Is the AED 100,000 fee refundable if my application is rejected?

No, ICP fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome; only the property purchase price may be recovered if you cancel the sale.

Can I pay the Golden Visa fee in instalments?

ICP requires full payment upfront; some free-zones offer payment plans on their licence fee but not on the visa itself.

Do children under 18 pay the full AED 100 fee for family sponsorship?

Yes, the AED 100 annual dependant fee applies to all ages, though the Emirates ID fee is waived until age 15.

Is health insurance mandatory for Golden Visa holders in 2026?

Yes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi both require minimum coverage of AED 150,000; premiums start around AED 700 per year for a healthy adult.

Can I change my Golden Visa route after approval?

You can apply for a new visa under a different category; the old visa must be cancelled first and new ICP fees paid.

How Much Does UAE Golden Visa Cost in 2026

Quick answer

The UAE Golden Visa costs AED 3,000–AED 100,000 depending on your route. The most common 10-year investor option is AED 100,000 for a single applicant, while skilled professionals pay AED 3,000 via their employer or free-zone authority. Family sponsorship adds AED 100 per person per year.

Understanding the UAE Golden Visa in 2026

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme that grants 5- or 10-year renewable residency without needing a local sponsor. It is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and recognised across all seven emirates. Because fees vary by route and emirate, knowing the exact cost before you apply saves both time and money.

Current 2026 fees by route

Property investment (AED 2 million+)

Buying residential property worth at least AED 2 million qualifies you for a 10-year Golden Visa. The government fee is AED 100,000, which covers medical fitness, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Additional costs include a property transfer fee of 4 % paid to the Dubai Land Department (or the equivalent in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah) and a 5 % VAT on the agent’s commission.

Capital investment in a business (AED 2 million+)

Investing AED 2 million into a mainland or free-zone company also unlocks the 10-year visa. The ICP fee remains AED 100,000, but you must also pay your chosen free-zone licence (AED 12,000–AED 50,000 at IFZA, DMCC or ADGM) plus 5 % VAT. Annual renewal of the visa itself is AED 2,500–AED 3,000.

Exceptional talent and skilled professionals

Scientists, doctors, and outstanding students can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa for AED 3,000 when nominated by an approved entity such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation or a DHA-licensed hospital. The fee covers the full medical test, Emirates ID, and entry permit.

Outstanding students route

Graduates with a minimum 3.8 CGPA from a KHDA-approved university pay AED 3,000. The application is lodged directly through the ICP portal after receiving the university’s nomination letter.

Step-by-step: how to pay the correct fee

Choose your route and confirm you meet the investment or achievement threshold.
Book a medical fitness test at an approved centre (AED 500–AED 750).
Pay the ICP visa fee via the ICP smart services portal or at Amer centres. Save the receipt.
Collect your Emirates ID (AED 370 for 10 years) and complete the visa stamping at GDRFA if applying inside the UAE.
Pay the knowledge fee (AED 10) and typing centre charges (AED 200–AED 350) where applicable.

Family sponsorship costs

Once you hold a Golden Visa you can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic helper. Each dependant adds AED 100 per year for the visa plus AED 370 for a 10-year Emirates ID. The medical fitness fee of AED 500–AED 750 applies to every applicant over the age of 18.

Common mistakes that increase cost

Paying the wrong free-zone package—some IFZA packages already include the Golden Visa fee, others do not; double-check the quotation.
Forgetting 5 % VAT on legal and consultancy fees—budget an extra AED 5,000–AED 10,000 if you use a PRO service.
Using an outdated price list—always verify current fees on the ICP website or at an Amer centre before payment.

Renewal fees every 10 years

Renewing a Golden Visa costs AED 2,500–AED 3,000, plus the standard medical and Emirates ID fees. Property investors must prove the asset is still registered in their name; business investors must show the company is active and in good standing with the free-zone or DED.

Comparing routes at a glance

Route	Minimum investment / requirement	ICP fee (2026)	Renewal fee
Property	AED 2 million	AED 100,000	AED 2,500–3,000
Business capital	AED 2 million	AED 100,000	AED 2,500–3,000
Exceptional talent	Nominated by approved entity	AED 3,000	AED 2,500–3,000
Outstanding student	3.8 CGPA, KHDA university	AED 3,000	AED 2,500–3,000

Key takeaway

Budget AED 100,000 if you qualify via investment, or AED 3,000 if you are nominated through talent or study. Add AED 1,000–AED 2,000 per dependant for medical tests and Emirates ID. Always confirm the latest ICP fees on official channels before you pay, and keep digital copies of every receipt for renewal in 2036.