What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, with the option to renew. Unlike standard residence visas, it doesn’t require a sponsor, giving you complete independence.

Key Benefits of the Golden Visa

• Long-term stability: 5 or 10-year renewable residence
• No sponsor required: Complete independence from employers or local partners
• Extended travel flexibility: Stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing your residency
• Full family sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse and children of all ages
• Unlimited domestic staff: Sponsor household helpers without restrictions
• Tax advantages: No personal income tax in the UAE
• Business ownership: 100% ownership in free zones and certain mainland activities

New Golden Visa Categories Added in 2025-2026

The UAE government has been actively expanding the Golden Visa program to attract diverse talent. Here are the newest categories:

1. Healthcare Professionals (Nurses)

Announced: May 2025 by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

Eligibility: Nurses with 15+ years of service at Dubai Health Authority

Duration: 10 years

This category recognizes the critical role healthcare workers play in the UAE’s medical infrastructure. Nurses who have dedicated over a decade and a half to Dubai’s healthcare system can now access long-term residency.

2. Educators and Teachers

Coverage: Teachers, principals, and university faculty

Locations: Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah educational institutions

Requirements: Endorsement from KHDA (Dubai) or RAK Department of Knowledge

Recognizing the importance of quality education, the UAE is offering Golden Visas to educators who contribute to the country’s academic excellence.

3. Content Creators and Influencers

Announced: January 2025 (following the 1 Billion Followers Summit)

Eligible professions: Influencers, filmmakers, podcasters, digital marketers, photographers

Requirements: Registration with Creators HQ and proven portfolio/track record

As the UAE positions itself as a global hub for digital content, creators with established audiences and professional portfolios can now secure long-term residency.

4. E-Sports Professionals

Age requirement: 25 years and above

Coverage: Professional gamers, developers, and gaming industry experts

Requirements: Accreditation from Dubai Culture or Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism

The booming gaming industry in the Middle East has prompted the UAE to welcome e-sports talent as part of its vision to become a digital entertainment hub.

5. Luxury Yacht Owners

Requirements: Ownership of vessels 40 meters and above

Target: Maritime industry executives and high-net-worth individuals

This category supports the UAE’s thriving luxury maritime sector and attracts affluent individuals who contribute to the local economy.

Established Golden Visa Routes (Still Active)

While the new categories are exciting, the traditional routes remain the most common pathways to Golden Visa residency:

Real Estate Investors

Investment requirement: AED 2 million or more in property

Duration: 5 years, renewable

Process: Requires a letter from the emirate’s Land Department confirming property ownership

You can invest in a single property or multiple properties that collectively meet the AED 2 million threshold. The property can be purchased with a loan from approved UAE banks.

Entrepreneurs

Project value: AED 500,000 minimum

Duration: 5 years

Requirements:

• Approval from an accredited UAE business incubator
• Auditor’s letter confirming project value
• Confirmation that the project is technology-based or innovation-driven

Public Investment Investors

Investment requirement: AED 2 million in an accredited UAE investment fund

Duration: 10 years

Additional criteria:

• Capital must be fully owned (not financed through loans)
• Proof of medical insurance for the applicant and family

Specialized Talents

Duration: 10 years

Categories include:

• Doctors (with MOH approval)
• Scientists (with Emirates Council of Scientists recommendation)
• Inventors (with Ministry of Economy approval for patents with economic value)
• Artists and creatives (with cultural authority approval)
• Athletes (with General Sports Authority recommendation)
• Executive directors (AED 50,000+ monthly salary, 5+ years experience)

Outstanding Students

High school students: 95%+ grades, 5-year visa

University students: GPA 3.5+ (Class A universities) or 3.8+ (Class B), 10-year visa

Requirement: Graduation within the last 2 years

How to Apply for the Golden Visa

Important: All Golden Visa applications must be submitted through official government channels only. The UAE government does not recognize any external consultancy as authorized to submit visa applications on your behalf.

Application Process Overview

1. Check eligibility: Contact us to confirm which category you qualify for
2. Gather documents: Prepare all required supporting documents (varies by category)
3. Submit application: Use the “One Touch” service for streamlined processing
4. Pay fees: Application and processing fees vary by emirate
5. Medical examination: Complete required health checks
6. Emirates ID: Apply for your Emirates ID once approved
7. Receive visa: Final Golden Visa stamped in passport

Required Documents (General)

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of eligibility (investment documents, property deeds, employment contracts, etc.)
• Medical insurance coverage
• Category-specific endorsement letters or approvals

Setting Up Your Business for Golden Visa Eligibility

If you’re planning to qualify through the entrepreneur or investor route, your business structure matters. Here’s what you need to know:

Mainland vs Free Zone Companies

Mainland Companies

• Can trade anywhere in the UAE
• Access to government contracts
• Some activities require UAE national partner (though this is changing)
• Subject to 9% corporate tax (with exemptions available)

Free Zone Companies

• 100% foreign ownership guaranteed
• 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
• 100% profit repatriation
• Limited to trading within free zone and internationally (restrictions on UAE mainland trading)

Popular free zones for Golden Visa entrepreneurs include:

• DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
• DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
• Dubai Internet City
• IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)
• Meydan Free Zone
• Shams Free Zone (Sharjah)

Business Setup Timeline

From our experience at Consult To Us, here’s a realistic timeline:

• Company formation: 3-7 days (free zone) or 7-14 days (mainland)
• Trade license issuance: 1-2 weeks
• Bank account opening: 2-6 weeks (varies significantly by bank)
• Golden Visa application: 2-4 weeks after business documents are ready

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unauthorized agents: Only apply through official ICP channels. Many “consultants” promise visa submissions but can’t actually file applications.
2. Incomplete documentation: Missing a single required document can delay your application by weeks. Double-check requirements before submission.
3. Wrong business structure: Setting up a company that doesn’t align with your long-term goals. Get professional advice before choosing mainland vs. free zone.
4. Unrealistic timelines: Banking procedures in the UAE can be slower than expected. Don’t book flights or make commitments based on overly optimistic timelines.
5. Ignoring ongoing compliance: Golden Visa holders must maintain their eligibility criteria. If you qualified as an investor, you must maintain the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work for any company with a Golden Visa?

Yes. Unlike standard employment visas, the Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer. You can work for any company, start your own business, or freelance.

What happens if I don’t meet the income requirements anymore?

For categories like executive directors with salary requirements, you must maintain eligibility throughout the visa period. If circumstances change, consult with ICP about your options.

Can I sponsor my parents?

Currently, the Golden Visa allows sponsorship of spouses and children. Parent sponsorship follows separate visa rules but may be possible under certain conditions.

Do I need to live in the UAE full-time?

No. One of the main benefits is the flexibility to stay outside the UAE for extended periods (more than the standard 6 months) without losing your residency.

How long does the application take?

Using the “One Touch” service, most applications are processed within 2-4 weeks, though complex cases may take longer. Bank account opening often takes longer than the visa itself.

How Consult ToUs Can Help

While Golden Visa applications must be submitted directly through ICP, we help with the foundation that makes you eligible:

Business Setup Services

• Mainland, free zone, and offshore company formation
• Trade license acquisition
• Business activity selection and approval
• Office space solutions (physical and virtual)

Banking Solutions

• Corporate bank account opening with major UAE banks
• Multi-currency account setup
• Document preparation and liaison
• Relationship management support

Visa Processing Support

• Document preparation for Golden Visa applications
• Business setup aligned with visa eligibility requirements
• Employee visa processing for your company
• Family sponsorship guidance

Ongoing Compliance

• Tax registration and filing (corporate tax, VAT)
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• License renewals
• Legal documentation

We work with clients from initial consultation through to operational business, ensuring your setup positions you correctly for Golden Visa eligibility.

Official Resources & Contact Information

Government Portals

• UAE Government Portal: u.ae/golden-visa
• Smart Services Portal: smartservices.icp.gov.ae