Do you want to live in Dubai for the long term? Are you looking for a visa that offers 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 settle in Dubai on a long-term basis. With this long-term residence visa, you benefit from many privileges, including entrepreneurial freedom and security for your family.
But how do you get the Golden Visa in 2025? What are the eligibility requirements? How much does it cost and what steps do I need to take?
To obtain a Golden Visa in Dubai, you need to buy a property worth at least AED 2 million (≈ €500,000) in the Emirates, set up a business there or graduate from a leading university. This visa grants you 10 years' residence in the United Arab Emirates.
In this article, we will explore in detail:
- Categories eligible for Golden Visa
- The benefits for residents
- Application procedure and required documents
- The cost and time involved in obtaining it
Ready to discover all the keys to obtaining your Golden Visa in Dubai? Then let's get started!

What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa (10 years) granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents and qualified professionals wishing to live and work in the United Arab Emirates.
The Golden Visa program aims to attract talent, investors and entrepreneurs to strengthen the economy, foster innovation and offer long-term stability to qualified UAE residents.
Now let's see which profiles are eligible for the Golden Visa in Dubai.
Categories eligible for Golden Visa
To obtain a Golden Visa in Dubai, you need to meet specific criteria. If you have one of these profiles, you may consider applying for a Golden Visa.
1.real estate investors
Property investors can obtain the Golden Visa by purchasing a property with a minimum value of AED 2 million (approx. €500,000). The investment can be financed by an approved bank loan.
2.contractors
Entrepreneurs can obtain the Golden Visa if they own or launch an innovative business in the Emirates. Their project must be recognized and have a value of at least AED 500,000.
3.exceptional talents
Exceptional talents include scientists, inventors, artists and top athletes. No financial conditions are required, but a recommendation or official approval is necessary.
4.students and graduates
Students and graduates must come from the best universities in the Emirates or the world. They must have excellent academic results (generally an average above 3.8/4).
If you have one of these profiles, you have a great chance of obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai. Let's discover the advantages of the Golden Visa!
The advantages of Golden Visa in Dubai
Discover the main advantages of the Golden Visa in Dubai!
- Long-term residence: Valid for 10 years, renewable.
- Family sponsorship : Spouse and children included, 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 can set up a business, work or invest freely.
- Easy access to services: open bank accounts, home loans and attend top schools.
The Golden Visa is a real passport to a stable and prosperous life in Dubai. If you meet the criteria, you can enjoy a safe and secure life in Dubai thanks to the Golden Visa.
Golden Visa eligibility criteria in Dubai
If you're planning to apply for the Golden Visa, you should know that having an eligible profile is not enough to acquire it. In this section, we'll detail all the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa in Dubai for each profile.
1.real estate investment
To obtain the Golden Visa via a real estate investment, you must :
- Buy a property worth at least AED 2 million.
- The property may be completed or under construction.
- Financing available via an approved bank loan.
- The investment must be made in a fully-owned asset (excluding leasing).
It's 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 creating an innovative company in the Emirates.
- Project value of at least AED 500,000.
- Competent authority approval required.
b.Exceptional talents :
- Scientists, inventors, artists, athletes, AI and programming experts.
- No financial conditions.
- Recommendation or official approval required.
c.Students and graduates :
- Graduates from top local and international universities.
- Overall average above 3.8/4.
- Special mention for the class valedictorians.
The Golden Visa rewards excellence and innovation. If you'd like to apply to live in Dubai, gather the documents we'll present below according to your profile.
Documents required to apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai
To apply for the Golden Visa, here are the necessary documents:
- Real estate investors :
- Title deed to the property (value ≥ AED 2 million).
- Certificate from the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Passport and current residence visa.
- Valid health insurance.
- Title deed to the property (value ≥ AED 2 million).
- Contractors :
- Commercial license.
- Proof of investment (≥ AED 500,000).
- Letter of approval from a competent authority.
- Commercial license.
- Exceptional talents :
- Passport and detailed CV.
- Letter of recommendation from an official institution.
- Certifications or awards proving expertise.
- Passport and detailed CV.
- Students and graduates :
- University diploma and transcripts.
- Certificate of academic performance (average ≥ 3.8/4).
- University diploma and transcripts.
Once these documents are ready, the application can be submitted online. Let's take a look at how to apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai.

The Golden Visa application process
Now we'll look at the key steps involved in applying for a Golden Visa in Dubai, as well as the processing times.
1 Steps to follow
Here are the key steps to obtain the Golden Visa in Dubai:
- Check eligibility: Confirm that you meet the criteria (investment, talents, diploma...).
- Prepare documents: Gather the required documents (title deeds, passports, recommendations, etc.).
- Submit request Apply via :
- GDRFA (Resident authority)
- ICP (Official online platform)
- Approved centers such as Amer or Tasheel
- GDRFA (Resident authority)
- Payment of fees: The cost depends on the applicant's profile and generally varies between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000 (more details in the next chapter!).
- Examination and approval: The authority checks your file and may request additional documents.
- Medical visas and biometrics :
- Medical test compulsory.
- Fingerprinting.
- Medical test compulsory.
- Receipt of Golden Visa: Once approved, you receive your 10-year residency.
It's a quick and easy way to enjoy life in Dubai.
2. processing times
Deadlines vary according to the category and complexity of the file:
- Real estate investors: 2 to 4 weeks after submission.
- Contractors and exceptional talent: 2 to 6 weeks, depending on required approvals.
- Students and graduates: 2 to 3 weeks on average.
Online tracking is available to check the progress of the application. You're probably wondering how much it costs to apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai. It's not free, but the benefits are well worth it. Let's take a look at all the fees in detail!
Costs associated with obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai
We'll now take a closer look at the costs involved in applying for and maintaining your visa. Here are the costs associated with the Golden Visa in Dubai:
Application fee:
- 10-year Golden Visa: AED 15,000 (depending on category).
- Sponsorship (husband/wife): AED 9,000
- Child sponsorship: AED 8,000
The application fees include the medical examination, fingerprinting, andEmirates ID, but translation fees and legalization of the marriage certificate and birth certificates must be added.
Applying for a Golden Visa in Dubai is a worthwhile investment for long-term stability.
Ready to get your Golden Visa in Dubai?
Here we are at the end of this article. You now have a clear picture of the eligibility requirements, procedures and benefits associated with the Golden Visa in Dubai. This precious sesame opens the doors to a long-term residence with many privileges.
Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur or skilled talent, this visa is a unique opportunity to settle permanently in the United Arab Emirates and enjoy an exceptional lifestyle.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Our Dubai Real Estate agency will guide you step by step in obtaining your Golden Visa and your real estate projects in Dubai.
→ Take advantage of our expertise to make your installation a success!