How to Get a UAE Golden Visa: The Complete 2025 Guide

The UAE's Golden Visa programme, launched in 2019 and significantly expanded since, offers 10-year residency to a broad range of eligible individuals without requiring employer sponsorship. For many expats who have built their lives in the UAE, it provides the security that was always missing from the standard employment-tied visa system. The categories are wide. Investors who own property worth at least 2 million AED qualify. Entrepreneurs who have previously founded a company valued at over 1 million AED are eligible. Highly skilled professionals in sectors designated as priority — technology, engineering, health, education, culture, and sports — can qualify if they earn a minimum monthly salary of 30,000 AED and are employed by a qualifying company or government entity. Outstanding students with high academic achievement and graduates of top global universities are included. Freelancers and self-employed individuals with income above certain thresholds can qualify under some categories. The application process runs through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and can be initiated online. Required documents typically include proof of property ownership or employment contracts, salary certificates, degree certificates, and medical insurance. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Dependants including spouse, children, and domestic workers can be sponsored under the Golden Visa. The visa does not require the holder to remain in the UAE for any minimum period to maintain it, unlike some comparable programmes globally.