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Packing essentials for relocating to Dubai with a Golden Visa, including a passport, flight ticket, and personal items, representing the journey of securing long-term residency in the UAE

How to Get a Golden Visa in Dubai | 2025 Complete Guide

Dubai’s Golden Visa is a game-changer for individuals and businesses looking to establish long-term residency in the UAE. This 10-year renewable visa offers exceptional benefits, making it a sought-after option for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to get a Golden Visa for Dubai, its requirements, eligibility, and the step-by-step application process. Plus, if you need expert assistance in obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa, Erahaus Business is here to help and handle everything for you all throughout the process!

Key benefits of the Golden Visa in Dubai

  • 5 and 10-year residency (renewable)
  • Full ownership of businesses in the UAE
  • Sponsor family members (spouse, children, and domestic staff)
  • Multiple entry & extended stay privileges
  • No local sponsor required
  • Access to top-tier healthcare and education
  • Priority government services

Who is Eligible for a Dubai Golden Visa

The Dubai Golden Visa eligibility criteria cover different categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and students. Below, we outline the specific requirements for each category, based on the latest data from the UAE government.

1. Investors in Public Investments

To qualify as an investor, you must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Invest at least AED 2 million in an investment fund or a UAE-based bank + Submission letter.
  • Own a company with a capital of AED 2 million or more.
  • Be a partner in an existing or new company, with a minimum share value of AED 2 million.
  • Your company must pay AED 250,000 or more in taxes annually.

Additional conditions:

  • The investment must not be loan-based.
  • Health insurance is required for self and family.

2. Real Estate Investors

If you own real estate, you can get a 5-year renewable Golden Visa by:

  • Owning property worth AED 2 million or more in Dubai.
  • Purchasing property with a mortgage from UAE banks (partial financing allowed).

3. Entrepreneurs & Startup Owners

Entrepreneurs can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa if they:

  • Own or co-own an SME (Small or Medium Enterprise) generating at least AED 1 million annually.
  • Have a startup idea approved by the UAE government.
  • Hold a previous project valued at AED 7 million or more.

4. Highly Skilled Professionals

Doctors, engineers, researchers, IT specialists, and top talents in key industries can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa if they:

  • Hold a PhD or specialized degree in engineering, medicine, IT, or science.
  • Are licensed and approved by UAE government authorities.
  • Have significant work experience in a high-demand field.

5. Outstanding Students & Researchers

  • High school students must have 95% or above in final exams.
  • University graduates must have a GPA of at least 3.5 (A-class universities) or 3.8 (B-class universities).

Research scholars and scientists require endorsement from the UAE scientific bodies.

Two women walking towards modern Dubai and university and skyscrapers symbolizing new opportunities and a fresh start under the UAE Golden Visa program

How to Apply for a Dubai Golden Visa?

The application process for the Golden Visa is straightforward but requires precise documentation. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Determine which Golden Visa category you qualify for.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-sized photos (white background)
  • Proof of investment or business ownership
  • No-objection letter (for mortgage-backed real estate)
  • Health insurance
  • Academic certificates (for students & professionals)
  • Tax documents (for business owners)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Apply online via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
  • Submit all required documents and pay visa fees.
  •  

Step 4: Undergo Medical Examination

All applicants must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved clinic.

Step 5: Receive Approval & Residency Permit

Once approved, your Golden Visa will be issued, granting you a 5 or 10-year residency.

UAE Golden Visa Eligibility Categories and Requirements

Investors in Public Investments

Criteria

  • Deposit at least AED 2,000,000 in an investment fund or national banks operating in the UAE.
  • Establish a company in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 2,000,000.
  • Partner in an existing or new company with a share value of at least AED 2,000,000.
  • Own a company that pays a minimum of AED 250,000 in taxes annually to the Federal Government.

Additional Conditions

The invested capital must be fully owned by the investor and not financed through loans. Comprehensive health insurance is required for the investor and their family members.

duration (years)

0

Real Estate Investors

Criteria

  • Own one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000.
  • Properties can be mortgaged, provided a no-objection letter from the bank is submitted, indicating the paid amount and remaining balance.

Additional Conditions

The applicant must be physically present in the UAE during the application process.

duration (years)

0

Real Estate Investors

We have covered a whole post on Golden visa for business owners and entrepreneur that you can check it out here:

The UAE Golden Visa for Business Owners: Your Gateway to Long-Term Residency and Growth

Outstanding Specialized Talents

Categories

  • Doctors and scientists
  • Creative individuals in culture and art
  • Inventors
  • Executives
  • Specialists in engineering and science
  • Athletes

Criteria

  • Depending on the category, applicants may need to provide:
  • An approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health to practice medicine.
  • A recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a relevant government body.
  • An approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.
  • A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy for inventors.

duration (years)

0

Outstanding Students

High School Students

  • Must have a minimum grade of 95% in public or private secondary school.
  • Provide a recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Education.

duration (years)

0

University Students

  • Must graduate from universities rated either A or B class by the UAE Ministry of Education.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities.
  • Provide a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate.

duration (years)

0

How Erahaus Business Can Help

At Erahaus Business, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses secure Golden Visas for Dubai. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional, our team handles everything: from documentation to visa approvals. Get in touch with us today for a hassle-free Golden Visa application!

If you’re a business owner, we have also covered a full guide about Business Growth Services in Dubai that you can check here:

Struggling With Sales? Here’s How To Increase Sales for E-commerce in Dubai

UAE Golden Visa Eligibility Categories and Requirements

How much does a Dubai Golden Visa cost?

The total cost for a 10-year Dubai Golden Visa is AED 9,684.75, which includes a medical examination (AED 700), Emirates ID for 10 years (AED 1,153), residency permit confirmation (AED 2,656.75), Dubai Land Department fees (AED 4,020), and administrative fees (AED 1,155). For a 10-year family residence permit, the fee is AED 5,668.50, with an additional AED 318.75 for opening a family sponsorship file. Similarly, a 10-year residence permit for parents costs AED 5,668.50. Additionally, an extra AED 100 is charged for each sponsored person.

Yes, you can apply from abroad, but you must enter the UAE to complete biometrics and medical tests.
The processing time is usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the category and approval speed.

Yes, spouses, children, and domestic workers can be included in your application.

Yes, Golden Visa holders can work, open businesses, and invest in Dubai without needing an employment contract.

Yes, the Golden Visa is renewable as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

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