The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been known as a dynamic, welcoming destination for expatriates, with nearly 90% of the population being foreign nationals. Historically, long-term residency in the UAE was challenging, with visas tied to employment and requiring frequent renewals. However, significant changes to visa laws have transformed the landscape, making it easier for foreign nationals to build lasting lives and careers in the UAE.
One of the most attractive initiatives is the UAE Golden Visa program. This program offers long-term residency, allowing holders to reside in the country without the need for an employer or sponsor. In this guide, we will explore the salary requirements, eligibility categories, and full cost breakdown for obtaining a Golden Visa in 2026. Contact Raes Associates for a free eligibility check.
Golden Visa in UAE
The UAE Golden Visa was introduced to attract and retain investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent across various sectors. It grants long-term residency to successful applicants, providing them and their families with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UAE. The program also offers a host of exclusive benefits, including:
- Multi-entry visa: An entry visa valid for six months, allowing multiple entries while the Golden Visa is being processed.
- Long-term residency: A renewable visa valid for up to ten years.
- No sponsor requirement: Freedom from the need for a sponsor or continued employment to maintain residency.
- Extended stay flexibility: The ability to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency status.
- Family sponsorship: The ability to sponsor family members, who can remain in the UAE even if the primary visa holder passes away.
- Unlimited domestic workers: The option to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers.
Salary Requirements for Golden Visa UAE in 2026
The salary and financial requirements for the UAE Golden Visa vary based on the applicant's category, such as investors, special talents, or executive directors.
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Public Investors: Public investors must provide a letter from the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) confirming that they pay a minimum of AED 250,000 (approximately USD 68,000) in taxes to the government annually.
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Real Estate Investors: Real estate investors need property in the UAE with a minimum value of AED 2 million. As of a February 2026 update, the previous requirement that investors pay at least 50% of the property's value upfront has been removed, meaning mortgaged property now qualifies as long as the assessed value reaches AED 2 million, making this route significantly more accessible.
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Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs must demonstrate ownership of a technical or future-focused project with a minimum value of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000). Approval from an accredited business incubator is also required.
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Executive Directors: Executive directors seeking a Golden Visa must prove that they earn a monthly basic salary of at least AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,200), based on basic salary alone, excluding other income sources.
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Retirees: Applicants aged 55 and above can qualify through a separate retiree category by showing property worth AED 1 million, savings of AED 1 million, or a monthly income of AED 15,000.
Also Read: Golden Visa UAE Benefits and Requirements
Additional Requirements for the Golden Visa in UAE
The eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the applicant's category:
- Public Investors: Must hold a valid commercial or industrial license and demonstrate capital of at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000).
- Real Estate Investors: Must meet the minimum property value requirement of AED 2 million, whether owned outright or mortgaged.
- Entrepreneurs: Must secure approval from an accredited business incubator and provide evidence of project value.
- Special Talents: Required to prove expertise in their field, such as through prestigious awards, specialized degrees, or recognition from an emirate's department of arts and culture.
- Executive Directors: Must possess a bachelor's degree from a Ministry of Education-accredited university, a valid work contract, and a letter of experience demonstrating at least five years in the same role.
- Retirees: Must be aged 55 or above and meet one of the three financial thresholds (property, savings, or income).
Golden Visa UAE Price and Cost Breakdown in 2026
The total cost of a UAE Golden Visa depends heavily on your category and application route. Here's a realistic breakdown for 2026:
- Application and processing fees: Typically AED 2,500 to AED 4,500, varying by category and emirate.
- Medical fitness test: Around AED 300 to AED 500 per applicant.
- Emirates ID issuance: Around AED 100 to AED 370, depending on visa duration.
- Health insurance: Mandatory for all residents, ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 annually depending on coverage level.
- Property route additional costs: Real estate investors also pay a one-off 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee on the property itself, separate from visa processing fees.
Putting it together, most applicants can expect a total out-of-pocket cost of roughly AED 4,600 to AED 10,500 per applicant, excluding the underlying investment amount (such as the AED 2 million property or deposit, which remains an asset you own, not a fee you pay).
The property route sits at the higher end due to DLD charges, while the talent, salary, and bank deposit routes are typically the most affordable. Applying through a PRO or advisory service like Raes Associates adds a service fee but can significantly reduce processing time and the risk of application rejection.
Steps to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa
Raes Associates simplifies the process of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa. Our team will guide you through the following steps:
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Step 1: Due Diligence and Eligibility Checks
Our experts will assess your circumstances to ensure eligibility for the Golden Visa. This preliminary step helps prevent delays and minimizes the risk of application rejection. -
Step 2: Choosing an Applicant Category
We will help you select the most suitable category for your application, whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, special talent, retiree, or executive director. -
Step 3: Submitting the Golden Visa Application
Once eligibility is confirmed, we will assist you in submitting your application, which can largely be done online. You will need to provide all necessary documentation, including a passport copy, proof of salary or capital, and any additional supporting documents required for your category. -
Step 4: Receiving Your Golden Visa
Typically, you can expect to receive your Golden Visa within seven to ten business days for most categories, though property-route applications processed through the Dubai Land Department can take up to two to three weeks. Raes Associates will keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring a smooth transition as you begin your new life in the UAE.
Need Help With Your Golden Visa Application?
Raes Associates has a proven track record of assisting investors and professionals in establishing their lives in the UAE. Our deep understanding of the UAE's business and immigration processes ensures that your Golden Visa application is handled with expertise and care. Whether you're seeking long-term residency for yourself, your family, or your business, Raes Associates is your trusted partner every step of the way.
Contact Raes AssociatesFAQs
The UAE Golden Visa is valid for up to ten years and can be renewed upon expiration, provided eligibility conditions are still met.
Yes, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children, and, in some cases, parents. Family members can remain in the UAE even if the primary visa holder passes away.
Executive directors must earn a minimum monthly basic salary of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,200) to qualify for the Golden Visa.
Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing their residency status, which is a significant advantage over other visa types.
Processing typically takes seven to ten business days for most categories, though property-route applications may take up to two to three weeks due to Dubai Land Department verification.
Most applicants pay between AED 4,600 and AED 10,500 in total fees, covering application processing, medical testing, Emirates ID, and health insurance, not including the underlying qualifying investment such as property or a bank deposit.
Yes. As of February 2026, the previous rule requiring at least 50% of the property value to be paid upfront was removed, so mortgaged properties now qualify as long as the assessed value meets the AED 2 million threshold.
Yes, applicants aged 55 and above can qualify under the retiree category by showing property worth AED 1 million, savings of AED 1 million, or a monthly income of AED 15,000.
