The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that lets you live, work, or study in the country without a sponsor or employer tied to your status. Depending on the category you qualify under, it's issued for 5 or 10 years, renews as long as you keep meeting the conditions, and lets you sponsor your spouse and children.

Unlike a standard employment visa, a Golden Visa in Dubai isn't cancelled if you leave your job or sell your business. You can also stay outside the UAE for longer than the six-month limit that applies to regular residence visas without it lapsing.

Probiz manages Golden Visa applications end to end checking which category you qualify under, preparing the supporting documents, and handling submission through the correct authority, whether that's ICP, GDRFA, or a free zone-linked channel.

Golden Visa Benefits

• Residency for 5 or 10 years, renewable if you continue to meet the category's conditions
• No employer or individual sponsor required
• Sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases parents
• Stay outside the UAE beyond the standard six-month limit without losing your visa
• Own 100% of a mainland business in eligible sectors
• Access to UAE banking, schooling, and healthcare on a long-term basis

Golden Visa Categories

Eligibility is decided by category, and each one has its own documentation and approval route. Below is a breakdown of who qualifies for what click through to a category for the full requirements and application process.

Investor Golden Visa

Covers two routes: public investment and real estate. The public investment route requires a minimum capital of AED 2 million placed in an investment fund, company, or deposit, and grants 10-year residency. The real estate route requires property worth at least AED 2 million and grants 5-year residency. Business owners paying at least AED 250,000 a year in taxes can also qualify under this category.

Learn more about the Investor Golden Visa →

Entrepreneur Golden Visa

For founders of innovative or technology-based projects. You'll need documentation proving the value of your project along with a supporting letter from an accredited business incubator or the relevant government authority. It's not automatically granted just because you've registered a company — the project itself has to be assessed and approved. Residency is granted for 5 years.

Learn more about the Entrepreneur Golden Visa →

Exceptional Talent Golden Visa

The broadest category, covering doctors, scientists, inventors, executives, athletes, PhD holders, and creatives in culture and the arts — including content creators. Each subcategory has its own requirements, usually a recommendation letter, proof of professional standing, or an accredited qualification. Residency is granted for 10 years.

• Professional / Executive Golden Visa →
• Content Creator Golden Visa →
• Doctors & Medical Professionals Golden Visa →
• Scientists & Researchers Golden Visa →

Outstanding Students Golden Visa

For high-achieving students. High school students with a certificate of excellence qualify for 5-year residency; top-performing university graduates qualify for 10 years. A recommendation letter from the school or university is required alongside academic records.

Learn more about the Outstanding Student Golden Visa →

Humanitarian Pioneers & Frontline Heroes Golden Visa

For individuals with a documented history of humanitarian work, or those who've served on the frontline for at least 5 years. Requires certificates of appreciation or formal documentation of the contribution. Granted for 10 years.

Learn more about the Humanitarian & Frontline Heroes Golden Visa →

How to Apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai

The process starts with confirming which category you qualify under, since the documentation differs significantly between an investor application and an entrepreneur or talent-based one. From there:

• Gather the category-specific supporting documents (investment proof, incubator letter, recommendation letter, etc.)
• Submit the nomination or application through ICP, GDRFA, or the relevant authority for your category
• Complete medical fitness testing and biometrics once nominated
• Receive Emirates ID and residency stamping
• Add eligible family members under the same application, if applicable

Processing time varies by category real estate investor applications tend to move fastest since the criteria are the most straightforward, while talent and entrepreneur categories can take longer due to the review and approval stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

Investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, executives, athletes, PhD holders, creatives, outstanding students, and humanitarian workers can all qualify — each under a different category with its own requirements.

How long does the UAE Golden Visa last?

Either 5 or 10 years depending on the category, and it's renewable as long as you continue to meet the conditions of that category.

Do I need a sponsor for a Golden Visa?

No. That's the main difference from a standard UAE residence visa — Golden Visa holders aren't tied to an employer or individual sponsor.

Can I sponsor my family with a Golden Visa?

Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children, and in certain cases, parents as well.

What's the minimum investment for the Investor Golden Visa?

AED 2 million, whether through public investment (funds, deposits, or a company) for 10-year residency, or real estate for 5-year residency.

Can content creators get a Golden Visa?

Yes, under the exceptional talent category for culture and the arts. You'll need to demonstrate your professional standing and impact, usually with a recommendation from the relevant authority.

Does setting up a company automatically qualify me for the Entrepreneur Golden Visa?

No. Registering a business or holding a trade license isn't enough on its own the project needs to be assessed as innovative or technology-based and approved by the relevant authority or an accredited incubator.

How long does the Golden Visa application take?

It depends on the category. Real estate investor applications are usually the fastest since the criteria are the most clear-cut. Entrepreneur and talent categories can take longer due to the project or credential review.