Before you start
- Confirm your route on Eligibility (e.g., Real Estate 2M+, Professionals & Specialists, Entrepreneurs).
- Gather documents → see Requirements & Documents.
- Estimate fees & time: Costs & Timeline and 10-Year Costs.
Process overview (all emirates)
- Create or sign in to your emirate’s e-services (ICP federal or GDRFA Dubai).
- Choose the correct Golden Visa category and start the application.
- Upload the required documents for your category.
- Pay government fees (base + service fees vary by emirate).
- Book and complete the medical fitness test.
- Provide biometrics for Emirates ID (if requested or if new/expired).
- Application decision → visa issuance/stamping and Emirates ID printing.
- Sponsor dependents via Family Sponsorship (optional).
Route-specific notes
Real Estate Investor (AED 2M+)
- Upload title deed(s). Combined properties can meet AED 2M overall value.
- If mortgaged: add Bank NOC and paid-up equity proof at/above the threshold.
- More details: Real Estate 2M+.
Professionals & Specialists
- Salary evidence (≈ AED 30,000+) and accredited degree/attestation.
- Include job contract/letter; license where applicable.
- Guide: Professionals & Specialists.
Entrepreneurs / Exceptional Talent / Others
- Entrepreneurs: license, shareholding, financials → Entrepreneurs
- Exceptional talent: endorsements/awards → Exceptional Talent
- Students & graduates: grade thresholds → Students & Graduates
- Public investment (where applicable) → Public Investment
ICP vs GDRFA (portal notes)
- GDRFA Dubai: Use Dubai Smart Services. Processing & fee structure may differ slightly.
- ICP (other emirates): Federal portal for Abu Dhabi & Northern Emirates.
Detailed step-by-step
- Account & profile
- Create/sign in with verified mobile/email.
- Match profile details with passport & current visa/Emirates ID.
- Choose Golden Visa service
- Select your category (investor / professional / entrepreneur / etc.).
- Read on-screen eligibility text carefully and proceed.
- Upload documents
- Follow file type/size rules; submit clear scans.
- Use the list on Requirements & Documents.
- Pay fees
- Fees vary by emirate/service. See Costs & Timeline and 10-Year Costs.
- Medical fitness test
- Book an approved center; bring passport/ID. Medical Test guide.
- Renewals: TB screening applies — see Renewal Guide.
- Biometrics (Emirates ID)
- New applicants or if requested → visit the biometric center with appointment SMS.
- Decision & issuance
- Track status in the portal; typical decision window: 2–4 weeks.
- Once approved → visa issuance/stamping and Emirates ID printing.
- After approval
- Sponsor dependents via Family Sponsorship.
- Notify employer/banks; update document copies.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Mismatch data: Ensure name/passport numbers match exactly.
- Mortgage case: Always attach bank NOC and paid-up equity proof.
- Attestations: Degrees/certificates should be attested if required by your category.
- Timing: Avoid peak seasons; consider fast-track medical if travelling soon.