How to Get a 10-Year Visa in UAE: Golden Visa Essentials
The Golden Visa UAE is a well-known residency program. It brings up investors, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and top students to the UAE. It was designed to stimulate long-term investment and attract talented individuals. The Golden Visa UAE allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 10 years, accompanied by a range of benefits for you and your family.
For those who are wondering how to get a 10-year visa in Dubai, this guide provides all the insights you need. In this guide, you will get to know about the visa process, benefits, and why you should choose this visa in the future.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
This program started in 2019. It allows investors, professionals, and top students to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor. Many choose this path when searching for long-term visa options and secure residence in the UAE.
The purpose is to make the UAE a core for modernization. This visa can be valid for 5 or 10 years, ensuring security, stability, and many opportunities. It is part of the UAE 10 year Golden Visa scheme that attracts global talent.
Why Choose the UAE Golden Visa?
This is a lifetime security program. With this Visa, you get:
- Long-standing residency in a safe country.
- No personal income taxation.
- Chances to lead in many industries.
- Access to great healthcare, schools, and businesses.
- Reliable renewable residency opportunities for you and your family.
Golden Visa UAE Categories
The requirements for each category are different. Depending on your background, you’ll need to meet eligibility criteria and prepare documentation. Below are the updated approval criteria for different applicants in 2025:
Golden Visa for Investors in Public or other Investments
- The investors have to invest a minimum of AED 2 million in any business.
- Proof of annual taxation funds of a minimum of AED 250,000.
- A pre-organized document checklist including investment proof, incorporation documents, and a valid passport.
Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
- The applicant should own a property (or multiple properties) worth AED 2 million or more.
- Property must not be mortgaged or under a heavy loan.
- Documents: ownership certificate, the real estate registration, and proof of residency.
- This category is often considered by those who want to get 10 10-year visa UAE through real estate.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
- The applicant should own or be in a partnership in a legally recognized project worth AED 500,000 or more.
- A legal confirmation letter of entrepreneurship from a recognized UAE business incubator.
- Valid passport, health insurance certificate, and medical fitness reports should be submitted.
Golden Visa for Executive Directors & Senior Professionals
- The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a professional role.
- Should meet the required salary threshold that is at least AED 50,000 per month.
Must provide a valid employment contract, updated CV, and qualification certificates.
Golden Visa for Specialists in Science & Engineering
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The applicant must hold a valid PhD or Master’s degree in specialized fields of IT & Science.
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A valid and current employment in the UAE is necessary.
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Endorsement needed from the official institutions, and other recognition certificates included.
Golden Visa for Doctors & Scientists
- Doctors should present an approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health or the relevant authority.
- Scientists should present a recommendation letter from the Emirates Scientists Council.
- Must provide an updated CV, professional licence, and education certificates.
Golden Visa for Creative Professionals in Culture, Arts & Media
- The applicant must present a valid agreement contract from the UAE Media Council or cultural authority.
- The additional certificate and awards in exhibitions, critical recognition, or international participation.
- An updated resume, work portfolio, and nomination letters are required.
Golden Visa for High Grade Excellent Students
- For High School Students, a minimum 95% result with an attested Ministry of Education recommendation.
- For University Students (from the UAE or International Institute), a minimum GPA of 3.8 or higher is required. (The university should be top-ranked and well recognized)
- The required documents included academic transcripts, university certificates, and passport copies.
Golden Visa for Athletes & Innovators
- Athletes must present a valid recommendation from the UAE sports authorities.
- Innovators should be patent-recognized by the Ministry of Economy, benefiting the UAE economy.
- Documents include a valid sports federation approval, registration, and recommendation.
Golden Visa UAE Application Stages
The process for Golden Visa UAE consists of six key application stages. Understanding these stages is crucial for meeting approval criteria and ensuring faster processing duration. This 10-year residency UAE guide outlines them step by step:
1: Eligibility Assessment
- Visit the official government portals like ICP and GDRFA.
- Confirm your category according to the UAE Golden Visa requirements.
2: Required Documents Preparation
- Collect investment proof, business licenses, employment contracts, or academic records
- Ensure all documents are valid and attested according to the requirements.
3: Apply for Golden Visa UAE Online
- Log in to any government portal, i.e., ICP or GDRFA website.
- Select the Golden Visa service category and fill in the application details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Clear the required processing fee online.
4: Application Submission
- Cross-check all the details and confirm your UAE Golden Visa submission.
- You can track your application proceeding through the portal.
5: Application Analysis
- The eligibility and documents will be assessed by the authorities.
- You will be notified in case any additional information is required.
6: Receive Approval and Visa Issuance
- Once approved, you’ll be issued your UAE Golden Visa with a 10-year validity. This is the ultimate result for those asking how to get 10 years visa in Dubai in 2025.
- You can then sponsor your family members under the same visa, ensuring family inclusion under UAE law.
Essential Documentation Required for Golden Visa UAE 2025
The documents required for Golden Visa UAE depend on the category under which the applicant is going to apply. Preparation of the right documentation is necessary to avoid delays in the application.
Investor Golden Visa:
- Passport copy (with a validity of 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (high resolution)
- UAE Residence Visa Copy (if already have one)
- Old Emirated ID
- Trade license & MOA (for company owners)
- Audit reports or bank statements
- Tax return documents OR VAT from FTA
- VAT return record of the company’s transaction must not be less than 100,000 AED annually
- NOC from the investment fund or the business authority
Property Owner Golden Visa
- Passport copy (with a validity of 6 months)
- Recent Colored Photograph (ICP specifications)
- Title deed from the Dubai Land Department or the relevant emirate (must meet the threshold of AED 2M)
- Property valuation certificate
- NOC from developer or bank (if mortgaged)
- Old Emirates ID (If required)
- National ID Card
- Health insurance certificate
Entrepreneurs Golden Visa
- Passport copy (with a validity of 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photo (high resolution)
- Business license
- Audited financial bank statements showing revenue
- Business plan or pitch deck
- Letter of approval from: (Ministry of Economy, Local incubator/accelerator)
- Old Emirates ID (If required)
- National ID Card
- Health insurance certificate
Specialized Talent Golden Visa
- Passport copy (with a validity of 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photo (high resolution)
- Academic or professional certificates from recognized institutes
- Letters of recommendation (for doctors from MOHAP and DOH, scientists from the Emirates Science Council, artists from the Ministry of Culture and Youth)
- Award certificates and other achievements
- NOC or endorsement from a UAE government entity (depends on your specialty)
- Old Emirates ID (If required)
- Health insurance certificate
- Letter of standing with clean records
Executive or Managerial Golden Visa
- Passport copy (with a validity of 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photo (high resolution)
- Previous and current Residence Visa Copy
- Emirates ID
- Current Employment contract showing job title and salary
- NOC from the current employer
- Salary certificate (confirming AED 30,000-50,000+ monthly income)
- MOHRE Labour Contract or freezone salary certificate
- Educational certificates (attested Bachelor’s degree or higher)
- Equivalency certificate
- Experience letter (minimum 5 years)
- Company trade license (of your employer)
Dependents Golden Visa
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photo (white background)
- Emirates ID copy of the sponsor (Golden Visa holder)
- Sponsor’s Golden Visa copy
- Birth certificate (for children) or marriage certificate (for spouse), attested.
- Medical fitness test (for dependents above 18 years)
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Tenancy contract / Ejari
- Salary certificate or bank statement of the sponsor (to show financial capability)
Golden Visa UAE Approval Time & Timeline 2025
The Golden Visa UAE approval time may vary depending on the accuracy of documentation and the category of service. On average, the processing duration is:
- Property Investors: 2–4 weeks.
- Skilled Professionals: 3–5 weeks.
- Entrepreneurs: 4–6 weeks.
- Talented Students: 2–3 weeks.
This quick processing is a strong reason many apply for the Golden Visa UAE 10 years residency plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Golden Visa Process
- Submitting incomplete or non-attested documents
- Misunderstanding eligibility categories
- Delays in receiving endorsements from official authorities
- Incorrectly filled application forms
Benefits After Completing the Visa Process
- Long-term renewable residency (5 or 10 years).
- No need for a local sponsor.
- Family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents).
- Business and property ownership opportunities.
- Visa-free travel flexibility.
- Healthcare and education access.
- Esaad privilege card (discounts & perks).
- No personal income or capital gains tax.
- Retirement stability.
- Fast-track options for certain categories.
These benefits make 2025 10 year visa UAE a top choice for global professionals and investors. They also align with visa extension rules that give expats flexibility for the future.
FAQs About the Golden Visa UAE
Q1: What is the Golden Visa UAE?
The Golden Visa UAE is a long-term residency program for individuals who want to live in the UAE.
Q2: Who is eligible for the Golden Visa UAE?
Includes investors, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, doctors, and scientists.
Q3: How long does Golden Visa UAE approval take?
Approval takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the applicant category.
Q4: Does the Golden Visa UAE cover family members?
Yes, it covers spouses, children of any age, and, in some cases, parents. This gives more security for UAE expat life.
Key Takeaways
The Golden Visa UAE has become more efficient in 2025. The updated requirements have shorter processing durations and a simplified process. Each applicant category has specific criteria.
The visa steps from eligibility check to approval and issuance are straightforward. By preparing your documents correctly, you can shorten the UAE 10-year Golden Visa timeline. You can also obtain a reliable and secure long-term residency without delays, ensuring peace of mind about how to get 10 years visa in Dubai successfully.
