Golden Visa UAE 2026 — Complete Eligibility Guide

# Golden Visa UAE 2026 — Complete Eligibility Guide The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows eligible professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, students, and exceptional talent to live, work, and study in the UAE for five or ten years without the need for a national sponsor. Since its launch in 2019 and subsequent expansion of eligible categories, the Golden Visa has transformed long-term planning for hundreds of thousands of expatriates who call the UAE home. This 2026 guide covers every eligibility category, exactly what you need to qualify, how to apply, and how the Golden Visa affects your career and lifestyle. ## What Is the UAE Golden Visa? The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa valid for five or ten years, automatically renewable upon expiry if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Unlike standard employment visas that are tied to a specific employer and require renewal every two years, the Golden Visa is issued independently and allows holders to change jobs, sponsor family members, and remain in the UAE without re-entry restrictions. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age (not just those under 18), domestic workers, and in some categories their parents. The visa is not cancelled if the holder is outside the UAE for more than six months — a significant advantage over standard residence visas which are invalidated by extended absences. ## Who Is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa in 2026? Investors: Property investors with a real estate portfolio of AED 2 million or more in value (mortgaged properties are eligible provided the paid portion meets the threshold). Business investors who have a deposit of at least AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund or own an established UAE company with capital of AED 2 million. Partners in an existing company with a paid AED 2 million share. Entrepreneurs: Founders of a UAE startup registered as a small or medium enterprise with an annual revenue of AED 1 million or more, or owners of a project that has been approved by an accredited UAE business incubator. Creative and cultural entrepreneurs with a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture are also eligible. Exceptional talent: Professionals who are licensed and working in specified fields including medicine, science, engineering, arts, culture, and athletics. Doctors, nurses, and medical specialists who hold a valid UAE health authority licence. Engineers and scientists with PhDs or equivalent research credentials. Athletes with a demonstrated record of international or regional achievement. Graduates and students: Students graduating from UAE universities with a GPA of 3.8 or above. Outstanding students who graduated from international universities in the top 100 of global rankings. Secondary school graduates with very high attainment scores. Specialists and skilled workers: Professionals earning a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more working in UAE priority sectors including digital technology, healthcare, education, engineering, and law. These workers can self-sponsor for the Golden Visa without property investment. ## How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa The Golden Visa application is submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) via their UAEICP app or website, or through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the ADGM and ADEK also process applications for relevant categories. The process typically involves submitting your application online, paying the fees (which vary by category), uploading supporting documents, attending an appointment for biometrics if required, and receiving your Emirates ID and visa within two to six weeks. For property investors, the Dubai Land Department can initiate the Golden Visa referral directly. Fees for the Golden Visa vary by category and emirate, typically ranging from AED 2,800 to AED 5,000 for the visa itself, plus administrative fees. Medical fitness tests and Emirates ID fees are additional. ## Documents Required for UAE Golden Visa Investors: Title deed(s) showing current market value, letter from mortgage bank showing paid-up amount (if mortgaged), or investment fund certificate. Entrepreneurs: Audited financial statements showing revenue, trade licence, and incubator approval letter if applicable. Skilled workers: Salary certificate from employer showing AED 30,000+ monthly income, employment contract, valid Emirates ID and residence visa. Exceptional talent: Valid professional licence from DHA, HAAD, or relevant authority, evidence of published research or awards, or equivalent documentation proving exceptional status. All applicants: Valid passport with at least six months remaining, recent passport photograph, existing UAE residence visa (or entry permit), and medical fitness certificate. ## Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa The Golden Visa provides security and stability for long-term UAE residents. There is no requirement to renew every two years and no risk of your visa being cancelled if you change jobs or spend time abroad. This makes it especially valuable for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and senior professionals who want the freedom to build long-term careers and businesses without visa anxiety. Property investors and business owners find the Golden Visa encourages deeper commitment to UAE-based ventures. For families, it allows children to complete full schooling cycles in the UAE and parents to be sponsored indefinitely. Many UAE professionals pursue the Golden Visa as a natural milestone once they reach the salary threshold or accumulate sufficient property investment. ## Golden Visa and Your Career in UAE Holding a Golden Visa makes you significantly more attractive to senior UAE employers because you are not tied to a single sponsor and can negotiate from a position of stability. You can take your time evaluating opportunities without the pressure of a visa tied to a specific company. For those on a career track toward the AED 30,000 salary threshold, platforms like DdotsMediaJobs help identify senior roles in priority sectors that would qualify you. Building experience in digital technology, healthcare, engineering, or education — the UAE's named priority sectors — is the most direct professional route to Golden Visa eligibility. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the minimum salary for UAE Golden Visa in 2026? Skilled workers in priority sectors can qualify for the Golden Visa with a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more. This is verified through a salary certificate from a UAE-registered employer. The salary threshold may be reviewed by authorities; check the official ICP portal for the current figure at the time of your application. ### Can I get a UAE Golden Visa through property investment? Yes. Owning UAE real estate valued at AED 2 million or more qualifies you for the Golden Visa. Mortgaged properties are eligible provided the paid-up portion reaches AED 2 million. The Dubai Land Department can process Golden Visa referrals for Dubai property investors directly. ### How long does the UAE Golden Visa last? The Golden Visa is valid for five or ten years depending on the category. Investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talent typically receive a ten-year visa. Skilled workers in the AED 30,000 salary category typically receive a five-year visa. Both are automatically renewable if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. ### Can I sponsor my family on a UAE Golden Visa? Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, parents, and domestic workers. This is one of the most significant advantages over standard employment visas, which restrict dependent children to those under 18 and do not allow parents to be sponsored by non-UAE-nationals in most cases. ### Does the UAE Golden Visa allow me to work anywhere? Yes. The Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer. You can change jobs, start a business, work as a freelancer, or remain temporarily unemployed without your visa being cancelled. This freedom makes it one of the most flexible long-term residence arrangements in the world for skilled professionals.