What is the UAE Golden Visa?  

In 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a new pathway for long-term residence visa holders, the Golden Visa. By embracing globalism and supporting entrepreneurship, the UAE creates an environment that encourages innovation and drives economic prosperity.  The Golden Visa is a self-sponsored, long-term residence visa granted to foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE.    

The country’s aim with the visa is to attract further long-term investment in the country, which will produce a thriving business hub, especially for tech and AI.  

The visa is intended for highly skilled foreign national investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian staff and frontline workers who have received government-approved nominations to apply for it.  

More recently, the country introduced options under the Golden Visa to include new eligiblity categories. As of 12 May 2025, nurses who have served at Dubai Health for over 15 years are now eligible for a 10-year Golden visa.  

The government also modified the following categories:  

• Educators: Private education professionals in Dubai, including those teaching at early childhood centers, schools and universities, can now qualify for the Golden Visa based on academic excellence. This category will allow for family sponsorship. 
• Digital Creators: Filmmakers, content creators and social media influencers can now obtain long-term residency through the UAE’s creative residency initiative.  
• E-Sports Experts: Applicants aged 25 and above must receive accreditation from Dubai Culture to qualify.  
• Luxury Yacht Owners: Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay program offers visas to yacht owners with vessels measuring at least 40 meters or individuals with executive roles in yacht-related industries such as manufacturing, insurance and brokerage. This category will allow for family sponsorship. 

The UAE’s Golden Visa: Advancing Entrepreneurship and Long-Term Growth

The UAE aims to become a hub for startups and unicorns by 2031, positioning itself as a global player in the entrepreneurial landscape. Their vision of becoming among the top three countries in the Global Entrepreneurship Index reflects their determination to create a thriving ecosystem for business, creativity and human capital.

The Golden visa allows people to have a length of visa stay in the country of up to 10 years, while the traditional visa allows two years. This visa was introduced to retain talent in the market and enable people to be here longer on a longer-term basis. It initially favored talent such as doctors, highly educated people, business owners and economic leaders. But it’s now become more available in the market. And so, there’s a connection to education, to capacity behind it.

– Philipp von Zitzewitz, UAE Director of Immigration

Benefits of the UAE’s Golden Visa  

Unlike traditional work and residence visas, the Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to reside, work and study in the UAE without employer sponsorship. It has a validity period of five to ten years and automatic renewal options.

The Golden Visa provides stability and security, allowing individuals to pursue their professional and personal goals with confidence. Moreover, the Golden Visa aims to promote entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange, positioning the UAE as a global hub for talent.

The UAE Golden Visa comes with several privileges. For example, holders of this visa are permitted to sponsor their spouses and dependent children on their residency permit. They can also sponsor their parents and secure a visa for unlimited housemaids and drivers.

Golden Visa holders in the UAE can access loyalty programs such as the Fazaa Card, issued by the Ministry of Interior’s Social Solidarity Fund, along with other government-backed benefits. These cards provide exclusive privileges, including discounts at retail outlets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, housing services and more.

UAE Golden Visa Eligibility and Requirements

UAE officials approve the Golden Visa for foreign nationals if they can provide proof of meeting one of the following categories of applicants:

• Investors in public investments.
• Real estate investors.
• Entrepreneurs who own a project valued at least AED 500,000 and have approval from an accredited incubator.
• Outstanding specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge.
• Inventors with patents approved by the UAE authorities.
• Executives, including directors and managers, with significant contributions to their industries.
• Athletes recognized for their achievements in sports.
• Creative professionals in culture and the arts, including artists, writers, filmmakers and digital content creators
• Doctors and scientists.
• Specialists in scientific fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced technology.
• Artificial intelligence experts are contributing to AI research and development.
• Big data specialists working in data science and analytics.
• Engineers specializing in electronics, computer science, software, genetics and biotechnology.
• Highly talented students with promising scientific capacities.
• Pioneers of humanitarian work.
• Frontline heroes, including health care workers and emergency responders.

Specific salary requirements apply depending on the applicant’s background or the category they apply under. For example, investors must be willing to invest AED 10 million. Entrepreneurs must provide proof of a successful business venture and proof of holding a minimum investment of AED 500,000.

Providing an evidence deposit of AED 2 million makes investment through an accredited investment fund in the UAE possible.

Through company ownership, the applicant must prove the following:

• Investment capital of AED 2 million is stated in the company’s memorandum of association.
• Copy of commercial registration.
• Annual Federal Tax payment is not less than AED 250,000.

Throughout the application process, applicants must also undergo a criminal record background check and more.

Navigate the Visa Application Process with Envoy Global 

Envoy Global delivers excellence, innovation and integrity at every stage of the Golden Visa process. With deep expertise in UAE immigration regulations, we provide strategic guidance and tailored solutions that simplify complexities and help businesses and individuals secure long-term opportunities.

By integrating smart, friendly legal professionals with cutting-edge technology, we streamline immigration, eliminate barriers and create a seamless experience—so you can focus on growing your business, advancing your career and making the most of the UAE’s dynamic landscape.

Discover how we can support your immigration needs today.

This blog was prepared in collaboration with Florabel Bautista, General Manager of Envoy Global’s Middle East immigration team. Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such.