Middle East · Gulf Cooperation Council
UAE Residency — the Golden Visa
A 5 or 10-year renewable residency for qualifying investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, and talents — with no income tax and full family sponsorship rights.
- Visa term
- 5 or 10 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- Income tax
- None (personal)
- Family sponsorship
- Yes
- Physical stay
- Flexible
- Processing
- 2–8 weeks
About the program
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit launched in 2019 and substantially broadened since. It offers 5 or 10-year renewable residency to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals, outstanding students, and talents in science, culture, and sport.
Golden Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UAE, sponsor family members without a local sponsor, and enjoy the UAE’s zero-personal-income-tax regime and world-class infrastructure.
Available routes
Ways to obtain United Arab Emirates residency.
Pick the path that fits your profile — investment, work, family, or lifestyle.
Route
Real estate investor
Ownership of qualifying property in the UAE (typically AED 2 million+) grants a 10-year Golden Visa.
Route
Business investor
Establishing or investing in a qualifying UAE business or fund.
Route
Specialised talent
Doctors, scientists, engineers, executives, and creatives with verified credentials.
Route
Outstanding students
Top-performing university graduates in the UAE and select international institutions.
Key benefits
What you actually get.
Long-term security
5 or 10-year residency, renewable.
Zero personal income tax
No income, capital gains, or inheritance tax on individuals.
Sponsor your family
Spouse, children, and domestic staff can be sponsored under your visa.
Flexible stay
No rigid minimum-stay requirement for renewal.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
- Qualifying investment, credentials, or talent category
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Medical fitness test clearance
- Clean background and UAE security clearance
Required documents
What we will need from you.
- Passport copies
- Biometric photographs
- Proof of qualifying investment or credentials
- Medical fitness certificate
- Emirates ID registration
- Health insurance
How it works
Step by step, from first call to permit.
- 01
Consultation
Match your profile to the best Golden Visa route.
- 02
Documentation
Prepare evidence of eligibility and compile supporting documents.
- 03
Nomination
File nomination with the relevant UAE authority.
- 04
Approval
Authority issues Golden Visa approval.
- 05
Medical & Emirates ID
Complete medical and biometric steps in the UAE.
- 06
Visa stamped
Golden Visa is stamped into your passport and Emirates ID issued.
Common questions
About United Arab Emirates residency.
- Holding the Golden Visa is distinct from tax residency. Tax residency typically requires sufficient physical presence or a principal home in the UAE — we advise on both separately.
Other programs
Explore more residency options.
Ready to plan your United Arab Emirates residency?
A free consultation to identify the right route and prepare a realistic timeline.