Main routes (thresholds change — verify)
| Route | Indicative criteria |
|---|---|
| Real-estate investor | Property value of AED 2 million or more; mortgaged and off-plan may qualify under current rules |
| Public / business investor | Investment of AED 2 million or more in an approved vehicle or company, or a company paying AED 250,000+ in annual taxes |
| Skilled professional | Monthly basic salary of AED 30,000 or more with qualifying degree and occupation |
| Entrepreneur | Approved project or verified business meeting the authority’s criteria |
| Talent and other categories | Nominations or achievements in science, medicine, education, culture and other fields |
Typical steps
- Check the categoryMatch your situation to a route and read the current criteria.
- Prepare documentsPassport, proofs for the route, attested degrees or certified valuations as required.
- Apply through the official channelICP or the emirate authority, depending on route.
- Medical, Emirates ID and stampingCompleted in the UAE after approval.
How a company fits in
A UAE company can support some routes (for example business-investor or entrepreneur criteria) but does not qualify you automatically. Company formation and residency are separate steps — see the company visa guide.
Golden Visa: FAQs
Does owning a company qualify me for a Golden Visa?
Not by itself. Routes commonly include qualifying investment, skilled employment at a set salary level, entrepreneurship and nominated talent categories, each with its own documents and thresholds.
How long is a Golden Visa valid?
Validity is 5 or 10 years depending on the category. Confirm with the issuing authority.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through the federal ICP and emirate-level authorities such as GDRFA (Dubai) and ADIO/ICP channels for Abu Dhabi. Use the official portals.
Can ZoneWise guarantee approval?
No. Approval is decided by the authorities.
Get a written quote for Golden Visa
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.