Launched by the UAE government, the system for long-term residence visas enables successful applicants to reside in the UAE without a UAE national sponsor.

These visas are issued for five or ten years — depending on the category.

No: The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is renewed every five or ten years depending on the visa category and upon meeting the eligibility criteria.

Golden Visa holders benefit from long-term residency in the UAE, offering greater stability and peace of mind, enabling them to invest and build fulfilling, long-lasting careers in the country.

Golden Visa holders are able to sponsor family members, dependents, as well as senior employees, depending on the nature and eligibility of sponsorship determined by each visa category.

The Golden Visa is available to various categories of applicants. The categories for the Golden Visa include: Investors, Real Estate Investors, Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Scientists, Creatives (Art & Culture), Inventors, Executive Directors, Specialists in priority educational fields,  Sports Professionals, PhD Holders, Specialized in engineering or science, High School Graduates and University Graduates.

There are no age restrictions. An applicant can apply for any of the categories of the Golden Visa as long as they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.

For applicants within the UAE (existing UAE residents):

Once all required documents are successfully submitted, the initial approval will take up to 48 hours.

After the cancellation of the applicant’s current visa and a completed medical assessment, the Golden Visa will be issued within three to five working days.

The Golden Visa can be extended to include the sponsorship of spouses, children, parents and dependent siblings, depending on the visa category.

There is no limit to the number of children who may be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder. Male children are sponsored until the age of 18. Female children are sponsored until marriage.

Upon receiving their Golden Visa, successful applicants may begin the process to sponsor family members.

Golden Visa applicants may choose to either place family members on hold or cancel their visas.

• If placed on hold, a refundable financial guarantee needs to be submitted until their visas are issued.
• No financial guarantee will be required if their visas are cancelled.

Yes, Golden Visa holders are permitted to sponsor domestic helpers. Standard rules and regulations for sponsorship apply.The number of people (excluding dependent children) to be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder is subject to The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship approval.

Golden Visa applicants may choose to either place family members on hold or cancel their visas.

• If placed on hold, a refundable financial guarantee needs to be submitted until their visas are issued.
• No financial guarantee will be required if their visas are cancelled.