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Accredited by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Accredited by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs

UAE Golden Visa Requirements 2026

Long-term UAE residence visa (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and skilled professionals.

Check eligibility

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VISA & RESIDENCY WIZARD

What is your main reason for wanting UAE residency?

Your answers are not stored. This helps us find the right option for you.

Eligibility

Investors

AED 2 million deposit or equivalent investment in UAE assets.

Entrepreneurs

Own or co-found a startup registered in the UAE with minimum revenue thresholds.

Scientists & Researchers

Accredited by Emirates Scientists Council or equivalent authority.

Outstanding Students

Top-performing graduates from UAE or globally ranked universities.

Skilled Professionals

Specialist workers in priority sectors with valid employment contract.

Process Timeline

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Verify your category and gather supporting documentation.

    Same day

  2. 2

    Submit application

    Amer MBS submits your application to GDRFA via the e-channels system.

    1–2 business days

  3. 3

    Entry permit issued

    6-month multiple-entry visa issued while residency is processed.

    3–5 business days

  4. 4

    Residency stamped

    5- or 10-year residence visa stamped after medical fitness and Emirates ID.

    7–14 business days

Cost Overview

Starting from
Visa stamping fee only (additional government fees apply)AED 547
Golden Visa (Manager / Specialist)AED 2,710

Base fee — final amount depends on visa category

Emirates ID — 10 Years (Golden Visa)AED 1,185
Work Permit Typing (Golden Visa / Family Visa)AED 128
Labour Fees (Golden Visa / Family Visa)AED 326
Source: Government fees — verified against current GDRFA fee scheduleVerified: Mar 2026

What affects cost

Total cost depends on visa category (investor, specialist, entrepreneur), number of dependants, medical fitness tests, Emirates ID fees, and health insurance premiums. Government fees are fixed; service and third-party fees vary by case complexity.

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Government fees are set by the issuing authority and subject to change without notice. Amer MBS service fees are inclusive of typing and processing.

Google Reviews — Amer MBS Centre

Amer MBS centre exterior, Ras Al Khor, Dubai

Google Reviews

4.9/5

Based on 102 reviews

View on Google Maps
J

Jaz Mie C.

My entire experience with Amer Center is absolutely awesome. The staff are incredibly kind and courteous especially Ma'am Hessa she has a lot of personality, bubbly and a positive vibes that lighten up my day.

a year ago

M

Mohamad M.

I was in urgent need of the establishment card. Miss. Umara answered and helped me immediately in less than a minute. She is kind, fast, and wonderful, and I see her as the perfect example of the best customer service.

a year ago

Compare Your Options

See key differences to choose the best fit for your situation

You’re viewing thisBest for long-term securityGolden VisaGeneral Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Setup time2–3 weeks
DocumentsMedium
Govt. feesAED 3,000–5,000
  • 5 or 10-year self-sponsored residency
  • Sponsor family members on the same visa
  • No employer or company sponsor needed
Best for employer-sponsored workersEmployment VisaMinistry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsMedium
Govt. feesAED 3,000–5,000
  • Employer handles entire visa process
  • Tied to employment contract duration
  • MOHRE labour card and work permit included
Best for dependents joining sponsorFamily VisaGeneral Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsHigh
Govt. feesAED 3,000–5,500
  • Sponsor spouse, children, and parents
  • Requires minimum salary or deposit proof
  • Renewable as long as sponsor's visa is valid
Best for independent professionalsFreelance VisaMinistry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsLow
Govt. feesAED 7,500–15,000
  • Self-sponsored — work independently in the UAE
  • Flexible activity scope across multiple sectors
  • No employer sponsor or office lease required

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Golden Visa valid?

10-year Golden Visa: investors, entrepreneurs, and scientists/researchers. 5-year Golden Visa: outstanding students and skilled professionals. Both are renewable.

Do I need a sponsor for the Golden Visa?

No. Golden Visa holders are self-sponsored and do not require a UAE national sponsor.

Can I sponsor my family with a Golden Visa?

Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and unlimited domestic staff.

What is the minimum property investment for a 10-year Golden Visa?

You must invest a minimum of AED 2 million in UAE property (completed or off-plan approved).

How much are the Golden Visa government fees?

The exact cost varies by category, but starts at approximately AED 2,710. See our full pricing catalogue for exact breakdowns per category.

Can I stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without my Golden Visa being cancelled?

Yes, Golden Visa holders are exempt from the standard rule that requires residents to return to the UAE every 6 months to keep their visa valid.

If I lose my job, what happens to my Golden Visa?

For skilled professionals, changes to employment may affect eligibility if you rely on salary requirements, but generally, the visa remains valid until its expiry date. Reach out for specific case details.

What is the processing time for Golden Visa approval?

Generally, it takes between 7 to 14 business days from the submission of all required documents to the final stamping.

Information sourced from GDRFA.gov.ae, ICA.gov.ae, and MOHRE.gov.ae — verified 2026-03-19

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