The UAE Golden Visa
Ten-year residency without a local sponsor — the qualifying routes, the current thresholds, and how the application actually works in 2026.
The Golden Visa is a renewable long-term residence permit — most commonly ten years — that lets foreign nationals live, work and study in the UAE without a national sponsor, and sponsor their family alongside them. The legal framework sits in Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 and Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022, administered federally by the ICP (the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security), with Dubai applications running through the GDRFA and the Dubai Land Department.
The main 10-year routes
| Route | Headline threshold |
|---|---|
| Property investor | Real estate of at least AED 2 million (DLD valuation; one or more properties combined) |
| Bank deposit | Fixed deposit of at least AED 2 million held for two years |
| Business / capital investor | Capital or company investment of at least AED 2 million |
| Entrepreneur | A project of at least AED 500,000 endorsed by an accredited UAE incubator |
| Skilled professional / executive | Attested degree and a basic salary of at least AED 30,000 per month |
| Outstanding talent | Nomination-based (scientists, doctors, inventors, artists, athletes, exceptional students) |
On the property route specifically
The AED 2 million is assessed against a Dubai Land Department valuation certificate. The threshold can be reached by combining more than one property, and both completed and (subject to conditions) off-plan or mortgaged properties can qualify — in Dubai, mortgaged properties are accepted with a bank no-objection certificate. Spouses can combine their shares of jointly owned property to reach the threshold.
Family and benefits
A Golden Visa holder can sponsor their spouse and children (with no age cap on children), and in many cases parents and domestic staff. There is no minimum-stay requirement to keep the visa valid — unusual among long-term residency programmes — which makes it attractive to internationally mobile individuals who want a stable base in the UAE without relocating full-time.
The application process
- Confirm the correct category and that the threshold is met (for example, a DLD "to whom it may concern" certificate on the property route).
- Apply through the ICP Smart Services portal, or through the GDRFA when applying in Dubai. The process is now largely digital.
- On approval, receive an entry permit, then complete medical testing and biometrics.
- Receive the Emirates ID and residence visa.
Documents such as degrees and certificates generally require attestation. Thresholds and category rules have been revised several times since the programme launched, so the live ICP and u.ae pages are the authoritative reference at the point of applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much property do I need for a UAE Golden Visa?
At least AED 2 million in value on the Dubai Land Department valuation, which can be met across one or more properties.
Can I get a Golden Visa through my salary?
Yes — skilled professionals and executives with an attested degree and a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 can qualify.
Is there a minimum stay to keep the Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa does not impose a minimum-stay requirement to remain valid.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes — spouse and children (no age limit on children), and in many cases parents and domestic staff.
Official sources
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
- UAE Government Portal — Golden Visa
- Legal basis — Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 and Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022
- GDRFA Dubai (Dubai applications)
This guide is general information prepared by ARM Management and is current as at June 2026. Categories, thresholds and procedures change and vary by emirate. Confirm eligibility against the official ICP and UAE Government sources, or with an advisor, before applying.
Find the right residency route.
ARM Management advises individuals and families on UAE Golden Visa eligibility, structuring the qualifying investment, and the application end to end. Begin with a confidential conversation.