UAE Golden Visa Guide: Long-Term Residency for Employers and Employees 2025

10-year residency that is renewable. No employer sponsor required. Freedom to work anywhere in UAE. Family members included on same visa. No 6-month rule means you can stay outside UAE. Creates permanent residency pathway.

Duration: Golden Visa 10 years versus regular employment visa 2-3 years. Sponsor: Golden Visa is self-sponsored versus employer for regular. Job change: Golden Visa is free versus requires transfer for regular. Outside UAE: Golden Visa has no limit versus 6 months maximum for regular. Cancellation: Golden Visa on request versus by employer for regular. Family: Golden Visa included versus separate process for regular.

Real estate investors with AED 2 million+ property where mortgage is allowed since November 2022. Public investment of AED 2 million+ deposit or investment fund. Business owners with company capital of AED 2 million+. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the threshold value.

Approved startup or SME. Accredited UAE business incubator approval. Audited financial statements required.

Scientists and researchers. Licensed physicians and doctors. Licensed engineers. Creative talents including artists and inventors.

Top graduates from UAE universities. High school students with 95%+ grade. Graduates from global top 100 universities.

Salary requirement is AED 30,000+ per month. Education requirement is Bachelor's degree or higher. Occupation must be classified level 1 or 2. Must have valid UAE employment contract.

Employees can qualify if meeting ALL requirements: Salary of AED 30,000+ monthly. Bachelor's degree minimum education. Job level at occupational levels 1-2 in MOHRE classification. Valid UAE employment contract.

Level 1 includes senior executives, managers, and directors. Level 2 includes professionals such as engineers, doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

Passport copy valid 6+ months. Current UAE visa that is valid residence visa. Employment contract showing AED 30,000+ salary. Attested salary certificate. Educational certificates attested by UAE MOFA. Valid Emirates ID. Photo with white background.

Property value of AED 2 million+ required. Mortgage is allowed since November 2022. Multiple properties combined value is acceptable. Certain developers qualify for off-plan properties.

Title deed or Oqood for off-plan. Property valuation if multiple properties. Valid passport copy. Bank statements as proof of funds. Good conduct certificate or police clearance.

Capital requirement is AED 2 million+. Audited financial statements required. Business must be operating in UAE.

Step 1: Check eligibility. Step 2: Gather documents taking 1-2 weeks. Step 3: Attest certificates taking 1-2 weeks. Step 4: Apply via ICP or GDRFA taking 1 day. Step 5: Pay fees. Step 6: Approval taking 1-5 days. Step 7: Medical test taking 1-2 days. Step 8: Emirates ID taking 5-7 days. Step 9: Visa stamping taking 3-5 days.

ICP website for online applications. ICP app for mobile convenience. GDRFA Dubai for Dubai residents. AMER centers for in-person assistance. PRO services for employer-assisted applications.

Application fee AED 2,000-3,000. Medical test AED 300-500. Emirates ID for 10 years AED 1,100+. Visa stamping AED 500-1,000. Attestation varies. Total approximately AED 4,000-6,000+.

Long-term security with 10 years residency. No sponsor needed as it is self-sponsored. Job flexibility to change employers freely. Exit freedom with no 6-month rule. Family included for spouse and children. Can sponsor domestic helpers. Business freedom with 100% ownership.

Retain talent as employees stay long-term. No visa renewal hassle as it is every 10 years only. Reduced admin with less visa processing. Attract talent with recruitment advantage.

Spouse with marriage certificate. Sons under 25 years. Daughters unmarried any age. Parents with optional sponsorship. Domestic workers up to 2. Costs per family member: Application AED 1,000-2,000, Medical AED 300-500, Emirates ID AED 1,100, Visa stamping AED 500-1,000.