What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a premium long-term residency program that grants foreigners the right to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates for up to 10 years without requiring a national sponsor. Golden Visa holders enjoy full business ownership, sponsor spouses, children of any age, and domestic helpers, and are exempt from the standard '6-month rule'—meaning residency remains active even if you stay outside the UAE.
VestaDoc offers white-glove visa consultancy. We assess your background, manage educational degree equivalency procedures with the Ministry of Education, organize medical fitness certificates, and finalize your Emirates ID and visa stamping with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Primary Eligibility Pathways
Select the visa category matching your financial profile or professional status.
Real Estate Investors
Purchase property in the UAE with a gross value of at least AED 2,000,000 (can be off-plan, mortgaged, or fully paid).
✓ Grants 5 to 10-year residency for you and your dependents.
Skilled Professionals
Hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and meet a basic monthly salary requirement of at least AED 30,000.
✓ Requires Ministry of Education degree equivalency and a valid employment contract.
Government Fee Structure & Categories
Official government fee estimates (in AED). Professional service and medical test fees apply separately.
Golden Visa Timeline in 5 Steps
Background & Profile Check
Our immigration lawyers assess your bank statements, degree certificates, or title deeds.
Document Equalization
We complete the mandatory degree attestation and equivalency with the Ministry of Education.
Nomination & Approval
We apply for the Golden Nomination (initial approval) via the ICP digital portal.
Medical & Emirates ID
We escort you to VIP medical fitness tests and register your biometric data for the Emirates ID.
Residency Stamping
The Golden Visa is stamped on your passport (or issued as an e-visa) and your 10-year Emirates ID is delivered.
Success Story: Golden Visa in 7 Days
A French software engineer earning AED 35,000 per month at a Dubai internet company required help with visa transitions. The degree was issued in Paris and lacked legalizations. VestaDoc translated, attested, and equalized the degree, submitted the ICP nomination, and arranged a VIP medical test. The engineer received his 10-year Golden Visa in exactly 7 business days.
Official Government Resources
Golden Visa FAQs
Q.Do I need to live in the UAE to keep the visa active?
No. Unlike normal residency visas which expire if you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days, Golden Visa holders are exempt from this rule and can travel freely.
Q.Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children of any age (including unmarried daughters and sons), and domestic workers under your 10-year visa.
Q.Is the property investment restricted to paid cash?
No. You can buy property with a mortgage from local UAE banks, or off-plan properties from approved developers, provided the total purchase value is AED 2 million or more.
Dr. Salim Al-Mansoori
Senior Immigration Advisor — Dr. Al-Mansoori has helped over 500 expatriates secure Golden Visas and residency in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Verified for compliance with Federal Authority (ICP) guidelines.
Last Updated: July 2026Request a Golden Visa Assessment
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