UAE Golden Visa 2026: Eligibility, Document Requirements, How to apply in Abu Dhabi?

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows eligible foreign nationals to reside in the country for up to 10 years without requiring a local sponsor. The visa is renewable and provides holders with greater stability, family sponsorship benefits, and access to the UAE’s thriving business environment.

Documents Required

Who can apply for the Golden Visa?

1. Investors
2. Outstanding Professionals
3. Entrepreneurs
4. Outstanding Students
5. Specialized Talents
6. Specialized Health Professionals

Benefits of the Golden Visa

Golden Visa holders enjoy several advantages, including:

• Renewable residency for up to 10 years
• No requirement for a UAE national sponsor
• Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and parents
• Freedom to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency
• Greater career flexibility and business ownership opportunities
• Long-term stability for families and professionals planning to settle in the UAE

How to apply for UAE Golden Visa?

What’s the Procedure for Non Real Estate Investor to apply?

1. Verify Property Eligibility

Before applying, ensure that:

• Your property or combined properties are worth at least AED 2 million.
• The property is registered in your name.
• Off-plan properties purchased from approved developers may qualify.
• Mortgaged properties may qualify if the required equity conditions are met.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Typically, you will need:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photograph
• Title deed or Oqood certificate (for off-plan properties)
• Proof of property ownership
• Health insurance valid in the UAE
• Current UAE visa copy (if applicable)
• Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
• Bank letter for mortgaged properties (if required)

3. Submit the Golden Visa Application

Applications can be submitted through:

• Dubai Land Department (DLD) Investor Services
• ICP Smart Services Portal
• GDRFA Dubai
• Authorized service centers and Amer Centres

4. Property Verification

The relevant authority will verify:

• Property ownership
• Property value
• Mortgage status (if applicable)
• Compliance with Golden Visa investment requirements

5. Pay Government Fees

Once preliminary approval is granted, applicants must pay the applicable visa processing, residency, medical, and Emirates ID fees.

6. Complete Medical Fitness Test

Applicants must undergo a medical fitness examination at an approved UAE medical center. This is a mandatory requirement for residency issuance.

7. Biometrics and Emirates ID Registration

Complete fingerprinting and biometric registration for your Emirates ID application.

8. Receive Your 10-Year Golden Visa

After successful verification and approval, the UAE authorities issue the Golden Visa and Emirates ID. Investors can then sponsor eligible family members, including spouses, children, and parents.

How Real Estate Investor apply for Golden Visa?

i) Eligibility:

To qualify as a real estate investor, you must:

• Own one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million.
• Have a minimum equity value of AED 2 million in the property.
• Mortgaged properties may qualify if the investor’s net ownership value remains AED 2 million or more.
• Off-plan properties may also qualify if payments made to date are at least AED 2 million.

ii) Required Documents:

Fully Owned Properties

• Purchase Agreement registered with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), or
• Real Estate Unit Value Certificate issued by DMT showing a value of at least AED 2 million.

Mortgaged Properties

• Real Estate Unit Value Certificate.
• Search Certificate confirming the property is valued at AED 2 million or more and is not subject to legal seizure.

Off-Plan Properties

• Purchase Agreement from an approved developer.
• Proof that at least AED 2 million has been paid toward the property.

You should also keep ready:

• Passport copy
• Passport-size photo
• Current UAE visa copy (if applicable)
• Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
• Health insurance documents

iii) Submit a Golden Visa Nomination Request:

If you are a UAE resident, submit your Golden Visa nomination through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) platform. Non-residents can apply through the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) nomination process.

iv) Property Verification:

Authorities will verify:

• Ownership records
• Property value
• Mortgage status (if applicable)
• Compliance with Golden Visa investment requirements

v) Complete Medical Fitness and Biometrics:

After preliminary approval:

• Undergo a UAE medical fitness examination.
• Complete fingerprinting and biometric registration for your Emirates ID.

vi) Pay the Applicable Fees:

Golden Visa fees generally range from approximately AED 2,800 to AED 4,800 depending on the applicant’s location and visa category. Additional medical and Emirates ID fees may apply.

vii) Receive Your 10-Year Golden Visa:

Once approved, you will receive:

• A renewable 10-year UAE Golden Visa
• Emirates ID
• Eligibility to sponsor spouse and children under the Golden Visa program.

Where to Apply for Golden Visa?

For official applications:

1. UAE Government Golden Visa Information: UAE Government Golden Visa Portal
2. ICP Smart Services: ICP Smart Services
3. GDRFA Dubai

Which Banks can provide the required bank letter for a UAE Golden Visa application?

The required bank letter can be obtained from participating UAE banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Ajman Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and RAKBank.

UAE Golden Visa Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the applicant category, document verification requirements, and nomination approvals. Applicants should ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.

How long does the UAE Golden Visa valid, and can it be renewed?

The UAE Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon expiry, provided the visa holder continues to meet the eligibility requirements under their approved category.

FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

1. Do anyone get UAE Golden Visa if they have cryptocurrency?

• No, the applicants are eligible based on their investment, talent, business.

2. Why you need UAE Golden Visa?

• If an applicant has UAE Golden visa, they can stay upto 10 years, they have flexible travel options

3. Who can get UAE Golden Visa?

• If you are planning to invest in any business in UAE or start a new business in Abu Dhabi, UAE, you can buy the golden visa in Abu Dhabi

4. Can cryptocurrency investors qualify for a Golden Visa?

• No. The UAE authorities have clarified that investments in cryptocurrencies do not qualify for the Golden Visa program. Applicants must meet the approved investment criteria under eligible categories, such as real estate, business investments, or other recognized investment pathways.