How to Apply for UAE Golden Visa 2026 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide
UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year UAE residency visa available to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals, scientists, outstanding students, and exceptional talent. This step-by-step 2026 guide covers all Golden Visa categories, eligibility criteria, and the exact application process.
UAE Golden Visa Categories 2026
- Real estate investor: AED 2M+ UAE property (fully owned, not mortgaged beyond AED 2M value)
- Business investor: AED 2M+ investment in a UAE registered company, or ownership in a UAE company with AED 2M+ share capital
- Entrepreneur: startup founder with a project valued at AED 500,000+ by an approved UAE incubator
- Specialised talent: doctors, scientists, engineers, artists, athletes, educators with UAE government recognition
- Outstanding student: UAE public university graduates in top 5%, or STEM graduates from top global universities
- Humanitarian pioneer: individuals with 3+ years of outstanding humanitarian work in UAE
Real Estate Golden Visa — Step by Step
- Step 1: Purchase UAE property worth AED 2M+ (or off-plan with AED 2M+ paid)
- Step 2: Obtain title deed or developer letter confirming property value and ownership
- Step 3: Apply via ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal or smart app
- Step 4: Submit documents: passport, title deed, property valuation certificate, photos
- Step 5: Undergo medical fitness test in UAE
- Step 6: Biometrics
- Step 7: Emirates ID issued
- Processing time: 3–8 weeks from application submission
Business Investor Golden Visa — Documents Required
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Trade licence of the UAE company
- Memorandum of association showing AED 2M+ share capital
- Audited financial statements (for established companies)
- Certificate from UAE Ministry of Economy or relevant authority confirming investment value
Golden Visa Sponsorship Rights
UAE Golden Visa holders can sponsor: spouse, children (sons up to 25, daughters regardless of age, children with special needs), household staff. Parents and siblings are NOT automatically sponsored (separate visa applications required). Sponsored family members also receive 10-year residency if valid during the sponsor’s Golden Visa period.
Golden Visa Cost 2026
- Government fees: approximately AED 3,500–5,000 (including ICP fees, medical, Emirates ID)
- Processing service fee (if using a typing centre): AED 500–1,500
- Total: AED 4,000–6,500 for the investor; similar per family member
Key Benefits of UAE Golden Visa
Long-term UAE residency (10 years, renewable), ability to stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without visa expiry, priority banking and government services, ability to own 100% of UAE mainland businesses (Freelance Professional licence), and status as a long-term UAE resident for mortgage and financial applications.