Golden Residency

What is the Golden Residency?

The Golden Residency is one of the leading initiatives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. It offers eligible individuals the opportunity to obtain a long-term residency in the UAE, ranging from five to ten years, with automatic renewal and no need for a sponsor.

This system has been designed with great care to support the country’s economic and professional environment. It allows residents and their families to live, work, study, and invest in the UAE while enjoying the full benefits provided by the Golden Residency Program, thereby enhancing their stability and quality of life.

 

Strategic Objectives of the Golden Residency 

  • Attract investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to support economic growth and skills development in the UAE.
  • Support economic projects and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship to create a sustainable and stimulating business environment.
  • Enable individuals and their families to reside in the UAE for long periods without requiring a sponsor.
  • Strengthen the UAE’s position as a global destination for knowledge, investment, and work, making it an attractive environment for professional and personal growth.

 

Key Benefits 

  • Long-term residency without the need for a sponsor, offering peace of mind and ongoing stability.
  • Ability to issue residency permits for spouse and children, ensuring full family stability.
  • Freedom to live, work, study, and invest in the UAE while enjoying all the benefits provided to residents.

 

Eligible Categories

CategoryResidency DurationMain Requirements
Investors in Public Investments or Real Estate10 years (public investments) / 5 years (real estate investments)Minimum capital of AED 2 million; property ownership or contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes
Entrepreneurs5 yearsInnovative or technical projects, documents proving project value, letter from a business incubator or relevant authority in the emirate
Exceptional Talents & Rare Specializations10 yearsIncludes doctors, scientists, inventors, creatives in culture & arts, executives, athletes, PhD holders, and specialists in priority scientific and engineering fields. Each subcategory has specific requirements such as recommendation letters, practical experience, or accredited educational degrees
Outstanding Students5 years for high school achievers / 10 years for top university studentsCertificates of excellence, recommendation letters from school or university
Humanitarian Pioneers & Frontline Heroes10 yearsCertificates of appreciation, humanitarian contribution documentation, or at least 5 years of service

 

Required Documents

Investors in Public Investments or Real Estate

Public Investments

  • A letter from an approved investment fund confirming a deposit of no less than AED 2 million.
  • A valid commercial or industrial license with the company’s Articles of Association (capital not less than AED 2 million).
  • Or a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming that the owner/partner pays an annual tax of no less than AED 250,000.

Real Estate Investors

  • A letter from the Real Estate Registration Department proving ownership of one or more properties valued at ≥ AED 2 million (without loans).
  • Proof of residence inside the UAE (property ownership or tenancy contract).

Entrepreneurs

  • A letter from a certified auditor proving that the project value is no less than AED 500,000.
  • A letter from the competent authorities or an approved business incubator confirming that the project is innovative and technological/futuristic.
  • A valid passport copy.
  • Proof of residence inside the UAE (property ownership or tenancy contract).

Talented Individuals and Exceptional Specializations

  • Doctors: Approval letter from the Ministry of Health to practice the profession.
  • Scientists: Recommendation letter from the UAE Council for Scientists or a Scientific Excellence Award.
  • Inventors: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.
  • Creatives in culture and arts: Approval letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or the Department of Culture and Arts.
  • Executive Directors: Attested university degree, minimum 5 years of experience, employment contract, and a salary certificate of no less than AED 50,000.
  • Athletes: Recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.
  • Specialists in priority scientific and engineering fields: Attested PhD or university degree, employment contract, and passport copy.

Outstanding Students

  • High school students: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education and proof of achieving ≥ 95%.
  • University students: Recommendation letter from the university or graduation certificate, with a GPA ≥ 3.8 (for accredited universities), and within two years of graduation.
  • Proof of financial capability and housing to cover the family.

Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Workers

  • Certificates of appreciation or documentation of outstanding efforts.
  • Proof of engagement in humanitarian organizations for ≥ 5 years or no less than 500 volunteer hours.
  • Proof of financial support for humanitarian initiatives of no less than AED 2 million.
  • Passport copy and health insurance.

 

Eligibility Assess

To Assess Your Eligibility for Obtaining The Golden Residency Press Here

 

Related Services

 

Last updated on: December 9, 2025 /