UAE Golden Visa : Eligibility, Requirements and Benefits

The UAE Golden Visa is a longterm residence (5 or 10 years) that allows foreign talent, investors and entrepreneurs to live, work and study in the UAE with exclusive benefits: no sponsor required, multiple entries, validity maintained during extended stays abroad, ability to sponsor family members (including children with no age limit) and an unlimited number of domestic helpers. This guide summarises eligible categories, key criteria and the application pathway.

Who can apply ?

Broad target groups include :

• Investors (financial/property);
• Entrepreneurs (technology/innovation projects);
• Specialised talents (doctors, scientists, inventors, executive directors, engineering/science specialists, artists, athletes);
• Outstanding students and graduates (top highschoolers; graduates of ranked universities);
• Humanitarian pioneers;
• Frontline heroes (e.g., health crises, upon competent authority recommendation).

Core criteria by category

Publicinvestment investors

10year visa without a sponsor if :

• A letter from an accredited investment fund confirms a deposit ≥ AED 2 million,
• A valid commercial/industrial licence and memorandum of association show capital ≥ AED 2 million,
• A Federal Tax Authority letter confirms annual tax of ≥ AED 250,000.

Capital must be owned outright (no loan). Health insurance is required for the applicant and family.

Realestate investors

5year visa, renewable without a sponsor if: letter from the emirate’s land department confirms ownership of one or more properties worth ≥ AED 2 million (mortgage via approved local banks permitted).

Entrepreneurs

5year visa for a technical/futureoriented project based on risk and innovation, with :

• Auditor’s letter confirming project value ≥ AED 500,000,
• Emirate authority letter confirming the project’s nature,
• Letter from an accredited incubator hosting the activity.

Specialised talents

Includes doctors, scientists (recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or evidence of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal of Scientific Excellence), inventors (Ministry of Economy recommendation), creatives (culture/arts authority letter), executive directors (accredited bachelor’s degree, ≥ 5 years in role, salary ≥ AED 30,000, valid contract), athletes (General Sports Authority/sports council recommendation), engineering/science specialists (certified degree + work contract).

Outstanding students

Top highschool students (≥ 95%): 5year visa (extendable where programmes exceed five years). University students: 10year visa where the university is rated A/B, with minimum GPA thresholds (e.g., ≥ 3.5/3.8) and recent graduation (≤ 2 years).

Humanitarian pioneers & frontline heroes

Eligibility for award recipients, long serving staff of international/charitable organisations (≥ 5 years), or significant contributors (support ≥ AED 2 million). Frontline heroes require a formal recommendation.

Practical benefits

• Autonomy: no local sponsor; extended periods abroad without cancelling residency.
• Family: sponsor spouse and children with no age cap; family may remain in the UAE for the permit duration if the primary holder passes away.
• Mobility: initial six month multiple entry facility to finalise residency issuance.

Application journey and digital services

Apply via ICP (smartservices.icp.gov.ae): eligibility check, application, tracking. In Dubai, GDRFA offers dedicated services, including the ‘One touch’ service (onestop shop for visas, status regularisation, residency/ID issuance and renewals). Abu Dhabi provides access points through TAMM and the Abu Dhabi Residents Office. Prepare supporting evidence (letters/recommendations, diplomas, health cover, family documents), ensuring proper legalisation/certification and translation where required.

Operational tips

• Anticipate auditor/authority/incubator letters and degree certification; engage sworn translators early.
• Substantiate technological/innovative projects with business plans, IP evidence and references.
• Secure medical insurance (self/family) and keep records (addresses, passports) current on the portals.

Watchpoints

Thresholds (capital, GPA, salary) and category rules are periodically updated. Certain emiratespecific nuances apply. A category by category review (investor, entrepreneur, talent, student) is essential before filing.

The Golden Visa provides stability and flexibility—longterm stay, autonomy and extended family sponsorship. A evidence driven file (capital, academic credentials, recommendations, insurance) maximises approval prospects and streamlines the ICP/GDRFA journey. Expert guidance helps align eligibility, compile documentation and coordinate with authorities.

Our lawyers, who are experts in immigration law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Immigration Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
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