The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that grants foreign talents, investors, and entrepreneurs the right to live, work, and study in the UAE for 10 years. Unlike standard residency, this visa is self-sponsored, meaning you do not rely on an employer or a UAE National to maintain your legal status.
Unlike standard residence visas, the Golden Visa provides self-sponsored residency for up to 10 years, offering greater stability, business flexibility, and long-term planning opportunities in Dubai and across the UAE.
Your eligibility depends on meeting specific financial or professional benchmarks set by the UAE Cabinet. At Al Arabiya Group, we align your credentials with one of the four primary residency eligibility listed below to ensure a compliant and successful nomination.
Unlike standard 2-year employment visas, the Golden Visa grants specific “sovereign” privileges that protect your residency status regardless of your employment situation.
You are the primary sponsor. Your visa is not tied to a company; if you leave your job, your visa remains valid.
You can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months (even years) without your visa being nullified.
Sponsor your spouse and children, with no age limit for unmarried sons.
Sponsor as many domestic helpers (maids, drivers, nannies) as your household requires.
Full ownership of mainland businesses without the need for a local partner.
Access to the Esaad privilege card, offering exclusive discounts across thousands of brands in Dubai.
From Concept to Company in 4 Simple Steps
We audit your documents (Title Deed, Salary Certificate, or Audit Report) and submit them to the relevant authority (e.g., Dubai Land Department for investors) to secure your Nomination Letter.
If you are already a UAE resident, your current employment or investor visa must be cancelled or put on “Hold” (for Golden Visa upgrades).
You undergo a VIP Medical Fitness test and biometric fingerprinting for your new 10-year Emirates ID.
The residency file is approved, and the digital visa is issued immediately. You then receive your physical Emirates ID within 3-5 working days.
To ensure a zero-rejection policy, we require a precise set of documents.
Please prepare these based on your category.
Clear color copy (valid for at least 6 months).
Copy of residence visa or tourist visa (if applicable).
Front and back copy (if currently a resident).
White background, passport style (high resolution).
Proof of comprehensive medical coverage (required for final stamping).
| Real Estate Investors | Skilled Professionals | Entrepreneurs |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Title Deed: Issued by DLD (Value > AED 2M). | University Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s (Attested by MoFA). | Auditor Report: Proof of AED 1M+ revenue for the last fiscal year. |
| Bank NOC: If property is mortgaged (stating paid/equity amount). | Salary Certificate: Issued by employer (stating Basic Salary). | Trade License: Valid copy showing ownership/partnership. |
| Valuation Certificate: Only if requested by DLD for specific cases. | Bank Statements: Last 6 months (stamped) showing salary transfers. | Incubator Letter: Or Ministry of Economy approval (for startups). |
| MOHRE Contract: Valid labour contract (Level 1 or 2). |
Securing a Golden Visa demands absolute compliance with rigorous government protocols. We engineer the entire lifecycle from nomination to issuance ensuring a clear path to approval.
Precise pre-check to ensure zero rejection risk.
Fast-track processing by licensed consultants.
Clear critical path, fixed fees, and no hidden costs.
Complete structuring for your assets, family, and staff.
FAQ's
Yes. Holding a Golden Visa gives you the right to work for any employer. The employer will issue you a work permit (Labor Card), but you will remain sponsored by yourself (Golden Visa). This gives you immense negotiating power as you are not tied to the employer for residency.
No. You can purchase the property through a mortgage. However, specific banks and equity requirements apply. Detailed validation from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is required to prove the value.
In the unfortunate event of the primary holder’s passing, family members sponsored under the Golden Visa are legally allowed to remain in the UAE until their visa validity expires (up to the full 10-year term).
Most categories (Investors, Professionals, Entrepreneurs) are now standardizing on the 10-Year validity. The 5-year option is primarily for Real Estate investors with an investment below AED 2M (specifically AED 2M is the threshold for 10 years; lower tiers are phasing out or specific to retirement).