Are the constraints of short-term visa renewals holding back your expansion and your family's peace of mind in the Emirates? The 10-year golden dubai visa is the most strategic option today for guarantee absolute residential stability and secure your investments over the long term. We detail the specific eligibility criteria for each profile and the concrete roadmap for obtaining this privileged status without wasting time or energy.
The Dubai Golden Visa: much more than just a right to stay
What exactly is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit, valid for 5 or 10 years, introduced by the United Arab Emirates. This is not a traditional work visa, but a residence permit designed to attract talent and capital, fully renewable.
Its aim is to enable beneficiaries to live, work, study and invest in Dubai with greater stability and autonomy. The stated aim is to develop the long-term loyalty of high value-added profiles in the region.
This system marks a radical paradigm shift compared with traditional residence visas that depend on an employer. It offers unprecedented freedom of action to foreign residents wishing to set up in business.
Concrete benefits that change the game
The first major advantage is the’total independence offered by this status. The holder does not need any local sponsor, whether a company or an individual, to validate their presence.
In practical terms, this means that you are your own guarantor for your home.
The flexibility of your stay is also superior: you can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without your visa being cancelled, unlike traditional residences. This is a a key factor for international business travellers.
You also have the right to sponsor your family, including spouse and children without age limit, as well as your household staff. It's a great family benefit that will help to protect your loved ones.
Why aim for 10 years rather than 5?
The 10-year visa is clearly positioned as a the «grail» of expatriation. This is the maximum term available, offering unrivalled visibility and long-term security for any serious life project.
This decade guarantees absolute peace of mind. Having 10 years' residency means you can plan for major investments, children's schooling and a career without the uncertainty of short-term renewal. It's a strong mutual commitment.
Finally, the 10-year visa is often perceived as a more prestigious status. It is reserved for the most solid profiles with the greatest commitment to the UAE economy.
Key point The 6-month rule is often underestimated. With a standard visa, a prolonged absence automatically cancels your residence. The Golden Visa frees you from this constraint, ideal if you are juggling several countries.
Who is eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa? Target profiles
Now that the benefits are clear, the question is who is really eligible to this 10-year residency. It's not for everyone, and the criteria are precise. Let's see if your profile meets the authorities' strict requirements.
Property investors: the royal road
This is undoubtedly the most direct option for securing this Golden Visa 10 years without working for an employer. The rule is simple but strict: you must own one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million. It's the undisputed ticket to this category.
Please note that the investment must be made from your own funds, without a loan, or via financing approved by a local bank. In addition, you must keep the goods for at least two years, Although buying off-plan from an approved developer also works.
To validate your application, only one document is required: an official letter from the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This document must certify your ownership and confirm that the value reaches the required threshold. It is the irrefutable proof.
Entrepreneurs and equity investors
Entrepreneurs can also get that sesame if they are setting up an SME in the UAE with a sound technical or futuristic project. Your concept cannot be banal; it must be validated and approved by an official business incubator or the relevant authorities to be eligible.
For equity investors, the logic is purely financial. You need to invest at least AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund in the UAE. This is an effective alternative for those who prefer financial markets to real estate.
In concrete terms, the entrepreneur must prove that their business is worth at least AED 500,000 or provide approval from the incubator. Investors must present a letter from their bank or the fund certifying that the funds have been deposited.
The exceptional talents : scientists and creators
This category is aimed at the intellectual and creative elite: «exceptional talents». It includes inventors, recognised artists, top sportsmen and women, scientists and leading-edge technical profiles who bring real added value.
Here, a diploma is not always enough; you need to have institutional validation. Scientists must obtain a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. For creators and artists, a letter of approval from a government department of culture and the arts is essential. The emphasis is on official recognition of talent.
Finally, executives and senior managers (CEOs, managing directors) also have their cards to play. However, they must have a university degree, a minimum of 5 years' experience and, above all, an employment contract that specifies a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.
Did you know? The Golden Visa Property Investor can be transferred to the whole family, including spouse and children, on a single application. This is often the decisive criterion when compared with other categories.
Comparison of eligibility criteria for the 10-year visa
The criteria vary greatly depending on your profile. This table isolates the exact requirements for obtaining a 10-year visa without confusion.
Use this tool to identify your category and the key document required. The wrong receipt can often be fatal: get it right now.
| Category | Main condition for 10 years | Minimum amount required | Key document to be provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property investor | Buying a property | 2 million AED | Letter from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) |
| Investor in funds | Investing in an accredited fund | 2 million AED | Letter from the fund or bank |
| Entrepreneur (start-up) | Economic project approved | Business sale AED 7M OR project AED 500k | Official incubator approval / Auditor |
| Exceptional talent (scientific) | Major scientific contribution | N/A | Recommendation by the Emirates Scientists Council |
| Exceptional talent (creative) | Works and cultural recognition | N/A | Accreditation by the Ministry of Culture |
| Senior executive | Steering position | Salary of AED 30,000/month | Employment contract and university degree |
The application procedure, step by step
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, how do you take action ? The process is structured, but you have to be meticulous.
Preparing your application: leave nothing to chance
Many people underestimate this phase, but it's where everything hinges. A botched or incomplete application guarantees an immediate refusal administration. Take the time to check every detail before going ahead.
Start with the fundamental requirements for all candidates. You will need a valid passport, a recent photograph and health insurance covering the UAE. Please note that scans must be of impeccable quality to avoid unnecessary round trips.
Next, include evidence specific to your status, such as the letter from the DLD or approval from the incubator. This is the the key document validating your eligibility. Without this key document, your application is worthless.
Submission channels: online or via a centre
You have two main routes for submitting your request. The digital method uses the official portals of the ICP or GDRFA-Dubai. It's fast, but the interface can sometimes be confusing for those not used to local systems.
If you prefer a human touch, head for the «AMER» approved centres in Dubai. They deal with your case directly with the agents on site. It's an ideal solution for those who want physical assistance.
To avoid any stress, experts like Clemenceau Group can manage the entire process for you. This makes your approach more secure and corrects mistakes upstream. It's an investment in your success.
Medical examination and biometrics: the final stages
Once your application has been validated, you will receive a 6-month entry permit. This document enables you to finalise the procedures directly on site. Don't delay, because the countdown starts as soon as the document is issued.
You must then take a medical examination at an approved government centre. This visit is compulsory to prove the absence of infectious diseases. No resident is allowed to miss it, as it is a strict health requirement.
Finally, your biometric data will be collected for printing. Emirates ID, your official residence card. Once this is done, the visa is stuck to your passport. You are officially a long-term resident of the Emirates.
Worth noting The entry permit has a limited duration. You must complete the medical examination and biometrics before it expires, otherwise the whole procedure has to be repeated.
Financial aspects of the Golden Visa
Obtaining this visa has a a real cost that far exceeds the initial investment required. You run the risk of distorting your forecast budget if you neglect the compulsory administrative costs that are added to the bill.
Application and processing fees
Many people are unaware that administrative costs for a 10-year Golden Visa amount to several thousand dirhams. It's not just a free formality. You have to pay to get in.
Plan ahead range between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800 for the application itself, depending on your category. This amount may vary slightly. This is the basis for launching the procedure.
You also have to pay for the Emirates ID, which costs around AED 1,150 and is valid for ten years. The compulsory medical examination costs a few hundred dirhams. These steps are essential.
Ancillary costs not to be forgotten
Health insurance is compulsory and its cost is not insignificant. The final cost will depend heavily on the cover you choose and your age. Don't overlook it.
Don't forget translation and attestation fees for documents such as diplomas or marriage certificates. These administrative costs are piling up fast, Especially if you're coming with your family. It's an expense that's often invisible at the outset, but very real when you arrive.
If you use a specialist agency, add their service fees. Expertise comes at a price.
A global view of expenditure
This list summarises the main administrative expenses so you don't have to make any risky calculations. Here's what you need to take out of your pocket.
- Golden Visa nomination fee : ~600 AED
- Visa issuance fee : ~2,500 AED
- Emirates ID fee (10 years) : ~1,100 AED
- Medical examination fees : ~300 - 500 AED
- Health insurance Variable (several thousand AEDs per year)
- Service charges (if applicable) : Variable
Caution! These amounts are estimates based on current tariffs. The authorities may change these figures at any time without warning.
After obtaining your visa: maintaining and renewing your Golden Visa
Conditions for retaining your status
Once you have your visa, the golden rule is simple: don't change the basics. You must maintain investment or professional status who validated your initial eligibility.
For property investors, this means retain ownership of a minimum value of AED 2 million. If you sell, you must immediately reinvest in another property to avoid cancellation.
As far as talent or management is concerned, the logic remains the same: you must continue to occupy the position you require. If you lose your job or your salary drops, your residential status risks jumping.
Safety for the family: a major advantage
This is often the number one fear of expatriates: what happens to my family if I disappear? The Golden Visa offers a a unique guarantee that few residences in the world can offer.
In the event of the death of the principal holder, the Emirati authorities will not revoke the visas of dependants. Your spouse and children retain their right of residence until the natural expiry date of their own visas.
This provision offers invaluable stability. It spares your loved ones the trauma a forced and hasty departure in the midst of a period of mourning.
Renewal after 10 years: how does it work?
Let's be clear: the Golden Visa is renewable ad infinitum, but it is not automatic. It is not an acquired permanent residence, but a a privilege that lasts as long as you play by the rules.
The good news is that procedure is much lighter than the initial application. The authorities simply check that you still tick the boxes in your category, without redoing the whole application.
If everything is in order, you repartz for another decade. The formality includes a standard administrative update and, of course, a new medical test to validate this precious sesame.
Support: the key to a successful application
Why call on experts like Clemenceau Group?
The administrative process demands surgical precision, because the rules change so quickly. A simple error in a document or category often results in a immediate rejection of the file. Local authorities don't let anything get past them. Expertise avoids these costly pitfalls.
You save precious time by delegating this complex administrative burden. Our experts handle all the paperwork and technical exchanges with the authorities. Your peace of mind remains our top priority.
Clemenceau Group is the undisputed specialist in expatriation to Dubai. We know how to obtain your Golden Visa Dubai. This is your assurance of a perfectly controlled procedure.
Tailor-made support for your project
Each investor or talent profile has its own unique characteristics. We always start by validating your eligibility to define the winning strategy. Nothing is left to chance here.
Our services cover the complete preparation of the file and its submission to the authorities. We provide rigorous follow-up right through to assistance with your medical examination. Everything is taken care of.
Don't risk unnecessary delays to your project. For an optimised, stress-free project, contact us is the wisest decision. Let's talk about your future.
The 10-year Golden Visa transforms your move to Dubai into a stable and secure project. Whether you are an investor or an entrepreneur, this status offers a unrivalled freedom. To ensure the success of your application without administrative hassle, enlist the support of experts and make your expatriation a reality today.
FAQ Obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE
What exactly is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (10 years), renewable, which offers you a full independence for the United Arab Emirates. Unlike traditional residence visas, it requires no local sponsor or employer: you are your own guarantor, giving you complete freedom of movement and action.
This privileged status allows you to live, work and invest in Dubai with unrivalled stability. It offers exclusive benefits, such as the ability to stay out of the country for more than six months without your visa being cancelled, as well as the ability to sponsor your family (spouse and children) with no age limit.
How do I obtain a 10-year Golden Visa for Dubai?
Obtaining this visa depends mainly on your profile. The most direct route is the’property investment you need to acquire one or more assets with a total value of at least AED 2 million (around €500,000). The property must be held for at least two years and the investment must be made from the company's own funds (or via a specific loan subject to certain conditions).
Other categories are eligible, These include entrepreneurs with an approved project worth AED 500,000, equity investors (AED 2 million deposit), or «exceptional talents». The latter (scientists, doctors, artists, developers) must obtain an official recommendation from a competent ministry or council to validate their application.
How much does a Golden Visa in Dubai really cost?
In addition to the initial investment, you need to budget for government administrative costs. For a 10-year visa, the application and issue fees generally vary between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800, depending on your location at the time of the request.
You must also add the compulsory ancillary costs: around AED 1,000 to issue the Emirates ID (your local identity card), and the cost of the medical examination (between AED 300 and 700). In total, you should expect to pay administrative budget of around 5,000 to 6,000 AEDs per applicant, excluding health insurance costs.
What is the minimum investment threshold for the Golden Visa?
For property investors and investors in public funds, the threshold is strictly AED 2 million. This is the amount of capital you need to tie up to unlock the’eligibility for 10 years' residence.
For entrepreneurs and start-up founders, the financial threshold is technically lower, with a capital or project valuation requirement of AED 500,000. However, this route requires the approval of an official incubator or approved auditor, This adds a selection barrier based on the quality and innovation of the project.
