How long does Golden Visa approval take in 2026?

ICP processes most complete applications in 5 to 15 working days once medical and Emirates ID steps finish.

Can I keep my current job while holding a Golden Visa?

Yes. The visa is residency only and does not cancel your employment visa or work permit.

Does buying off-plan property qualify for the investor visa?

Only completed freehold units valued at AED 2 million or more qualify; off-plan purchases are not accepted.

What happens if I sell the qualifying property?

The Golden Visa is cancelled once ownership drops below AED 2 million unless you qualify under another route.

UAE Golden Visa 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Who Qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa in 2026

The Golden Visa offers five- or ten-year renewable residency without needing a local sponsor. Four main routes remain active in 2026: property investment, exceptional talent, outstanding students, and frontline healthcare or scientific roles. Each path has clear financial or achievement thresholds set by ICP and federal authorities.

Investor Route

Buy property worth AED 2 million or more, or deposit AED 2 million in a UAE bank for two years, or set up a company with paid-up capital of AED 2 million. The visa covers the investor, spouse, and children. After approval, ICP issues the visa within 30 days once medical fitness and Emirates ID steps are complete.

Talent and Professional Route

Individuals with high-demand skills in AI, renewable energy, or fintech can apply if they hold a valid UAE work permit, earn at least AED 30,000 monthly, and possess a bachelor degree or higher. Executive-level applicants need five years of experience in their field. MOHRE issues the work permit first; ICP then converts it to Golden Visa status.

Healthcare Workers and Scientists

Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals employed in DHA, DOH, or MOH-licensed facilities for two continuous years qualify. Scientists must hold a PhD and demonstrate published research or patents filed in the UAE. Both categories receive a ten-year visa after employer nomination and ICP security clearance.

Exceptional Student Route

Students graduating from a Ministry of Education-licensed university with a GPA of 3.8 or above, or winners of international competitions, can apply within six months of graduation. The visa lasts five years and allows job searching or starting a business. Proof of graduation and competition certificates must be attested by the issuing institution.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm eligibility against the criteria above.
Collect passport, photos, attested degree or property documents, and medical fitness certificate.
Submit via ICP portal or approved typing centre; pay AED 2,900 for five years or AED 4,900 for ten years.
Complete Emirates ID biometrics within 30 days of approval.
Receive the Golden Visa sticker or digital version linked to your passport.

Renewal and Family Coverage

Renewal requires the original qualifying condition to remain valid, for example continued property ownership or employment. Spouses and unmarried children under 25 are included; parents may be added for an extra AED 1,000 per person per year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting un-attested foreign documents delays processing by four to six weeks. Property must be freehold title in approved areas; off-plan units under AED 2 million do not qualify. Always verify current fee tables on the ICP site before payment.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything, visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →