What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa program that allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years without requiring a sponsor. Launched in 2019, the program is designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, professionals, outstanding students, and retirees who contribute to the UAE's economic growth. Golden Visa holders enjoy independent residency status, can sponsor family members, and have extended stay flexibility outside the UAE.
AURNÉ Private Advisory provides comprehensive Golden Visa advisory services in Dubai, guiding clients through eligibility assessment, investment planning, application preparation, and ongoing compliance. We help investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals secure their long-term UAE residency through the Golden Visa program, ensuring all requirements are met and applications are processed efficiently.
Can I Qualify for Golden Visa? Self-Assessment Checklist
Use this checklist to assess your Golden Visa eligibility:
Investor Category
- Do you have AED 2 million+ in UAE real estate? → 5-year visa eligible
- Do you have AED 5 million+ in UAE real estate? → 10-year visa eligible
- Do you have AED 2 million+ in approved UAE public investment funds? → 10-year visa eligible
- Do you have AED 500,000+ investment in a UAE company? → 5-year visa eligible
Entrepreneur Category
- Do you own a UAE company with annual revenue of AED 1 million+? → May qualify
- Is your company valued at AED 1 million+? → May qualify
- Do you have approval from a business incubator or government authority? → May qualify
- Does your business demonstrate innovation or economic contribution? → May qualify
Professional Category
- Do you have a recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent? → May qualify
- Do you have 5+ years of professional experience? → May qualify
- Is your monthly salary AED 30,000+? → May qualify
- Do you work in a high-demand profession? → May qualify
Exceptional Talent Category
- Are you a scientist, researcher, or academic with significant achievements? → May qualify
- Are you an artist, creative professional, or cultural figure? → May qualify
- Do you have exceptional achievements in your field? → May qualify
- Do you have recommendations from UAE government entities? → May qualify
If you meet any of these criteria, you may be eligible for Golden Visa. Our advisors conduct comprehensive eligibility assessments to identify the most suitable pathway and maximize your chances of approval.
Investment Options Comparison
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Visa Duration | Key Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (5-year) | AED 2-5 million | 5 years | Property ownership, maintained investment | Property investors, first-time applicants |
| Real Estate (10-year) | AED 5 million+ | 10 years | Property ownership, maintained investment | High-value property investors |
| Public Investment Fund | AED 2 million+ | 10 years | Approved funds, maintained investment | Portfolio investors, financial professionals |
| Business Investment | AED 500,000+ | 5 years | UAE company ownership, specific criteria | Entrepreneurs, business owners |
Golden Visa Application Timeline: Month-by-Month Breakdown
Month 1: Eligibility Assessment & Investment Planning
- Comprehensive eligibility assessment across all categories
- Investment planning and structuring (if investment-based)
- Documentation review and gap analysis
- Strategy development for optimal pathway
Month 2: Investment Execution & Documentation
- Property purchase completion or investment fund subscription
- Obtain investment certificates and ownership documents
- Prepare all required documentation (passports, certificates, bank statements)
- Document attestation and certification where required
Month 3: Application Submission
- Complete application forms and prepare application package
- Submit application to GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
- Pay application fees and processing charges
- Receive application acknowledgment and tracking number
Month 4-5: Processing & Verification
- Authorities review application and verify investment/qualifications
- Medical fitness tests at approved UAE health centers
- Security clearance processing
- Respond to any queries or requests for additional documentation
Month 6: Visa Issuance & Family Sponsorship
- Receive Golden Visa approval notification
- Visa stamping and Emirates ID processing
- Family member sponsorship applications (if applicable)
- Complete family visa processing and Emirates ID for dependents
Total Timeline: Typically 2-6 months from application submission to visa issuance, depending on category, investment verification requirements, and processing efficiency. Our team works to expedite the process through complete documentation and proactive follow-up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Incomplete Documentation
Submitting incomplete or incorrectly attested documents is a common cause of delays and rejections. Ensure all documents are properly certified, attested, and translated where required. Our team reviews all documentation before submission to prevent this issue.
Mistake 2: Insufficient Investment Evidence
Failing to provide clear evidence of qualifying investments can result in rejection. Ensure investment certificates, property title deeds, or fund statements clearly demonstrate the minimum investment threshold and are properly authenticated.
Mistake 3: Choosing Wrong Category
Applying under the wrong category can lead to rejection even if you qualify under another category. Our advisors assess all eligible pathways to identify the category with the highest approval probability.
Mistake 4: Not Maintaining Investment
Selling or reducing investments below minimum thresholds before or during visa validity can affect renewal eligibility. Maintain qualifying investments throughout the visa period and plan for renewal requirements.
Mistake 5: Missing Renewal Deadlines
Failing to renew Golden Visa before expiration can result in loss of status. Start renewal process 2-3 months before expiration, ensuring all eligibility requirements are maintained and documentation is current.
Mistake 6: Inadequate Medical or Security Clearance
Medical fitness tests and security clearances are mandatory. Ensure tests are conducted at approved centers, results are valid, and any health or security issues are addressed proactively with proper documentation.
Comprehensive Golden Visa Advisory Services in Dubai
Understanding the UAE Golden Visa Program
Launched in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa program offers long-term residence visas (5 or 10 years) without requiring a local sponsor. The program is designed to attract:
- Investors: Real estate investors, public investment fund participants, and business investors
- Entrepreneurs: Business owners and startup founders meeting specific criteria
- Professionals: Highly skilled professionals with recognized qualifications and experience
- Exceptional Talents: Scientists, researchers, artists, and other exceptional individuals
- Outstanding Students: High-achieving students in UAE or internationally recognized institutions
- Retirees: Retirees meeting age and financial requirements
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa
Long-Term Residency
5 or 10-year renewable visas provide stability and security for long-term planning.
No Sponsor Required
Independent residency status without requiring a local sponsor or employer.
Family Sponsorship
Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and parents with dependent visas.
Extended Stay Flexibility
Stay outside UAE for up to 12 months without losing visa status.
Investment Pathways to Golden Visa
Several investment options qualify for Golden Visa eligibility:
Real Estate Investment
Minimum investment of AED 2 million in UAE property (residential or commercial). Properties can be combined to reach the threshold. Investment must be maintained throughout visa validity.
5-year visa: AED 2-5 million | 10-year visa: AED 5 million+
Public Investment Fund
Minimum AED 2 million investment in approved UAE public investment funds. Provides 10-year Golden Visa eligibility.
Business Investment
Minimum AED 500,000 investment in a UAE company with specific conditions. Suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria by Category
Each Golden Visa category has specific eligibility requirements:
Investor Category
Real Estate Investment:
- Minimum AED 2 million in UAE property
- Properties can be combined to reach threshold
- 5-year visa: AED 2-5 million
- 10-year visa: AED 5 million+
Public Investment Fund:
- Minimum AED 2 million in approved funds
- 10-year visa eligibility
Business Investment:
- Minimum AED 500,000 in UAE company
- Company must meet specific criteria
- 5-year visa eligibility
Requirements: Investment must be maintained throughout visa validity, proper documentation required
Entrepreneur Category
Business Ownership:
- Ownership of a UAE company
- Company must be registered in UAE
- Minimum capital requirements
Business Performance:
- Annual revenue of AED 1 million+
- Or company value of AED 1 million+
Additional Requirements:
- Approval from business incubator or government authority
- Innovation or economic contribution
- 5-year visa eligibility
Documentation: Business license, financial statements, business plan, incubator approval
Professional Category
Qualification Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Valid employment contract in UAE
- Monthly salary of AED 15,000+
Experience:
- Relevant professional experience
- 5-year visa eligibility
Exceptional Professionals:
- Monthly salary of AED 30,000+
- Recognized qualifications
- 10-year visa eligibility
Documentation: Educational certificates, employment contract, salary certificate, professional licenses
Exceptional Talents Category
Eligible Fields:
- Scientists and researchers
- Artists and creative professionals
- Intellectual property owners
- Innovators and inventors
Recognition:
- Recommendation from government entity
- International recognition or awards
Benefits:
- 10-year visa eligibility
- No employment contract required
- No minimum salary requirement
Documentation: Portfolio, awards, recommendations, evidence of exceptional talent
Investment Requirements Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of investment requirements for each pathway:
Real Estate Investment Details
- Property Types: Residential or commercial properties qualify
- Property Combination: Multiple properties can be combined to reach AED 2 million threshold
- Property Ownership: Must be freehold property (not leasehold)
- Mortgage Consideration: If mortgaged, investment amount is net of mortgage
- Property Valuation: Official valuation certificate required
- Maintenance: Investment must be maintained throughout visa validity
- Documentation: Title deed, valuation certificate, mortgage statement (if applicable)
Business Investment Details
- Investment Amount: Minimum AED 500,000 in UAE company
- Company Type: Must be a registered UAE company (free zone or mainland)
- Ownership Structure: Investor must own significant stake in company
- Business Activity: Company must be operational and generating revenue
- Financial Requirements: Company must meet minimum capital and revenue requirements
- Documentation: Company license, share certificates, financial statements, business plan
Public Investment Fund Details
- Investment Amount: Minimum AED 2 million in approved UAE public investment funds
- Fund Approval: Investment must be in funds approved by UAE authorities
- Investment Maintenance: Investment must be maintained throughout visa validity
- Visa Duration: 10-year Golden Visa eligibility
- Documentation: Investment certificate, fund prospectus, bank statements
Application Timeline and Costs
Understanding the timeline and costs involved in Golden Visa applications:
Application Timeline
- Initial Assessment: 1-2 weeks (eligibility review and strategy development)
- Document Preparation: 2-4 weeks (gathering and preparing all required documents)
- Application Submission: 1 week (submission to GDRFA and relevant authorities)
- Processing Period: 2-4 months (authority review and processing)
- Approval & Issuance: 1-2 weeks (visa issuance and Emirates ID processing)
- Total Timeline: 3-6 months from start to completion
Application Costs
- Government Fees: AED 2,000 - 5,000 (application and processing fees)
- Medical Test: AED 500 - 1,000 (medical fitness certificate)
- Emirates ID: AED 1,000 - 2,000 (Emirates ID application and issuance)
- Visa Stamping: AED 1,000 - 2,000 (visa stamping fees)
- Document Attestation: AED 500 - 2,000 (if required for certain documents)
- Professional Service Fees: AED 5,000 - 15,000 (our advisory and processing fees)
- Total Costs: AED 10,000 - 27,000 (excluding investment requirements)
Note: All costs, fees, and prices mentioned are approximate and indicative only. They are subject to change without notice. Actual costs may vary based on specific requirements, regulatory changes, and market conditions. Please contact us for current pricing and a detailed quotation tailored to your specific needs.
Our Golden Visa Advisory Process
Our comprehensive advisory process ensures successful Golden Visa applications: