The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence permit that lets qualifying individuals live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a national sponsor. In 2026 the programme is broader than ever — this guide breaks down every eligibility route, real fees, and the application process end-to-end.
What the Golden Visa actually gets you
- 10-year residence (5-year for some categories), renewable.
- No UAE sponsor required — you sponsor yourself, spouse, children (any age), and domestic staff.
- Unlimited absence from the UAE without cancelling your residence (a major change from the standard 6-month rule).
- Full access to Emirates ID, UAE bank accounts, Salik, healthcare, and schooling.
Eligibility routes in 2026
1. Real estate investor
Own UAE property worth AED 2 million or more. Off-plan properties qualify if purchased from an approved developer and the instalment plan is active. Multiple properties can be combined to meet the threshold.
2. Public investment
A deposit of at least AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited investment fund, or holding a valid commercial license with paid-up capital of AED 2 million.
3. Specialised talent
Doctors, scientists, inventors, creatives, executives, and specialists with a verifiable record. Each sub-category has its own criteria — doctors need DHA/MOH licensure plus at least 10 years' experience; executives need a senior role at a reputable company with minimum salary AED 50,000 and a bachelor's degree.
4. Outstanding students & graduates
High school graduates with a GPA of 95%+ from accredited UAE schools. University graduates with a GPA of 3.8+ from the top 100 universities globally (QS ranking).
5. Humanitarian pioneers
Recognised humanitarian workers, international award winners, and distinguished international officials.
Real cost in 2026
| Item | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Government issuance (10-year) | 2,800 – 3,800 |
| Medical fitness test | 320 – 750 |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | 1,070 |
| Status-change fee (if inside UAE) | 640 |
| Service / typing / processing | 500 – 2,000 |
Total, end-to-end, typically falls between AED 4,500 and AED 8,500 depending on category, status, and optional express processing.
Documents you need
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Current residence visa (if inside UAE)
- Emirates ID copy
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of eligibility: title deed, bank statement, salary certificate + attested degree, GPA certificate, etc.
- Medical fitness certificate (from DHA, SEHA, or MOHAP)
- Health insurance card
Step-by-step application
- Confirm your eligibility category and gather documents.
- Submit the nomination via ICP smart services or GDRFA Amer (Dubai).
- Receive pre-approval (typically 3–10 working days).
- Complete medical fitness + biometrics.
- Emirates ID issuance.
- Golden Visa stamped — digital residence activated.
Common pitfalls
- Unpaid property instalments: off-plan properties must have 50% or more paid to qualify.
- Unattested degrees: MOFA attestation is mandatory for talent-category degrees.
- Wrong emirate: Dubai applications go through GDRFA/Amer; other emirates through ICP.
- Status-change ambiguity: if you're already on a tourist/visit visa, you must first change status before the Golden Visa can be stamped.
How we help
Visa Simplified handles eligibility assessment, document preparation, medical-test booking, and submission. Our service fee is fully refundable until the application is filed — so you only pay if we're confident you qualify.
Need help with this?
Our PRO consultants handle the full process end-to-end — documents, government submission, and delivery. Service fee is fully refundable pre-submission.