  4. Wait for nomination approval
  5. Complete final visa process

Every applicant will need:

  • A valid passport
  • Health insurance (1+ year)
  • Proof of UAE residence
  • Professional certificates as needed

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