UAE Golden Visa for Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Skilled Workers

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit for foreigners who make major contributions to the UAE's economy, tech sector, or culture. Investors, business owners, specialized employees, and talented people can apply. The visa lets people live, work, and do business in the UAE for 5 to 10 years. It can be renewed, giving a path to living in the UAE long term.

Why Golden Visa Is the Most Powerful Residency in the Middle East

The UAE Golden Visa is one of the world’s most prestigious residency pathways. It offers 10 years of residency, freedom to work, invest, study, and live anywhere in the UAE without the need for employer sponsorship.

The UAE is attracting hundreds of thousands of professionals and investors due to:

• 0% personal income tax
• High salaries
• Global safety #1 ranking
• Best infrastructure, schools, hospitals, lifestyle
• Opportunity to scale wealth through property, business, and investments
• Vision 2031 & 2040 – long-term stability

The UAE Golden Visa is more than a residency permit — it offers long-term security, lifestyle benefits, and investment freedom.

*Want guidance to apply for the UAE Golden Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance with the process.

Two Ways to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

There are two official pathways to apply for the UAE Golden Visa depending on eligibility and profile strength.

1. Self-Application Route (ICP Application)

This route is suitable for applicants who meet clear government criteria and have straightforward documentation. Used mainly by:

• UAE employees in managerial or specialist roles
• Property owners

Why many self-applications get rejected
•    Incorrect salary formats
•    Missing documents
•    Not meeting exact labour contract criteria
•    No clarity on job title classification
•    Incorrect property valuation
•    Applying without understanding screening criteria

Y-Axis ensures documentation matches EXACT criteria.

2. Nomination-Based Route (High Approval Rate)

This is for High-Net-Worth individuals, Talents, Entrepreneurs, Influencers, Scientists, Media, Athletes, and Innovators.

Applications are submitted through authorized partners linked to:

• Department of Economy & Tourism (DET)
• Dubai Culture
• Other specialized government authorities

Most agents in the UAE cannot process nomination cases. Y-Axis can, through its authorised nomination channels.

Benefits of Nomination Route

• Higher approval probability
• No education equivalency required
• Saves 2 months + AED 1,500 equivalency cost
• Professional submission through government-linked partners

Cost & Refund

• Nomination File Cost: AED 12,500 (includes AED 6,500 3rd-party fees)
• 40% refund if rejected within 3 months

Golden Visa Categories

Category 1 — Salary / Employment (In-UAE Residents)

Eligibility:

• Basic salary AED 30,000+ (must be BASIC, not total)
• Managerial or specialist role
• 3+ years UAE experience

Required:

• Labour contract
• Salary certificate
• Payslips
• Passport + Emirates ID

Category 2 — Property Investor (AED 2 Million Minimum)

A. Ready-to-move properties

• Must have Title Deed
• Valuation must be AED 2M or above
• Can be mortgaged if bank NOC shows paid amount >= AED 2M
• Immediate Golden Visa eligibility

B. Off-Plan Property Investment

Key selling points:

• Lower entry cost
• Installment plans: 10/90, 20/80, 40/60, etc.
• Property value increases massively by handover
• Off-plan zones expected to explode due to:
  • Opening of UAE’s first integrated resort & casino
  • Massive tourism population
  • New infrastructure projects
  • Population growth from 3.6M → 7M 

Historical average UAE off-plan appreciation: 30%–70% in 3–4 years. For many families, this is the best entry to Golden Visa.

Category 3 — AED 2 Million Bank Deposit (Non-Property Route)

Through partner banks:

• Place AED 2M in fixed deposit or investment
• Obtain bank-issued Golden Visa nomination
• Maintain liquidity
• Avoid property purchase

Perfect for HNWIs who prefer financial assets over property.

Category 4 — High-Net-Worth Category

Eligible Profiles:

• Net worth AED 5 Million+
• Income AED 50,000+/month
• Large-scale business owners

Category 5 — Talent-Based Categories

Includes:

• Influencers with large following
• Media professionals
• Artists, actors, performers
• Athletes
• Doctors, scientists, researchers
• Innovators, patent holders
• Tech experts
• Authors, journalists, public figures

These cases go through specialised nomination authorities.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The benefits of the UAE Golden Visa are given below.

• 10-year residency: Enjoy long-term stability with a decade of uninterrupted stay in the UAE.
• Renewable: Your Golden Visa can be renewed for another 10 years as long as you continue to meet the criteria.
• No employer sponsorship: Live and work freely without being tied to a company or local sponsor.
• Can live anywhere in the UAE: Choose any emirate—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or others—based on your lifestyle and career goals.
• Family Sponsorship: Bring your immediate family to the UAE under your Golden Visa. Sons can be sponsored up to 30 years of age, while daughters have no age limit if unmarried.
• Unlimited domestic staff: Hire multiple domestic workers based on your household needs.
• Easy bank account opening: Simplified banking processes with high residency credibility.
• Long-term financial stability: Enjoy a secure environment for income, savings, investments, and wealth creation.
• Tax-free salary + investment income: No income tax, property tax, or capital gains tax — keep 100% of what you earn.
• Emergency support when abroad: Receive priority assistance from UAE authorities during international travel emergencies.
• Higher credibility in the Gulf region: Golden Visa holders gain strong status and recognition across GCC countries.

Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa

The eligibility criteria for UAE Golden Visa are given below.

UAE Golden Visa Requirements

The documents required to apply for the UAE Golden Visa are given below.

• Passport, investment proof, business documents, education records, and salary proof are needed.
• The money you must have depends on the visa type. This could be the lowest property value, investment size, or business capital.
• Everyone applying, including family, must pass health and background checks.
• If needed, you must prove you have a working business or job in the UAE.

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

The process to apply for the UAE Golden Visa is given below.

Step 1: Choose the type of Golden Visa that is suitable for you: investor, entrepreneur, skilled worker, talent, or property owner.

Step 2: Prepare your documents in order. This could be proof of investments, job details, or business records.

Step 3: Submit your application through the official UAE government site or an approved partner.

Step 4: Wait for the decision. Your application goes through checks, like health and background checks.

Step 5: After approval, you will receive your Golden Visa and can enjoy the perks of living in the UAE long-term.

Note: The dependents’ visa process can begin only after the main applicant enters the UAE and completes the medical test and Emirates ID (EID) biometrics.

Cost of UAE Golden Visa

Details of the application cost of the UAE Golden Visa are given below.

UAE Golden Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times for the various types of UAE Golden Visa is given below.

Can I Include My Family Members in the UAE Golden Visa?

Yes, you can include your eligible family members in the UAE Golden Visa. You have the option to include qualified family members—such as your spouse, children, and parents—in your application for the UAE Golden Visa. If approved, their residency will share the same terms and duration as yours. Note that each family member is subject to the standard medical and security screenings.

Renewal and Extension of the UAE Golden Visa

• Renewal: You can renew your Golden Visa for up to 10 years if you still meet the requirements. This means you still have your business, property, or job.
• Extension: Some people, like skilled workers and investors, might be able to extend their visas if they still qualify.
• Permanent Residency: Right now, the Golden Visa does not give you permanent residency.

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis is a top immigration firm that gives expert advice to people wanting to live in the UAE long-term with a Golden Visa. We have years of experience and offer full services to help you get your Golden Visa without problems.

Our services include:

• Checking if you qualify for a Golden Visa based on your background and what you want.
• Helping you find and prepare all the papers you need for your application.
• Giving advice on good investments that meet the Golden Visa rules.
• Making sure your Golden Visa application is turned in on time and is correct.
• Helping you with sponsoring family, renewing your residency, and other needed follow-up tasks after your application is approved.

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