How long does the Golden Visa (United Arab Emirates) take to process?

Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.

How long can you stay on the Golden Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

Long-term renewable residence valid for 5 or 10 years depending on category.

Can you work on the Golden Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

May live, work or study in UAE within Golden visa benefits and any profession licensing rules.

Country Info Hub

United Arab Emirates

A dynamic Middle Eastern hub offering fast-track work options, tax-free income, and an incredible lifestyle.

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Fetching live rate...
Languages: Arabic (English widely spoken)
Time vs Colombo: -1h 30m
Population: About 0.0 million
Calling code: +971
Drives on: Right
Climate: Desert; hot summers and mild winters

Check my eligibility

Official Visa Data

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Back to all visas

At a glance

Government fee

Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.

Golden visa eligibility includes thresholds such as AED 2 million public investment/real estate and category-specific evidence; fees vary by service.

Processing time: Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.
How long you can stay: Long-term renewable residence valid for 5 or 10 years depending on category.
Work rights: May live, work or study in UAE within Golden visa benefits and any profession licensing rules.
Where it leads: Entry, visit, residence, work, study or long-term residence in the UAE for the approved purpose.
Where you apply: ICP smart services/app, GDRFA Dubai, UAE-based airline, authorised travel agent/hotel, sponsor/employer or relevant UAE authority depending on route.

Key requirements

valid passport usually at least six months
passport photo
purpose-specific supporting documents
medical fitness/insurance for residence where required
pay official service fees and guarantees where applicable

Step-by-step process

The verified roadmap from starting your application to the grant.

1
Select eligible category
Before applying
Choose Golden, Green or Blue category and confirm eligibility evidence.
2
Get endorsements
Varies
Obtain recommendations, licences, investment proof or nomination where required.
3
Apply official service
Application day
Submit through ICP/GDRFA or nominated authority service.
4
Complete residency/ID
Varies
Complete medical, Emirates ID and residence issuance steps.
Maintain conditions
After issue
Keep category evidence, insurance and renew according to visa validity.

Document checklist

Track your progress as you gather what you need.

0 / 5ready

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Your ticks stay on this device.

Cost breakdown

A verified breakdown beyond just the visa fee.

Government fee: Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.
Agent fee: $914
Travel: $328
Settling in: $4,449
Monthly living cost: $1,667

More details

Important notes

Use the official ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE or airline channel for final fees and checklist.
Visit/tourist visas do not authorise employment.

Streams

UAE
Official route

Official sources

This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.

United Arab Emirates

Visa Routes Breakdown

Quick facts

Visa Routes Breakdown

Select eligible category

Get endorsements

Apply official service

Complete residency/ID

Maintain conditions

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources

Select eligible category

Get endorsements

Apply official service

Complete residency/ID

Maintain conditions

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources