Categories of Golden Visa - Updated 2026

Dubai’s Golden Visa opens doors for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. It grants long-term residency and the chance to thrive in a global hub.

This guide explores the different Golden Visa categories, eligibility requirements, and the path to making Dubai your new home. Use this guide to find the perfect fit and begin your Golden Visa application process.

Categories of Golden Visa Available in Dubai

To be eligible for Dubai’s golden visa program, individuals must meet specific criteria set by the government. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of golden visa being pursued.

Golden Visa as Property Investor Visa

It is designed for individuals who wish to invest in Dubai’s real estate market. By meeting the specified investment criteria, they buy one or more properties with a total value of Dh2 million, regardless of the upfront payment amount. Property owners with payment plans or mortgages can also obtain a golden visa.

Requirements:

• A copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• Availability of an electronic copy of the title deed certificate
• Personal photo (as per ICA guidelines)
• Valid health insurance
• Original Emirates ID (if there’s any)
• Copy of the latest visa in the UAE (if there’s any)

Golden Visa for Bank Depositor

The UAE Golden Visa program offers residency through a bank deposit. You need to deposit at least AED 2 million and maintain the funds for a minimum of 2 years.

Requirements:

• A copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• Proof of ownership of a financial deposit of not less than AED 2,000,000 in a UAE bank (investment bonds or sukuk, maintained for 2 years)
• Proof of residence in the Emirate of Dubai

Golden Visa as Corporate Investor

This category applies to individuals who invest in the establishment or growth of companies in the UAE.

Eligibility:

• Minimum investment of AED 2 million
• Options include:
  • Starting a new company with capital of AED 2 million
  • Purchasing shares worth AED 2 million or more in an existing company (excluding free zones)
  • Depositing AED 2 million into a UAE-approved investment fund

Important Points:

• Requirements may vary by Emirate
• Investment must not be a loan
• Investment must be maintained for at least 3 years

Requirements:

• Passport (valid for 6 months)

New Company Formation:

• Trade License
• MOA showing AED 2 million capital

Existing Company:

• Trade License
• Share purchase proof (AED 2 million minimum)

Investment Fund:

• Confirmation letter from approved fund

Financial Documents:

• Bank statements (last 6 months)
• Audited financial reports (last year)
• Visa copy (if any)
• Health insurance
• Passport-sized photo

Golden Visa as Entrepreneur

This category applies to individuals who own and operate innovative businesses.

Eligibility:

• Letter from relevant authority confirming technical/futuristic nature
• Letter confirming project ownership or entrepreneurship
• Letter from accredited incubator
• Auditor letter confirming project value ≥ AED 500,000
• Passport validity of at least 6 months

Golden Visa for Retirees

This category falls under the residence visa for retired individuals.

Eligibility:

• Age 55 or above

One of the following:

• Monthly income of at least AED 15,000
• Savings of AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit
• Property worth AED 1 million
• Combination of savings and property (AED 500,000 each)

Important:

• Property can be jointly owned (marriage certificate required)

Requirements:

• Passport (6 months validity)
• Emirates ID (if any)
• Visa copy (if any)
• Health insurance
• Passport-sized photos

Option 1 – Income:

• Pension proof or employer letter
• 6-month bank statement showing AED 15,000/month

Option 2 – Savings:

• Proof of retirement
• Bank letter confirming AED 1 million deposit

Option 3 – Property:

• Title deed showing AED 1 million property value

Golden Visa as Doctors

The program attracts highly skilled doctors to support the UAE healthcare sector.

Requirements:

• Passport (6 months validity)
• Emirates ID
• Visa copy
• Passport photos
• Attested educational certificates
• Equivalency certificate
• Salary certificate (minimum AED 31,000 basic)
• Approval from Ministry of Health
• Proof of specialization and experience

Golden Visa as CEOs and Managers

A 10-year residency visa designed for experienced business leaders.

Requirements:

• Passport (6 months validity)
• Emirates ID
• Visa copy
• Passport photos
• Attested educational certificates
• Equivalency certificate
• Salary certificate (minimum AED 31,000)
• 6-month bank statement
• Labour contract
• Health insurance
• Minimum 2 years in same company

Golden Visa as Engineers

A long-term residency option for engineers.

Requirements:

• Passport (6 months validity)
• Emirates ID
• Visa copy
• Passport photos
• Attested educational certificates
• Equivalency certificate
• Salary certificate (minimum AED 31,000)
• 6-month bank statement
• Labour contract
• Health insurance
• Minimum 2 years in same company

Golden Visa for Creative People (Culture & Arts)

Applicable for individuals in:

• Visual Arts
• Publishing
• Performing Arts
• Design & Crafts
• Heritage
• Gaming & e-Sports
• Media
• Artists

Eligibility:

• Portfolio or CV
• Proof of achievements
• Minimum 10 years experience
• Recognition from media or institutions
• Sponsorship or grants
• Awards or certifications
• Published/distributed work
• Membership in recognized organizations

Requirements:

• Passport (6 months validity)
• Nomination approval
• Personal photo
• Health insurance
• Emirates ID (if any)
• UAE visa copy (if any)

Golden Visa as Outstanding Students

A 10-year visa for high-achieving students.

Eligibility Pathways:

1. UAE University Graduates

• Degree from accredited university
• GPA ≥ 3.5 (A) or 3.8 (B)
• Graduation within 2 years
• Degree attested
• Passport valid 6 months

2. International Graduates

• University ranked top 100 globally
• GPA ≥ 3.5
• Graduation within 2 years
• Degree accredited

3. High School Students

• GPA ≥ 95%
• Recommendation from Ministry of Education

Why You Should Hire Us for Your Golden Visa

Don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact our team of experts and let us be your partner in unlocking the Golden Door to your Dubai dreams. Contact us today for a free consultation and begin your journey.