Investor / Golden Visa in United Arab Emirates
2 documented routes of this kind in United Arab Emirates, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
UAE Golden Visa (Long-Term Residence, 5 or 10 years)
Self-sponsored 5- or 10-year renewable residency for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, top professionals (e.g. executives earning AED 50,000+/month), scientists, outstanding students and humanitarian/frontline categories, granted by nomination/eligibility without a local sponsor.
- Processing time
- Typically a few days to a few weeks after eligibility/nomination, depending on category and emirate
- Validity
- 5 or 10 years, renewable
- Language requirement
- No language certificate needed
- Permanent residence
- No formal PR exists; the Golden Visa itself functions as long-term renewable residency (the de facto PR equivalent)
- Citizenship
- No automatic path; citizenship only by separate government nomination
Requirements
- Meet one eligible category (investor, entrepreneur, talent, professional, scientist, outstanding student, humanitarian/frontline)
- Real estate route: own UAE property valued at AED 2 million or more (land-department letter)
- Salaried-talent route (e.g. executive director): monthly salary of at least AED 50,000 plus attested degree and valid contract
- Category-specific endorsement (e.g. scientific council, cultural/talent body) where applicable
- Valid passport and (for renewals/inside applications) Emirates ID
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Property ownership letter from the emirate land department (real estate route)
- Salary certificate (AED 50,000+) / valid employment contract (professional route)
- Trade licence and proof of investment (investor/entrepreneur route)
- Qualification certificates / accreditation or endorsement (talent/scientist/student routes)
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration required
Process Steps
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1
Confirm eligibility category
Determine which Golden Visa category applies and gather category-specific evidence.
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2
Apply / seek nomination
Apply via ICP smart services, GDRFA (Dubai), or relevant authority; some categories require nomination/endorsement.
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3
Approval in principle
Receive eligibility approval and entry permit if outside the UAE.
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4
Medical & Emirates ID
Complete medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics.
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5
Golden Visa issued
Receive the 5- or 10-year residence visa and sponsor dependants if desired.
Official Sources
Retirement Residence Visa (5 years, age 55+)
A 5-year renewable self-sponsored visa for retirees aged 55+ with 15 years' work experience who meet a financial test (property AED 1m, savings AED 1m, or income AED 180,000/yr).
- Processing time
- Typically days to a few weeks
- Validity
- 5 years, renewable if criteria remain met
- Language requirement
- No language certificate needed
Requirements
- Aged 55 or older at retirement
- At least 15 years of work experience (inside or outside the UAE)
- Meet one financial criterion: property AED 1m, savings AED 1m, or annual income AED 180,000
- Valid health insurance
- Valid passport
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Proof of property ownership (AED 1m+) OR savings (AED 1m+) OR income (AED 180,000/yr) required
- Proof of 15 years' work experience required
- Valid health insurance required
- Medical fitness certificate and Emirates ID required
Process Steps
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1
Verify eligibility
Confirm age 55+, 15 years' work experience, and one of the financial criteria.
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2
Apply
Submit the retirement visa application via ICP or GDRFA (Dubai) with supporting proof.
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3
Medical & Emirates ID
Complete medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration.
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4
Visa issued
Receive the 5-year retirement residence visa; renewable on continued eligibility.