Discover everything about the UAE Golden Visa, including salary requirements, student options, application steps, and cost for dependents in this complete 2025 guide.
Key Takeaways: UAE Golden Visa at a Glance
What’s the UAE Golden Visa All About?
If you’ve been dreaming about living in the UAE long-term—whether in Dubai’s tech hub, Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene, or Sharjah’s quieter charm—the UAE Golden Visa might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s not just for billionaires or celebrities anymore. Now, skilled professionals, students, entrepreneurs, creatives, and even volunteers can grab this golden opportunity.
First launched in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa—sometimes called the Golden Visa Dubai or even the UAE Golden Card—offers renewable 10-year residency. You don’t need a sponsor or employer to hold it, and it’s perfect for those who want stability while enjoying the country’s world-class quality of life.
Who Can Get It? UAE Golden Visa Requirements in 2025
The UAE Golden Visa requirements vary depending on what category you fall into. And in 2025, the UAE has made it even easier for more people to qualify.
For Professionals
If you're working in fields like healthcare, IT, law, education, or engineering, you can apply if:
You earn a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000
You have a valid employment contract
Your role is classified under skill levels 1 or 2 (as per UAE standards)
You hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
That’s the UAE Golden Visa salary requirement many people are asking about—it’s the current baseline for most skilled professionals.
For Investors & Entrepreneurs
Investment in property or a business? You’re in.
Minimum property investment: AED 2 million (can be mortgage-backed)
Entrepreneurs should own or be partners in a UAE-registered startup with at least AED 500,000 in capital
For Creatives & Scientists
You’ll need:
A recommendation from a UAE-accredited cultural or scientific body
Proven achievements in your field
Think authors, inventors, musicians, researchers—this visa celebrates you.
What About Students, Volunteers, and Expats?
The UAE has really opened things up here.
Students & Graduates
The UAE Golden Visa for students is a game changer.
If you’re a top-ranking graduate from a UAE university (GPA of 3.8+), or from one of the world’s top 100 universities, you can qualify. The UAE wants to keep top minds in the country—and you don’t need a job offer to apply!
Volunteers & Expat Community Contributors
Even UAE expats' Golden Visa volunteering experience can help you qualify.
If you’ve spent years making a difference in local charities, community groups, or NGOs in the UAE. You might be eligible based on your service. It’s a way of saying thank you for helping the country grow.
Your Step-by-Step UAE Golden Visa Application Process
The UAE Golden Visa application process is simpler than it seems—and yes, you can do most of it online.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Pick your category—skilled worker, investor, student, etc. Check you meet the UAE Golden Visa requirements (especially the salary requirement or GPA).
Step 2: Collect Your Documents
You’ll typically need:
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Use the UAEICP portal or your emirate’s immigration service to submit your documents.
Step 4: Wait for Initial Approval
This usually takes 1–4 weeks, depending on your category. You’ll receive a preliminary acceptance or a request for more documents.
Step 5: Medical Test and Biometrics
If you’re applying from within the UAE, you’ll need a medical fitness test and fingerprint scan.
Step 6: Visa Stamping & Residency
Once approved, you’ll get a 10-year residency stamp on your passport—and yes, you can sponsor your family too!
What’s the UAE Golden Visa Cost in 2025?
The total UAE Golden Visa fee depends on your application type and where you’re applying from.
Government Fees (Main Applicant) UAE Golden Visa Cost for Dependents
The government fees for the main applicant of the UAE Golden Visa vary slightly depending on the emirate and the services used. The application fee is AED 150. In addition, the cost for the mandatory medical test and Emirates ID ranges between AED 1,000 to AED 1,500. The residency issuance fee typically falls between AED 2,790 and AED 3,000. So in total, most applicants can expect to pay approximately AED 3,000 to AED 4,500 for the complete process.
Spouse/Child: AED 3,000–3,500 each
Parents: Slightly higher due to additional insurance requirements
Plus, add medical tests and Emirates ID for each family member.
Life with a Golden Visa: What Changes?
Here’s what to expect once you’ve secured your shiny new Golden Visa Dubai:
Is It Worth It?
Is the UAE Golden Visa really worth all the paperwork? Suppose you’re a software engineer making AED 35,000/month. Instead of being tied to a work visa, you can now bring your family, start a side business, or invest in property—all without worrying about renewals every 2 years.
Or maybe you’re a university student from India with stellar grades. Why not stay, get work experience in Dubai, and enjoy the UAE’s tax-free lifestyle?
The upfront cost might feel steep—but for many, the freedom and long-term security are absolutely worth it.
FAQs: Quick Answers You Need
What is a UAE Golden Card?
It’s an alternate name for the UAE Golden Visa—a long-term residency permit with 5- or 10-year validity.
Is there a UAE Golden Visa for volunteering?
Yes. Expats with notable community contributions or volunteering service may be eligible.
Do students qualify for a UAE Golden Visa?
Top students and graduates with high GPAs from UAE or global universities can apply.
Is the Golden Visa only for Dubai?
No, it’s valid across all emirates, though many applicants apply via Golden Visa Dubai portals.
Can I sponsor my family with a Golden Visa?
Absolutely. Spouses, kids, and even household staff can be added under your visa.
Final Thoughts
Getting the UAE Golden Visa in 2025 is more accessible than ever—especially for skilled professionals, top students, and forward-thinking expats. Whether you’re after job freedom, family stability, or business opportunities, this visa unlocks it all.
