Unlock long-term security in the UAE with the coveted Golden Residency Visa. This step-by-step guide helps you navigate the UAE Golden Visa Requirements, streamline your application, and secure your 5- or 10-year residency in 2025.

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Introduction

You’ve dreamt of calling the UAE home—enjoying its world-class infrastructure, tax advantages, and vibrant culture.

But the visa process feels complex.

You wonder:

• What are the UAE Golden Visa Requirements for 2025?

• How much does it really cost?

• Which category fits you best: investor, entrepreneur, or specialized talent?

You’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, from gathering documents to submission. You’ll find:

• Clear explanations of each visa category

• Actionable tips to speed up approval

• Real-world examples and credible sources

• A handy comparison table for at-a-glance clarity

• FAQs that answer your burning questions

Let’s get started.

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What Is the UAE Golden Residency Visa?

The UAE Golden Residency Visa grants non-sponsored long-term residency—5 or 10 years—to expatriates who meet certain criteria.

It covers:

• Investors (5- or 10-year)

• Real estate investors (5-year)

• Entrepreneurs (5-year)

• Specialized talents (10-year)

• Skilled professionals (10-year)

• Scientists & researchers (10-year) FAIC-CPS

Why it matters to you
You gain:

• Visa stability without a local sponsor

• Unlimited renewals while you meet criteria

• Access to education, healthcare, and property purchase

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UAE Golden Visa Requirements in 2025

Meeting the right UAE Golden Visa Requirements depends on your category. Below, discover what you need for each:

1. Investors (10-Year)

You qualify if you:

• Deposit AED 2 million in an investment fund accredited in the UAE FAIC-CPS

• Or invest AED 2 million in a new/existing UAE company (no loans)

• Or own a company paying AED 250,000+ in annual taxes Ministry of Education

Documents you need

• Fund deposit letter or company license & MOA

• Tax authority statement (if applying via taxes)

• Passport copy

• Health insurance valid ≥1 year

• Proof of accommodation in the UAE

2. Real Estate Investors (5-Year)

To apply you must:

• Own property/property portfolio worth AED 2 million (loan permitted above AED 2 million)

• Submit a letter from the Real Estate Registration Department confirming ownership & loan-free status GDRFAD

Documents you need

• Property ownership certificate

• Rental contract or title deed

• Passport copy

• Health insurance

• Proof of accommodation

3. Entrepreneurs (5-Year)

You fit this category if you:

• Have a project valued ≥AED 500,000, confirmed by an auditor

• Or possess an incubator approval letter (AREA 2071 in Dubai, HUB71 in Abu Dhabi) FAIC-CPS

• Or sold pilot projects for ≥AED 7 million, approved by the Ministry of Economy Ministry of Education

Documents you need

• Auditor’s approval or incubator letter

• Business plan & trade license

• Passport copy

• Health insurance

• Proof of accommodation

4. Specialized Talents & Geniuses (10-Year)

Ideal for:

• Doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, athletes

• PhD holders with top-ranked degrees

• Recipients of prestigious awards (e.g., Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Award) FAIC-CPS

Documents you need

• Ministry recommendation (e.g., Ministry of Health for doctors)

• Awards certificate or citation record (H-index, FWCI) Added

• Passport copy

• Health insurance

5. Skilled Professionals (10-Year)

To qualify you must:

• Earn ≥AED 30,000/month

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher

• Work in MOHRE Level 1 or 2 occupations (e.g., engineering, IT, medicine) Added

Documents you need

• Employment contract

• Degree & equivalency certificate

• Salary certificate + 3-month bank statement

• Practicing license (if required)

• Passport copy & health insurance

6. Scientists & Researchers (10-Year)

You qualify if you:

• Hold a Master’s/PhD in life or natural sciences from top universities

• OR have FWCI ≥1.0 and H-index ≥10 (or Scopus H-index >20)

• OR built R&D sectors as approved by the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology Added

Documents you need

• Degree certificate & equivalency

• FWCI/H-index proof or R&D achievement letter

• CV

• Passport copy & health insurance

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How to Apply for UAE Golden Visa

Follow these steps to secure your 5- or 10-year UAE Golden Residency Visa:

1. Choose your category
   Determine which visa type matches your profile and gather initial documents.

2. Prepare your documents

   • Translate and attest certificates via UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

   • Ensure health insurance covers ≥1 year.

   • Obtain letters: deposit fund, auditor’s approval, R&D recommendation, etc.

3. Submit nomination

   • Apply online via ICP’s Golden Residency portal FAIC-CPS.

   • Or use respective emirate platform (e.g., Abu Dhabi Residents Office for specialists) Added.

4. Pay fees

   • Pay Emirates ID, residence permit, and typing center fees online.

5. Medical test & biometrics

   • Book a medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center.

   • Visit a typing center for thumbprints and Emirates ID enrollment.

6. Receive entry permit

   • Get your e-entry permit via registered email/SMS (valid 60 days).

   • Enter UAE within validity period.

7. Complete stamping

   • Undergo medical test and Emirates ID application if not done.

   • Visa stamp is affixed to your passport—granting your 5/10-year residency.

8. Collect Emirates ID

   • Collect your Emirates ID card from the designated center.

Tip:
Track your application status on the ICP portal using your application number.

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UAE Golden Visa Cost & Fees

Understanding the UAE Golden Visa Cost helps you budget accurately. Below is an approximate breakdown:

• 10-year visa costs ~15% more due to longer duration and Emirates ID.

• Fees can vary by emirate and service provider.

• Always confirm with the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship FAIC-CPS.

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UAE Golden Visa Benefits

By securing your Golden Residency, you unlock:

• Long-term security: Live, work, and study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years.

• No sponsor needed: You or your family apply independently.

• Property ownership: Buy freehold property in approved areas.

• Business setup: Register and partner with ease.

• Family inclusion: Sponsor spouse, children, and select dependents.

• Education & healthcare: Access public services at resident rates.

• Tax advantages: No personal income tax on salaries.

Plus, you stay flexible:

• Switch employers without losing your visa.

• Renew indefinitely if you maintain eligibility.

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Comparison of UAE Golden Visa Categories

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Renewal & Extensions

You must renew before expiry:

• Submit renewal application via ICP portal.

• Provide updated health insurance and salary proof (for professionals).

• Pay renewal fees (similar to initial stamping fees minus entry permit).

Timeline:

• Start renewal 60 days before expiry.

• Complete renewal within 30 days after expiry to avoid penalties.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the processing time for a UAE Golden Visa?
A: Expect 4–6 weeks from nomination to visa stamping, depending on category and document readiness.

Q: Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
A: Yes, sponsors can include spouse and children (unmarried, under 18 for certain categories) GDRFAD.

Q: Do I need a UAE bank account to apply?
A: Not for all categories. Investors usually must show fund deposit proof. Entrepreneurs and professionals may not need a local account.

Q: Is medical insurance mandatory?
A: Yes, comprehensive insurance valid for at least one year is required Ministry of Education.

Q: Can a Golden Visa holder work in the UAE?
A: Absolutely—you enjoy full employment rights without needing a separate work permit.

Q: What happens if my Golden Visa application is rejected?
A: You can appeal via the ICP portal or reapply after addressing deficiencies in your application.

Q: Are there age limits?
A: No specific age cap, but dependent children must be under 18 (or under 21 if full-time students).

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Conclusion

You now have a clear roadmap to secure your UAE Golden Residency Visa in 2025.

Remember to:

• Choose the right category for your profile

• Gather and attest documents early

• Follow each step in the application process

• Budget for fees and health insurance

• Renew on time to maintain your long-term residency

Take action today:

1. Visit the ICP Golden Residency portal FAIC-CPS.

2. Prepare your application package.

3. Apply and track status online.

4. Welcome to a decade of opportunity in the UAE!

Secure your future in one of the world’s most dynamic regions now. Good luck with your application!