') center/cover;pointer-events:none;">
10-YEAR RESIDENCY PROGRAMME

Secure Your Future with a 10-Year Residency

Experience the prestige and stability of the UAE Golden Visa. Our premium consulting services handle the complexity while you focus on your legacy.

Request Consultation View Requirements
10
YEARS VALIDITY
0
SPONSOR REQUIRED
STAY OUTSIDE UAE
+
FAMILY SPONSORSHIP
OFFICIAL UAE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME — UPDATED 2025

Who Qualifies for a Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa grants 10-year renewable residency with no sponsor required. Eligible categories are defined by the UAE government under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2021 (amended 2022–2024).

🏠
Real Estate Investor
Own UAE property with a minimum value of AED 2,000,000. Property must be completed (not off-plan). Mortgaged property is accepted if the paid amount equals or exceeds AED 2M. Jointly owned property qualifies if each owner's share is AED 2M+.
Min. Property Value: AED 2,000,000
✓ No sponsor needed · ✓ Family sponsorship included · ✓ Multiple properties can be combined
💼
Business Investor
Invest a minimum of AED 2,000,000 in a UAE business (not real estate). OR own a business with annual taxes paid of at least AED 250,000 per year. A letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming tax payments is required. Free zone businesses are eligible if investment amount is met.
Min. Investment: AED 2,000,000 · OR AED 250K annual tax
✓ Free zone and mainland businesses eligible · ✓ Partners qualify proportionally
👨‍💻
Skilled Professional
Salaried employees earning a minimum of AED 30,000 per month working in priority sectors: technology, science, engineering, health, education, business, and culture. Must have a valid UAE employment contract and hold at least a bachelor's degree. Must be in the UAE and employed by a UAE-registered company.
Min. Salary: AED 30,000/month · Priority sectors only
✓ Bachelor's degree required · ✓ Health insurance required · ✓ Family sponsorship included
🚀
Entrepreneur
Founders of a UAE-approved startup. Requires one of: (a) a letter from an accredited UAE business incubator or accelerator, OR (b) a previous startup sold for a minimum of AED 7,000,000, OR (c) a startup with annual revenue of AED 1,000,000+. Applicants must already own or be establishing a business in the UAE.
Incubator letter · OR AED 7M exit · OR AED 1M revenue
✓ Free zone startups accepted · ✓ Approved incubators: Hub71, in5, Area 2071, DIFC, others
🏆
Person of Exceptional Talent
Individuals with demonstrated outstanding achievement in science, technology, culture, arts, sports, or creative industries. Requires endorsement or nomination from a UAE federal or local government authority, accredited professional body, or major international award. No minimum investment required — talent and achievement are evaluated.
Govt endorsement required · No minimum investment
✓ Scientists, doctors, athletes, artists, coders · ✓ UAE Pioneers programme also available
🎓
Outstanding Student / Graduate
Two pathways: (a) UAE high school graduates with a minimum score of 95% or above from a UAE Ministry of Education-approved school (applies within 6 months of graduation), OR (b) UAE university graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) from a UAE-accredited university. No investment required.
95%+ school score · OR 3.8+ university GPA (UAE only)
✓ Must be from UAE institution · ✓ Apply within 2 years of graduation · ✓ Parents may be sponsored

What the Golden Visa Includes

10-year renewable residency
Renewable indefinitely as long as you meet the criteria. No annual renewal fees like standard visas.
No UAE sponsor required
You self-sponsor. You are not tied to an employer or local sponsor for your residency status.
Sponsor spouse and children
Unlimited children (no age restriction for sons). Can also sponsor domestic workers. Parents can be sponsored under some categories.
Live outside UAE without losing visa
Standard residency visas expire if you stay outside the UAE for 6 months. Golden Visa has no such restriction.
Emirates ID and health insurance
Full Emirates ID issued. Health insurance is a requirement and can be arranged through UAE-licensed providers.
Bank accounts and business access
Golden Visa holders are treated as long-term UAE residents. Easier bank account opening, property purchase, and business setup.

Application Process & Timeline

1
Eligibility Check
1–2 days
2
Document Prep
3–5 days
3
ICA Submission
1–2 days
4
Medical & Emirates ID
5–7 days
Visa Stamped
Total: ~3 weeks
Documents typically required: Valid passport (6+ months) · Passport-size photo · Current UAE visa or entry stamp · Proof of qualifying investment/employment/achievement · Medical fitness certificate (done in UAE) · Health insurance · Emirates ID biometrics

Ready to become a UAE Golden Resident?

Schedule your private consultation today. Our specialists have processed 500+ Golden Visa applications.

Book My Consultation Download Guide (PDF)
Client Knowledge Guide

UAE Golden Visa: eligibility, benefits, documents and process

Understand Golden Visa routes for property investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and eligible family members. This section is written to help clients understand the real process before they book a consultation, compare options or submit their details.

Visa options covered

  • Investor / partner visa
  • Employment visa
  • Family and dependent visa
  • Golden Visa guidance
  • Status change and renewals

What clients learn

  • Which visa matches their case
  • Expected timeline and documents
  • Medical, Emirates ID and insurance steps
  • Common reasons for delay

Why SmartSetupUAE

  • One clear timeline
  • Country-code ready lead forms
  • Business licence + visa view together
  • Practical advice before payment

Step-by-step process flow

Most confusion happens because clients see only a licence price. The practical setup journey has several connected stages:

Visa type assessment

We identify whether the client needs investor, employment, family, golden visa or dependent processing.

Document review

Passport, photo, licence, entry status, Emirates ID history and sponsor documents are checked before submission.

Government filing

Application, establishment card, entry permit or status change is filed through the correct UAE channel.

Medical & biometrics

Medical fitness, Emirates ID biometrics and insurance requirements are coordinated in sequence.

Stamping & ID

Residency approval, Emirates ID and final visa records are checked before handover.

Renewal tracking

Renewal dates and dependent timelines are recorded so clients do not miss expiry windows.

TopicWhat it meansClient note
Investor / Partner VisaBusiness owners and shareholdersCompany licence, immigration card, passport, photo, medical and Emirates ID steps.
Employment VisaEmployees hired by a UAE companyOffer, labour/authority approvals, entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID.
Family VisaSpouse, children and parentsSponsor income, tenancy, relationship documents, medical and insurance where applicable.
Golden VisaEligible investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and property ownersEligibility evidence, nomination/approval path, medical and Emirates ID completion.
SmartSetupUAE note: UAE requirements, costs and approvals can vary by authority, activity and shareholder profile. The page should educate clients, then the final recommendation should be confirmed after reviewing their exact activity, visa needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the process take?

Simple UAE company setup or visa files can move quickly when documents are ready, but timing depends on authority approvals, activity, visa steps and public holidays.

What documents are usually required?

Passport copy, passport-size photo, contact details, proposed company names, activity details, shareholder information and extra approvals for regulated activities.

Is the cheapest package always best?

No. Clients should compare renewal cost, visa quota, banking suitability, activity approval and office rules before choosing only by first-year price.

Can I change activity later?

Often yes, but it depends on the authority and whether the new activity is available under the same licence category.

Do I need a UAE visa?

A licence can sometimes be issued without visa, but investor visa, Emirates ID and bank account requirements depend on the client profile and chosen package.

Why use SmartSetupUAE?

The goal is to compare options clearly, explain hidden costs and guide the client toward a structure that works after licence issuance, not only during signup.

Need the safest route for your case?

Share your activity, budget and visa requirement. SmartSetupUAE can compare free zone, mainland and visa options before you pay any authority fee.

Book Free Consultation