Dubai Golden Visa Guide – Requirements, Cost, & Benefits

Off-Plan Properties, INSIGHTS & TIPS
  • March 27, 2025
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Dubai, a global hub for business, luxury, and innovation, offers long-term residency through its Golden Visa program. Launched to attract top talent, entrepreneurs, and investors, the golden visa for Dubai grants 5- or 10-year residency with multiple benefits. Whether you are a business owner, skilled professional, or investor, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Dubai Golden Visa.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a way to live in the UAE for a long time. It’s for people who want to live, work, and invest in the UAE. You don’t need a job or someone to sponsor you. Usually, the Golden Visa lasts for 10 years. You can keep it going if you still meet the rules.

Dubai Golden Visa Requirements

Check the Dubai golden visa requirements below:

1. An investor in public investment

  • You need to have a good idea for a business in the UAE.
  • You can get a letter from a UAE investment fund saying you have invested 2 Million Dirhams in their fund.
  • You can have a business license and show that you own at least 2 Million Dirhams in the company.
  • You can invest in a new or existing company as a partner with at least AED 2 Million shares, not financed by a loan.
  • You can also have a letter from the tax office saying you own a company that pays at least 250,000 Dirhams in yearly taxes.

2. Real estate investor:

Investing in residential real estate in Dubai is one of the easiest ways to secure a Golden Visa. You can invest in ready to move in properties or an off-plan property that helps you meet the following Dubai golden visa requirements:

  • You need a letter from the real estate office saying you own one or more properties worth at least 2 Million Dirhams. The property cannot be financed with a loan.
  • You must show that you have a place to live in the UAE (own a home or have a rental agreement).

3. Entrepreneurs:

  • You need a letter from an auditor in the UAE saying your business is worth at least 500,000 Dirhams (if you are the project owner).
  • You need a letter from the UAE saying your business is about new technology or something for the future (if you are the project owner).
  • If you are starting a business, you need a letter from a unique business place in the UAE that supports new businesses.
  • You need a passport and a valid health insurance card for at least one year.
  • You must show that you have a place to live in the UAE (own a home or have a rental agreement).
  • If you live in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you must apply through unique business places: AREA 2071 in Dubai and HUB71 in Abu Dhabi.
  • Once your nomination has been approved, you can apply for the visa through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

4. Outstanding Specialized Talents

Dubai wants talented people to live and work there. If you are good at specific jobs, you might be able to get a Golden Visa. Here are some of the jobs that qualify:

  • Doctors
  • Scientists
  • Artists and creative people
  • Inventors
  • Top managers (executives)
  • Experts in science
  • Athletes
  • People with PhD degrees
  • Engineers and scientists who are experts in:
    • Viruses and disease spread
    • Artificial intelligence (AI)
    • Big data
    • Computer, electronics, software, and electrical engineering
    • Genetics and biotechnology
The Terms, Conditions and Procedures for issuing a visa are as follows:

First: Talented People (Doctors and Scientists):

  • A letter from the UAE Ministry of Health says you can work as a doctor.
  • A letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award that says you are a recipient of the Academic Excellence Medal (Scholars).
  • A copy of your passport.
  • A health insurance card that lasts for at least one year.

Second: Talented People (Doctors and Scientists):

  • A letter from the Culture and Arts Department in your emirate (for artists and creative people)
  • A letter from the Ministry of Economy (for inventors)
  • A copy of your passport
  • A health insurance card that lasts for at least one year

Third: Executive Directors:

  • A valid degree from a university
  • At least 5 years of experience in your job
  • A salary of at least AED 50,000 per month
  • A work contract that is still valid
  • A copy of your passport
  • A health insurance card that lasts for at least one year

Fourth: Science Experts and Athletes:

  • A certificate that shows you are an expert in a special area of science
  • A letter from the General Sports Authority or a sports council (for athletes)
  • A copy of your passport
  • A health insurance card that lasts for at least one year

Fifth: PhD Holders, Engineers, and Scientists:

  • A copy of your PhD degree from the Ministry of Education in a priority field
  • A copy of your university degree from the Ministry of Education in one of the fields listed above (engineering and science)
  • A work contract for a job in one of those fields
  • A copy of your passport
  • A health insurance card that lasts for at least one year.

Sixth: Outstanding Students:

The Terms, Conditions and Procedures for issuing a visa are as follows:

High School Students:

  • A letter from the Ministry of Education.
  • The Golden Visa lasts for 5 years. You don’t need someone to sponsor you. It can be longer if you study something like medicine that takes more than 5 years.
  • You can sponsor your parents and siblings.

University Students:

  • A letter from your university saying your GPA is at least 3.8.
  • The Golden Visa lasts for 10 years. You can sponsor your parents and siblings.
  • You can sponsor your wife and kids if you have enough money.

8. Regulated market

What is the Golden Visa Dubai Price?

The price of a Golden Visa can change. It depends on whether you do all the paperwork or get help from an exceptional service. The 10-year golden visa UAE cost will be as follows:

Application Fee: AED 2,657 (about INR 61,000)

Medical Check: AED 700 (about INR 16,000)

Emirates ID: AED 1,153 (about INR 26,000)

You also need to buy health insurance. This cost is not part of the Golden Visa price.

Your application takes about 30 to 72 days to clear. You’ll get back 60% of the application fee if they don’t approve your application.

What is the processing time for the UAE Golden Visa?

UAE Golden Visa usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks to get pre-approval for your Golden Visa. After that, it takes about three more weeks to finish the visa process. 

What are the Benefits of the Golden Visa in Dubai?

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding talents. Here are the key benefits:

1. Long-Term Residency

The visa is valid for 5 or 10 years with automatic renewal, providing stability for residents.

2. No Need for a Sponsor

Unlike other visas, the Golden Visa requires no local sponsor or employer to maintain residency.

3. Business and Investment Opportunities

Visa holders can 100% own their business in the UAE without needing an Emirati partner.

4. Family Sponsorship

Holders can sponsor spouses, children, and domestic staff (including housemaids and drivers).

5. Extended Stay Outside the UAE

Unlike standard visas, Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing their residency.

6. Special Privileges for Professionals

Doctors, engineers, researchers, and skilled professionals get access to better career opportunities and exclusive benefits.

7. Exclusive Discounts and Benefits

Holders enjoy unique credit cards, premium healthcare plans, and reduced property mortgage rates.

8. No Employment Restrictions

The visa is not tied to a single job, allowing professionals and investors to switch employers freely.

9. Access to UAE Banking & Financial Services

Unlike standard visas, Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing their residency. 

10. Prestigious Status

The Golden Visa enhances credibility and global mobility, making travelling and doing business internationally easier.

How to Apply for a Golden Visa?

Before you start, make sure you can get a golden visa in Dubai. Check if you fit into one of the groups to apply.

Here’s how to apply online:

  1. Go to the official website.
  2. Find the “Services” option on the page and click on it.
  3. In the menu that appears, click “eChannels Residency and Citizenship.”
  4. You’ll go to a page called “Browse Smart Service.”
  5. Click on the “Golden Residency” option.
  6. Scroll down and choose the type of Golden Visa you want to apply for.
  7. Click “Start Service” and begin your application.
Filling Out the Application

The application has many boxes. You need to fill in each one with the correct information.

  • Fill in your details.
  • Attach the documents they ask for.
  • Check your application to make sure everything is correct.
  • Pay the application fees.

What Documents Do You Need?

Here’s a list of documents you’ll probably need:

  • Copies of your passport and your family’s passports.
  • Passport-size photos.
  • Proof that you invested money own a business or have a job contract.
  • School or university certificates (if you’re a student).
  • Proof of health insurance for you and your family.

Want a Dubai Golden Visa? Here’s How We Can Help!

The Dubai Golden Visa provides a fantastic opportunity for long-term stay to people from other countries who want to live in the UAE. If you invest money, own a business, or have special skills, this program can give you many good things, like safety and chances to do well. If you can get a Golden Visa, it can help you succeed in Dubai’s busy economy.

But, applying for a Golden Visa can be confusing, especially if you want to buy properties that are still being built (off-plan properties). That’s where GRD Off Plan expert agents can guide you through the whole process and make sure buying property in Dubai is easy. Contact us today!

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