UAE Golden Visa Eligibility Checker 2026
Answer a few questions to see which UAE Golden Visa (10-year residence) categories you may qualify for — property investor, skilled professional, entrepreneur, student and more.
In short
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence for property investors with AED 2 million of property, investors with AED 2 million in a fund, company or deposit, skilled professionals earning AED 30,000+ a month with a bachelor's degree, licensed doctors, scientists, engineers, creatives, entrepreneurs with AED 500,000+ projects, and students with 95% or a 3.75 GPA.
Who this is for: Investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and students checking which 10-year Golden Visa route they might qualify for before applying.
Main Golden Visa categories and thresholds
- Real-estate investor: property (or properties) worth at least AED 2 million; a mortgage from an approved local bank is acceptable, as is off-plan from an approved developer. Issued for 10 years, renewable while the property is held.
- Investor: AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund, as company capital (with Ministry of Economy/local authority confirmation) or as a bank deposit held for 2 years; capital must not be a loan, and the applicant must have paid AED 250,000+ in tax annually in some sub-routes.
- Skilled professional: monthly salary of AED 30,000+, a bachelor's degree or higher, a valid UAE employment contract, and an occupation in MOHRE classification level 1 or 2.
- Doctors, scientists, engineers, IT specialists, creatives, athletes: accreditation or recommendation from the sector authority (MOHAP/DHA/DoH, Emirates Scientists Council, Ministry of Culture, sports authorities).
- Entrepreneurs: a UAE SME with revenue of AED 1 million+ or an approved project of AED 500,000+, or approval from an accredited incubator.
- Outstanding students: 95%+ in secondary school, or a GPA of 3.75+ from an accredited university (for graduates within 2 years).
Family members (spouse, children of any age, parents in some routes) can be sponsored on the same 10-year term. Fees are roughly AED 2,800–4,800 depending on the emirate and medical/ID charges.
Assumptions
- Thresholds from the UAE rules file: AED 2M property, AED 2M investment, AED 30,000 salary with a degree, 3.75 GPA / 95% for students, AED 500,000 entrepreneur project.
- Profession-based routes (doctor, scientist, engineer, creative) are shown as matched when selected, subject to the authority letter.
- Documentary conditions, occupation levels and accreditation are not checked.
Worked example
Salary ≥ AED 30,000 and a bachelor's degree → Skilled professional route is met, subject to the occupation being MOHRE level 1–2 (engineering is). If the degree is in software, AI or data, the Engineer/IT specialist route also applies, which does not depend on the salary figure.
Frequently asked questions
Does an off-plan property count towards the AED 2 million?
Yes, from approved developers, with the sale and purchase agreement and proof of payment; some emirates require the full value to be paid or a mortgage from an approved bank.
Can I combine two properties to reach AED 2 million?
Yes — the threshold is the total value of owned property, as per the title deeds or DLD valuation.
Do I need to live in the UAE to keep a Golden Visa?
No — unlike a standard residence visa, it does not lapse after 6 months abroad.
How long does it take?
Typically 2–8 weeks after nomination, depending on the category and the authority letters required.
What is the minimum salary for a UAE Golden Visa?
AED 30,000 a month for the skilled-professional route, with a bachelor's degree and a MOHRE level 1–2 occupation.
How much property do I need for a Golden Visa?
AED 2 million of property value in the UAE, which may be mortgaged with an approved bank or off-plan from an approved developer.
People also ask
How much property do I need for a UAE Golden Visa?
A property or properties worth at least AED 2 million, which may be mortgaged with an approved bank or bought off-plan from approved developers.
What salary qualifies for a Golden Visa?
AED 30,000 a month or more for skilled professionals with a bachelor's degree and a valid UAE employment contract in an approved category.
How long is the Golden Visa valid?
Ten years, renewable, with no requirement to stay in the UAE for a minimum period to keep it.
Can I sponsor my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes — spouse and children of any age, plus domestic workers; family members get visas of the same length.
Does the Golden Visa need a sponsor or employer?
No — it is self-sponsored, and you can work for any employer or run a business.
How much does a Golden Visa cost?
Government fees of roughly AED 2,800–4,000 including medical, Emirates ID and visa issuance, plus any typing-centre charges.
Can students get a Golden Visa?
Outstanding students with a 95%+ secondary score or a 3.8+ GPA from an approved university qualify for a five- or ten-year visa.
Do I need to live in the UAE to keep it?
No minimum stay applies, unlike standard residence visas that lapse after six months abroad.
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