Thinking about building your life and business in the UAE? The Golden Visa offers you that opportunity, providing long-term residency and incredible benefits for you and your family’s future.
This guide explains how to get the UAE golden visa in 2025 with a simple 6-step plan. We make the entire process easy to understand so you can apply with confidence.
You’ll learn about all the updated eligibility rules, the exact documents you’ll need, and the final steps to receiving your new Emirates ID card.
Are You Eligible? How to Get the UAE Golden Visa in 2025 by Category
First, let’s see if you are eligible for this long-term residency visa. Before you check the specific categories, remember that every applicant must be over 18 years old, possess valid medical insurance in the UAE, and show a clean criminal record.
The UAE Golden Visa requirements change depending on your profession or the type of investment you make. You can find the best path for your situation in this simple comparison table, which breaks down the main ways people apply for the 10-year residency visa.
| Category | Minimum Investment / Requirement | Key Documents | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investor | AED 2 million in property (mortgage option available) | Property Title Deed / Oqood | Individuals seeking residency through property assets. |
| Skilled Professional | AED 30,000+ monthly salary | Attested Degree, MoHRE Employment Contract | High-earning employees in specific fields. |
| Entrepreneur | AED 500k+ accredited project or approved business idea | Accredited business plan, company audit reports | Startup founders and business owners. |
| Exceptional Talent | Recommendation/accreditation from a relevant authority | Portfolio, recommendation letters | Artists, inventors, elite athletes, and scientists. |
| Outstanding Students | High school: 95%+ grade. University: 3.8+ GPA | Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education/University | High-achieving students and their families. |
What’s New for 2025? Expanded Categories
The UAE continues to invite global talent by expanding its Golden Visa program. As of May 2025, new rules have opened up opportunities for more professionals to get long-term residency. These recently added categories include:
- Experienced Nurses and Educators Teachers in private schools and nurses with over 15 years of service at Dubai Health are now eligible.
- Digital Content Creators Filmmakers and social media influencers can now obtain residency through the UAE’s creative initiative.
- E-Sports Professionals Gamers who are at least 25 years old and have accreditation from Dubai Culture can apply.
- Luxury Yacht Owners Abu Dhabi offers visas to owners of yachts over 40 meters long and to executives in the yachting industry.
This expansion makes living and working in the UAE a possibility for a wider range of talented people and investors.
Source: The information presented here on eligibility criteria and the new 2025 categories is based on official updates from the UAE Government Portal and guidance from immigration news sources like Envoy Global, as detailed in the provided search results.
The Complete 6-Step Application Process to Get the UAE Golden Visa in 2025
Let’s walk through the exact steps for your Dubai Golden Visa application. Following this process will make your journey for this long-term residency visa smooth and simple.
The Complete 6-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Documents
First, you need to collect all your paperwork. Everyone needs a copy of their passport, a recent photograph, a copy of their current visa if they are already in the UAE, and valid medical insurance.
Next, find the specific documents for your category. This could be an attested degree, a salary certificate, bank statements, property title deeds, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer. A very important tip: any documents not in Arabic must be legally translated and then attested in your home country and again by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 2: Submit Your Nomination & Application
You can submit your application for the 10-year residency visa online through the official government websites. The main channels are the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal if you are applying in Dubai. You can also visit an authorized service center like AMER.
If you are applying from outside the country, you can get a six-month multi-entry visa. This special permit allows you to come to the UAE to complete your application process.
Step 3: Undergo Medical & Biometric Screening
After you get initial approval, you must complete a medical fitness test. You will do this at a government-approved health center inside the UAE. The test checks for any communicable diseases to keep everyone safe.
Once you pass the medical test, the next part is providing your biometrics. This means they will take your fingerprints and a photo. This information is used to create your official Emirates ID card, which is a key part of your new residency.
Step 4: Await Final Approval
Patience is key during this stage. While some parts of the Dubai Golden Visa application move quickly, the entire process can take some time. The initial approval might come within 48 hours, but the full review can take from seven business days up to a month for more complex cases.
You don’t have to guess what’s happening. You will receive notifications about your application’s progress by email and text message. You can also track the status of your application online through the official portals.
Step 5: Pay All Associated Fees
As your application moves through the approval stages, you will be asked to pay the required fees. You can make these payments securely through the same official online portal where you submitted your application. The system will guide you on when and how to pay each fee.
We will cover a complete breakdown of all the costs in the next section, so you know exactly what to budget for your UAE Golden Visa fees.
Step 6: Receive Your Golden Visa and Emirates ID
This is the final and most exciting step. Once your application is fully approved and all fees are paid, your Golden Visa will be stamped directly into your passport. Shortly after, you will receive your new Emirates ID card.
Once you have these, here is a quick checklist of what to do next:
- Start the process to sponsor your spouse, children, and parents.
- Update your status with your bank.
- Apply to exchange your home country’s driver’s license for a UAE one.
Sources: The information regarding the 6-step application process, document requirements, and timelines is based on procedural guidelines from official UAE government portals like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and u.ae, as well as details from immigration service providers such as Get Golden Visa and Global Citizen Solutions, as reflected in the cited sources.
The True Cost of the UAE Golden Visa: A Full Breakdown for 2025
Understanding the full cost of your UAE residency is important. The total amount is more than just the initial application fee. Here is a clear breakdown of the UAE Golden Visa fees for 2025 so you can budget properly.
The True Cost of the UAE Golden Visa: A Full Breakdown for 2025
The main government processing fees change based on where you apply from. If you submit your application from inside the UAE, the cost is between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800. For applicants outside the country, the fee ranges from AED 3,800 to AED 4,800.
Beyond this, you should plan for other necessary expenses. These are the costs people often forget:
- Medical Test: Around AED 800 or more.
- Emirates ID: Approximately AED 1,043 for the 10-year card.
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Starts from around AED 800 but can be higher depending on the plan.
- Document Translation & Attestation: This can cost over AED 1,000 per person and is required for documents not in Arabic.
When you add everything up, you should expect a total budget between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 for all administrative costs. This amount is completely separate from the main AED 2 million property investment or any business capital required for your eligibility category.
Source: The cost information presented here is compiled from detailed fee breakdowns provided by official sources like the Dubai Land Department and immigration service experts at Get Golden Visa, JSB.ae, and Khaleej Times, as reflected in the cited sources.
Getting the Process Right with Expert Help
The Golden Visa application process can sometimes feel complicated, especially when it comes to getting all your documents translated and attested correctly. If you want expert help to make sure everything is perfect, a company like Decisive Zone can guide you.
Decisive Zone is a leading business setup and residency consultancy in Dubai. They specialize in helping entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals with their Golden Visa applications. Their team helps streamline the process by making sure all your paperwork is compliant and submitted correctly, which helps you avoid mistakes and long delays.
For personalized assistance and to make your application journey easier, you can learn more about their services by visiting the Decisive Zone website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I stay outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
You can stay outside the UAE for any length of time without your visa becoming invalid, offering unparalleled flexibility compared to other residency types.
Can I combine multiple properties to qualify for the Investor Visa?
Yes, you can combine multiple properties to meet the AED 2 million minimum value, provided they are not under mortgage or the net value meets the threshold.
Is the UAE Golden Visa free for Indian citizens?
No, the Golden Visa is not free for any nationality, including Indian citizens. All standard government and processing fees must be paid.
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Professional Golden Visa?
You must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 and hold a valid employment contract in a qualifying field.
What is the easiest way to learn how to get the UAE golden visa in 2025?
The easiest way is to follow this comprehensive 6-step guide to understand the process, or consult with a residency expert to manage your application for you.
Your Golden Future in the UAE Awaits
The UAE Golden Visa is an achievable goal, offering incredible long-term benefits for your future. This guide provides your clear roadmap to success. You can start your journey today and begin building the life and business you have always wanted in the Emirates.
