What is the UAE Golden Residency?

The Golden Residency is one of the flagship initiatives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). It enables eligible individuals to obtain long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates for a period of five or ten years, with automatic renewal, without the need for a sponsor.

Carefully designed to support the UAE’s economic and professional landscape, the Golden Residency programme allows residents and their families to live, work, study and invest in the UAE while enjoying the full range of benefits offered under the Golden Residency programme, thereby enhancing their long-term stability and quality of life.

Strategic Objectives of the Golden Residency

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To attract investors, entrepreneurs and exceptional talent in order to support economic growth and strengthen the nation’s skills base.

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To support economic enterprises and foster innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a dynamic and sustainable business environment.

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To enable individuals and their families to reside in the UAE on a long-term basis without the need for a sponsor.

Strengthen UAE’s position

To strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for knowledge, investment and employment, making it an attractive environment for long-term settlement and professional and personal growth.

Key Benefits

  • Long-term residency without the need for a sponsor, providing peace of mind and lasting stability.
  • The ability to obtain residency permits for your spouse and children, ensuring the stability and security of your entire family.
  • The freedom to live, work, study and invest, while enjoying all the benefits and privileges that the UAE provides to its residents.

Target Categories

Investors in Public Investments or Real Estate

Time

Residency Duration

  • 10 years (Public Investments)
  • 5 years (Real Estate Investments)
Key Requirements

Key Requirements

  • A minimum capital investment of AED 2 million.
  • Ownership of real estate or a stake in an establishment that pays annual taxes of no less than AED 250,000.

Humanitarian Pioneers
and Frontline Heroes

Time

Residency Duration

  • 10 years
Key Requirements

Key Requirements

  • Certificates of appreciation or recognition of outstanding efforts.
  • Financial support for humanitarian initiatives or a minimum of five years’ experience.

Entrepreneurs

Time

Residency Duration

  • 5 years
Key Requirements

Key Requirements

  • Innovative or technology-based projects.
  • Documents verifying the value of the project.
  • A letter from a business incubator or the relevant authority in the emirate.

Outstanding
Students

Time

Residency Duration

  • 5 years for outstanding high school students.
  • 10 years for outstanding university students.
Key Requirements

Key Requirements

  • Excellence certificates.
  • Recommendation letters from the school or university.

Individuals with Exceptional
Talents and Specialised Expertise

Time

Residency Duration

  • 10 years
Key Requirements

Key Requirements

  • Includes doctors, scientists, inventors, creative professionals in culture and the arts, executive directors, athletes, PhD holders, and specialists in priority scientific and engineering fields.
  • Each category has specific requirements, such as endorsement letters, professional experience, or accredited educational certificates.

Required Documents

Investors in Public Investments or Real Estate

Public Investments

  • A letter from an accredited investment fund confirming the existence of a deposit of no less than AED 2 million.
  • A valid commercial or industrial licence, along with the company’s Memorandum of Association (with a capital of no less than AED 2 million).
  • Or a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming that the owner/partner pays taxes of no less than AED 250,000 annually.

Real Estate Investors

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

Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes

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

Entrepreneurs

  • A letter from an auditor confirming the project value is no less than AED 500,000.
  • A letter from the relevant authorities or an accredited business incubator confirming that the project is innovative, technology-based, or future-oriented.
  • A valid passport copy.
  • Proof of residence in the UAE (property ownership or tenancy contract).

Individuals with Exceptional Talents and Rare Specialisations

  • Doctors: An accreditation letter from the Ministry of Health to practise the profession.
  • Scientists: A recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or an award for scientific excellence.
  • Inventors: A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.
  • Cultural and artistic creatives: An accreditation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or the Department of Culture and Arts.
  • Executive Directors: A certified copy of the university degree certificate, a minimum of 5 years’ experience certificate, an employment contract, and a salary certificate showing a salary of no less than AED 50,000.
  • Athletes: A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.
  • Specialists in priority scientific and engineering fields: A certified copy of a PhD or university degree certificate, an employment contract, and a passport copy.

Outstanding Students

  • High school students: A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education and proof of academic excellence with a score of ≥ 95%.
  • University students: A recommendation letter from the university or a graduation certificate, with a cumulative GPA of ≥ 3.8 (from accredited universities), and no more than two years since graduation.
  • Proof of the ability to provide financial support and accommodation for family members.

Check Your Eligibility

Are you eligible for the Golden Residency? Find out now.

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