UAE Golden Visa Steps
Introduction
The UAE Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after long-term residency programs in the region, especially among investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals seeking stability in a secure and advanced economic environment.
With the variety of categories and application pathways available, many people ask: What is the correct way to apply? Who is truly eligible? And how can I avoid application rejection or delays?
In this comprehensive guide by Al Hafez Company, we explain how to apply for the UAE Golden Visa step by step, including eligibility requirements, qualified categories, and the fastest and safest options available.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit valid for 5 or 10 years and renewable, granted by the UAE to foreign nationals without the need for a sponsor or employer.
Its main goal is to attract investors, talented individuals, and entrepreneurs, while ensuring their long-term stability within the country.
Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa:
- Self-sponsored residency without a local sponsor
- Validity of 5 or 10 years
- Freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months
- Ability to sponsor spouse and children with no age restrictions
- Sponsorship of an unlimited number of domestic workers
- Long-term legal stability within the UAE
Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s category. The most prominent categories include:
1. Real Estate Investors
- Ownership of one or more properties valued at no less than AED 2 million
- Properties may be completed or off-plan (subject to required construction progress)
- Purchase through bank financing from approved institutions is allowed
2. Financial Investors
- A fixed deposit of AED 2 million in a UAE-based bank
- Commitment not to withdraw the amount for a specified period
3. High-Salary Employees
- A valid employment contract in the UAE
- A monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (may reach AED 50,000 for certain categories)
- A university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education
4. Entrepreneurs
- Ownership of an innovative or technology-based project
- Approval from an official authority or an accredited business incubator
5. Talented and Highly Skilled Individuals
- Doctors, scientists, engineers, creatives, and athletes
- Recommendation from a competent government authority
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa (Practical Steps)
Step One: Identify the Right Category
Choosing the correct application pathway based on your financial and professional profile is the most critical step, as selecting an unsuitable category often leads to rejection.
This is where Al Hafez Company plays a key role in accurately assessing your eligibility before starting the process.
Step Two: Prepare the Required Documents
Documents typically include:
- A valid passport
- Official personal photograph
- Proof of income or ownership (property / deposit / salary)
- Employment contract or title deed
- University degree (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (in certain cases)
Step Three: Submit the Application Through Official Authorities
Applications are submitted via:
- The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
- Or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA)
Step Four: Pay the Required Fees
Fees vary depending on the emirate and category and usually include:
- Application review fees
- Residency and Emirates ID fees
- Medical examination fees
Step Five: Approval and Residency Issuance
- Average processing time: approximately 20 working days
- Upon approval, a 10-year Golden Visa residency is issued
Can You Apply for the UAE Golden Visa From Outside the UAE?
Yes, it is possible to apply for the UAE Golden Visa from outside the UAE without entering the country in advance, especially for categories such as:
- Investors
- High-income earners
- Property owners
This makes the program particularly attractive to international investors.
Why Is It Recommended to Apply Through a Specialized Company Like Al Hafez?
Despite clear requirements, issues such as:
- Choosing the wrong category
- Missing a single document
- Errors in property valuation or educational equivalency
can result in significant delays or rejection.
Al Hafez Company offers:
- Free eligibility assessment
- Selection of the fastest legal pathway
- Complete file preparation
- Continuous follow-up with government authorities until residency issuance
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Golden Visa Steps
What Are the Requirements for the UAE Golden Visa?
Requirements vary by category but are primarily based on investment, income, or professional expertise, without the need for a sponsor.
How Much Does the UAE Golden Visa Cost?
Costs vary depending on the emirate and category and include only government and administrative fees, while the investment itself (property or deposit) remains fully owned by the applicant.
Does the UAE Golden Visa Grant Citizenship?
No, the Golden Visa does not lead to UAE citizenship, but it offers long-term residency stability and extensive residency privileges.
Can I Sell the Property After Obtaining the Golden Visa?
Selling the property may lead to cancellation of the Golden Visa if the investment requirements are no longer met.
What Is the Duration of the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is issued for 5 or 10 years and is renewable as long as eligibility conditions continue to be met.
Can Family Members Be Sponsored?
Yes, applicants can sponsor their spouse and children with no age restrictions.
Conclusion
Understanding the UAE Golden Visa steps is not just about preparing documents; it starts with choosing the right pathway and submitting a complete and accurate application from the beginning.
With continuous regulatory updates, relying on an experienced entity like Al Hafez Company remains the safest and most reliable option to obtain the UAE Golden Visa efficiently and with confidence.
