The UAE Golden Visa is not a standard residency permit.
It assures long-term security, recognition, and access to the country’s growing opportunities. It is designed for investors, skilled professionals, property owners, and entrepreneurs, but that’s not it. It also offers a 10-year renewable residency without the need for a local sponsor.
Thousands have already secured it as a reliable path to living and working in the UAE, and the number is constantly rising.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the different ways you can qualify for a UAE Golden Visa: through salary, property, or investment, while also shedding light on the benefits and requirements you need to keep in mind.
What is a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa granted to special individuals who meet specific criteria in investment, professional excellence, or entrepreneurship. Initially introduced to attract global talent and capital, the visa has since become a defining feature of the UAE’s forward-thinking economic vision.
Unlike traditional residency visas, this one doesn’t tie you to an employer. It also gives you the freedom to sponsor your spouse, children, and even domestic staff. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for both individuals and families looking to plant roots in the UAE.
Golden Visa Opportunities
The UAE Golden Visa Requirements vary based on the route you choose. Still, a few standard conditions include holding valid identification, maintaining clean legal records, and fulfilling the financial or professional criteria associated with your application type.
Let’s walk through the main qualification categories.
Golden Visa Based on Salary
Professionals earning a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more are eligible to apply for the UAE Golden Visa. This option is ideal for senior-level employees, specialists in fields such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, and individuals with a proven track record in their respective domains.
Basic Requirements Include:
- Employment contract in the UAE
- Monthly salary of AED 30,000 or higher
- University degree (bachelor’s or higher)
- Proof of profession in a specialised field
- Attested certificates or relevant licenses
Candidates falling under this category should also be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
This pathway honors the UAE’s appreciation for top-tier talent and aims to retain professionals who contribute significantly to the national economy.
Golden Visa Based on Property
If you own real estate in the UAE worth AED 2 million or more, you are eligible for a Golden Visa through the property investment route. This is a popular option among long-term residents who want to secure their future in the country.
Key Requirements:
- Real estate value of AED 2 million minimum
- Property must be fully owned (not under a heavy mortgage)
- Off-plan properties may qualify if at least 50% of the value is paid
The title deed acts as proof of ownership, and each Emirate may have its own valuation and verification process. In many cases, multiple properties can be combined to meet the required threshold.
This route is especially suitable for individuals who have already invested in the country’s thriving real estate market.
Golden Visa Based on Investment
Investors who contribute significantly to the UAE economy through business or commercial ventures can also qualify for the Golden Visa.
Requirements Include:
- Investment worth AED 2 million or more in a UAE-licensed company
- Valid commercial or industrial license
- Proof of capital invested (e.g., audit reports, bank statements)
Ownership can be through a company structure (LLC or free zone) or individual shareholding. The goal here is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation across various sectors of the economy.
This path appeals to active investors looking to deepen their ties with the UAE’s dynamic business environment.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
Startup founders and entrepreneurs with innovative projects can obtain the Golden Visa if they meet certain conditions. The idea is to reward those who bring economic value and employment opportunities to the country.
Typical Criteria Include:
- Registered business within the UAE
- Businesses must be classified as innovative or tech-driven
- Approval from a UAE business incubator or relevant authority
Entrepreneurs are also often asked to demonstrate a track record of success or potential for high growth.
Golden Visa for Teachers
Educators in key disciplines like science, mathematics, and technology are also eligible, provided they receive a recommendation from their educational institution or a relevant UAE authority.
This category highlights the importance the UAE places on educational excellence and its role in shaping future generations.
Golden Visa Benefits for Family
All our lives, we strive to give our families the best of everything! Safety, comfort, and the freedom to grow without limits.
One of the most reassuring aspects of the UAE Golden Visa is its deep focus on family security. It’s not just a residency permit for an individual; it actually provides stability for the entire household.
The Golden Visa allows the primary holder to sponsor their immediate family members, including:
- Spouse
- Children, with no age limit for unmarried daughters or dependent sons
- Domestic staff, subject to the UAE’s sponsorship regulations
This means families can stay together, grow together, and plan long-term without the usual residency uncertainties that come with short-term visas.
Children can continue their education uninterrupted. Spouses can explore careers or manage the home with confidence. And the presence of household staff adds convenience, especially for families with younger children or elderly members.
Perhaps one of the most reassuring Golden Visa benefits is the support it offers during life’s unexpected turns.
In the unfortunate event of the death of the primary visa holder, the UAE government allows family members to remain in the country for the remainder of the visa’s validity.
This compassionate provision ensures that the family is not forced to leave suddenly or face immediate legal complications. It offers time to adjust, reorganize, and make decisions without pressure.
For many families choosing to make the UAE their home, this continuity brings legal security coupled with emotional peace. It’s a system built on trust, dignity, and recognition of the bonds that means everything to us.
Golden Visa Application Process
The process begins with identifying the right category. Once eligibility is confirmed, the application must be submitted through the appropriate government portals or service centers.
Steps Include:
- Prepare all required documents (passport copy, Emirates ID, proof of qualification/investment, etc.)
- Submit application via ICP or local General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- Pay the necessary fees
- Await review and approval
- Receive the 10-year visa upon approval
Processing time can vary depending on the case and the completeness of the documents.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman Golden Visa Options, Each Emirate may offer slight differences in processing or eligibility specifics.
Golden Visa Dubai:
- Property investment is one of the most common routes
- Popular with salaried professionals in finance, tech, and healthcare
- The Dubai Golden Visa price may include evaluation, medical, and ID fees
Golden Visa Abu Dhabi:
- Strong focus on investors and academics
- Popular among scientific researchers and engineers
Golden Visa Ajman:
- Ideal for real estate investors and small business owners
- Offers simplified procedures for property-linked applications
These regional options make it easier for applicants to align their application with the Emirate that suits them best.
How G12 Will Help
At G12, we make it happen for you.
Our team of experts is well-versed in the complete UAE Golden Visa process. From assessing your eligibility to handling your application and coordinating with government entities, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.
What we offer:
- One-on-one consultation to identify the best visa route for you
- Full document preparation and application management
- Coordination with legal authorities, property evaluators, and more
- End-to-end support for family sponsorship
Simple Process of G12 Yielding Big Results
At G12, we follow a clear and structured approach to help clients obtain the UAE Golden Visa. Our goal is to make the process efficient and transparent.
With our experience and knowledge of the system, we have successfully guided many clients through the full application journey with confidence and accuracy.
- Send an enquiry
- Get a free consultation
- Submit the documents
- Make the initial payment
- Receive your UAE Golden Visa
Start your Golden Visa journey with G12 today! Contact US Today. Our Team will guide you completely.