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.

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a renewable residency permit that allows qualifying individuals to live, work, and study in the country for either 5 or 10 years. Unlike standard visas, it does not require a local sponsor and includes provisions for sponsoring family members and domestic support staff. It’s designed to provide stability and security for those looking to build a long-term future in the UAE.

Why the UAE Golden Visa Stands Out

Here are some of the key advantages of the Golden Visa in 2025:

•Long-Term Security: Gain peace of mind with a 5 or 10-year renewable residency.

•Full Business Ownership: Eligible individuals can establish 100% foreign-owned businesses on the mainland (in applicable sectors).

•No Minimum Stay Limit: Keep your visa valid even if you spend extended time outside the UAE.

•Family Sponsorship: Extend your residency benefits to your spouse, children, and essential household staff.

•Improved Access to Services: Enjoy smoother access to banking, real estate, and educational institutions.

•Priority Processing: Receive faster service from various government departments and authorities.

Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa in 2025?

The UAE has expanded eligibility criteria across a range of sectors. You may qualify under the following categories:

Investors & Entrepreneurs

•Invest at least AED 2 million in a UAE-licensed company.

•Alternatively, be a partner in a business generating AED 1 million+ in annual revenue.

•Required: trade license and audited financials.

Real Estate Investors

•Purchase property valued at AED 2 million or more.

•Mortgaged assets are accepted if AED 2 million has already been paid.

•Minimum holding period may apply.

Skilled Professionals

•Must work in a specialized field and earn AED 30,000+ per month.

•Bachelor’s degree (or higher) required.

•Must fall under MOHRE skill level 1 or 2 (e.g., doctors, engineers, academics).

Other Eligible Categories

• Innovators & Startup Founders

• Top-performing Students & Graduates

• Scientists & Researchers

• Exceptional Talents in Arts, Culture, and Sports

•Retirees meeting specific financial criteria

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa: 6 Simple Steps

Step 1: Assess Eligibility

Determine which category best applies to your background and qualifications.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

You’ll typically need:

•Passport and Emirates ID

•Investment/property records

•Proof of income, qualifications, or endorsements

•No Objection Certificates (if required)

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications can be filed through:

•The ICP Portal (for most Emirates)

•The GDRFA Portal (for Dubai applicants)

Step 4: Receive Pre-Approval

Applicants receive either a pre-approval confirmation or an entry permit (for those applying from abroad).

Step 5: Complete Medical & Biometrics

Undergo a medical exam and provide fingerprints for your Emirates ID.

Step 6: Golden Visa Issuance

Once approved, your Golden Visa is issued—often digitally via your Emirates ID profile.

Final Thoughts

The UAE Golden Visa program in 2025 offers more than just residency—it offers a foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Whether your focus is on investment, innovation, or family security, this visa provides a streamlined, sponsor-free path to long-term opportunity in the UAE.

Let Decisive Zone Guide Your Golden Visa Journey

At Decisive Zone, we understand how important securing long-term residency can be. That’s why we offer comprehensive support from start to finish—from assessing your eligibility and gathering documents to handling submissions and follow-ups.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor, property buyer, or skilled professional, our team is ready to make your Golden Visa process smooth and stress-free.

Partner with Decisive Zone today—your future in the UAE starts here.