UAE Golden Visa: who qualifies and how to apply
Ten-year residence without an employer sponsor. Categories, salary and investment thresholds, and the application steps.
In short
The Golden Visa is a 5 or 10-year renewable residence that does not depend on an employer. Skilled professionals earning AED 30,000+ basic per month, property owners from AED 2 million, entrepreneurs and outstanding students can apply through ICP or GDRFA.
- Validity
- 5 or 10 years
- Salary route
- AED 30,000 basic/month
- Property route
- AED 2M+
- Sponsor
- Self
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Use the ICP eligibility tool. Professionals need an attested degree and MOHRE skill level 1 or 2.
1 day
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Keep basic salary at the threshold, not total package
- Add your family to the same visa
Don’t
- Don’t cancel your old visa before the new one is approved
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- The visa stays valid if you live abroad for over 6 months, but your Emirates ID must stay valid.
Common questions
Can I change jobs freely?
Yes. Your residence is no longer linked to the employer, but the new employer still needs a work permit for you.
Official links
Background and more detail
The Golden Visa is a 5 or 10-year renewable residence that does not depend on an employer. Skilled professionals earning AED 30,000+ basic per month, property owners from AED 2 million, entrepreneurs and outstanding students can apply through ICP or GDRFA.
Key facts
- Validity: 5 or 10 years
- Salary route: AED 30,000 basic/month
- Property route: AED 2M+
- Sponsor: Self
Steps
- Check your category – Use the ICP eligibility tool. Professionals need an attested degree and MOHRE skill level 1 or 2.
- Apply online – ICP app (Abu Dhabi and northern emirates) or GDRFA/Amer (Dubai).
- Medical and Emirates ID – Medical test and biometrics for the new Emirates ID.
Watch out
- The visa stays valid if you live abroad for over 6 months, but your Emirates ID must stay valid.
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