Is the AED 2 million property threshold the same across all emirates?

Yes. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates all require a completed property valued at AED 2 million or higher for the property route.

Can I include my parents on the Golden Visa?

Parents over 55 may be added if you prove you cover their living costs; ICP charges AED 1,000 per parent plus medical and Emirates ID fees.

Does the visa let me work without a separate permit?

Yes. Golden Visa holders receive automatic work authorisation in any free zone or mainland company without needing a new labour card.

How long does approval take in 2026?

ICP processes 95 % of complete Golden Visa files in 5–10 working days when documents are attested and medical tests are clear.

Are Golden Visa fees refundable if rejected?

ICP fees are non-refundable. Only the optional typing-centre service charge (AED 100–200) is sometimes waived if the application is rejected for administrative reasons.

How Much Does a Golden Visa Cost in UAE 2026

a cluttered desk with papers and a stethoscope

Quick answer

A 10-year UAE Golden Visa costs between AED 4,700 and AED 15,000 in government fees for most applicants. The exact amount depends on the route you qualify through (property, investment, job, study, or talent) and whether you include family members. Medical tests, Emirates ID, and typing-centre charges add another AED 1,500–3,000.

Golden Visa routes and fees in 2026

The UAE offers several pathways. Each has different entry requirements and official costs set by ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) and other regulators.

Property investment route

Buy property worth AED 2 million or more in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other emirates. Government fees are AED 4,700–5,200 for the main applicant. Add AED 1,000 for each dependent. Ejari tenancy contracts are not accepted—only a title deed stamped by the land department counts.

Capital investment route

Deposit AED 2 million in a UAE bank or invest the same amount in a business. ICP charges AED 4,700 plus AED 1,000 per dependent. You must keep the funds in place for the full 10-year validity.

Job or executive route

Researchers, doctors, scientists, and C-level executives earning over AED 30,000 monthly can apply via their employer. Employer-paid medical and Emirates ID fees total about AED 2,500 per person. No personal investment required.

Outstanding students route

Graduates from top universities with a minimum GPA 3.8 or equivalent can apply directly. ICP fee AED 4,700. KHDA or MoE attestation of degree is mandatory and costs AED 150–300.

Talent and culture route

Artists, athletes, and inventors sponsored by a recognised UAE entity pay AED 4,700. Proof of awards or patents must be attested by the Ministry of Culture or relevant sports authority.

Step-by-step application and real costs

Choose your route and gather documents (passport, photos, attested degree or title deed).
Book medical fitness test at an approved DHA or HAAD centre: AED 700–1,200.
Complete Emirates ID biometrics at an ICP centre or typing centre: AED 370 for 10 years.
Pay ICP visa fee AED 4,700 and receive the visa stamp in your passport.
Optional: sponsor spouse and children, adding AED 1,000 each plus medical and ID fees.

Total out-of-pocket for a single applicant is typically AED 6,500–8,000. A family of four usually spends AED 11,000–15,000.

Common mistakes that increase cost

Using an unapproved medical centre and paying twice.
Submitting a property valuation below AED 2 million; ICP rejects and you lose the typing fee.
Forgetting to attest foreign degrees (extra AED 500–800 at the UAE embassy abroad).
Paying an agent 2–3× the official price without checking ICP’s price list first.

Golden Visa vs ordinary residence visa cost comparison

Item	Golden Visa (10 yr)	Employment Visa (2–3 yr)
ICP fee main applicant	AED 4,700	AED 300–1,000
Renewal cycles	1	4–5
Family sponsor fee	AED 1,000 each	AED 300–600 each
Medical + Emirates ID	AED 1,500–2,000	AED 1,500–2,000
Total 10-year cost	AED 6,500–8,000	AED 8,000–12,000

The Golden Visa becomes cheaper after year three because you skip repeated renewals and medical tests.

Tips to keep costs low in 2026

Apply directly on ICP’s website or app; avoid middle-men who add 100 % mark-ups.
Bundle family applications in one session to share typing-centre time.
Use free property-title-deed verification on Dubai REST or Abu Dhabi TAMM apps before paying an agent.
Schedule medical tests during DHA off-peak hours for faster results and no overtime charges.

Where to verify fees before you pay

Always cross-check the latest ICP price list on the official ICP Smart Services portal. Property prices and minimum investment thresholds are published by Dubai Land Department and Abu Dhabi DMT. University rankings accepted for the student route are listed on the Ministry of Education site. Medical centre lists and current test prices sit on the DHA website for Dubai and HAAD for Abu Dhabi. Currency is AED; no hidden federal taxes apply to visa fees.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 7,000–9,000 for a single Golden Visa and AED 12,000–15,000 for a family of four in 2026. The biggest variable is your eligibility route, not the government fee itself. Apply directly, attest documents early, and keep digital copies of every receipt to avoid paying twice.