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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Feb 11, 2025
The Golden Visa is a popular choice for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students to relocate to the UAE. Since its launch in 2019, the UAE has issued more than 150,000 Golden visas. But there are so many Golden visa options, and how do you choose the best one?
Today, we will take a closer look at the Golden visa and go over all the key points and changes for 2025.
Today, we will take a closer look at the Golden visa and go over all the key points and changes for 2025.
- What is the UAE's Golden Visa?
- Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
- Eligibility for Golden Visa
- UAE Golden visa for investors
- Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners
- UAE Golden Visa for outstanding specialized talent
- Abu Dhabi's expanded Golden Visa categories
- How to apply for a UAE Golden visa
- Required Documents for UAE Golden Visa
- UAE Golden Visa price
- New Golden Visa Rules for 2025
- Tax Implications of UAE residency
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UAE's Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a special long-term residency permit that enables foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring local sponsorship. The visa is valid for either 5 or 10 years, based on specific eligibility criteria.
It's a great option for:
It's a great option for:
- Investors: The visa provides long-term stability and the ability to grow their portfolio in a tax-efficient environment.
- Entrepreneurs: The UAE offers a business-friendly environment, resource access, and networking opportunities.
- Specialists: The visa enables access to international markets with significant tax advantages.
- Students: The UAE is home to more than 40 international institutions and branches
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
- Long-term residency: 5 or 10 years, with possible renewal upon expiration.
- Family sponsorship: Includes spouse, children, and household staff.
- Low taxes: 0–9% corporate tax, with no income tax or wealth tax.
- Full business ownership without requiring a local sponsor.
Eligibility for Golden Visa
5-year visa:
- Real estate investors owning property worth AED 2 million or more
- Entrepreneurs with start-up projects valued at minimum AED 500,000
- Outstanding high school students with exceptional academic achievements
10-year visa:
- Investors with public investments of AED 10 million or more
- High-level specialists in medicine, technology, research, and related fields
- Exceptional university students with outstanding academic records
- Outstanding talents, including artists, innovators, and athletes with UAE government recognition
Each visa category has specific requirements that must be met. We'll guide you through the entire process and ensure you meet all criteria. Simply reach out to us for assistance.
UAE Golden visa for investors
Investors can apply for a 10-year visa if they:
- Invest at least AED 2 million (in real estate, accredited investment funds, or bank deposits) with a minimum upfront payment of AED 1 million.OR
- Pay AED 250,000 ($68,000) in annual taxes.
- Provide a bank letter confirming payment amount and balance.
Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners
If you're running a business, you'll need these requirements:
- A UAE auditor's confirmation that your project is worth AED 500,000 or more
- A nomination letter from the MBRIF or Hub71 Foundation
- Two years of audited financial statements and a valid trade license
UAE Golden Visa for outstanding specialized talent
This category is open to:
- Professionals in medicine, technology, education, and scientific research
- Innovators and inventors with patents or internationally recognized achievements
- Artists and athletes endorsed by UAE cultural or sports authorities
Abu Dhabi's expanded Golden Visa categories
Abu Dhabi has expanded its Golden Visa eligibility to include:
- Researchers and academics
- High-achieving graduates from Abu Dhabi universities
- Exceptional talents in the arts and creative industries
How to apply for a UAE Golden visa
- Choose your preferred visa category based on your qualifications.1
- Gather the required documents.2
- Send the documents to hi@movingo.io.3
- Sit back and wait for approval. We take it from here.4
Required Documents for UAE Golden Visa
- Valid passport copy
- Recent photo for Emirates ID
- Professional portfolio or CV (we can assist in creating one)
- Attested diploma (if applicable) - certified diplomas may qualify for higher visa designations such as manager
- Official nomination letter
- UAE-compliant health insurance
- Residential address outside the UAE
- UAE residential address (temporary rental addresses are accepted)
Additional required information:
- Email address
- UAE phone number
- Phone number from home country
- Father's full name
- Mother's full name
- Marital status (single, married, divorced, or widowed)
- Religion
- Languages spoken
We'll guide you through the exact document requirements for your specific case. Just reach out to us.
UAE Golden Visa price
Visa costs vary depending on the category. Here are the approximate costs:
- 5-year visa: AED 4,000 to AED 10,000.
- 10-year visa: AED 6,000 to AED 12,000.
New Golden Visa Rules for 2025
Here are some important changes implemented in 2025:
- New eligibility categories: The program now welcomes scientists, humanitarian leaders, teachers, athletes, and top students. Additionally, superyacht owners can obtain this visa through the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative.
Tax Implications of UAE residency
Golden visa holders are exempt from income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax in the UAE. However, tax obligations may still apply in your home country based on its specific tax laws.
If you have any questions about getting a visa or anything else related to living and working in the UAE, just let us know and we'll be happy to help.
If you have any questions about getting a visa or anything else related to living and working in the UAE, just let us know and we'll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, the UAE currently does not offer a path to citizenship or passport acquisition through the Golden Visa program.
A Golden Visa allows you to stay in the UAE throughout its validity period. Since many Golden Visas are renewable, you can potentially remain in the UAE for an extended time.
The core benefits are the same in both emirates, though specific terms and conditions may vary slightly. Contact us for detailed information about the differences between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Golden Visas.
Review the eligibility requirements listed above and contact us for a personalized consultation.
The Golden Residency is a long-term visa specifically for investors and talented individuals, while the Green Residency caters to professionals and freelancers. In contrast, the Standard Residence Visa requires a sponsor and is typically linked to employment with a specific company.
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic staff, allowing them to live and study in the UAE during your residency.
Yes, you will need to undergo a simple blood test and chest X-ray.
Yes, Dubai Golden Visa holders can work anywhere in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor.
Yes, and you can stay outside the UAE for more than six months while maintaining your residency status.
The process typically takes between 2-12 weeks, depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
The main drawbacks include substantial financial investment requirements and the absence of a pathway to citizenship.
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