The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that needs no sponsor. Holders can also sponsor family members, including a spouse and children (UAE Government portal, checked 13 October 2026).
Requirements differ by category and can change, so confirm them on the official portal before you apply. To check your own case, use our eligibility checker or see our Golden Visa services.
Written by the Maven& editorial team. Rules and fees change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you act.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years that needs no sponsor and lets holders stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six months. Validity and requirements depend on the category: investor, entrepreneur, specialist talent, student or humanitarian.
Golden Visa categories at a glance
| Category | Validity | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Investors | 10 years for public investments, 5 years for real estate investments | Minimum capital of AED 2 million, or contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes |
| Entrepreneurs | 5 years | Proof of an innovative or technical project and a letter from a business incubator or relevant authority |
| Exceptional talent and specialists | 10 years | Category-specific documents, for doctors, scientists, inventors, creatives, executives, athletes and PhD holders |
| Outstanding students | 5 years for high school achievers, 10 years for top university students | Academic achievement documents |
| Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes | 10 years | Category-specific documents |
Who can qualify?
- Investors: 10 years for public investments and 5 years for real estate investments, with minimum capital of AED 2 million or contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes.
- Entrepreneurs: 5 years, with proof of an innovative or technical project and a letter from a business incubator or relevant authority.
- Exceptional talent and specialists: 10 years, including doctors, scientists, inventors, creatives, executives, athletes and PhD holders, with category-specific documents.
- Outstanding students: 5 years for high school achievers and 10 years for top university students.
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes: 10 years.
How does the application work?
- Check your category and requirements, including the official eligibility check.
- Prepare the documents your category needs.
- Submit the application through the official channels.
- Complete the usual residence steps after approval, such as medical fitness and Emirates ID where applicable.
Requirements can change, so confirm them on the official portal.
Want us to assess your Golden Visa eligibility?
Tell us your category and send your documents. We check what is missing and handle the application for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
It is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category.
Do I need a sponsor for a Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa needs no sponsor.
Can I live outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes. Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six months.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor their family?
Yes. Holders can also sponsor family members, including a spouse and children.
What is the minimum investment for the investor category?
Minimum capital of AED 2 million, or contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes. Validity is 10 years for public investments and 5 years for real estate investments.
What do entrepreneurs need to apply?
Proof of an innovative or technical project and a letter from a business incubator or relevant authority. Validity is 5 years.
Related guides
Sources
- UAE Government portal Golden Visa categories and requirements, checked 13 October 2026.
