How to Apply for UAE Investor Golden Visa — Step-by-Step Guide 2026
The UAE Golden Visa gives eligible applicants a 10-year renewable UAE residence visa with no sponsor required. It is one of the world’s most generous long-term residence visa programmes. This step-by-step guide covers applying for the UAE Investor Golden Visa in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Golden Visa Eligibility Routes
- Property investor: own UAE real estate worth AED 2 million or more; property can be mortgaged (but equity must be AED 2M+); property can be in any UAE emirate; multiple properties can be combined if total value exceeds AED 2M
- Business investor: invest AED 500,000+ in a UAE company (existing or new); obtain approval from the Department of Economy (federal); or establish a UAE company with AED 2M+ capital
- Entrepreneur: own or found a start-up business; get approval from an official UAE business incubator (Hub71, in5, Dtec) or from a government innovation fund
- Skilled professional: doctors, scientists, engineers, artists with salary above AED 30,000/month; proven contribution to UAE; requires government endorsement
- Outstanding student: top graduates (top 5% of class) from UAE or international accredited universities; requires university verification and Ministry of Education endorsement
Step-by-Step: Golden Visa via Property Investment (Most Common)
Step 1 — Confirm Property Eligibility
- Property must be completed (not off-plan); AED 2M+ valuation; property must be in your name in UAE Land Department (DLD for Dubai; ADREC for Abu Dhabi)
- Get an official DLD valuation certificate confirming the AED 2M+ value
- If mortgaged: get a bank letter confirming equity of AED 2M+ (paid installments to date)
Step 2 — Apply via ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security)
- Register on ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) or use UAE Pass
- Submit Golden Visa application under “Investor” category
- Upload: passport; recent photo; UAE ID (if already resident); property title deed; DLD valuation certificate; bank confirmation (if mortgaged); medical insurance
Step 3 — Pay Fees
- ICP Golden Visa fees: approximately AED 2,800-4,000 for the visa issuance
- Service charges: ICP typing centre service fee AED 300-600
Step 4 — Medical Fitness Test
- Complete UAE medical fitness test at a DHA-approved clinic (if in Dubai) or DOH-approved clinic (if in Abu Dhabi)
- Includes: blood test for infectious diseases; chest X-ray; takes 30-90 minutes; results in 1-3 days
- Cost: AED 320-700 depending on clinic and speed
Step 5 — Emirates ID Biometrics
- Visit ICP service centre or approved Emirates ID registration location for biometric registration (fingerprints and photo)
- Emirates ID delivered within 5-7 working days
Golden Visa — Dependent Sponsorship
- Sponsor: spouse, children of any age (unmarried daughters); parents
- All dependents get residence for the same 10-year period as the primary Golden Visa holder
- Cost: AED 2,000-3,500 per dependent for residence visa fees + medical + Emirates ID