The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most talked-about residence programmes in the world right now. It gives you a long-term residence visa — 10 years, renewable — without needing an employer to sponsor you. That is a huge deal in a country where most people's visas are tied to their jobs.
Since its launch in 2019, the eligibility criteria have been expanded several times, and hundreds of thousands of people have successfully obtained one. In 2025, the programme is broader than ever. Let us go through who qualifies, what it costs, and whether it is worth pursuing.
What Is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa (5 or 10 years) that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a national sponsor. It also allows you to sponsor family members, and importantly, it does not get cancelled if you spend extended periods outside the UAE (unlike standard residence visas, which can be revoked after six months of absence).
To estimate the full cost, use our Golden Visa cost calculator. It breaks down the application fees, medical tests, and other expenses you need to budget for.
Who Is Eligible?
The eligibility categories have expanded significantly. Here are the main routes in 2025:
1. Investors
- Property investors who own property worth AED 2 million or more
- Investors with a public investment deposit of AED 2 million or more
- Investors in a business with capital of AED 2 million or more
2. Entrepreneurs
- Owners of a startup or SME project approved by an accredited business incubator or the relevant UAE authority
- Owners of a project with a minimum value of AED 500,000
3. Specialised Talent and Professionals
- Employees earning a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more, holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent, in certain skilled occupations
- Professionals classified under occupation levels 1 and 2 by the Ministry of Human Resources
4. Scientists and Researchers
- Researchers and PhD holders from accredited universities
- Scientists with significant contributions to their field
5. Outstanding Students
- High school students with a grade of 95% or above
- University graduates from UAE-accredited universities with a GPA of 3.75 or above
6. Humanitarian Pioneers
- Individuals recognised for distinguished contributions to humanitarian work
The salary route (AED 30,000+ per month) is one of the most accessible categories. If you are not sure whether your salary qualifies, check your total compensation using our UAE salary calculator.
What Does It Cost?
The Golden Visa itself does not have a single fee — it is a combination of several charges. Here is a typical cost breakdown:
- Visa application fee: AED 2,800 to AED 4,800 (depending on visa duration)
- Emirates ID: AED 370 to AED 1,070 (depending on validity period)
- Medical fitness test: AED 300 to AED 500
- Health insurance: Required (costs vary, but budget AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 per year)
- Typing and service fees: AED 200 to AED 500
All in, you are looking at roughly AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 in government and processing fees, plus health insurance. If you are applying through a property investment, you obviously also need the property itself. Use our Golden Visa cost calculator for a personalised estimate.
How to Apply
The application process depends on your eligibility category, but the general steps are:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) website or the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) smart app
- Step 2: Submit your application online with supporting documents (passport, salary certificate, property title deed, qualification certificates, etc.)
- Step 3: Complete the medical fitness test
- Step 4: Apply for Emirates ID
- Step 5: Receive your Golden Visa stamp
Processing times vary, but many applications are approved within a few weeks. The process has become much more streamlined compared to the early days of the programme.
Key Benefits
Long-term stability: A 10-year visa gives you certainty. You do not need to worry about your visa being tied to a single employer.
Sponsor family members: You can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic helpers under your Golden Visa.
No absence restrictions: Unlike standard visas, your Golden Visa is not automatically cancelled if you leave the UAE for more than six months.
Business flexibility: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their own businesses, making it easier to set up a mainland company. Check out our business setup cost calculator if you are considering starting a company.
Access to services: Some banks and financial institutions offer preferential terms to Golden Visa holders, making it easier to get mortgages and loans.
Golden Visa and Property Investment
The property route is one of the most popular. To qualify, you need to own property worth at least AED 2 million. The property can be off-plan (under construction) as long as it is from an approved developer, and there is no restriction on it being mortgaged — though the property value must be at least AED 2 million regardless of any outstanding mortgage.
If you are considering buying property in the UAE, our property ROI calculator and rental yield calculator can help you evaluate whether the investment makes financial sense beyond just the visa benefit.
Common Questions
Can I change jobs and keep my Golden Visa? Yes. Your Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer, so you can switch jobs freely.
Does my salary need to stay above AED 30,000? The salary requirement applies at the time of application. If your salary later changes, it does not affect an already-issued visa, though it may matter at renewal.
Can I get a Golden Visa if I am self-employed? Yes, through the investor or entrepreneur categories. Freelancers earning above the threshold can also qualify through the skilled professional route.
Is It Worth It?
For most expats earning a good salary or investing in UAE property, the Golden Visa is absolutely worth pursuing. The security of a 10-year visa, the ability to sponsor family, and the freedom from employer-tied residency make it one of the most attractive residence programmes globally. The costs are modest compared to the benefits, and the application process is straightforward.
If you are exploring your options, start by figuring out your salary position in the UAE market and whether you meet the financial thresholds for your chosen category.