Check before you act. Fees, rules and dates change. Confirm the details with the official authority before you pay or apply.
At a glance
- What it is
- A long-term (10-year) UAE residence visa for qualifying investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and other categories
- Property route
- Property with a title-deed value of at least AED 2 million
- Investment route
- A deposit or investment of at least AED 2 million
- Professionals
- Commonly a basic salary of AED 30,000 a month, plus an attested degree and an eligible occupation
- Entrepreneurs
- Commonly an SME with about AED 1 million in annual revenue, or an endorsed tech venture
- Apply through
- ICP for the federal route or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai applications
Who can get a Golden Visa?
There is no single Golden Visa test. Each route has its own requirement, and some categories depend on a nomination from a government authority instead of a financial threshold. The table summarises the routes most people ask about.
| Route | Commonly quoted requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property investor | Title-deed value of at least AED 2 million | Reports say the earlier rule about paying 50% of the value was removed in February 2026. Mortgaged and off-plan property can count with certification and a bank no-objection certificate. Confirm with Dubai Land Department. |
| Deposit or investment | At least AED 2 million | Can be a bank deposit, a qualifying fund or investment, or company ownership. The exact conditions depend on the type. |
| Skilled professional | Basic salary of at least AED 30,000 per month | Also expects an attested degree and an eligible occupation, or an endorsement from a competent authority. |
| Entrepreneur | About AED 1 million annual revenue for an SME, or an endorsed technology startup | Assessment can also consider signals such as patents or accelerator backing. |
| Other talent categories | Nomination or endorsement | Includes categories such as researchers, doctors, creatives, athletes and outstanding students. New categories have been added over time. |
Thresholds are as reported in 2026 summaries and can change. Always check the current criteria with the authority before applying.
Golden Visa quick eligibility check
Compare your numbers with the thresholds commonly quoted for each route. This is a screen, not an approval.
How to apply
- Pick the route that fits you. Match your situation to a route in the table above. If you qualify under more than one, compare the costs and conditions.
- Collect the evidence. That might be a title deed, a salary certificate and attested degree, bank statements, or company documents.
- Apply through the official channel. Use the ICP smart services or the GDRFA Dubai channel that applies to you.
- Complete the formalities. Expect a medical fitness test, health insurance and a new Emirates ID, depending on your case.
- Receive the visa. The visa is issued once the authority has approved the application and the fees are paid.
Documents you will usually need
What does it cost?
Government fees are commonly quoted at roughly AED 4,700 for the professional and talent routes and up to around AED 10,000 for the property route. Medical tests, insurance, typing-centre charges and any agent fees are extra. Treat these as indicative and confirm the current fee in the official application before you pay.
Common mistakes
- Using your total package when the route asks for basic salary.
- Assuming a mortgaged or off-plan property automatically qualifies. It needs the right certification and bank approval.
- Paying an agent who promises approval. Only the authority approves an application.
- Letting your current visa lapse while waiting for the new one.
Frequently asked questions
It is a 10-year residence visa. It is renewable if you still meet the conditions.
Yes. Spouses and children can generally be sponsored. Reports say the age limit for sponsored children was removed in 2026, so check the current rule.
No. Property is one route among several. Professionals, entrepreneurs and endorsed talent do not need to own property.
No. It only compares your numbers with commonly quoted thresholds. The authority decides every application.