Long-term, self-sponsored residency for investors, entrepreneurs and skilled talent — with no local sponsor, no six-month rule, and family sponsorship included. Here's who qualifies, what it costs, and how it compares.
It rewards a real investment, income or recognised talent — not simply setting up a company. Here's where it fits, and where a standard investor visa is the smarter first step.
An illustrative all-in starting point for a single applicant, including the main government fees. Your final figure depends on:
We assess your category first, confirm the fastest route to qualify, and send a full written breakdown — government fees, our fee and any family add-ons — before you commit. No teaser price that grows later.
Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.
| Golden visa | Green visa | Standard residency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 or 10 years | 5 years | 2 years |
| Sponsor needed | Self-sponsored | Self-sponsored | Employer / company |
| Who it's for | Investors & talent | Skilled & freelancers | Employees & owners |
| Family sponsorship | Spouse, kids, parents | Spouse & children | Spouse & children |
| Time outside UAE | Unlimited | 6 months | 6 months |
| Entry threshold | High | Medium | Low |
In short: choose the Golden visa if you meet an investment, salary or talent threshold and want long-term, self-sponsored security. If you're a skilled professional or freelancer without those thresholds, the Green visa gives 5-year self-sponsored residency. If you simply need residency to run your new company, a standard investor or partner visa is faster and cheaper — and you can upgrade later.
A long-term residency that lets you live, work and study in the UAE without a local sponsor or employer. The term is 5 or 10 years depending on how you qualify, not a flat 10: buying property or coming in as an entrepreneur gets you 5, while investing through an accredited fund or with substantial capital gets you 10. You self-sponsor, can sponsor your family, and unlike a standard visa you do not lose it by spending more than six months abroad.
The main property route requires UAE real estate worth at least AED 2 million. It can be one property or a combination, and mortgaged property can also qualify. We check your title deed and route before you apply.
Yes. Skilled professionals earning from AED 30,000 a month, with a recognised degree and an occupation classified at the required level, can qualify. Doctors, scientists, engineers, creatives, athletes and top students have their own dedicated routes.
Yes — one of its biggest advantages. You can sponsor your spouse, your children (with no age limit for sons under the Golden Visa) and your parents, all linked to your own residency for as long as it runs.
No. Standard UAE residence visas are cancelled if you stay outside the country for more than six months. The Golden Visa removes that rule, so you can travel or live abroad for longer without losing your status.
Once your category is confirmed and documents are ready, processing typically takes two to four weeks, plus the medical test and Emirates ID. Timelines vary by category and whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE.
If you meet an investment, salary or talent threshold and want long-term, self-sponsored residency, the Golden Visa is worth it. If you simply need residency to run a newly set-up company, a standard investor or partner visa is faster and cheaper — and you can upgrade to a Golden Visa later. Not sure? Ask AgentBiz.
5-year, self-sponsored residency for skilled professionals, freelancers and investors — no employer needed.
Residency through your own UAE company — the standard route for founders and shareholders.
Bring your spouse, children and parents onto your UAE residency once you hold a valid visa.
Ask AgentBiz — with your situation in mind — or talk to a human advisor. Real eligibility, honest guidance, no obligation.