Obtaining the Golden Visa in Dubai in 2025

Would you like to living in Dubai in the long term ? Are you looking for a visa which offers you stability and exclusive benefits?

This article is for you.

The Golden Visa is a unique opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals and students wishing to to settle permanently in Dubai. Thanks to this long-term residence visa, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including the freedom to run your own business and security for your family.

But How can I obtain the Golden Visa in 2025? What are the eligibility criteria? How much does it cost, and what steps do I need to take?

To obtain a Golden Visa in Dubai, you must purchase a property worth at least 2 million AED (≈ €500,000) in the UAE, set up a business there, or hold a degree from a leading university. This visa grants you 10 years’ residence in the United Arab Emirates.

In this article, we will explore the following in detail:

• The different categories eligible for the Golden Visa
  
• The benefits it offers residents
  
• The application procedure and the documents required
  
• The cost and time involved in obtaining it

Ready to discover all The keys to obtaining your Golden Visa in Dubai ? Right, let’s get started!

What is the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa (10 years) granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talent and skilled professionals wishing to live and work in United Arab Emirates.

The Golden Visa scheme aims to attract talent, investors and entrepreneurs in order to strengthen the economy, foster innovation and provide long-term stability for skilled residents of the United Arab Emirates.

Now we’re going to look at Who is eligible for the Golden Visa in Dubai?.

The different categories eligible for the Golden Visa

For Obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai, you must meet specific criteria. If you fit one of the profiles we are about to mention, you may wish to consider apply for the Golden Visa.

1. Property investors

Property investors can obtain the Golden Visa by purchasing a property worth at least 2 million AED (approximately €500,000). The investment may be financed by an approved bank loan.

2. Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are eligible for the Golden Visa if they own or set up a an innovative company in the Emirates. Their project must be recognised and be worth at least 500,000 AED.

3. Exceptional talents

Exceptional talent These include scientists, inventors, artists and top-level sportspersons. There are no financial requirements, but a recommendation or official approval is necessary.

4. Students and graduates

Students and graduates must be graduates of the best universities in the Emirates or worldwide. They must have excellent academic results (generally an average of over 3.8 out of 4).

If you fit any of these profiles, you have a good chances of obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai. Let’s find out now the benefits of the Golden Visa !

The benefits of the Golden Visa in Dubai

Discover the main benefits of the Golden Visa in Dubai !

• Long-term residence : Valid for 10 years, renewable.
  
• Family sponsorship : Spouse and children included, with no age limit.
  
• Extended stay outside the Emirates : You can stay abroad for more than 6 months without losing your visa.
  
• Work and investment : You are free to set up a business, work or invest.
  
• Easier access to services : Opening bank accounts, mortgages and places at the best schools.

The Golden Visa is a genuine passport to a stable and prosperous life in Dubai. If you meet the criteria, you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and secure life in Dubai thanks to the Golden Visa.

Eligibility criteria for the Dubai Golden Visa

If you are planning to apply for the Golden Visa, please be aware that simply having an eligible profile is not enough to secure it. In this section, we will set out in detail all Eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa in Dubai for each profile.

1. Property investment

For Obtaining the Golden Visa through a property investment, you must:

• Buying a property worth at least 2 million AED.
  
• The property may be completed or under construction.
  
• Funding available through an approved bank loan.
  
• The investment must be made in a property held in full ownership (excluding leasing).

This is an ideal opportunity to secure your future in Dubai ! 

2. Other categories

Here are the detailed criteria for the other categories:

a. Contractors:

• Owning or setting up a business innovative in the Emirates.
  
• Project value of at least 500,000 AED.
  
• Approval by a competent authority required.

b. Exceptional talents:

• Scientists, inventors, artists, sportspeople, and experts in AI and programming.
  
• No financial conditions.
  
• Recommendation or official approval necessary.

c. Students and graduates:

• Graduates from the top universities local or international.
  
• Overall average greater than 3.8/4.
  
• Special mention for the top students in each year group.

The Golden Visa recognises excellence and innovation. If you wish to apply for living in Dubai, please gather the documents listed below, depending on your profile.

Documents required to apply for the Golden Visa in Dubai

For apply for the Golden Visa, here are the documents you’ll need:

• Property investors :
  
  • Title deed for the property (value ≥ 2 million AED).
    
  • Certificate of Dubai Land Department (DLD).
    
  • Current passport and residence visa.
    
  • Valid health insurance.

• Entrepreneurs :
  
  • Commercial licence.
    
  • Proof of investment (≥ 500,000 AED).
    
  • Letter of approval from a competent authority.

• Exceptional talents :
  
  • Passport and detailed CV.
    
  • Letter of recommendation from an official body.
    
  • Certifications or awards demonstrating expertise.

• Students and graduates :
  
  • University degree and academic transcripts.
    
  • Certificate of academic achievement (average ≥ 3.8/4).

Once these documents are ready, the application can be submitted online. Let’s see How to apply for the Golden Visa in Dubai.

The Golden Visa application process

Now we’re going to look at The key steps for applying for the Golden Visa in Dubai as well as processing times.

1. Steps to follow

Here is The key steps to obtaining the Golden Visa in Dubai :

• Check eligibility : Please confirm that you meet the criteria (investment, skills, qualifications, etc.).
  
• Prepare the documents : Please gather the required documents (title deed, passport, letter of recommendation, etc.).
  
• Submit the application : Apply via:
  
  • GDRFA (Residence Authority)
    
  • ICP (Official online platform)
    
  • Accredited centres such as Amer or Tasheel
    
• Payment of fees : The cost depends on the applicant’s profile and generally ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 AED (more details in the next chapter!).
  
• Review and approval : The authority will check your application and may ask for further documents.
  
• Medical visa and biometrics :
  
  • Compulsory medical examination.
    
  • Fingerprinting.
    
• Receipt of the Golden Visa : Once approved, you will be granted a 10-year residence permit.

The process is quick and easy for enjoy life in Dubai.

2. Processing times

Processing times vary depending on the category and complexity of the case:

• Property investors: 2 to 4 weeks after submission.
  
• Entrepreneurs and exceptional talent: 2 to 6 weeks, subject to the necessary approvals.
  
• Students and graduates: 2 to 3 weeks on average.

You can track the progress of your application online. You’re probably wondering How much does it cost to apply for the Golden Visa in Dubai? It isn’t free, but the benefits are well worth it. Let’s take a closer look at all the charges!

Costs associated with obtaining the Golden Visa in Dubai

We will now set out in detail the fees associated with applying for and maintaining the visa. Here is the costs associated with the Golden Visa in Dubai :

Application fees : 

• 10-year Golden Visa : 15,000 AED (depending on the category).
• Sponsorship (spouse): 9,000 AED
• Children’s sponsor : 8,000 AED
  

Application fees include the medical examination, the impression taking and the’Emirates ID, but we must also add the translation costs, the legalisation of the marriage certificate and some birth certificates.

Applying for the Golden Visa in Dubai is a sound investment for long-term stability.

Ready to apply for your Golden Visa in Dubai?

That brings us to the end of this article. You now have a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, application procedures and benefits associated with the Dubai Golden Visa. This valuable pass opens the doors to a long-term residence offering a host of benefits.

Whether you are an investor, an entrepreneur or a skilled professional, this visa offers a unique opportunity to to settle permanently in the United Arab Emirates and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

What about you – are you ready to take the plunge?

Our agency Dubai Real Estate guides you step by step through Obtaining your Golden Visa and your property projects in Dubai.

→ Make the most of our expertise to ensure your installation is a success!