How to apply for a UAE Golden Visa in 2026: Step-by-step guide, documents, fees and processing times

Dubai: Do you call the UAE home? The Golden Visa may be the best way for you to live and work in the country. In 2026, there are several categories open to residents, along with the option for self-nomination – so it’s not as difficult to get as you may think. Here’s everything you need to know about the Golden Visa, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. What is the Golden Visa? The Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme that enables eligible foreign nationals to live, work, invest and study in the UAE without a local sponsor. It targets specific categories of expatriates, such as investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and others. The visa is issued for five or 10 years, depending on the category you fall under, and is automatically renewable. The framework for the Golden Visa is based on Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2018, and was expanded through Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 and Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners. The programme is administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) at the federal level and by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. What are the key benefits of a Golden Visa? The Golden Visa is designed to provide long-term stability in the country, while supporting confident business and investment planning. It comes with a range of benefits, according to the Emirates Government Services Hub, a centralised government services centre in Dubai: Long-term residency: The Golden Visa is issued for five or 10 years, and is renewable. Self-sponsorship: It is not tied to employer or local sponsorship, so one’s residence is not dependent on an employer or family member. This gives residents flexibility in changing jobs or business structures over time, without affecting their visa status. Family sponsorship: Golden Visa holders may sponsor their spouse and children, regardless of age. There is also no maximum limit for the number of domestic workers a Golden Visa holder can sponsor, as long as all labour and immigration requirements are met. Legal continuity for family: As per the law, if a primary Golden Visa holder dies, their sponsored family members may remain legally in the UAE, until the expiry of their own residence permits. Consular support: In October 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) launched a suite of dedicated consular services for Golden Visa holders travelling abroad. These services include a 24/7 emergency hotline, inclusion in evacuation plans during crises, and an electronic return document that can be issued within 30 minutes if a passport is lost or damaged outside the country. Who is eligible to apply for a Golden Visa? According to the ICP, individuals who meet certain categories, and prove eligibility and qualifications, can apply for a Golden Visa. Since the visa’s launch, the ICP has expanded eligibility in 2025, as well as this year, to include several new categories. Check if you are eligible through the ICP’s ‘Check Your Eligibility’ tool . Here is the complete list of eligibility categories and core criteria, according to the ICP: Investors in public investments Visa duration: 10 years Main criteria: Must have an investment of at least Dh2 million in an approved fund, or company capital of over Dh2 million, or an annual tax contribution of at least Dh250,000 to the government. Investors in real estate Visa duration: 10 years Main criteria: Must own a property or portfolio of properties valued at Dh2 million or more, with mortgage-financed purchases from approved banks also accepted. For property investors who do not meet the Golden Visa threshold, the Dubai Land Department offers a separate two-year investor visa . Entrepreneurs Visa duration: 5 or 10 years Main criteria: Eligible for a five-year visa if you own a project of a technical or future nature, based on risk and innovation, with a minimum value of Dh500,000. Eligible for a 10-year visa if you have an established business or successful business plans, whether inside or outside the UAE. Exceptional talents and specialists Visa duration: 10 years Main criteria: This category includes the following professionals and experts in their field: Healthcare professionals: Doctors, scientists, researchers, and other specialists in healthcare. You must obtain an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or other relevant health authority to confirm you are a practicing healthcare professional. Scientists also need a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. Specialists in engineering and science: Individuals with at least a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in priority fields, such as epidemiology and virology, artificial intelligence (AI), computer and software engineering, electrical engineering, and biotechnology. The GDRFA also specifies a minimum monthly salary of Dh30,000 for specialised professionals. Executive directors: In