UAE Golden Visa in 2026: Eligibility, Cost and Full Process
A complete guide to the UAE 10-year residency including every eligibility route, exact costs, documents required and realistic timelines.
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency that lets you live, work and sponsor family without a local employer. Here is who qualifies in 2026, what it costs and how to apply.
Who qualifies
- Investors: public investment of at least AED 2 million, or a UAE-licensed business with AED 2 million minimum capital.
- Real estate investors: property worth AED 2 million or more, owned or financed, residential or commercial.
- Entrepreneurs: founder of a startup with revenue above AED 1 million per year or approved by a recognised UAE incubator.
- Specialised talents: doctors, scientists, engineers, inventors and executives in priority sectors with the required qualifications.
- Outstanding students: top performers in UAE schools and universities with proven academic record.
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes: individuals with recognised service.
What it costs
Government fees run from AED 2,800 to AED 4,000 depending on category. Add medical fitness test (AED 500 to AED 1,000), Emirates ID issuance (AED 1,000) and professional fees for file preparation and nomination. Property-route applicants also pay a title deed verification fee.
Documents required
- Passport copies, 2 to 3 years validity minimum
- Current UAE visa and Emirates ID if resident
- Evidence under your chosen route: title deed, trade licence, investment confirmation, qualifications or employer letter
- Medical insurance valid in the UAE
- Clean police clearance
Timeline
From complete file to Golden Visa stamping: 25 to 40 working days under the investor and property routes, 30 to 60 working days for specialised talent nominations.
Family sponsorship
Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouse, unmarried children of any age, and parents on the same 10-year term, without the usual salary thresholds. Domestic staff can also be sponsored under separate quotas.
The Golden Visa breaks the employer dependency of standard UAE residency. You can switch jobs, run multiple businesses, stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency, and sponsor your family on your own terms.
Pair the Golden Visa with a company setup. Many investors pair it with a free zone company or mainland LLC to run operations locally. For a tailored eligibility check, see our Golden Visa service or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does buying property in Dubai qualify me for a Golden Visa?
Yes. Property worth AED 2 million or more qualifies you under the real estate investor route. The property can be ready, off-plan from an approved developer, or financed through a UAE bank, subject to minimum paid portion rules.
Can I keep my Golden Visa if I leave the UAE for a long time?
Yes. Golden Visa residency does not lapse if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months, unlike standard residency visas.
Is the Golden Visa really valid for 10 years?
Yes, 10 years and renewable, as long as the qualifying condition remains in place (property owned, business active, qualification valid).
Can I apply for a Golden Visa from outside the UAE?
Yes, under investor, property and specialised talent routes. Final medical and Emirates ID steps are completed inside the UAE within the entry window granted.