Golden Visa in the UAE
For investors, owners of high-value real estate, skilled professionals, scientists, doctors, and more.
from AED 16 900
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residency status granted to major investors, with automatic renewal as long as eligibility criteria are maintained.
Key benefits of the Golden Visa:
- Opportunity to live and work in the UAE without restrictions;
- Sponsorship of spouse, children of any age, and domestic staff;
- Full ownership (100%) of a business in both the UAE mainland and free economic zones;
- Permission to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing residency;
- Visa-free access to a number of countries and simplified visa procedures (Schengen, Japan, the USA, and others);
- 10-year residency without the need for annual renewal;
- Access to various government programs;
- Eligibility for exclusive discount cards;
- Simplified visa and residency processes for family member.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining the Visa
Option 1: Real Estate Investment
Required Asset
One or multiple properties with a total market value of at least AED 2 000 000.
Key Conditions
- Ownership must be registered with the DLD/DMT;
- Partial mortgage is allowed, provided the unencumbered share is ≥ AED 2 000 000;
- Off-plan properties are eligible if fully paid to the developer.
Option 2: Bank Deposit / Investment Fund
Required Asset
Irrevocable deposit in banks or approved UAE funds amounting to at least AED 2 000 000.
Key Conditions
- Capital lock-in period of at least 2 years;
- Deposit must not be pledged as collateral for other obligations (except a credit line secured by the deposit).
Features
Real Estate Sale
Option 1
The transfer of ownership is registered with the Land Department. The immigration system automatically requests confirmation of the new eligibility criteria or initiates visa cancellation.
Every 10 years, upon visa renewal, the following documents are required:
- A recent Real Estate Unit Value Certificate (for property investments);
- A Bank Letter of Continuity confirming the validity of the deposit (for deposit investments).
Pledged Deposit and Credit Cards
Option 2
Funds under the deposit option are effectively “frozen” for 2 years — the bank issues an Irrevocable Hold certificate for the ICP.
Most banks offer a secured credit card with a limit of up to 90% of the deposit amount. To maintain visa status, the following conditions must be met:
- Keep the deposit untouched until the end of the lock-in period;
- Make timely payments on the credit card balance;
- Do not use the pledged deposit to repay debts.
If early withdrawal of funds is required, the Golden Visa must be canceled in advance and the bank notified. After cancellation, the hold will be released and funds will become available.
General Application Procedure for Both Options
Important note: The Golden Visa application can only be completed while the applicant is physically present in the UAE.
Leaving the country during the application process is not permitted. If the applicant leaves before completion, the procedure will be canceled and must be restarted, including payment of all applicable fees and related expenses.
1 Asset Confirmation
Obtaining an official certificate from the DLD/DMT or a letter from the bank.
2 Application Submission
Completion of the online form and submission of supporting documents.
3 Preliminary Approval
Processing time: 5–7 business days.
4 Medical Examination
Mandatory for all family members over 18 years old.
5 Biometric Data Submission for Emirates ID
Mandatory for all family members over 18 years old.
6 Issuance of Visa Stamp or Electronic Visa for 10 Years
The Emirates ID with the same validity period is issued simultaneously.
How Can Smart Advisors Group Help?
Analysis of your situation and selection of the most suitable visa option.
Coordination of independent property valuation or obtaining a letter from the bank.
Application submission and representation before government authorities.
Guidance on choosing the most suitable banking products — secured credit cards and premium accounts.
Assistance with asset disposal or transfer: visa status adjustments and exit strategy planning.
Dedicated personal manager support throughout the entire UAE Golden Visa application process.
Please note: Immigration laws and internal regulations are subject to change. Before making any changes to your assets or deposits, consult our experts to ensure your privileged residency status remains valid.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable UAE residence visa that does not require a sponsor. It is intended for investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, highly skilled professionals, and other exceptional talents.
- Real estate investors (≥ AED 2 million).
- Investors/entrepreneurs (capital or fund ≥ AED 2 million, or project ≥ AED 500 000).
- Skilled professionals (salary ≥ AED 30 000/month + bachelor’s degree or higher).
- Scientists (with UAE Scientific Council recommendation).
- Doctors (with a valid UAE medical license and proven experience).
Ownership of property (or multiple properties) worth at least AED 2 million. Mortgaged properties are allowed if financed through a bank approved by the Dubai Land Department.
Yes. You can combine multiple title deeds or off-plan property contracts, provided the developer is accredited and the total investment is at least AED 2 million.
Investment of at least AED 2 million in an investment fund, or owning shares/contributing capital in a company for the same amount.
A bachelor’s degree or higher, a valid employment contract in the UAE with an official salary of at least AED 30 000 per month (or equivalent in foreign currency), and proven work experience or a valid professional license in the relevant field.
— No need for a local sponsor
— Remains valid even if outside the UAE for more than 180 days
— Allows sponsorship of family members, including children of any age
— Unlimited number of domestic workers can be hired
— A multiple-entry 6-month visa is granted to complete the residency process
① Submission of an online application or completion of the nomination process → ② Issuance of the Entry Permit (approx. 5–10 days) → ③ Medical examination and biometric data collection → ④ Residence visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance
The main eligibility requirement (e.g., AED 2 million investment or AED 30 000 salary) must be maintained for the visa to remain valid. Otherwise, the visa may be canceled or a new qualifying basis must be provided for renewal.
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