UAE 10-Year Golden Visa: Eligible Categories, Property & Nomination Criteria
Authoritative guide to securing the prestigious UAE 10-Year Golden Visa, detailing real estate investor rules (AED 2M threshold), executive professional requirements (AED 30,000 monthly salary), exceptional talents, and self-sponsored residency benefits.
Independent Public Guide: This guide is independently compiled from verified UAE ministerial decisions and laws. We are not a government entity. For official filings, always use the designated government portals linked below.
1. Valid Passport with minimum 6 months validity.
2. For Real Estate Investors: Official Title Deed from Dubai Land Department or relevant emirate land registry proving property ownership valued at AED 2,000,000 or more.
3. For Professionals/Executives: Bachelor's degree (attested by MOE), valid UAE employment contract, salary certificate confirming gross monthly salary of AED 30,000+, and 6 months bank statements.
4. For Scientists/Doctors: Approval letter from Emirates Scientists Council or licensing from Ministry of Health / DHA.
5. Comprehensive health insurance policy.
Verified Official Fees & Costs
Real Estate Investment Threshold: Minimum AED 2,000,000 property value (can be mortgaged with designated UAE banks, or combined across multiple properties).
Salary Threshold for Professionals: Minimum AED 30,000 gross monthly remuneration.
Official ICP/GDRFA Golden Visa Issuance Fee: Approximately AED 2,800 to AED 3,500 total (includes 10-year residency stamping, medical test, and 10-year Emirates ID).
No Six-Month Travel Restriction: Golden visa holders can stay outside the UAE indefinitely without invalidating their residency.
Key Takeaway: The UAE 10-Year Golden Visa grants self-sponsored long-term residency without requiring a local employer. Key eligibility pathways include owning AED 2,000,000+ in UAE real estate or holding a professional contract earning AED 30,000+ per month with a Bachelor's degree.
1. What Is the UAE 10-Year Golden Visa?
Enacted under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term, self-sponsored residency program designed to attract global investors, exceptional talents, scientists, and senior executives.
Key privileges enjoyed by Golden Visa holders include:
10-Year Renewable Residency: Independent of an employer or local national sponsor.
Unlimited Foreign Stay: Golden Visa holders are legally exempt from the rule invalidating residency after six (6) months abroad. You can live abroad for any duration and your visa remains fully active.
Comprehensive Family Sponsorship: Sponsoring spouses, children of any age, and parents for 10-year terms.
Continuation for Dependents: In the event of the primary visa holder's death, sponsored family members can remain in the UAE until the full expiration of their 10-year term.
2. Major Eligibility Pathways
Pathway A: Real Estate Investors (AED 2,000,000+)
Own one or more properties in the UAE with a combined purchase price or valuation of at least AED 2,000,000 on official Title Deeds. Properties can be off-plan from approved developers, or mortgaged through licensed UAE financial institutions.
Hold a valid employment contract in the UAE classified under MOHRE Occupational Level 1 or 2, with a minimum gross monthly salary of AED 30,000 (evidenced by 6 months of bank statements), and a certified Bachelor's degree attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Doctors, researchers, scientists, data scientists, artists, and inventors endorsed by the Emirates Scientists Council, Ministry of Health, or Dubai Culture.
3. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
Nomination & Pre-Approval: Submit your credentials via the ICP One-Touch Golden Visa portal or GDRFA Dubai for initial eligibility screening.
Document Submission: Upload Title Deeds, attested degrees, bank statements, and salary contracts.
Medical Examination: Undergo routine VIP medical fitness examination at an authorized government health center.
10-Year Residency Stamping & Emirates ID: Receive digital visa approval and physical 10-year Emirates ID card.
Related Tools & Calculators
Verify your eligibility and property transaction costs:
1. Assuming property valuation can be under AED 2M: The purchase price or official land department valuation must be at least AED 2,000,000; minor shortfalls result in rejection.
2. Calculating executive eligibility on basic salary alone: The requirement is AED 30,000 gross monthly salary, verifiable via bank statements and MOHRE contract.
3. Omitting degree attestation: Professional applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor's degree attested by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE).
4. Fearing mortgage restrictions: Properties mortgaged through approved UAE banks are eligible provided the equity or bank statement satisfies requirements.
Official Government Sources & Public Portals
Verified against the following official government links on 1 Nov 2026:
Can I qualify for a Real Estate Golden Visa if my property is mortgaged?
Yes. Real estate investors can qualify with mortgaged properties provided the total property purchase value on the Title Deed is at least AED 2,000,000, and an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) or liability letter is obtained from the financing bank.
Can I stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months with a Golden Visa?
Yes. Unlike standard residence visas which expire if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 180 continuous days, Golden Visa holders are exempt from this restriction and can stay abroad indefinitely without invalidating their visa.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor domestic staff and family members?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children of any age, and an unlimited number of domestic support staff (drivers, nannies, housekeepers).
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