Golden Visa UAE: 10-Year Residency for Investors, Professionals and Talent
The Golden Visa UAE gives you long-term residency of up to 10 years, with no employer or local sponsor needed. Aspira checks your eligibility, prepares your documents and manages your application from start to finish, for you and your family.
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Answer a few quick questions to see if you qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
What Is the Golden Visa UAE?
The Golden Visa UAE is a long-term residence visa, valid for 5 or 10 years and renewable, for investors, business owners, skilled professionals, talented individuals and outstanding students. Unlike a standard 2-year residence visa, you don’t need an employer or a company to sponsor you, because you sponsor yourself.
The UAE launched the Golden Visa to attract and keep people who add value to the country. Since then, the rules have been widened several times, and more people now qualify than ever before. Many professionals living in Dubai already meet the conditions without realising it.
At Aspira Business Setup Services, we help clients apply for the Golden Visa UAE every month. With 12+ years of experience, 5,000+ companies formed and 4,500+ clients, our team knows which documents each category needs and how to avoid the delays that slow most applications down.
Benefits of the Golden Visa UAE
Here are the main reasons investors, professionals and families choose a long-term UAE visa.
Long-term residency
Live in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, and renew your visa when it expires.
Self-sponsored
You don’t need an employer, a company or a local sponsor to keep your visa.
Family sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse and children for the same visa period.
Domestic workers
Sponsor domestic helpers for your household.
Stay abroad longer
A standard residence visa can be cancelled if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months. A Golden Visa stays valid even if you spend longer periods abroad.
Family security
If the visa holder passes away, family members can stay in the UAE until their own visas expire.
- Freedom to change jobs or start a business: your residency does not depend on one employer, so you can change jobs or open your own company without losing your visa.
- Peace of mind: plan your children’s education, your property purchases and your business for the long term.
Who Is Eligible for the Golden Visa UAE?
There are several routes to a Golden Visa UAE. Each one has its own conditions and documents.
1. Property Investors
You can apply if you own property in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2 million. You can combine more than one property to reach this amount.
Under the latest rules, mortgaged and off-plan properties can also qualify, as long as the total title-deed value is at least AED 2 million and the bank provides a no-objection letter. Read our guide on the property investor golden visa for 10 years for more details.
2. Investors and Business Owners
You can qualify through an investment of at least AED 2 million, for example a deposit in an investment fund, or capital in a UAE company. Business owners whose company pays a set level of tax to the government each year may also qualify.
If you are planning to invest, Aspira can set up your UAE company and guide you on how to structure it for a Golden Visa UAE.
3. Entrepreneurs
Founders of innovative, technical or high-growth projects can apply with approval from a UAE business incubator, an accelerator or a relevant government authority. Owners of successful small and medium businesses that meet the revenue conditions may also qualify.
4. Skilled Professionals
Employees can apply if they earn a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (allowances are not counted), hold at least a bachelor’s degree that is attested, and work in a job classified as level 1 or 2 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This route suits managers, engineers, doctors, IT specialists, finance professionals and many other senior employees.
5. Exceptional Talent
People with rare talent or skills can apply with a recommendation from the relevant UAE authority. This includes doctors and specialists, scientists, inventors, artists and creative professionals, athletes, executives and PhD holders. The UAE has also added newer groups such as content creators, game developers, teachers and nurses, through approved nominating bodies.
6. Outstanding Students and Graduates
High-achieving secondary school students and top university graduates can apply with proof of their grades and a recommendation from their school or university.
7. Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes
People who have made a major humanitarian contribution, or frontline workers recognised for their service, can apply with supporting certificates and letters.
Not sure which category fits you? Our team will check your eligibility for free and tell you the best route.
Golden Visa UAE Application Process
Here is how the Golden Visa UAE process works with Aspira:
1. Free eligibility check
We review your income, investments, property or achievements and choose the right category.
2. Document checklist
We give you a simple list of the documents you need for your category.
3. Attestation and preparation
We arrange degree attestation, property valuations and any other papers needed, and prepare your application.
4. Application submission
We submit your application to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or, for Dubai residents, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
5. Approval and entry permit
Once approved, an entry permit or change of status is issued.
6. Medical test and Emirates ID
You complete your medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics.
7. Visa issued
Your Golden Visa UAE is issued, and we then apply for your family members’ visas.
With a complete and correctly attested file, most applications are processed in about 2 to 3 weeks. Missing or unattested documents are the most common cause of delays, which is why we check everything before submitting.
Documents Required for the Golden Visa UAE
The exact documents depend on your category, but most applicants need:
- Passport copy, valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- Current UAE visa and Emirates ID copy (if you live in the UAE)
- Medical fitness test result
- Proof for your category, for example:
- Property investors: title deed(s), property valuation and, for mortgaged property, a bank no-objection letter
- Investors and business owners: bank or fund statements, trade license and company documents
- Skilled professionals: employment contract, salary certificate, attested degree and MOHRE job classification
- Talent and students: recommendation letters, certificates, awards or grade records
Golden Visa UAE Cost
The cost of a Golden Visa UAE depends on your category, the emirate where you apply, the number of family members and whether you are inside or outside the UAE. Costs usually include government fees, the medical test, Emirates ID and any attestation or valuation fees. Property investors may also pay for a property valuation and title-deed certificates.
Aspira gives you a clear quote before you start, so you know the full cost for you and your family. Contact our team for your exact price.
Golden Visa vs Standard Residence Visa
| Feature | Golden Visa UAE | Standard residence visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 or 10 years | Usually 2 years |
| Sponsor | Self-sponsored | Employer or company |
| Stay outside the UAE | Longer periods allowed | Visa can be cancelled after 6 months |
| Family sponsorship | Spouse and children | Depends on salary and sponsor |
| Changing jobs | No effect on your visa | New visa needed with new employer |
| Domestic workers | Can sponsor | Limited |
Golden Visa vs Green Visa
If you don’t meet the conditions for a 10-year visa yet, the Green Visa may be a good option. The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa for:
- Skilled employees with a bachelor’s degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000
- Freelancers and self-employed people who hold a freelance permit and meet the income conditions
- Investors and business partners in a UAE company
Like the Golden Visa, the Green Visa lets you sponsor your family and gives you more freedom than an employer-sponsored visa. Our team can tell you which of the two suits your situation and help you move to a Golden Visa later as your income or investments grow.
Family Members You Can Sponsor
One of the biggest advantages of a long-term visa is that your family can live with you. As a Golden Visa holder, you can usually sponsor:
- Your husband or wife
- Your sons and daughters
- Domestic workers for your household
Family members get residence visas linked to your visa, so they can live, study and work in the UAE. Each family member still needs a medical test and an Emirates ID. Aspira prepares and submits these applications together with yours, so your whole family is covered in one process.
Renewing Your Golden Visa
Your Golden Visa can be renewed when it is close to expiry, as long as you still meet the conditions of your category. For example, property investors must still own property of the required value, and skilled professionals must still meet the salary and job conditions.
Renewal also includes a new medical test and Emirates ID. We remind you before your expiry date and handle the renewal for you and your family.
What to Do After You Receive Your Visa
Once your visa is issued, there are a few practical steps to complete:
- Update your Emirates ID details with your bank, employer and service providers.
- Apply for your family members’ visas if you haven’t done so yet.
- Keep your property, investment or salary documents safe, as you will need them for renewal.
- Set a reminder for your renewal date, about three months before expiry.
Common Reasons Golden Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Using total salary instead of basic salary: only your basic salary counts for the skilled professional route.
- Unattested degrees: your degree must be attested before you apply.
- Property value below AED 2 million: the title-deed value must reach the required amount.
- Missing bank letters: mortgaged property needs a no-objection letter from the bank.
- Wrong category: applying under the wrong route can lead to rejection.
Aspira checks every detail before submission, so your Golden Visa UAE application is complete the first time.
Golden Visa UAE for Business Owners
Many of our clients get their Golden Visa UAE through their business. If you already own a UAE company, we can check whether your company or investment qualifies. If you are planning to move to the UAE, we can set up your company in Dubai mainland, in any UAE free zone or offshore, and plan your Golden Visa at the same time.
This saves time and helps you choose the right structure from day one. You can also use our business setup cost calculator to see your company setup price.
Is the Golden Visa Worth It?
For most people who plan to live in the UAE for several years, the answer is yes. A standard residence visa must be renewed every 2 years and depends on your employer or company. If you lose your job or close your business, your visa can be cancelled, and your family’s visas go with it.
A Golden Visa UAE removes that risk. You control your own residency, your family stays secure, and you can change jobs, start a business or spend time abroad without worrying about your visa. For property owners and investors, it also adds long-term value to an investment they have already made.
The application takes some preparation, but once it’s done, you won’t need to think about your residency again for up to 10 years.
Why Choose Aspira for Your Golden Visa UAE?
- 12+ years of experience in UAE visas and business setup
- 5,000+ companies formed for 4,500+ clients
- Free eligibility check before you pay anything
- Help with degree attestation, property valuation and bank letters
- Visas for your spouse, children and domestic workers
- One team for your Golden Visa, company setup, PRO services, bank account help and tax registration
Related Organizations
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): issues Golden Visas across the UAE
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA): handles Golden Visa applications in Dubai
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): job classification for skilled professionals
- Dubai Land Department (DLD): property title deeds and valuations
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): document attestation
Frequently Asked Questions
The Golden Visa UAE is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on your category, and it can be renewed.
Yes. Many categories allow you to apply from abroad. Once approved, you receive an entry permit to come to the UAE for your medical test and Emirates ID.
Yes. For the skilled professional route, your basic monthly salary must be at least AED 30,000. Allowances such as housing and transport are not counted.
Yes. Under the current rules, mortgaged and off-plan properties can qualify if the total title-deed value is at least AED 2 million and your bank issues a no-objection letter.
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and children, and you can also sponsor domestic workers.
Your Golden Visa is not tied to your employer, so changing or losing your job does not cancel it.
With complete and attested documents, most applications take about 2 to 3 weeks.
Yes. We can explain what you need to qualify, for example through property, investment or a business, and help you plan the right route.
Freelancers can qualify if they meet one of the routes, for example through property, investment or a talent nomination. Many freelancers start with the 5-year Green Visa and move to a Golden Visa later.
No. Unlike a standard residence visa, your Golden Visa stays valid even if you spend more than six months outside the UAE.
Parent sponsorship has its own conditions, such as income and housing requirements. Our team can check whether you can sponsor your parents and guide you through the process.
Get Your Golden Visa UAE with Aspira
Find out today if you qualify. Contact Aspira for a free eligibility check and a clear quote for you and your family.
Aspira Business Setup Services LLC
📍 Office: 1001, First Floor, Al Nasr Central, 10th Street, Oud Metha, Dubai
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +971 56 406 6546
📧 Email: info@aspiradubai.com
🌐 Website: aspiradubai.com