Golden Visa — frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a UAE Golden Visa in 2026?
The main routes are property investors (AED 2 million+), public investments (AED 2 million), entrepreneurs, executives and skilled professionals earning AED 30,000+ per month, doctors, scientists, PhD holders, outstanding students, creatives, athletes and humanitarian pioneers. Dubai has also added categories like educators, nurses and content creators. We assess which category fits you before you apply.
Can I get a Golden Visa through property?
Yes — you need property worth AED 2 million or more, and you can combine multiple properties to reach it. Mortgaged property qualifies with a bank no-objection letter, and off-plan can qualify based on the DLD-assessed value.
What is the salary requirement for the skilled professional Golden Visa?
A basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more, an attested degree and a valid UAE employment contract in a qualifying field. Executive directors have a separate track at around AED 50,000 with experience and qualification requirements.
How much does a Golden Visa cost and how long does it take?
Government fees typically range from about AED 2,800 to AED 10,000+ depending on category and emirate, with property files costing more end to end. Approval usually takes 1–2 weeks; Dubai's GDRFA clears some nominations within 48 hours.
Can I live outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes. Unlike normal residence visas, the Golden Visa does not lapse if you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months — you keep your residency with no minimum-stay rule.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes — your spouse and children get visas matching yours, with no minimum salary requirement and no age cut-off for children. Parents can also be sponsored with supporting documents and health insurance.
Do I need an employer or sponsor for a Golden Visa?
No — it is fully self-sponsored. You can live, work, study and invest in the UAE without being tied to an employer, and changing jobs does not affect your residency.
What's the difference between the 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa?
The duration depends on your category: most investment, talent and professional routes receive 10 years, while categories such as entrepreneurs and outstanding high-school graduates receive 5 years. Both renew as long as you still meet the conditions.
What happens to my family's visas if the Golden Visa holder passes away?
Dependents keep their residence permits until their own expiry dates — they are not cancelled automatically. After that, the family can transition to another visa category if they don't qualify independently.
Where do I apply for the Golden Visa?
Through the ICP smart services federally, GDRFA for Dubai files, or the Dubai Land Department for the property route. Or skip the portals entirely — send us your documents and we manage nomination, approval, medical, Emirates ID and stamping end to end.
Is FamilyVisa.ae a licensed company?
Yes. FamilyVisa.ae is operated by 800 DOCS LLC, a DET-licensed company in Dubai; Visa Services is a licensed activity on our trade licence. We prepare and submit your application; the UAE immigration authorities decide based on your eligibility.
Which visas does FamilyVisa.ae handle?
UAE residence visas: Employment Visas, Family Visas and Golden Visas, plus the Emirates ID, medical and attestation steps around them.
Do you arrange tourist, visit or foreign-country visas?
No. We do not provide tourist or visit visas, and we do not process visas for any other country (Schengen, UK, USA, Canada or others). UAE residency only.
