Golden Visa: Your Path to Long-Term Residency in the UAE

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit issued for a period of 10 years with the right to automatic renewal. Unlike a standard employment or investment visa, it does not require a sponsor. This means that a foreigner who obtains this status is themselves the sponsor for themselves and their close relatives. The programme was launched in 2019 and has since undergone several improvements, becoming even more accessible.
The core idea behind this initiative is to attract capital, talent and innovation to the country. The UAE government understands that economic development requires not just temporary workers, but people who are ready to invest their resources, knowledge and time in the country’s future. The Golden Visa is the answer to the demand of affluent and highly qualified foreigners who seek long-term guarantees.
It is important to note that the visa is issued for 10 years, but is renewed automatically provided the qualifying basis is maintained. If an individual purchased property and obtained the status, the right to reside may be cancelled upon the sale of that property. However, during the validity of the visa, the holder can enjoy all privileges without any restrictions on the time spent inside the country or outside it.

To understand what a UAE Golden Visa provides, it is enough to glance at the list of opportunities available to its holder. This status is fundamentally different from all other types of residence permits.

• Complete independence from a sponsor. A standard residency visa requires an employer or business sponsor. The Golden Visa makes the applicant their own sponsor. This provides the freedom to resign, change jobs, open and close companies without the risk of losing the residence permit.
• Ability to bring the entire family. Status holders can sponsor their spouse, children (up to 25 years old) and even parents. There is no need to prove income annually to renew family members’ visas – they receive the status for the same term as the principal applicant.
• No restrictions on staying outside the country. Standard visas often require the resident to be in the UAE for at least 6 months a year. The Golden Visa removes this restriction. You can travel, live abroad and return at any moment without fear of having your status revoked.
• Tax advantages. The UAE is known for its zero personal income tax system. Golden Visa holders gain access to banking services, can open accounts and invest without any tax burden.
• Prestige and simplified access to services. The status automatically entitles you to an Emirates ID, which is the official identity document. With it, it is easier to rent accommodation, receive medical services and execute powers of attorney.

The Golden Visa is not a one-size-fits-all product that can be purchased by anyone. There are clearly defined categories of applicants who may qualify for this status. The primary criterion is a contribution to the UAE’s economy, science or culture.
To obtain a UAE Golden Visa, one must fall into one of the following categories:

• Investors – invest funds in real estate, bank deposits or business.
• Entrepreneurs – own a company registered in the UAE with a certain annual turnover.
• Outstanding talents – scientists, doctors, engineers, athletes or cultural figures.
• High-income specialists – IT experts, top managers with a salary of 30,000 AED or more per month.
• Students – graduates of UAE universities with excellent academic performance.

It is important to understand that each category has its own unique requirements.

This is the most sought-after category among all applicants. The cost of obtaining the status through property acquisition depends on the chosen path. For investors, there are two main options.
The first path: purchasing a property. To qualify for the 10-year visa, one must acquire a residential or commercial property worth no less than 2 million dirhams. This amount is the threshold. Prior to 2023, a 5-year visa could be obtained upon purchasing property from 1 million AED, but the main programme is now focused specifically on 2 million.
Important details concerning real estate investment:

• The property can be residential (apartment, villa) or commercial (office, shop).
• The purchase of multiple properties whose total value reaches the threshold is permitted.
• The acquisition of off-plan property is allowed, but the contract must be registered with the Dubai Land Department.
• The property must be owned outright by the applicant, not under mortgage (or the loan must amount to no more than 50% of the value).

The second path: an investment deposit in a bank. Instead of purchasing real estate, you can place funds on a deposit account with one of the accredited banks in the UAE for an amount of no less than 2 million AED. The deposit term is a minimum of 2 years. This option is convenient for those who do not want to deal with property management.
In both cases, the conditions require confirmation of the source of funds. The bank or Land Department will request statements proving the movement of money. If the property is purchased with a mortgage, the buyer’s own contribution must be at least 50%, and the total value of the property must be no less than 2 million AED.

Owners of companies registered in the UAE are also entitled to the Golden Visa. However, the criteria here are stricter. The applicant must:

• be the owner or founder of the business;
• have a company registered in the UAE;
• demonstrate an annual business turnover of no less than 1 million AED;
• for startups, obtain accreditation from a specialised body.

A particular feature for entrepreneurs is that the visa is issued for 5 or 10 years depending on the scale of the business. Some successful startups can obtain the status for 5 years with the right to renew. The key requirement is to conduct real business activity, submit reports and pay taxes, although the tax burden in the UAE is minimal.
Entrepreneurs who invest in innovative projects or open companies in the high-tech sphere receive priority in the application review process. The UAE government is interested in attracting a business community that creates jobs and develops the knowledge economy.

One of the most prestigious Golden Visa categories is designed for outstanding individuals in the fields of science, medicine, sports, culture and the arts. This is not just a residence permit, but a recognition of merit.

• Scientists and researchers. They must have a PhD, publications in leading international journals and obtain approval from the UAE Ministry of Science.
• Doctors and medical professionals. Outstanding specialists in fields such as cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery can obtain the status. Proof of high qualifications and employment at accredited medical centres is required.
• Athletes. Olympic Games and world championship winners, renowned coaches and sports managers.
• Cultural and artistic figures. Writers, artists, musicians with international recognition.

For this category, the conditions for obtaining the visa are linked not to money, but to reputation and achievements. The application is reviewed by a special committee. Typically, diplomas, certificates, publications and letters of recommendation from UAE government bodies are required as evidence.
Also worth noting are specialists with a high level of income. If you are employed but your annual income exceeds 360,000 AED, you may be eligible for the Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa programme is also aimed at young people. Students who demonstrate outstanding academic success can obtain a residence permit after graduating from university. This encourages talented foreigners to stay in the UAE for work and life.
Conditions for students:

• enrolment in an accredited UAE university;
• a GPA of no lower than 3.8 out of 4.0;
• a recommendation from the educational institution.

The Golden Visa for students is issued for 5 years, with the possibility of extension to 10 years after the start of their professional career. This is an excellent incentive for people who received their education in the UAE to continue their career in the region.

The key point to understand is that the visa itself is not for sale. You do not pay 2 million AED to the government – you invest them in the economy (real estate, business or a bank). However, there are government fees and service provider costs.

• The state fee for processing is approximately 3,000–4,000 AED.
• Medical insurance is mandatory for all residents. The average policy cost is 2,000–5,000 AED per person per year.
• Issuing the Emirates ID costs around 350 AED.
• Legal or consultancy services: if you engage an agency, their commission will be added to the total.

Thus, the overall cost of processing, excluding the investment itself, amounts to approximately 10,000–20,000 AED per person.

The Golden Residency status in the UAE provides not only legal privileges, but also tangible advantages in daily life: from banking services to healthcare and education.

• Banks. Premium cards with cashback, fee-free withdrawals, lower loan rates.
• Healthcare. Extended insurance for expensive procedures, priority service, dental coverage up to 10,000 AED per year.
• Education. Priority admission to schools, discounts on children’s tuition up to 25%, university discounts up to 15%.
• Daily life. Fast utility connection within 1–2 days, reduced rental deposits, dedicated counters at government offices.
• Stability. In case of job loss, up to one year to find a new position, versus 30 days for ordinary residents.

Taken together, these bonuses save tens of thousands of dirhams annually and make life in the UAE truly comfortable and stable.

1. Choose the basis. Decide on the category.
2. Compile documents. Prepare a passport, colour photo, proof of investment, criminal clearance certificate and medical report.
3. Submit the application. The application can be submitted via the online portal or through Amer centres in Dubai. For some categories, prior approval from the relevant ministry is required.
4. Medical examination. It is necessary to undergo tests at accredited centres. This usually takes one day.
5. Await a decision. The review period is 1 to 4 weeks. Applications from investors are typically processed in about 2 weeks.
6. Receive the Emirates ID. After approval, you are issued the residency card.

The Golden Visa is issued for 10 years. The residency status (Emirates ID) may be issued for 5 years with subsequent renewal. However, renewal occurs automatically without the need to collect documents again.
Remember that obtaining a Golden Visa requires meticulous preparation of documents and an understanding of all the nuances. That is precisely why it is worth turning to professionals. Our agency, MRNBS, specialises in processing residence visas in the United Arab Emirates. If you are planning to obtain a Golden Visa, we are ready to handle all organisational matters. On our website, you can review the full list of our services. We will assist you at every stage: we will advise you on choosing the suitable category, prepare the document package, guide you through the application process and resolve any difficulties. Entrust the processing to professionals – and your goal will become closer.
The main advantage of the status is long-term stability, the absence of the need for a sponsor, and the ability to live and work in the UAE for 10 years without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. Start today – explore the conditions, choose the right path and take a step towards a new life with MRNBS.