How to Apply for UAE Golden Visa — Step-by-Step Application Guide 2026
UAE Golden Visa (5 or 10-year self-sponsored residency) applications are processed through ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or GDRFA (Dubai). This step-by-step guide covers the UAE Golden Visa application process for investors, property owners, and skilled professionals in 2026.
In this guide:
Before You Apply: Confirm Eligibility
- Investor route: AED 2M+ invested in UAE company (free zone or mainland) OR AED 2M+ UAE public investments
- Property route: AED 2M+ UAE freehold property (completed; paid or mortgage with AED 2M+ equity)
- Entrepreneur route: UAE startup with AED 500,000+ annual revenue OR accepted into approved incubator
- Skilled professional route: PhD or bachelor’s in priority field + AED 30,000+/month salary from UAE employer
Documents Required (All Routes)
- Valid passport: minimum 6 months validity
- Current UAE residence visa (if already in UAE)
- Personal photo (white background)
- UAE health insurance
- UAE medical fitness test results
Additional Documents by Route
- Investor (company): UAE trade licence; share certificate; financial statements showing AED 2M+ capital
- Investor (public investment): bank/broker statement showing AED 2M+ in UAE stocks/funds
- Property: UAE DLD title deed; mortgage statement (if applicable) showing equity AED 2M+
- Entrepreneur: UAE business licence; revenue bank statements; incubator acceptance letter (if applicable)
- Skilled professional: employment contract; salary slips; academic certificates (attested); professional licence
Step-by-Step Application Process (Dubai)
- Complete medical fitness test at UAE-approved health centre
- Apply online via GDRFA Dubai portal (for Dubai residents) or ICA portal (for other emirates)
- Upload all required documents
- Pay Golden Visa application fee: AED 2,850 (Dubai) or AED 4,000 (federal)
- Attend biometrics appointment if required (Emirates ID)
- Receive UAE Golden Visa: typically 7-21 business days after successful submission
After Receiving Golden Visa
- Update your Emirates ID: new Emirates ID with 10-year (or 5-year) validity
- Sponsor family: spouse, children (any age for unmarried dependents), parents
- Update bank accounts: inform your UAE bank of new visa and Emirates ID
- UAE CT and tax records: ensure UAE CT records reflect your Golden Visa status if relevant for substance documentation