Last updated 2026-05-12
UAE Golden Visa to United Arab Emirates for British citizens
Influencer visa, AI talent visa
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows skilled professionals, major investors, influencers and people with specialized talents to reside in the UAE for long-term (5 to 10 years) without the need for a local sponsor. Allowed activities include work and studies. It provides privileges, including an entry visa for 6 months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance, the ability to sponsor family members and unlimited number of domestic helpers, the ability to keep the visa active during extended stays abroad.
Eligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Skilled professional, AI talent, investor, entrepreneur, outstanding student, talent, content creator, influencer
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 6 months to 10 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>Golden visa residence is granted for 5 or 10 years depending on applicant`s eligibility. Obtaining a Golden visa residency usually begins with an entry visa that allows entry into the UAE and is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. Upon arrival in the UAE, the applicant must complete the procedure for obtaining a residence visa within 180 days.</p>
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>Golden visa residence is granted for 5 or 10 years depending on applicant`s eligibility. An entry visa is issued along with the visa and valid for 180 days. Within 180-days period, the applicant must obtain a residence visa or other document extending the stay permit in accordance with the visa terms.</p>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Extention is not provided for entry visa. However residence visa is renewable under the same terms as when it was first issued.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>Entry visa and Golden Visa are multiple-entry.</p>
from 3 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Issued through the digital channels (GDRFA website or smart application) available 24/7 or when visiting visa service center in the UAE.</p>
AED 200 (~$54) - AED 5,000 (~$1,344)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>Applicants themselves typically pay Golden Visa fees, as this is a self-sponsored visa. Payment is made online via ICP or at GDRFA when applying.</p> <p> </p> <p>Entry permit is AED 200. Fees for applying for a Golden Visa are usually in the range of AED 2800-4800 (depending on the category and whether the application is submitted domestically or from abroad).</p> <p> </p> <p>Additional fees: Medical exam ~AED 350, Emirates ID: For a 10-year ID card ~AED 1,070.</p>
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
A passport or travel document with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Travel medical insurance
Proof of a valid UAE coverage policy for the visa period.
Photograph
The photo must be in color. Size 4.3 x 5.5 cm, on a white background, without shadows and glare.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
For investors in public investments
Submission of a letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE stating that the investor has a deposit of AED two million, or Submission of a valid commercial licence or industrial licence and a memorandum of association stating that the investor’s capital is not less than AED two million. Submission of a letter from Federal Tax Authority stating that the investor pays the government no less than AED 250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand) annually.
For real estate investor
A letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating that the applicant owns one or more properties whose value is not less than 2 million dirhams.
For entrepreneur
Documentation on owning an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation. And each of the following: Approval letter from an auditor in the UAE stating that the project value is not less than 500,000 dirhams. Approval letter from the authorities in the emirate stating that the project is of a technical or future nature. Approval letter from an accredited business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.
For person with an outstanding specialised talent
Doctors and scientists: an approval Letter from Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice the profession of medicine (for doctors), a letter of recommendation from Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence stating that the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence (for scientists). Inventors: a recommendation letter from Ministry of Economy stating that the patent has an added value to the country's economy. Creative people in the fields of culture and art: an approval letter from the department of culture and arts in the respective emirate. Executive Directors: a copy of a university degree accredited by Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor's degree, a letter of experience of no less than 5 years holding the same position, a salary certificate with a salary of AED 50,000 at least, a valid work contract. Athletes: a recommendation letter from General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils. Specialists in engineering and science: a copy of a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree certified by Ministry of Education and a work contract. Pioneers of humanitarian work: proof of being a member and outstanding employee who have worked for international and regional organisations OR civil associations and institutions of public interest for a minimum of 5 years. Proof of receiving an appreciation award from a local, regional or international organisation that focuses on humanitarian work. Or a proof of being a founder of humanitarian work provided that the value of the support does not fall below two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent. Frontline heroes who displayed extraordinary effort in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic: a recommendation from a competent authority.
For an outstanding student
High school student: a recommendation letter from Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). University student: proof of the university rated either A or B class by Ministry of Education, a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities. Outstanding student of a foreign university: proof of the university rated among the best 100 universities global according to the rating system recognized by Ministry of Education, an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5, graduation certificate accredited by the Ministry of Education.
For gaming professionals
Accreditation from Dubai Culture or from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. CV. A portfolio of works and projects from the last 5 years. Membership/awards confirming activity in the industry (if any).
For nurses
Valid Employment Contract in the UAE. Proof of continuous service for over 15 years. Education proof (at least a Diploma in Nursing from a recognized university). A valid professional practice license from the relevant health authority in the UAE (e.g., Dubai Health Authority - DHA, Department of Health - DOH Abu Dhabi, or Ministry of Health and Prevention - MOHAP). Certificate of good conduct and behavior.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Residence visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
UAE Golden Visa
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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