Golden Visa Requirements in Dubai: Who Qualifies in 2025?

Dubai is a place that enjoys the sun all year, does not collect income tax, and has a high standard of living. Though it sounds like a fantasy, the Golden Visa makes that dream a reality. A Golden Visa means you can live, work, study, and invest in one of the fastest-growing countries globally. From 2025 onward, the qualification process has become looser, making it easier for more people to qualify. So, what are the actual Golden Visa requirements? Who is allowed to register, and how can you start the application? 

This guide was made to assist you. Everything is explained in plain English, so you can easily understand it. With everything explained, you’ll appreciate the Golden Visa Dubai 2025 and what to do to start a life in the UAE.

What does Golden Visa mean in the UAE?

The Golden Visa is a residency permit you can retain for years. Anyone from another country may now live, work, or study in the UAE without the help of a sponsor. The project started in 2019, but in 2025, it’s looking more appealing than ever. Why? Since it provides:

• You can have residency for 5 or 10 years and choose to renew.
• Sponsor-free living
• You can add all your family members to the program.
• You can live abroad for over 6 months without cancelling your residency permit.

The program has criteria to help talented workers, business owners, investors, and successful students.

Requirements needed for a Dubai Golden Visa

If you want the Golden Visa in 2025, most applicants will need to meet these basic requirements:

• Minimum investment of AED 2 million (for investors)
• Fixed deposit in UAE banks with a letter showing the deposit is for at least one year
• Valid passport copy
• Visit visa or UAE residence visa
• Passport-size photo

They are set for investors, real estate buyers, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, students, and humanitarian workers.

Criteria for Obtaining the Golden Visa

You can apply for the Golden Visa Dubai 2025 in different categories. Now, let’s look at them separately.

1. Investors

• You can invest AED 2 million in an investment fund.
• Possesses over AED 2 million of shares in a company
• Each year, you must pay taxes equal to or above AED 250,000.
• Putting up AED 2 million and above in property is also allowed.

2. Entrepreneurs

• Begin or join a startup in the UAE with at least AED 500,000 on hand.
• Your project must pass an evaluation by an incubator, such as Area 2071 (Dubai) or Hub71 (Abu Dhabi), for approval.

3. Skilled Professionals

• Should earn a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or higher
• Work must happen in these specialized sectors: AI, healthcare, education, science, and engineering.
• You need a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience.

4. Outstanding Students

• Any high school student has earned at least 95% in total.
• Students at university with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.8, depending on how the university groups its students

5. Scientists in the field

• Be legally qualified to receive a PhD or specialist designation in the main fields.
• UAE authorities should approve guidelines like the Ministry of Health or the Emirates Scientists Council.

6. Humanitarian Workers and Frontline Heroes

• People who serve as volunteers, nurses, or paramedics and have spent at least 5 years in humanitarian work
• You must submit certificates or awards that indicate your contribution.

Golden Visa Eligibility in UAE

People applying for Dubai’s Golden Visa enjoy a long-term residency option. The website is built with investors, professionals, students, and frontline heroes in mind. You meet particular criteria so that you could be eligible. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in the UAE. Check through this list to find out if you qualify.

1. Own Property

Your property in Dubai should be worth AED 2 million or more. You have the option to pay it off upfront or over a period with a mortgage. A property is eligible for off-plan purchase if the developer list has confirmed the developer. The organization must hold the property for three years. It is also possible to accept shared ownership.

2. Manage a Business

You qualify if you serve as an owner or investor in a UAE business. Any startups and small businesses are allowed to apply. You are required to give evidence of your investment. Usually, you need to have a valid trade license. It is more likely for tech, healthcare, or innovation entrepreneurs to be approved.

3. High-Level Job

If you are a top executive or specialist, you may also qualify. You need a job contract that is valid in your country. The job should be key to the country’s economic progress. You usually need a monthly income of AED 30,000 or higher. You should be qualified for the position you are applying for.

4. Specialized Talent

Those eligible are doctors, engineers, researchers, and IT experts. To be considered, you should either hold recognized qualifications or industry awards. What you do as an international citizen should align with the UAE’s goals for development. 

To be safe, many employers choose to have an employment contract. The government may require you to get approved for what you do. Innovators and scientists are appreciated more than many others.

5. Top Student

The competition is open to gifted learners from UAE schools and universities. Candidates must achieve high grades and good scores in national exams. The top 100 universities worldwide can also admit graduates. Scholarships or academic prizes help support your application. A recommendation from the school or university is necessary to qualify for this program.

6. Frontline Hero

If you were in the military during the pandemic, you are qualified. Members in the healthcare, crisis management, or public safety fields are included. Any nurse, paramedic, or member of the lab staff can apply. We require proof that you served. The UAE recognizes your dedication and believes you are important to the community.

Do you qualify?

Getting in touch with business setup consultants in Dubai can make organizing your business easier. They will evaluate your case, review your documents, and show you how to proceed. You are more likely to be approved if you get the right advice. Public authorities can help you, so don’t try to figure it out alone when securing your future in the UAE.

What are the Golden Visa requirements in the UAE?

Here are the Golden Visa requirements in the UAE:

• You can apply online with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (for Abu Dhabi residents) or the GDRFA (if you live in Dubai).
• Place your passport, recent photos, and documents showing your platform investment.
• Pay all the fees you will be charged.
• Visit a fitness centre and have your medical fitness checked.
• Apply for and get your Emirates ID.
• Golden Visas are delivered using a courier or during your visit.

Sounds easy? It’s possible thanks to expert support from business setup experts in Dubai.

Reasons to apply for the UAE Golden Visa

Living in the UAE is simpler and more gratifying with a Golden Visa. It guarantees long-term advantages, provides excellent benefits, and allows families and business owners great flexibility.

• You do not need a sponsor or employer to live in the UAE. You can manage your membership status and your plans.
• Citizenship is possible after 5 or 10 years with a Golden Visa. Because they are renewed automatically, you don’t have to worry about visa renewals often.
• You can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and even those who work for you. As you live in the UAE, keep your family close and look after your household.
• Your earnings won’t be subject to any tax in the UAE. Since there’s no personal income tax, you get to keep more of your earnings.
• Anyone holding a Golden Visa can access top healthcare and education. You can access leading medical care and excellent schools for your kids without sacrificing anything.
• Unlike most expats, those with a Golden Visa can travel outside the UAE for six months without losing their permit. Don’t let stress spoil your travels.
• Companies in Portugal can name their senior executives, such as their executive director or advisor, for golden visas. Compensate your best workers with security.
• Holders of the Golden Visa will get the Esaad card. Now, you and your family can enjoy lower prices on restaurants, health services, shopping, entertainment, and many other options in the UAE and abroad.

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

You might be surprised to learn that applying for the UAE Golden Visa can be easy. Follow these straightforward steps to begin: Prepare your documents beforehand. Focus on every part of the process. Here is how to do it in three simple steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

At the beginning, gather all necessary paperwork. You must provide us with a clear copy of your passport and a current passport-size photo. Demand that the insurance company review your employment contract, business license, or papers that prove you own the property.

Don’t forget to have a proper visa for use as a residence or visitor and health insurance.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have three main ways to apply. You can apply using the ICP Smart App, check the GDRFA website, or head to an approved typing facility.

Make certain all the information is correct. Upload the documents so that all the information is easy to read. After you’ve applied, save the reference number for future reference.

Step 3: Pass a medical fitness test

VIP medical fitness tests are available for AED 755. To have this done, go to a licensed healthcare centre. The test normally starts with a basic health check, which includes blood work and a chest X-ray. Passing here opens the next stage.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

You’ll have to pay the required money once your documents are approved. Applicants must pay AED 2,900 to apply for residency. You will also spend AED 1,190 on getting your Emirates ID typed and processed. The receipts you receive show that you paid your bills on time. However, you can’t get a refund for these tickets.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

You should wait for things to be approved when you’ve submitted everything. Most of the time, processing takes between 2 and 4 working days. If your application is accepted, you will be notified that your Golden Visa is approved. Next, your Emirates ID will be put on the government database and sent to you through the post.

Price of the UAE Golden Visa

Here’s what you can expect to pay for the UAE Golden Visa:

These are only government costs. The business setup consultants in Dubai may charge extra fees for specific services when you use their help for business setup in Dubai.

Reliability of UAE Golden Residency

• Real estate investors: Five years
• Public investment has been happening for over ten years.
• For professionals and students, the usual course length is 10 years.
• Golden Visas in Abu Dhabi are good for 10 years.

You can apply for a new visa if you have met all the qualifications.

Get help from us

Getting a Golden Visa can feel complicated, but you can get help. We guide you through every part of your journey. We know all the steps involved, from picking the right visa to helping you submit your application. Should you not know which forms to give us or if you qualify, we can direct you to the right answer.

We also take care of business setup in Dubai, such as Company formation, handling legal work, and helping with investment plans. Whether you plan to buy real estate, launch a company, or apply for work, we make things easy. We are with you from start to finish, ensuring everything goes smoothly and helping you succeed.

FAQs

Q1: How expensive is it to apply for a Golden Visa?

To get a Golden Visa, you must invest at least AED 2 million in the UAE, either in real estate or in launching a company.

Q2: Can my family be a part of my study?

Based on the visa category you qualify for, you can sponsor your spouse, children, dad, mom, and perhaps your brother or sister. The rules regarding including family change from exercise to exercise.

Q3: Is obtaining a Golden Visa by taking out a mortgage possible?

Dubai honours off-plan and mortgaged properties for the Golden Visa, but you must ensure the property you choose is in a certain place and is valued higher than a set threshold.

Q4: What do professionals need to be paid to do their work?

Anyone who wants the Golden Visa must be in a specialized field, earn at least AED 30,000 monthly, and be legally employed in the UAE.

Q5: What is the length of time I am allowed in the UAE?

Staying more than six months outside the UAE will not result in losing your Golden Visa. 

Conclusion

If you are an investor, entrepreneur, student, or skilled expert, making one decision could mean moving to Dubai. The Golden Visa requirements are clear, applying is easy, and the rewards are valuable and life-changing.

Take your first step towards business success by working with our business setup experts in Dubai. We will help you with your Company formation in Dubai, make your documents look great, and guide you through your UAE residency application.