The UAE Golden Visa is the cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to attract global talent, investors, and high-net-worth individuals, offering a long-term residence visa valid for up to 10 years. Navigating the requirements can be complex, but with expert guidance, you can secure your future in the Emirates.
While it is not a primary requirement to enter the UAE, it is the most prestigious pathway to long-term stability for those looking to live, work, or invest over the long term.
Fulfilling the specific criteria allows you to avail a long-term residence, bringing a wealth of advantages. TAP Fiscal simplifies this journey, ensuring you meet the major criteria and secure all the long-term benefits, including the right to sponsor your parents and an unlimited number of domestic helpers. Isn’t that incredible? Check your eligibility with TAP Fiscal and apply today.
Multiple Pathways to UAE Residency
Beyond the 10-year Golden Visa, the UAE offers various other long-term residence options tied to investment and retirement. TAP Fiscal advises clients on the best visa fit based on their goals and financial standing:
Property Investor Visas
The UAE has several routes for property owners, primarily in Dubai:
- 10-Year Golden Visa: Requires real estate investment of at least AED 2 million. This is the highest tier, offering the maximum stability and benefits.
- 2-Year Investor Visa: Requires real estate ownership of at least AED 750,000.
5-Year Retirement Visa
This visa is designed for financially stable expats aged 55 and above. Requires ownership of one or more properties with a combined value of at least AED 1 million. It grants a renewable 5-year residency and can be secured by meeting financial requirements.
What Do You Mean by UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa came into existence with the motive of retaining people with “bright minds” and significant capital. It is designed for highly talented individuals and investors to contribute to the overall growth of the country through their skills and long-term commitment.
The program grants a 10-year renewable residency (or 5 years in certain investment categories), reducing restrictions on stay and providing unmatched stability in the Emirates. Professionals and investors can continue to work and live in the Arab Emirates by taking advantage of the Golden Visa UAE.
The maximum time limit of the stay on account of this visa is 10 years (renewable), and a key feature is that holders can stay outside the UAE for an indefinite period without their visa being invalidated.
The UAE Government approves this visa, subject to a few specific conditions based on investment, academic achievement, or professional skill set.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
The Dubai 10-year Golden Visa benefits ensure a friendly and stable atmosphere for holders. It simplifies the stay for various entrepreneurs, students, and other investors, allowing them access to several UAE amenities without stringent conditions.
The benefits are highlighted as below:
- 10-Year Renewable Residency: You enjoy significant flexibility with a 10-year validity period, making it the perfect option for long-term residency and stability in the UAE.
- Freedom from the 6-Month Rule: Holders can stay outside the UAE for an indefinite period without losing their residency status, unlike standard visas, which are cancelled after 6 continuous months abroad.
- No Local Sponsor Required: The visa is self-sponsored, meaning local sponsor approval or employer linkage is not necessary. It grants independence to the individual.
- Family Residency for 10 Years: UAE Golden Visa privileges fully extend to the spouse and children.
- Children Sponsorship: You can sponsor sons up to the age of 25 (previously 18) and unmarried daughters of any age.
- Parents’ Sponsorship: You can sponsor your parents for a one-year renewable residence permit.
- Post-Death Security: In the event of the primary holder’s death, the family members (spouse and children) are permitted to remain in the UAE until the expiry of their visa permit.
- Sponsor Unlimited Domestic Helpers: Golden Visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, such as drivers, maids, and nannies (subject to demonstrating financial capacity).
- Emergency Consular Support: If you lose or damage your passport while abroad, you can apply for a free, single-entry electronic Return Document that can be processed in as little as 30 minutes by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), ensuring quick re-entry to the UAE. Holders also receive access to a 24/7 dedicated hotline for urgent assistance during global crises or emergencies.
- Tax Benefits: While the UAE does not have personal income tax, the Golden Visa residency can support applications for a UAE tax residency certificate, which is crucial for international tax planning.
- Healthcare Benefits: Holders gain access to Dubai’s advanced healthcare facilities and may be eligible for exclusive discounts or cards like the Esaad Privilege Card.
- 100% Business Ownership: Golden Visa holders are legally allowed to establish and own a business in the UAE mainland with 100% foreign ownership, without the need for a local service agent or sponsor.
Specific Requirements for Golden Visa UAE
TAP Fiscal has accumulated the prescribed UAE Golden Visa requirements. Therefore, check these points thoroughly for a smooth application. These requirements depend on various factors like criteria, visa type, purpose and so on. Here we have multiple categories to highlight the relevant criteria.
Before you apply, be sure about the Golden Visa UAE Eligibility Criteria. TAP Fiscal can help you assess your profile against these requirements quickly. The main categories are:
1. Investors in Real Estate:
Must own property/properties in the UAE with a gross value of at least AED 2 million (can be fully or partially mortgaged with a local bank).
Joint Ownership Note: A married couple can jointly own a property to meet the AED 2 million requirement, provided a certified marriage certificate is submitted. If the property is jointly owned and valued at less than AED 4 million, only one spouse can apply for the Golden Visa, and they must sponsor the other.
2. Investors in Public Investments (10-Year Visa):
Must demonstrate a capital investment of at least AED 2 million through one of the following means: a deposit in an accredited UAE investment fund or bank (if a deposit, it is typically committed for a minimum of two years); having company capital of not less than AED 2 million via a commercial/industrial license; or submitting a letter from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) confirming an annual tax payment of no less than AED 250,000. The invested capital must be wholly owned and not a loan.
3. Skilled Professionals:
Must be employed in the UAE under an employment contract, and meet the following:
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (attested).
- Be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) classification.
4. Special Talent/Exceptional Talent:
Includes doctors, scientists (with Emirates Scientists Council recommendation), cultural/creative specialists (with Ministry of Culture and Youth approval), athletes, and inventors (with a patent).
5. Outstanding Students and Graduates:
- Top-ranking high school students (with a 95%+ score).
- High-performing university graduates from an A-class university (with a 3.5 GPA) or B-class university (with a 3.8 GPA), or graduates from a top 100 international university.
6. Frontline Heroes & Humanitarian Pioneers:
Healthcare specialists and members/funders of humanitarian organizations recognized by the UAE government.
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa
The process to apply for the UAE Golden Visa is hassle-free when you come to a specialist. We ensure that you get the correct guidance while entering a country like Dubai. Furthermore, TAP Fiscal have a reputation to assist UAE travellers with the updated information about Golden Visa application. Our specialists also provide the necessary services to process the required documents. They connect with respective Government agencies to make your journey straightforward.
Here are the steps we facilitate:
- Pre-Assessment & Eligibility Confirmation: TAP Fiscal confirms your eligibility for the most suitable Golden Visa category (Investor, Professional, Entrepreneur, etc.).
- Nomination Application: Our executives file your nomination to the concerned government agency (ICP, GDRFA, DED, or relevant Free Zone) on your behalf.
- Documentation & Attestation: We provide a clear checklist and assist you in collecting and attesting all required documents, ensuring everything is correct before submission.
- Initial Approval & Entry Permit: We manage the process to obtain the initial approval and the multiple-entry permit that allows you to enter the UAE to finalize your residency.
- Biometric and Medical Test Scheduling: We schedule and guide you through the required medical fitness test and biometric verification to ensure a quick turnaround.
- Final Visa Issuance: After proper review, we ensure you receive the Golden Visa stamp in your passport and the final Emirates ID in hand.
The UAE Golden Visa processing time is typically a few weeks (1 to 2 weeks) after final document submission, but with TAP Fiscal’s meticulous approach, you minimize delays caused by incorrect applications.
Required Documents for Family Sponsorship
The Golden Visa allows you to sponsor your parents, spouse, and children. TAP Fiscal assists with preparing and submitting all dependent applications simultaneously for maximum efficiency.
| Sponsor’s Documents | Dependent’s Documents |
|---|---|
Valid Golden Visa & Passport Copy | Valid Passport Copies for every dependent |
Salary/Employment Contract or Income Proof | Attested Marriage Certificate (for spouse) |
Accommodation Proof (Tenancy Contract/Title Deed) | Attested Birth Certificate (for children) |
| Proof of security deposit (necessary for parents) | Valid Health Insurance copy for every dependent |
Recent photographs of every dependent |
Conclusion: Secure Your Decade in the UAE
Dubai visit is not a cumbersome process any more. You can easily take a job, travel with your spouse, or study there with long-term residency. The 10-year UAE Golden Visa Benefits make it possible, granting unprecedented stability, independence, and support (like the 30-minute lost passport service).
By partnering with TAP Fiscal, you gain a trusted advisor who understands the nuances of the UAE system, allowing you to focus on your career, family, or investment goals while we handle the paperwork.
Ready to Secure Your Golden Visa?
- Determine Your Eligibility: The requirements are specific. Don’t risk rejection with a partial application.
- Contact TAP Fiscal Today for a free, confidential eligibility assessment and take the first step toward your 10-year residency in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years without needing a national sponsor. It is designed to attract global talent and investors, offering unparalleled stability.
Can Golden Visa Holders Travel Outside the UAE?
Yes, indefinitely. Golden Visa holders are exempt from the standard rule that cancels residency if they stay outside the UAE for more than six months. They can stay abroad for an indefinite period without losing their residency status, which is a major benefit for global professionals.
Does a UAE Golden visa lead to citizenship?
No. The UAE Golden Visa is strictly a long-term residency right and does not automatically grant or lead to UAE citizenship.
How long can golden visa holders stay outside the UAE?
Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for an indefinite time without losing their residency status.
Can Golden Visa Holders Own Businesses in the UAE?
Yes. Golden Visa holders are legally allowed to establish and own a mainland business in the UAE with 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local service agent or sponsor.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Golden Visa Application in the UAE?
The processing time is typically 1 to 2 weeks after the final application submission and biometric verification. Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation or required security checks.
Can You Switch From a Regular Visa to a Golden Visa?
Yes. You can convert from any existing residency visa (e.g., employment, tourist) to a Golden Visa, provided you meet the specific eligibility criteria for the category you are applying under.
What is the ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa Service?
The “One Touch” Golden Visa service is a streamlined government initiative offering application, issue, and renewal rights for the Golden Visa through a single, unified digital application portal, aiming for maximum efficiency.
How Does the Golden Visa Benefit Family Members?
The Golden Visa provides substantial benefits to family members:
- Extended Residency: The spouse and children (sons up to 25, unmarried daughters of any age) receive the same 10-year visa validity.
- Family Security: Family members can remain in the UAE until their visa expires, even if the primary holder passes away.
- Support: You can sponsor your parents and an unlimited number of domestic helpers (subject to financial capacity).
Who is eligible for a UAE Golden Visa? Key eligible categories include:
- Investors: In real estate (AED 2 million minimum property value) or public investment funds.
- Skilled Professionals: Minimum AED 30,000 basic monthly salary with a Bachelor’s degree and a Level 1 or 2 job classification.
- Entrepreneurs: Owning a project valued at AED 500,000 or more, or meeting annual revenue thresholds.
- Special Talent: Individuals in science, culture, sports, medicine, or other critical fields with relevant official endorsements.
- Outstanding Students: Top-ranking high school students or high-GPA university graduates.
What is the cost of a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE?
The cost varies by category and excludes the investment amount:
- Total Administrative Fees: Generally ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 15,000 for the main applicant (including visa fees, 10-year Emirates ID, and medical test).
- Skilled Professionals/Talent: Costs are on the lower end, starting from around AED 6,000 – AED 7,000.
- Dependents: Additional fees of approximately AED 6,500– AED 7,000 per dependent apply.
What are the potential drawbacks of the Golden Visa in the UAE?
The main considerations are:
- High Initial Investment: Requires a significant capital outlay (e.g., AED 2 million) for investor categories.
- No Direct Path to Citizenship: It is a residency permit only.
- Strict Renewal Requirements: You must maintain the original qualifying criteria (e.g., maintain the AED 2 million property value or professional salary) for renewal.
What are the Differences Between a 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa?
The primary difference is the duration and the qualifying threshold:
- 10-Year Visa: Requires the highest commitment, such as AED 2 million investment or qualification as a top Professional or Talent.
- 5-Year Visa: Covers categories with a lower investment threshold, such as Entrepreneurs and Retirees (minimum AED 1 million assets/savings).
How Does the UAE Golden Visa Help Me Grow My Business or Career?
It grants crucial stability: long-term stability (10-year visa, no mandatory re-entry), career independence (not tied to a specific employer), and business autonomy (100% foreign ownership in the mainland).
