UAE Golden Visa 2026 — all routes, eligibility requirements and how to apply

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa granting holders and their families the right to live, work, and study in the UAE without employer sponsorship. This guide covers every current route, the specific thresholds and eligibility criteria for each, and the step-by-step ICA application process as it stands in 2026.

What is the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced by Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2020 (as amended by subsequent Cabinet Decisions including Cabinet Decision No. 111 of 2022, which significantly expanded the eligible categories and reduced investment thresholds). It is administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) — known as the Identity Authority — and by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai and ADNRD in Abu Dhabi.

Golden Visas are issued for either five or ten years depending on the route, and are renewable provided the holder continues to satisfy the qualifying criteria. Unlike a standard UAE residence visa, the Golden Visa does not require employer sponsorship — holders are self-sponsored. This means the visa does not lapse if the holder changes employment or ceases employment.

Key benefits of the UAE Golden Visa:

(i) Long-term residency (5 or 10 years, renewable). (ii) No requirement for an employer or sponsor — the holder is self-sponsored. (iii) Full family sponsorship: spouse, children under 18 (and unmarried daughters of any age in certain categories), and parents. (iv) Multiple entry visa — no restriction on the number of entries and exits. (v) No minimum stay requirement in the ordinary sense — however, a continuous absence from the UAE of six months or more can trigger automatic cancellation of the visa under general UAE immigration rules, unless prior ICA approval has been obtained. (vi) Ability to work for any UAE employer or to conduct business in the UAE without needing a separate work permit linked to a specific employer. (vii) Access to UAE banking, schooling, and healthcare as a UAE resident.

The Golden Visa does not confer UAE citizenship and is not a pathway to citizenship. It is a long-term residency scheme only.

Real estate investment route — AED 2 million

The real estate route is the most commonly used Golden Visa pathway. It was substantially reformed by the 2022 amendments, which reduced the minimum property value threshold from AED 5 million (the original 2019 threshold) to AED 2 million.

Qualifying criteria:

The applicant must own — whether individually or jointly — one or more real estate properties in the UAE with a total assessed value of AED 2 million or above. The property must be registered with the relevant emirate's land department (e.g., Dubai Land Department, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport). The visa issued under this route is a 10-year Golden Visa, renewable subject to continued ownership at the qualifying value.

Off-plan properties: An off-plan property (i.e., a property purchased before construction completion) can qualify, but two conditions must be met: (a) the property value must be AED 2 million or above at the time of purchase, and the property must have been purchased from an approved real estate developer registered with the relevant land department; and (b) the completion certificate for the project must have been issued before the Golden Visa application is submitted. A property that is still under construction — without a completion certificate — cannot be used to apply for the Golden Visa until the certificate is issued. The applicant should also have paid at least AED 2 million of the purchase price at the date of application.

Mortgaged properties: A property that is subject to a mortgage (i.e., purchased with a UAE bank or financial institution loan) can qualify for the Golden Visa route, but only if the owner's equity in the property (market value minus outstanding mortgage balance) is at least AED 2 million. The applicant must obtain a confirmation letter from the mortgagee bank certifying the outstanding loan balance. The land department or relevant authority will calculate the net equity position. If the equity falls below AED 2 million — for example because of a high outstanding mortgage — the property does not qualify until sufficient equity is established.

Joint ownership: Where a property is jointly owned (for example, by spouses), each co-owner's proportionate share must equal at least AED 2 million for that co-owner to independently qualify. A property worth AED 3 million jointly owned 50/50 by two individuals would not independently qualify either co-owner; but a property worth AED 5 million jointly owned 50/50 would qualify both co-owners (each holding AED 2.5 million worth).

Business owner and investor route

The investor route targets individuals who have made a substantial financial investment in the UAE economy, either through a direct equity stake in a UAE company or through a broader investment portfolio.

Category A — Large-scale investors: Investors who have invested AED 10 million or more in the UAE, whether in the form of a deposit in an investment fund, an established business, or a combination. This route grants a 10-year Golden Visa. The investment must be held for the duration of the visa period — disposal of the qualifying investment before renewal will affect eligibility.

Category B — Licensed business owners: Owners or partners in a UAE-licensed company with a minimum investment of AED 2 million (or equivalent) in the company, where the company has a positive track record (typically evidenced by audited accounts and an active trade licence in good standing). This route also requires that the applicant holds a meaningful ownership stake — a nominal shareholding in a large company would not suffice. The visa issued is typically a 5-year or 10-year Golden Visa depending on the investment quantum and category.

For both categories, the investment must be maintained throughout the visa period. The applicant must not have any outstanding UAE tax liabilities (where applicable under the UAE Corporate Tax Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) and the business must remain operationally active and licensed.

Entrepreneur route

The entrepreneur route was introduced to attract founders building scalable businesses in the UAE. It targets individuals who have established or are in the process of establishing a registered business in the UAE, or who have a proven business concept approved by an authorised business incubator.

Established business: Founders of a UAE-registered business with a proven track record — the company must be generating revenues, hold a valid UAE trade licence, and demonstrate commercial activity. The minimum investment or valuation threshold is AED 250,000, though in practice the authorities look for a substantive operational business rather than a shell entity.

Incubator-approved concept: Where the business has not yet been established, but the founder holds an approval or letter of support from a UAE-authorised business incubator, accelerator, or innovation hub (such as Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, in5 in Dubai, Dubai Future Accelerators, or similar entities designated by the relevant authority), the minimum requirement is reduced to AED 500,000 in planned investment or start-up capital. The incubator's endorsement letter is a required document.

The entrepreneur Golden Visa is issued for 5 years, renewable subject to continued business activity. A key condition is that the applicant must remain actively involved in the business — purely passive equity ownership without operational involvement is unlikely to satisfy the renewal criteria.

Specialised talent route

The specialised talent route grants a 10-year Golden Visa to individuals whose skills and achievements are of exceptional value to the UAE in priority sectors. It is nomination- or approval-based: the applicant must obtain an endorsement or nomination from the competent UAE authority responsible for the relevant sector before the ICA application can proceed.

Eligible categories include:

(i) Doctors and medical specialists — endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or the health authority of the relevant emirate (Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health Abu Dhabi). (ii) Scientists and researchers — endorsed by the UAE Academy of Scientific Research and Technology or the relevant research authority. (iii) Innovators and inventors — must hold a patent registered in the UAE or internationally, or have a project or product endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Economy. (iv) Creative and cultural figures — artists, writers, filmmakers, and cultural practitioners endorsed by the relevant UAE cultural authority (e.g., Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority). (v) Athletes and sports professionals — endorsed by the UAE General Authority of Sports (now the Ministry of Sports). (vi) Specialists in engineering, technology, and science — including AI, data science, software engineering, and biotechnology professionals — endorsed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or a designated competent authority. (vii) Education and academic leaders — professors and academic researchers of recognised standing, endorsed by the Ministry of Education or the relevant university authority.

The competent authority in each sector sets its own supplementary criteria. Applicants should make direct contact with the relevant authority prior to submitting an ICA application. Processing times vary by sector. Some authorities (e.g., MOHAP for specialist physicians) have streamlined processes; others require a review committee assessment.

Outstanding student route

The outstanding student route provides a 5-year Golden Visa to high-achieving students at approved UAE universities or equivalent international institutions.

Eligibility: The applicant must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above (on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent) from an accredited and approved UAE university or college. International students who graduated from internationally recognised universities with the equivalent academic standing may also apply, subject to academic qualification evaluation by the UAE Ministry of Education or the relevant authority.

Secondary school students with outstanding results (typically a score of 95% or above in the UAE national curriculum or equivalent) in their final year examinations may also be eligible for a 5-year student Golden Visa.

The student Golden Visa does not carry an automatic work authorisation — graduates wishing to work in the UAE will typically transition to an employment residence visa or another qualifying Golden Visa category once employed. However, the visa provides a valuable period to establish residence and pursue employment opportunities without the risk of visa expiry.

Skilled employee route

The skilled employee route targets professionals in employment in the UAE who are earning a qualifying salary and working in designated professional categories. The visa issued under this route is a 5-year Golden Visa.

Salary threshold: The applicant must have a valid UAE employment contract and a monthly salary (or total monthly remuneration) of AED 30,000 or above. The salary must be evidenced by a salary certificate from the employer and bank statements confirming regular receipt of the stated salary.

Professional categories: The applicant must work in one of the professional categories designated by the UAE Cabinet or MOHRE as priority skilled professions. These include specialists in: science and technology (including software engineering, AI, data science, cybersecurity); health sciences and medicine; engineering; education and academic research; business and finance (certain senior roles); and other priority sectors identified by ministerial order from time to time.

An applicant's employment category is confirmed against the MOHRE occupational classification system. Applicants should verify that their role's ISCO classification falls within an approved category before proceeding. In practice, senior professionals at manager level or above in multinational corporations or major UAE entities in the qualifying sectors tend to satisfy the category test without difficulty.

Application process — step by step

All UAE Golden Visa applications are processed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA). The ICA Smart application (ICA UAE app and website) is the primary channel. In Dubai, applications can also be filed via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or through licensed typing centres (Amer, Tasheel). In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi National Registration and Dossier Authority (ADNRD) processes applications.

Step 1 — Obtain the qualifying document or pre-approval

The specific document required at this stage depends on the route: (a) Real estate route: a title deed or property valuation certificate from the relevant land department confirming the value is AED 2M+. For mortgaged property, a bank equity confirmation letter is also required. (b) Investor / business owner route: a UAE trade licence, audited financial statements, and (where applicable) a bank confirmation of the deposited investment. (c) Entrepreneur route: trade licence and/or incubator approval letter. (d) Talent route: an endorsement or nomination letter from the competent UAE authority in the relevant sector. (e) Student route: university transcript and GPA confirmation letter from the accredited institution. (f) Skilled employee route: valid UAE work permit (labour card), employment contract, and salary certificate.

Step 2 — Submit the ICA application

The application is submitted online via the ICA Smart platform (icp.gov.ae) or via the ICA UAE mobile application. Applicants outside the UAE can also apply through UAE embassies or designated service centres in certain countries. Required documents for all routes include: (i) valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity); (ii) recent passport-size photograph; (iii) the qualifying document for the relevant route; (iv) completed application form; (v) applicable government fee payment.

Step 3 — Medical fitness test

After initial application approval, the applicant must undergo a medical fitness examination at a UAE Ministry of Health-approved medical centre. The test covers a standard blood panel (including a test for communicable diseases as required by UAE immigration regulations). Results are submitted directly by the medical centre to the ICA system.

Step 4 — Emirates ID

Once the medical fitness result is clear, the applicant proceeds to enrolment for an Emirates ID at an ICA service centre or an authorised typing centre. Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are taken at this stage. The Emirates ID is issued within a few working days of enrolment and is required before the visa stamp is affixed.

Step 5 — Visa issuance

The Golden Visa residence stamp is affixed to the passport (or a residence certificate is issued for passports that cannot accommodate a stamp). The visa confirms the holder's status as a UAE resident for the applicable visa period (5 or 10 years from the date of entry or status change).

Typical processing timeline: From submission of a complete application to visa issuance: 2 to 6 weeks. Complex cases, missing documents, or high demand periods may extend processing. Medical test results typically take 3–5 working days; Emirates ID typically takes 3–7 working days after biometrics.

Family sponsorship

One of the most significant advantages of the UAE Golden Visa over the standard UAE residence visa is the family sponsorship arrangement. A Golden Visa holder can sponsor the following family members as dependants on their UAE residence:

(i) Spouse: The holder's spouse can be sponsored regardless of the holder's salary or income level. (ii) Children under 18: All children under 18 years of age can be sponsored. (iii) Unmarried daughters of any age: Under UAE practice, unmarried daughters who are financially dependent on the holder can be sponsored regardless of their age. (iv) Sons up to age 25 who are enrolled in full-time education (in some categories and subject to GDRFA / ADNRD discretion). (v) Parents: The Golden Visa holder can sponsor both parents as dependants, which is a distinct advantage over the standard UAE employment visa (where parental sponsorship is either unavailable or subject to strict minimum salary conditions — typically AED 20,000+ in Dubai under standard visa rules).

There is no minimum monthly salary requirement for a Golden Visa holder to sponsor family members. The ability to sponsor dependants flows automatically from the Golden Visa status, not from a salary threshold. This is in contrast to the standard UAE residence visa, under which a minimum salary — typically AED 4,000 (for shared accommodation) or AED 20,000 (Dubai practice for parental sponsorship) — is required before the visa holder can sponsor dependants.

Sponsored family members receive UAE residence visas linked to the primary Golden Visa holder's visa period and are entitled to live, work (if they independently obtain a work permit), and study in the UAE for the duration of their sponsored visa.

Renewal

The UAE Golden Visa is renewable, subject to the qualifying criteria being met at the time of renewal. There is no automatic renewal — the holder must apply for renewal through the ICA before the visa expires.

Real estate route renewal: At renewal, the applicant must demonstrate that they continue to own the qualifying property at AED 2 million or above. If the property has been sold, equity has fallen below AED 2 million (due to market movements or increased mortgage), or the property title has been transferred, the real estate route no longer applies and the holder must either qualify under a different route or allow the visa to lapse. A fresh property valuation from the land department is typically required at renewal.

Investment and business routes renewal: The qualifying investment must have been maintained throughout the visa period. Audited accounts, updated trade licence, or updated bank confirmation (as applicable) will be required at renewal.

Talent and skilled employee routes renewal: The applicant must demonstrate continued qualification — continued employment at AED 30,000+ (skilled employee), or continued recognised standing in the relevant field (talent route). An updated endorsement from the competent authority may be required for the talent route.

Student route renewal: The 5-year student visa is typically not renewed on the same basis after graduation — graduates are expected to transition to an employment or investor Golden Visa category or another qualifying route. Renewal procedures for students who remain enrolled in further education are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the visa expiry date. A grace period of 30 days is typically allowed after expiry, during which the holder can renew or depart without incurring overstay fines, but this grace period should not be relied upon as standard practice.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity (all applicants)
• Recent passport-size photograph against white background (all applicants)
• Title deed or property valuation certificate from land department confirming AED 2M+ value (real estate route)
• Bank equity confirmation letter from mortgagee bank (mortgaged property applicants)
• UAE trade licence and audited financial statements (investor / business owner route)
• Bank confirmation of deposited investment or investment fund certificate (investor route — AED 10M category)
• Incubator or accelerator endorsement / approval letter (entrepreneur — incubator-approved route)
• Endorsement or nomination letter from competent UAE authority in relevant sector (talent route)
• University transcript with cumulative GPA 3.75+ and institution accreditation confirmation (student route)
• Valid UAE work permit (labour card), employment contract, salary certificate, and last 3 months' bank statements showing salary credits (skilled employee route)
• Medical fitness certificate from approved UAE medical centre (all applicants — obtained during process)
• Emirates ID application and biometrics (all applicants — completed during process)
• Completed ICA online application form and payment of government fee
• For family sponsorship: sponsor's Golden Visa, marriage certificate (attested where required), birth certificates for children (attested)

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Our Golden Visa & Residency practice
• Buying real estate in the UAE — 2026 buyer's guide
• Private client services — UAE residency planning

Published 7 June 2026. General information only — not legal advice. Rules and thresholds are subject to change by Cabinet Decision; always verify current requirements with ICA or qualified UAE immigration counsel. Contact us for matter-specific advice.