Golden Residence Visa (10-year)
Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, top professionals and outstanding students/graduates.
The Golden Residence Visa (10-year) is a UAE settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~AED 2,800-6,500 (govt fees; varies by category/emirate)) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Golden Residence Visa (10-year) is for
Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, top professionals and outstanding students/graduates.
The closest thing to permanent residence in the UAE - a renewable 10-year self-sponsored visa - but it is not citizenship, which is granted only by exception.
Golden Residence Visa (10-year) - eligibility criteria
- Investor: public investment/real estate of ≥ AED 2 million, or
- Entrepreneur: approved project valued ≥ AED 500,000
- Specialised talent/professional: salary ≥ AED 30,000 plus qualifications
- Outstanding student/graduate with high grades from approved institutions
- Humanitarian pioneers, frontline heroes and other approved categories
Golden Residence Visa (10-year) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Golden Residence Visa (10-year) (United Arab Emirates) is ~AED 2,800-6,500 (govt fees; varies by category/emirate), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UAE Government (u.ae).
| Type | Long-term residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online via ICP or GDRFA (nomination for some talent categories) |
| Length of stay | 10 years (5 years for some categories), automatically renewable |
| Work rights | Full work/self-sponsorship rights |
| Study rights | Can study |
| Government fee | ~AED 2,800-6,500 (govt fees; varies by category/emirate) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | The closest thing to permanent residence in the UAE - a renewable 10-year self-sponsored visa - but it is not citizenship, which is granted only by exception. |
Pathway & next steps
The closest thing to permanent residence in the UAE - a renewable 10-year self-sponsored visa - but it is not citizenship, which is granted only by exception.
Many applicants also compare Green Visa · Green Residence Visa (5-year, self-sponsored), Investor · Investor / Partner Residence Visa, Blue Visa · Blue Residence Visa (10-year, environmental). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UAE route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Golden Residence Visa (10-year) pitfalls we fix
Golden Residence Visa (10-year) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Golden Residence Visa (10-year) cost?
The Golden Residence Visa (10-year) government fee is ~AED 2,800-6,500 (govt fees; varies by category/emirate). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UAE Government (u.ae) before applying.
How long does the Golden Residence Visa (10-year) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Golden Residence Visa (10-year) lead to permanent residence?
The closest thing to permanent residence in the UAE - a renewable 10-year self-sponsored visa - but it is not citizenship, which is granted only by exception.
Can I work on the Golden Residence Visa (10-year)?
Work rights: Full work/self-sponsorship rights.
Who can apply for the Golden Residence Visa (10-year)?
Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, top professionals and outstanding students/graduates.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Arab Emirates government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UAE Government (u.ae) - official United Arab Emirates immigration authority