Ever wondered how temporary UAE residents make the country their long-term home? Upgrading to a Golden Visa is the legal pathway. This visa allows you to enjoy stability, independence, and the freedom to live, work, and invest in the UAE for many years.
The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after residency options for expats and immigrants. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide at Remitly to help you upgrade to a Golden Visa from your current residency visa.
In this guide, you’ll discover the Golden Visa eligibility requirements, necessary documents, step-by-step application process, and key benefits of making the switch.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term UAE residency permit for skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional students from abroad. This visa was introduced to attract and retain top global talent, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE for up to 10 years.
Unlike regular visa types, the Golden Visa doesn’t require a UAE national sponsor. It’s a self-sponsored visa that’s renewable, allowing you to build a stable, lasting future in the UAE. This initiative reflects the UAE’s vision to attract talent and strengthen its global competitiveness.
Why upgrade to a Golden Visa?
There are plenty of great reasons to upgrade to a Golden Visa:
Sponsorship flexibility
Golden Visa holders enjoy unmatched freedom when it comes to family sponsorship. You can sponsor your spouse and children, regardless of their age. You can also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, such as drivers, housekeepers, or nannies, offering convenience and support for everyday living.
Extended stays abroad
With a Golden Visa, you can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without your residency becoming invalid, a benefit that standard visa holders don’t enjoy. This makes it ideal for frequent travellers, business owners with operations abroad, or families with international commitments.
Family benefits and security
The Golden Visa ensures that your loved ones remain protected, even in unexpected circumstances. If the main visa holder passes away, family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their residency permit. This gives them time to adjust and plan their next steps without immediate disruption.
Business ownership rights
Golden Visa holders can own 100% of their business in the UAE mainland without requiring a local partner. This opens the door to financial independence, faster setup processes, and complete control over business decisions.
Career and job flexibility
Golden Visa holders are not tied to a single employer, giving them freedom to change jobs, start a business, or work as freelancers. This flexibility supports career growth, allowing professionals to pursue multiple income streams or independent ventures.
Are you eligible for the upgrade?
To qualify for a Golden Visa, UAE policies require you to be in one of the following categories:
Investors
If you’ve made a significant contribution to the UAE through public or real estate investments, you may qualify for the Golden Visa.
You need to invest at least AED two million in public investments through a UAE-accredited fund or licensed company. The capital has to be fully owned and not financed through loans. You’ll need a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming a minimum of AED 250,000 in annual tax payments.
Real estate investors can qualify by owning property valued at AED two million or more, verified by a letter from the local land department. Properties purchased with loans from approved local banks are also eligible as long as the investor’s equity share meets the required value.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs drive the UAE’s innovation and growth, and the Golden Visa recognises their contribution. You can qualify if you own or lead a project that is technical or future-focused with a value of at least AED 500,000.
Supporting documents include approval letters from a UAE auditor confirming the project’s value, the emirate’s authority recognising its innovative nature, and an accredited business incubator endorsing the venture. This shows that your business aligns with the UAE’s innovation and entrepreneurship goals.
Skilled professionals
This category is designed for highly qualified professionals who can contribute to the UAE’s economy. You may qualify if you’re a doctor, executive director, scientist, inventor, or a creative professional in art and culture.
Each profession requires approval from the relevant UAE authority. Doctors need to obtain confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Executive directors need a valid employment contract, a salary worth AED 50,000, a bachelor’s degree, and proof of at least five years of experience in the same position.
Scientists require a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or proof of a national excellence award, while inventors need a letter from the Ministry of Economy verifying the patent’s value. Artists and creatives also need to obtain approval from their emirate’s Department of Culture and Arts.
Exceptional talents
If you’ve demonstrated outstanding achievements in fields such as sports, science, finance, and engineering, you may qualify for this visa. The Golden Visa eligibility is based on merit and recognition rather than salary, education, or job title.
Athletes require a recommendation from the General Authority of Sports or local sports council. Specialists in science or engineering need a certified bachelor’s or master’s degree approved by the Ministry of Education. You’ll also need a valid employment contract in your area of expertise.
Outstanding students and graduates
High-performing students and graduates can also be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. Top-performing high school students who achieve a score of at least 95% in public or private schools can receive a five-year visa, supported by a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
You can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa as a university graduate if you studied at a UAE university rated A or B by the Ministry of Education and achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Graduates from one of the world’s top 100 universities with equivalent results can also apply under this category. In addition, graduates who meet these criteria have the opportunity to convert tourist visa to residence visa, facilitating their transition into permanent residency. This pathway not only allows for greater stability in the UAE but also opens doors to career opportunities in a vibrant job market. It is an appealing option for those looking to pave their way in a dynamic environment.
How to apply: a step-by-step guide
The UAE Golden Visa process is simple if you follow the right steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for the Golden Visa
Confirm that you meet the requirements for your specific category, whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, exceptional talent, or outstanding student. Verify your Golden Visa eligibility through the official UAE government website or Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) portal.
Step 2: Gather your supporting documents
Before submitting your application, be sure you have your supporting documents ready. These required documents will vary based on your Golden Visa category. You can view the full list of requirements by category on the ICP website.
Expect these core documents to include:
- A valid passport and copy
- Your current UAE resident visa
- Copy of your Emirates ID
- Valid health insurance
- Recent passport-sized photo with a white background
Step 3: Submit your application
Once your documents are ready, you can apply for the Golden Visa through the ICP website (for most emirates), or visit an Amer Centre, or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal if you’re applying in Dubai.
Carefully fill in your details, upload your documents, and pay the applicable fees. You’ll receive a confirmation message after submission.
Step 4: Medical examination and biometrics
When applying for residency, you’ll need to take a standard medical test to confirm you’re fit to live and work in the UAE. This includes an HIV blood test and a chest X-ray. You’ll also provide your fingerprints for official records and identification.
Step 5: Cancel your current visa
You’ll need to cancel your existing employment or residence visa once your Golden Visa is approved. Your current sponsor or employer will initiate the cancellation process. It’s an essential step to transition to your new home.
Step 6: Receive your Golden Visa
After cancellation, processing your Golden Visa can take from a few days to a month or longer, depending on your category and documents. Once approved, you’ll receive an electronic visa and your residency will be recorded digitally.
Tax implications for Golden Visa holders
Understanding how taxes work in the UAE is essential if you’re planning to settle long-term.
No personal income tax
Golden Visa holders enjoy the same benefits as other UAE residents. There is no tax on personal income, dividends, or capital gains. This allows you to keep more of your earnings, making it easier to reinvest or save for future goals.
Corporate or business taxes
If you own a business in the UAE mainland or operate through a free zone, your tax obligation depends on your business setup:
- Mainland companies are subject to the UAE’s corporate tax, currently set at 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000.
- Free zone companies may continue to enjoy 0% tax incentives, provided they meet the qualifying free zone regulations.
It’s a smart idea to consult a certified tax advisor to stay compliant with current laws and make the most of available tax exemptions.
Real estate and investment returns
Owning property in the UAE remains highly tax-efficient. There is no annual property tax, but there is a one-time transfer/registration fee (usually around 2-4%) when purchasing real estate.
Rental income from UAE properties owned by individuals is not taxed locally. However, be sure to check whether your home country taxes foreign income, especially if you maintain tax residency there.
Secure your future in the UAE today
Upgrading to a Golden Visa is a smart way to build long-term stability in the UAE. By checking your eligibility and following the application steps, you can gain a stable residency that allows you to live, work, and study in the UAE for up to 10 years.
Key benefits include sponsoring family members and domestic helpers, staying outside the UAE without affecting your residency, and having full business ownership and career freedom. To get started, check the official government portals for updated information and start your Golden Visa application today.
FAQs
Does the Golden Visa allow me to work in multiple jobs or sectors?
Yes. Golden Visa holders are not restricted to a single employer or sector. You can work for multiple companies, start a business, or take on freelance projects, giving you maximum career flexibility. It allows you to explore opportunities and grow income streams without limitations.
Can I include my extended family members in my Golden Visa sponsorship?
The Golden Visa allows you to sponsor your spouse and children, but sponsoring extended family members requires meeting separate eligibility conditions. Each emirate may have specific rules, so be sure to check with the local authorities.
Is health insurance mandatory for the Golden Visa application?
Yes. All Golden Visa applicants need valid health insurance. This is a requirement for visa approval and ensures your health is covered while living in the UAE. Having your insurance ready before applying can make the process faster and avoid delays.
How long does it take to process the Golden Visa after submission?
Processing times depend on your category and whether your documents are complete. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Submitting complete and accurate documents can also shorten the processing time. Regularly check your application status on the ICP or GDRFA portals.
Can my Golden Visa be renewed after it expires?
Yes, you can renew the Golden Visa as long as you continue to meet your category eligibility requirements. You have to submit your renewal application before the visa expiry date to keep your residency uninterrupted. Keeping track of the expiry date helps you plan ahead and avoid any legal or residency issues.