How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa (10-Year Long-Term Residency)
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa. You can renew it. ICP's Golden Residency guide sets the term at 10 years. You do not need a sponsor. You can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing your residency. You can also sponsor your family. There are five main routes. Investors (AED 2M+) can apply. Entrepreneurs can apply. People with exceptional talent and specialised professionals can apply. Outstanding students can apply. Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes can apply too.
At a glance
- Cost:
- From ~AED 1,200 (10-year residence issuance) + category fees
- Total time:
- Varies by category — confirm current processing times with ICP/GDRFA
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Confirm your category
Find the Golden Visa category that fits you on u.ae or ICP. The categories are investor, entrepreneur, exceptional talent, specialised professional, outstanding student, and humanitarian or frontline hero.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Varies
Gather your eligibility proof
Collect the proof for your category. Investors need at least AED 2M in capital. This can be property or a qualifying investment. Specialised professionals need four things. You need a valid UAE work permit. You need a bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification. You need a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. And you need full health insurance for yourself and your family. Entrepreneurs need a letter from an auditor. The letter must confirm that your project is worth at least AED 500,000.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies — confirm with ICP From ~AED 300 (category service)
Apply through ICP
You can apply on the ICP Smart Services website or app. Log in with UAE Pass. You can also apply at a Customer Happiness Centre or an Amer centre. Search for the Golden Residency service for your category. The entry service for a category costs AED 100 for the application, AED 100 for issuance, and AED 100 for smart services. The exact cost depends on your category.
Click to mark as done
- Go Result typically same/next day Varies
Pass the medical fitness test
You need a "Fit" medical result before your residence can be issued. The fee depends on the emirate and the centre.
Click to mark as done
- Go Same-day appointment About AED 1,100 (10-year card)
Complete Emirates ID issuance
Emirates ID issuance and biometrics are part of the residence process. The card costs AED 100 per year, plus an AED 100 smart fee. So a 10-year card costs about AED 1,100.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Varies — confirm with ICP ~AED 1,200 (10-year issuance)
Golden Residence permit is issued
The Golden Residence permit is issued for 10 years. This covers the main categories: investors, entrepreneurs, talent, professionals, students, and real-estate investors. ICP's Golden Residency guide confirms this. Note one confusing point. The overview table on u.ae still shows 5 years for some categories. ICP issues the visa, so this guide follows ICP's 10-year figure. Residence issuance costs AED 100 per year. You also pay an AED 100 application fee and an AED 100 smart fee. So 10 years costs about AED 1,200. Check your category's term with ICP when you apply. Processing time depends on your category. Check it with ICP or GDRFA.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sponsor for a Golden Visa?
No. You do not need a sponsor. This is one of the main benefits of the Golden Visa.
Can I stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months?
Yes. Golden Visa holders do not follow the usual 6-month rule. Your visa stays valid for as long as your residency is valid.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members. This includes your spouse and your children.
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