by Everything You Need to Know About the Golden Visa in Dubai 2025 | Full Q&A Guide
Keywords:
Dubai, Golden -Visa, Golden- Visa Dubai, UAE residency, Dubai investment, Dubai long-term visa, real estate visa Dubai, Dubai residency by investment
1. What is the Golden Visa in Dubai?
The Golden- Visa in Dubai is a long-term residency program launched by the UAE government to attract investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents. It allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, with residency valid for 5 or 10 years, renewable upon expiration.
This initiative supports Dubai’s vision to become a global hub for investment and innovation, providing stability and long-term opportunities for residents and their families.
2. Who is eligible for the Golden Visa in Dubai?
The Golden -Visa is available to several categories, including:
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Real estate investors and business owners
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Entrepreneurs and startup founders
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Scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals
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Creative professionals in culture, art, and media
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Outstanding students and academic achievers
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Senior executives and specialized professionals
Each category has specific eligibility requirements defined by the UAE authorities.
3. What are the requirements for investors applying for the Golden Visa?
To qualify as a real estate investor in Dubai:
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You must own property worth at least AED 2 million.
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The property must be ready for occupancy (not off-plan).
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It must be fully owned by the applicant (not under a mortgage or partially financed).
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The property must be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
This path is one of the most popular ways to secure the Golden -Visa through property investment.
4. What are the benefits of the Golden Visa in Dubai?
The Golden- Visa offers a wide range of advantages, including:
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Long-term residency (5 or 10 years)
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No requirement for a local sponsor or employer
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Freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in the UAE
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Full ownership of businesses and properties in Dubai
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Family sponsorship, including spouse, children, and domestic workers
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Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing residency
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Access to UAE’s advanced healthcare, education, and financial systems
5. How can I apply for the Golden Visa in Dubai?
You can apply through the official UAE government portals:
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Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
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General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai
Steps:
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Prepare all required documents (passport, title deed, Emirates ID, etc.).
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Submit your application through the official portal.
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Pay the required fees.
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Wait for approval (usually 2–4 weeks).
Once approved, you’ll receive an entry permit followed by the Golden Residency Visa.
6. What is the cost of the Golden Visa in Dubai?
The cost depends on the visa category:
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Investors / Real estate owners: AED 2,800 – AED 3,800 (approx.)
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Skilled professionals / talents: Around AED 1,150
Additional costs may include medical testing, Emirates ID fees, and insurance.
7. How long does it take to get the Golden Visa approved?
The processing time usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and the applicant’s background check.
8. Can I include my family in the Golden Visa application?
Yes, holders of the Golden -Visa can sponsor their family members, including:
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Spouse
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Children (no age limit for unmarried daughters; up to 30 for sons)
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Domestic workers
Family members receive the same residency duration as the main applicant.
9. What is the difference between a Golden- Visa and a regular Dubai visa?
| Feature | Golden -Visa | Regular Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5–10 years | 1–2 years |
| Sponsor | Not required | Required |
| Flexibility | Live/work anywhere in UAE | Limited to employer |
| Property ownership | 100% allowed | Restricted |
| Exit duration | Can stay abroad >6 months | Must return within 6 months |
The Golden- Visa provides greater freedom, stability, and long-term security for residents compared to standard visas.
10. Can I get a Golden- Visa by buying property in Dubai?
Yes. Purchasing a property worth AED 2 million or more qualifies you for the Golden Visa. This has become one of the most popular ways for investors to gain UAE residency through real estate.
Many developers in Dubai now offer ready properties eligible for Golden- Visa applications, making it an attractive option for global investors seeking both returns and residency.
11. Can I keep my Golden -Visa if I live outside Dubai for a long time?
Yes. One of the key benefits is that the visa remains valid even if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months, unlike standard residence visas.
12. Why is Dubai’s Golden- Visa so popular?
Because Dubai offers:
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Zero income tax
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Strong property market
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High quality of life
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Global connectivity
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Business-friendly environment
The Golden -Visa combines lifestyle and opportunity, making it a top choice for investors and professionals worldwide.
Conclusion
The Golden -Visa in Dubai is more than just a residence permit — it’s a gateway to long-term stability, investment opportunities, and global mobility. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional, this program allows you to make Dubai your permanent home while enjoying all the benefits of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Question: What is the Golden- Visa in Dubai?
Answer: A long-term UAE residency (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents, allowing them to live, work, and study without a local sponsor.
Question: Who is eligible for Dubai’s Golden -Visa?
Answer: Real estate investors, business owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, healthcare professionals, creatives, outstanding students, and senior executives, subject to category criteria.
Question: What are the property requirements for investors?
Answer: Own a ready, registered Dubai property valued at AED 2 million or more in your name.
Question: Can off-plan property qualify me?
Answer: Generally no; properties must be completed and registered. Some cases may require full payment—check current rules before applying.
Question: Do I need a local sponsor for the Golden- Visa?
Answer: No, the Golden -Visa is self-sponsored.
Question: What are the main benefits?
Answer: 5–10 year residency, family sponsorship, ability to stay outside the UAE over 6 months without losing residency, and flexibility to live/work/study anywhere in the UAE.
Question: Who can I sponsor under my Golden- Visa?
Answer: Spouse, children (unmarried daughters without age limit; sons up to 30, subject to current rules), and domestic workers.
Question: How long does processing take?
Answer: Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on documentation and background checks.
Question: What documents are usually required?
Answer: Passport, Emirates ID (if any), recent photos, title deed (for investors), proof of eligibility, medical test, and health insurance.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: Approx. AED 2,800–3,800 for investors; skilled professionals from around AED 1,150, plus medical, Emirates ID, and insurance fees.
Question: Where do I apply?
Answer: Online via GDRFA Dubai or ICP portals, or through approved service centers.
Question: Can I keep my visa if I stay abroad over 6 months?
Answer: Yes, the Golden -Visa remains valid even if you’re outside the UAE for more than six months.
Question: Is business or property ownership required for all categories?
Answer: No, requirements vary by category; some focus on salary, qualifications, or achievements.
Question: Can I own 100% of a company in Dubai with a Golden -Visa?
Answer: Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in many sectors, subject to local regulations.
Question: How do renewals work?
Answer: Renew before expiry by confirming you still meet your category’s criteria and completing medical, ID, and insurance steps.
Question: Does the Golden Visa provide a path to citizenship?
Answer: It is a residency program, not a direct citizenship route.
Question: Can multiple properties be combined to reach AED 2 million?
Answer: Yes, combining properties can qualify if the total registered value meets or exceeds AED 2 million and other conditions are met.
Question: Are mortgages allowed for eligibility?
Answer: Some financed properties can qualify if minimum equity or paid-up value meets policy; verify current thresholds before applying.
Question: What’s the main difference vs. a regular Dubai work visa?
Answer: Golden Visa is long-term and self-sponsored with broader flexibility; regular visas are shorter and tied to an employer sponsor.
Question: Why choose Dubai for long-term residency?
Answer: Zero income tax, strong economy, high quality of life, world-class infrastructure, and global connectivity.
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