If you’re wondering how to get Golden Visa UAE in 2025, you’re not alone. Demand for long-term residency has surged: Dubai alone issued around 158,000 Golden Visas in 2023, more than triple the volume in 2021, and numbers are still climbing.

For investors, founders, skilled professionals and their families, the UAE Golden Visa is now one of the most attractive residency options in the world. This guide from First Elite Global walks you through:

• What the Golden Visa actually is
• Who qualifies (including investors, employees, students, nurses and other professionals)
• The 2025 requirements, including the AED 30,000 salary requirement
• Typical costs and government fees
• A step-by-step application process
• How our team can manage the entire process for you

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (usually 5 or 10 years, renewable) that allows eligible foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It also lets you sponsor your spouse, children and in many cases domestic staff.

The programme was created to attract people who bring investment, specialised skills, or recognised achievements into the country. Eligible groups include:

• Investors (real estate and public investments)
• Entrepreneurs and company founders
• Specialised talents and scientists
• Skilled professionals and executives
• Outstanding students and graduates
• Humanitarian pioneers
• Frontline heroes such as healthcare workers

These categories are defined in UAE federal regulations and implemented through national and emirate-level authorities such as ICP, GDRFA and emirate investment bodies.

Key benefits of the UAE Golden Visa in 2025

Holding a Golden Visa gives you more security and flexibility than a standard residence visa:

• 5–10 year residency, renewable as long as you keep meeting the criteria
• No local sponsor required – you are your own sponsor
• Freedom to live, work and study anywhere in the UAE
• Stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing your residency (unlike many standard visas)
• Sponsor your spouse and children (sons often up to 25, and in some cases with no age limit for unmarried daughters)
• Sponsor domestic workers (for eligible categories)
• In many cases, your family can stay in the UAE even if the primary Golden Visa holder passes away until the permit expires
• Access to long-term planning for schooling, property, business and tax

For many of our clients at First Elite Global, the real value is knowing they can base their family and business in the UAE for the long term, not just one or two years at a time.

Who can get a UAE Golden Visa? Main categories at a glance

Below is a simplified overview. Exact conditions vary by emirate and category and are updated regularly by UAE authorities, so treat this as a practical roadmap, not a legal ruling.

1. Property investors (real estate route)

This is one of the most popular ways to get a 10-year visa in the UAE:

• Own property or properties worth at least AED 2 million (around USD 545,000) in the UAE
• In Dubai and some other emirates, mortgaged properties can qualify if your equity is at least AED 2 million, with confirmation from the bank and the land department
• Eligible for a 5 or 10-year Golden Visa depending on structure and local rules

This route is ideal if you are already planning to own property or want to build a portfolio in the UAE.

2. Business investors & company owners

If you’re investing in or owning a UAE business, you may obtain a Golden Visa via:

• Public investment (e.g. a company or investment fund) of around AED 2 million or more, with proof of capital and sometimes a minimum level of annual tax paid
• Holding a significant share in a UAE-registered company and meeting minimum capital or value thresholds set by the emirate
• Some emirates also provide a Golden Visa if you are a partner or shareholder in multiple companies, as long as your total invested capital meets the threshold

This is often combined with business setup in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where First Elite Global helps you choose the right mainland or free zone structure and prepares the documentation that immigration and economic departments will expect to see.

3. Entrepreneurs and start-up founders

Entrepreneurs can qualify if they have:

• A successful existing project with a minimum annual revenue (commonly around AED 1 million)
• or an innovative start-up approved by an incubator or relevant authority (for example, technology or future-focused projects)

You will typically need:

• A business plan and financials
• Proof of your shareholding or founder status
• Approval or recommendation from a government-linked body

For growth-stage founders, this route ties in neatly with corporate structuring, banking and tax planning, which First Elite Global can manage end-to-end.

4. Skilled professionals & executives (salary route)

From 2025 onwards, the UAE has tightened and clarified the salary-based Golden Visa route for highly skilled professionals:

• You must work in a qualifying occupation (often classified as MOHRE level 1 or 2, covering managers, business executives, doctors, engineers, IT professionals, specialists in science, health, education, law, etc.)
• You need a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 (not including allowances) as of the latest 2025 guidelines
• Typically you must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and, where relevant, a professional licence (for example, doctors, pharmacists, teachers)

Some emirates now also require:

• Two years’ experience with the same employer, and
• Being in a managerial or senior role for a minimum period

This category answers many search queries such as “how to get UAE Golden Visa” or “UAE Golden Visa salary requirement” for corporate employees and executives.

5. Scientists, researchers and specialised talents

This route applies to individuals with recognised achievements in:

• Science, technology, engineering, medicine
• Culture and arts
• Digital technology and innovation
• Sports and other fields of strategic importance

Usually you’ll need:

• A recommendation or nomination from a relevant UAE authority (for example, culture & arts bodies, sports authorities, science councils)
• Evidence of awards, patents, publications or elite professional track record

This is the route often used by athletes, artists, inventors and top scientists.

6. Outstanding students & graduates

If you’re searching how to apply for Golden Visa UAE for students, the key idea is academic excellence:

• Top-performing high school students in UAE schools (often with averages around 95% or higher) can be nominated, subject to Ministry of Education standards
• Outstanding university graduates from UAE or certain top global universities can also qualify based on GPA, ranking and graduation year

You’ll generally submit:

• Attested degree or school certificates
• Grade reports / GPA
• A nomination or approval from the education authority or the university

For international families planning ahead for their children’s education, this offers a clear pathway from student to long-term resident.

7. Nurses, doctors and other frontline heroes

Throughout and after the pandemic, the UAE has used the Golden Visa to reward frontline heroes, especially in healthcare:

• Nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and key support staff can qualify under special frontline or skilled professional categories
• Requirements usually include a valid professional licence, proof of frontline service and meeting any salary or seniority thresholds

If you are searching how to apply for Golden Visa UAE for nurses, the practical steps are:

1. Ensure your licence and registration with the UAE health authority are in order
2. Confirm whether you qualify under the frontline hero nomination or the salary-based skilled professional route
3. Collect employment certificates, salary statements and recommendation letters
4. Work with a specialist like First Elite Global to submit the application with the correct category and evidence

8. Humanitarian pioneers and exceptional contributors

The Golden Visa is also used to recognise:

• Humanitarian workers
• People who have made exceptional contributions to society or their field
• Educators and community leaders – for example, over 200 outstanding educators in Dubai were awarded Golden Visas in a recent initiative.

These categories are usually nomination-based, meaning a government authority must put your name forward.

Golden Visa vs regular residency (and vs Green Visa)

Many people compare how to get Golden Visa in UAE with simply taking a standard two-year work visa or the newer Green Visa.

Golden Visa vs standard work visa

• Golden Visa: 5–10 years, you are the sponsor, no employer guarantee needed
• Standard visa: often 2 years, tied to a specific employer; if you leave the job, you must update your status quickly

Golden Visa vs Green Visa

• Green Visa is usually a 5-year residence for skilled employees, freelancers and investors, with slightly different thresholds
• Golden Visa is generally more flexible and prestigious, and often better for long-term family and investment planning

First Elite Global regularly helps clients compare these options so they don’t over-spend on the wrong category.

UAE Golden Visa requirements in 2025 – by category

Below is a simplified snapshot of Golden Visa UAE requirements. Individual files always need tailored review.

A. Real estate investors

Typical core requirements include:

• Property (or combined properties) worth AED 2 million or more
• Title deed(s) or e-title certificate
• If mortgaged, a bank letter confirming equity of at least AED 2 million
• Passport and existing residence visa (if any)
• Recent photo, Emirates ID copy, etc.

Some emirates additionally require:

• Proof the property is completed and handed over (off-plan may not always qualify)
• A minimum share if the property is jointly owned (for example, each spouse holding a certain minimum)

B. Public investors and partners in companies

Requirements vary but often include:

• Proof of AED 2 million or more invested in a UAE company or investment fund
• Trade licence(s), Memorandum of Association, share certificates
• Bank letters or financial statements
• Sometimes evidence of annual tax payments above a specified threshold (for example, AED 250,000+ in some interpretations)

This is ideal for those using the UAE as a holding hub for regional or global operations.

C. Skilled professionals (salary route)

To recap the criteria that answer queries like “how to get 10 year visa in UAE as an employee”:

• Job role: management, specialist or professional (MOHRE level 1 or 2)
• Basic salary: at least AED 30,000 per month
• Education: minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Documents: labour contract, salary certificate, bank statements (often three to six months), degree attestation/equivalency, professional licence if needed
• In some emirates: two years’ tenure with the current employer and at least six months at AED 30,000+ in a senior role

Because officials consider all of these together, First Elite Global always reviews the full employment and salary history before submitting.

D. Students & graduates

Key requirements typically include:

• Passport, current residence visa and Emirates ID
• Attested high school or university certificates
• Supporting documents showing high grades / GPA
• A nomination or approval letter from the Ministry of Education or the university
• For students already in the UAE: fitness test and Emirates ID renewal

E. Specialists, talents and humanitarian pioneers

Requirements depend on sub-category but often involve:

• Passport, visa, Emirates ID
• Detailed CV and portfolio of achievements
• Awards, patents, publications or recognised rankings
• Recommendation letters from relevant UAE entities (e.g., culture & arts, sports, science councils, humanitarian organisations)

Because endorsement is crucial, First Elite Global’s role here is often to package your achievements in the way UAE bodies prefer to see them.

How much does the UAE Golden Visa cost in 2025?

There’s no single fixed price because fees differ by emirate, category and whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE. However, recent 2025 breakdowns point to these typical ranges:

Core government fees (approximate)

• Application & processing: AED 2,800 – 4,000
• 10-year Emirates ID: around AED 1,050 – 1,150
• Medical test (residency medical): roughly AED 700 – 1,000
• Knowledge & Innovation fees: around AED 20 combined in Dubai
• In-country status change fee (if you’re already in the UAE on a different visa): about AED 500

For property investors using the Dubai Land Department route, an official example of a 10-year property investor Golden Visa shows a total of about AED 9,884.75, including medical, Emirates ID, residence stamping and DLD administrative fees.

Additional costs to budget for

• Health insurance – mandatory, starting from around AED 800 per year depending on coverage
• Document translation & attestation, especially if your documents are not in Arabic or English (often AED 500–1,000+ per person)
• Service charges if you use an Amer centre, typing office or consultancy
• Professional fees if you engage a specialist like First Elite Global to handle the file

Realistically, most applicants should expect a total government and basic services cost of roughly AED 5,000–7,000+ per person, with property investors sometimes higher due to land department fees.

How to apply for a UAE Golden Visa: step-by-step

If you’re searching how to apply for Golden Visa UAE, this is the practical flow most applicants follow.

Step 1 – Confirm the right category

Before touching any forms, decide whether you best fit:

• Real estate investor
• Business investor or partner
• Skilled professional / executive
• Scientist / specialised talent
• Student or graduate
• Frontline hero or humanitarian pioneer

At First Elite Global we start with a 15–20 minute strategy call, reviewing your assets, income, family situation and plans (for example, whether you’ll also set up a business in Dubai or buy property), then we recommend the most realistic path rather than the easiest-sounding one.

Step 2 – Gather your documents

Most applications require a core set of documents:

• Passport copy (with at least 6 months validity)
• Current UAE visa and Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Recent biometric photo
• Proof relevant to your category:
  • Title deed or bank equity letter for property investors
  • Trade licence, MOA, share certificates and corporate documents for business owners
  • Employment contract, salary certificate and bank statements for skilled professionals
  • Attested degrees, GPA transcripts and recommendation letters for students, scientists and talents

This is where many applications fail – not because the person is ineligible, but because the paperwork is incomplete, inconsistent or poorly translated. Our team checks each document against the expectations of ICP, GDRFA and local authorities before submission.

Step 3 – Submit a nomination or pre-approval (where required)

Some categories require a nomination or pre-approval:

• Education authorities for outstanding students
• Emirates-level talent councils for artists, athletes or scientists
• Investment or free zone authorities for certain entrepreneurs

We prepare and submit these nominations where possible, ensuring your achievements and figures are presented clearly.

Step 4 – Apply through ICP, GDRFA or emirate portals

Once you have all approvals and documents, the Golden Visa application is submitted through:

• ICP Smart Services (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
• or your emirate’s immigration authority such as GDRFA Dubai
• or, for Dubai property investors, via the Dubai Land Department Golden Visa service

You’ll typically:

1. Create or log in to your account
2. Fill out the application form for the relevant Golden Visa category
3. Upload documents and pay the initial fees
4. Receive an entry permit (if you’re outside the UAE or changing status)

We handle this process on your behalf, tracking every update and responding to any additional document requests.

Step 5 – Medical, biometrics and Emirates ID

Once your application is approved:

• You undergo a residency medical test at an approved centre
• Submit biometrics for the Emirates ID
• Pay final residence and ID fees

After approval, your 10-year (or 5-year) residence visa will be issued electronically, and your physical Emirates ID will be delivered.

At that point, we typically help clients with:

• Opening UAE bank accounts
• Setting up mainland or free zone companies
• Planning for family visas and domestic staff sponsorship

How many Golden Visas has the UAE issued?

Official figures and data analyses show sharp growth:

• Around 47,150 Golden Visas in 2021
• Around 79,600 in 2022
• Around 158,000 in Dubai alone in 2023, according to GDRFA figures

Recent statistics suggest continuing growth through 2024–2025 as more investors and professionals choose the UAE over other hubs such as Singapore or Europe.

For you as an applicant, this means the Golden Visa is no longer a rare privilege – but standards are higher, documentation is scrutinised more, and rules change frequently.

Avoiding scams and misleading offers

With interest in the programme rising, authorities have warned against fake online adverts promising “guaranteed” Golden Visas or “lifetime” visas for a one-time payment. Some viral claims about a AED 100,000 lifetime visa have been officially clarified and restricted to specific nomination-based schemes, not general public offers.

The UAE’s ICP has also cautioned residents and foreigners not to rely on unlicensed agents or social media adverts offering fast visas at inflated prices, reminding the public that only official government channels and approved service providers may process residency applications.

When you work with First Elite Global:

• We do not sell visas or “shortcuts”
• We only act within official guidelines, using authorised portals and government-linked service centres
• You receive fee breakdowns in writing so you know exactly what is government fee and what is professional service

Internal and external resources to explore

As you plan your move, it’s worth reading more around related topics:

• Setting up a company so your investment and residency support each other – for example, guides on business setup in Dubai or online business in Dubai and the wider UAE (ideal internal links on your site).
• Checking official UAE Government Golden Visa pages for the latest wording and categories, such as the u.ae Golden Visa overview and ICP Golden Residency services.

Why work with First Elite Global for your UAE Golden Visa?

As a Dubai-based business setup and residency consultancy, First Elite Global combines:

• Up-to-date knowledge of Golden Visa UAE requirements across all major categories
• Practical experience in company formation, banking, tax and compliance, so your visa strategy fits your wider plan
• A network of legal, tax and immigration partners to handle complex cases

Typical ways we help clients who are asking how to get UAE Golden Visa:

• Designing a combined investment + residency plan (for example, structuring company shares and property ownership to meet Golden Visa thresholds)
• Reviewing your salary, title and employment history and advising whether you can realistically use the professional route
• Managing end-to-end Golden Visa applications for investors, founders, executives, nurses and other professionals
• Coordinating family visas, including parents where possible

If you’re serious about securing a 10-year visa in the UAE in 2025, we recommend starting with a confidential consultation where we assess your options and give you a clear timeline and cost estimate based on your actual profile, not generic marketing promises.

Frequently asked questions about getting a UAE Golden Visa

1. What is the Golden Visa in UAE and who is it for?

The Golden Visa is a long-term (5–10 year) residency that lets eligible foreigners live, work and study in the UAE without a local sponsor, while sponsoring their family. It is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, skilled professionals, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.

2. How to get Golden Visa UAE as a salaried employee?

You generally need:

• A qualifying role (manager, executive or specialist)
• A basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000
• A bachelor’s degree or higher
• An approved employment contract, salary certificate and bank statements

Some emirates also require a minimum tenure with your current employer.

3. How to get UAE Golden Visa as an investor?

You can qualify by:

• Owning property worth AED 2 million or more, or
• Making a qualifying public or corporate investment of AED 2 million+

You’ll need title deeds, bank and company documents, and in some cases proof of taxes paid. Many investors combine this with setting up a UAE company, which First Elite Global can coordinate.

4. How much does a UAE Golden Visa cost?

Government fees for a Golden Visa are typically AED 2,800–4,000 for application and processing, plus about AED 1,050–1,150 for a 10-year Emirates ID and AED 700–1,000 for the medical test. With documentation and service charges, most people should budget AED 5,000–7,000+ per person, and more for certain investor routes.

5. How to apply for Golden Visa UAE for students?

Top students usually follow three steps:

1. Confirm that their grades and school/university meet the Golden Visa criteria
2. Obtain a nomination or recommendation from their education authority or university
3. Apply through ICP or GDRFA with all supporting documents, including attested certificates and transcripts

First Elite Global can help families interpret the rules and coordinate the paperwork with schools and universities.

6. Is the Golden Visa permanent? What happens after 10 years?

The Golden Visa is not citizenship and is not technically permanent; it is a renewable 5 or 10-year residence permit. As long as you continue to meet the category requirements (investment, salary, role, etc.) and follow UAE laws, it can usually be renewed indefinitely, giving you and your family long-term stability.