The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit — typically granted for 10 years and renewable — that lets holders live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor. It's become one of the biggest draws for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals relocating to the region.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility spans several categories. While exact criteria are set by the authorities and updated periodically, the main groups include:
- Investors — in property or in a UAE company, above defined thresholds.
- Entrepreneurs — founders of approved or sufficiently valued startups.
- Highly skilled professionals — in fields such as medicine, science, engineering, technology, and business, often subject to salary or qualification criteria.
- Specialised talent — including outstanding students, researchers, and creatives.
Because thresholds and categories change, the practical first step is an eligibility check against the current rules — that's where most people benefit from guidance.
What the Golden Visa unlocks
- 10-year, renewable residency without a local sponsor.
- The ability to sponsor your spouse, children, and dependents.
- Greater stability for banking, leasing, and long-term planning.
- The ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency.
How the application works
In broad strokes: confirm the category you qualify for, gather and attest the supporting documents, submit the application to the relevant authority, then complete medical testing, biometrics, and Emirates ID issuance. Done right, it's straightforward; done wrong, applications stall on documentation.
If you're setting up a company in the UAE, your formation and Golden Visa can often be planned together so the whole move is seamless. We assess your eligibility, handle the paperwork, and manage the process end to end.