Latest Updates on UAE Golden Visa Program 2025

The UAE Golden Visa Program 2025 continues to evolve as the government strengthens its commitment to attracting global talent, high-net-worth individuals, innovators and long-term investors. With significant updates announced for the coming year, the program offers more clarity, broader eligibility and simplified processes. Below, we present the most detailed and updated guide to help you understand every requirement, category and benefit of the Golden Visa system in 2025.

Overview of the UAE Golden Visa Program 2025

The Golden Visa grants long-term residency to qualified individuals for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category. Holders enjoy stability, the freedom to live, work and study in the UAE and the ability to sponsor their families without the typical restrictions tied to employment visas.

In 2025, the UAE has refined its criteria to ensure the program remains attractive, competitive and globally recognized as one of the most flexible long-term residency pathways.

Key Changes Introduced in 2025

1. Expanded Eligibility for Skilled Professionals

The UAE now recognizes a wider range of professional disciplines, allowing mid-to-senior-level experts earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 to apply. Eligible fields include:

Information Technology
Digital Marketing
Artificial Intelligence
Engineering
Medicine
Education
General Management
Finance

Professionals must hold a valid employment contract and be classified under MOHRE skill levels 1 or 2.

2. Updated Real Estate Investment Threshold

The minimum property investment requirement for Golden Visa eligibility now starts at AED 2 million.
Notable improvements include:

Off-plan properties are permitted if purchased from approved developers.
Multiple properties can be combined to meet the threshold.
Mortgaged properties qualify as long as the investor’s payment exceeds AED 2 million.

3. More Flexibility for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can secure a 5 or 10-year visa by meeting one of these updated criteria:

Owning or partnering in a UAE startup with annual revenue of AED 1 million+.
Being approved by a UAE business incubator.
Holding a stake in a globally recognized startup with UAE expansion plans.

4. Simplified Application and Renewal Process

2025 introduces a streamlined digital system that ensures:

Faster processing times
Fewer documentation requirements
Automated eligibility checks
No requirement for physical visits in most cases

5. Enhanced Benefits for Family Members

Golden Visa holders can now:

Sponsor spouses, children (no age limit) and parents
Provide residency to domestic helpers
Offer longer stay duration even if the main visa holder passes away

Eligibility Categories for UAE Golden Visa 2025

1. Real Estate Investors

A primary pathway to the Golden Visa is through property investment. The updated rules include:

Minimum purchase value: AED 2 million
Property can be off-plan or completed
Mortgaged properties accepted
Investors receive a 10-year residency
Renewals are allowed as long as the investment is maintained

2. Investors in Public Investments

Individuals with investments valued at AED 2 million or more in approved UAE funds are eligible. This includes:

National investment funds
Bonds or financial portfolios within the UAE
Business establishment investments

3. Highly Skilled Professionals

Professionals in high-demand sectors can obtain a 10-year visa. Requirements include:

Valid employment contract
Monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more
MOHRE skill level 1 or 2
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification

4. Scientists and Researchers

Candidates endorsed by the UAE Council for Scientists or awarded prominent national recognitions qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. Areas include:

Scientific research
Space
Biotechnology
Energy
Medicine
Climate studies

5. Exceptional Talents

The UAE supports individuals with extraordinary talent in:

Arts
Culture
Digital content creation
Sports
Innovation
Invention

These applicants do not need employment contracts, but they must receive official endorsements from UAE authorities.

6. Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can apply through:

High-revenue startups
Innovative projects
Recognition from UAE incubators

Residency granted is typically 5 years, with the possibility of upgrading to a 10-year visa.

7. Outstanding Students and Graduates

Ideal candidates include:

Top-performing UAE school students
High-ranking graduates from top 100 global universities
Students showing exceptional academic promise

They can secure a 5 or 10-year visa based on academic rankings.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa 2025

1. Long-Term Stability

Golden Visa holders enjoy up to 10 years of renewable residency, providing long-term security and planning flexibility.

2. No Sponsor Required

Individuals can live, work and study in the UAE without a local sponsor or employer tie-in.

3. Full Ownership of Businesses

Foreigners can own 100 percent of their UAE companies under the Golden Visa system.

4. Extended Family Sponsorship

Visa holders can sponsor:

Spouses
Children of any age
Parents
Domestic workers

5. Easier Global Mobility

The UAE Golden Visa enhances credibility for global travel and boosts international business opportunities.

6. Stay Validity Outside UAE

Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for any duration without losing their residency status.

Documentation Required in 2025

General Requirements

Valid passport copy
Passport-sized photo
Emirates ID (for applicants already in UAE)
Entry permit (if applicable)
Proof of category qualification (salary certificates, investments, property deeds)

Category-Specific Documents

Property investors: Title deed, bank statements, developer NOC
Skilled professionals: Employment contract, salary certificate, educational degree
Entrepreneurs: Business license, financial audits, incubator approvals
Exceptional talents: Endorsement certificates, awards, portfolios

How to Apply for UAE Golden Visa in 2025

Step 1: Collect all required documents

Ensure every document matches UAE immigration standards.

Step 2: Submit the application online

Use:

The UAEICP portal
The GDRFA Dubai website
Authorized mobile apps

Step 3: Pay the processing fees

Fees vary based on category and visa duration.

Step 4: Complete medical test and biometrics

Applicants already in the UAE must complete these steps.

Step 5: Receive residency visa

Once approved, applicants receive a long-term residency stamp and Emirates ID.

Why the UAE Golden Visa Matters in 2025

The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation, investment and lifestyle excellence. With new updates focusing on inclusivity and simplified processes, the 2025 Golden Visa program is set to become even more attractive for global professionals and investors seeking long-term residency in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

The program is designed to support economic development, strengthen the talent pool and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness. With transparent requirements and improved benefits, it remains a top choice for individuals seeking stability, safety and high-quality living standards.

AQs for UAE Golden Visa Program 2025

1. What is the UAE Golden Visa Program 2025?

It is a long-term residency program that allows qualified individuals to live, work and study in the UAE for 5 or 10 years.

2. What are the new updates to the Golden Visa in 2025?

Updates include lower salary requirements for skilled professionals, expanded eligibility categories and simplified digital application processes.

3. What is the minimum investment for property buyers in 2025?

The minimum real estate investment required is AED 2 million, including off-plan properties.

4. Can mortgage properties qualify for the Golden Visa?

Yes. Mortgaged properties qualify if your paid amount exceeds AED 2 million.

5. What is the salary requirement for skilled professionals?

A minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 is required for professionals under MOHRE skill level 1 or 2.

6. What professions qualify for the skilled professional category?

IT specialists, engineers, doctors, educators, finance experts, AI professionals and senior management roles qualify.

7. Can entrepreneurs apply for the Golden Visa in 2025?

Yes. Entrepreneurs with startups generating at least AED 1 million in revenue or approved by UAE incubators can apply.

8. How long is the Golden Visa valid?

It is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category.

9. Can Golden Visa holders sponsor their family members?

Yes. They can sponsor spouses, children of any age and even parents.

10. Do Golden Visa holders need a UAE employer?

No. The visa allows full freedom to live or work without a sponsor.

11. Can students apply for the Golden Visa?

Outstanding UAE students and graduates from top global universities can apply for a 5 or 10-year visa.

12. What are the benefits of the Golden Visa?

Key benefits include long-term residency, full business ownership, staying outside UAE without restrictions and extended family sponsorship.

13. Can I apply for the Golden Visa online?

Yes. Applications are submitted through UAEICP, GDRFA Dubai or approved mobile apps.

14. What documents are needed for property investors?

Required documents include title deed, payment proofs, bank statements and developer NOC.

15. What documents are needed for skilled professionals?

Employment contract, salary certificate, passport copy and academic degree.

16. Does the Golden Visa require a medical test?

Yes. Applicants already inside the UAE must complete a medical exam and biometrics.

17. Can Golden Visa holders stay outside UAE for more than 6 months?

Yes. There is no restriction on the number of days they can stay outside the country.

18. Are parents allowed under the sponsorship?

Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents for long-term residency.

19. Does owning multiple properties count toward AED 2 million?

Yes. You can combine multiple properties to meet the minimum threshold.

20. Can freelancers apply for the Golden Visa?

Yes, if they fall under exceptional talent or specialized professional categories with required endorsements.