Golden Visa

Smart Ezone

A Different Category of Residency

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme introduced by the UAE government to attract and retain investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals, and individuals of exceptional talent. Unlike standard employment or investor visas, the Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer or business entity. It is renewable, self-sponsored, and designed to provide a stable, long-term base in the UAE.

Eligibility is determined by a defined set of criteria across several categories. The visa is issued for five or ten years depending on the qualifying category and is renewable provided the conditions of eligibility continue to be met.

Smart Ezone manages the full Golden Visa process for eligible individuals, from the initial eligibility assessment through to application submission, medical coordination, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping. We also assist Golden Visa holders in sponsoring qualifying family members.

ELIGIBILITY CATEGORIES

Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa programme covers a number of defined eligibility categories. The principal categories we support are set out below.

Investors in Public Investments

Individuals who invest a minimum of AED 2 million in UAE public investments, including approved investment funds or company establishment, may qualify for a ten-year Golden Visa. The investment must be maintained for the duration of the visa. We advise on qualifying investment structures and manage the application.

Real Estate Investors

Individuals who own property in the UAE with a minimum value of AED 2 million — whether purchased outright or with a mortgage of no more than 50% of the property value — may qualify for a ten-year Golden Visa. Multiple properties may be combined to meet the threshold where permitted. We advise on eligibility and manage the full application process.

Entrepreneurs

Founders of start-ups and business owners may qualify for a five-year Golden Visa where the business meets certain criteria, including approval by a relevant UAE accreditation authority. Eligibility criteria vary, and we assess each case on its specifics before advising on the appropriate application route.

Specialised Talent and Professionals

Individuals in specialised fields including medicine, science, engineering, education, arts, and culture may qualify under the talent and specialist category, subject to meeting defined criteria and obtaining endorsement from the relevant UAE authority. We advise on the endorsement process and manage the application.

Outstanding Students and Graduates

High-achieving students within the UAE and recent graduates of top-ranked universities may be eligible for a five-year Golden Visa. Eligibility is assessed on academic performance and institutional standing. We advise on the qualifying criteria and support the application process.

What to Keep in Mind

Eligibility must be verified before application: the Golden Visa has specific qualifying thresholds and documentation requirements; we conduct a thorough eligibility review before any application is submitted
Investment thresholds must be maintained: for investment and real estate categories, the qualifying asset value must be maintained for the duration of the visa; disposal of the qualifying asset affects renewal eligibility
Family sponsorship is available: Golden Visa holders may sponsor their spouse, children, and in certain circumstances their parents; we manage family sponsorship applications alongside the primary visa
No in-country sponsor required: the Golden Visa is self-sponsored; holders are not required to maintain employment or a business entity as a condition of the visa
Criteria are subject to change: the UAE government periodically updates Golden Visa eligibility criteria and thresholds; we keep current with these developments and advise accordingly

OUR PROCESS

How We Manage Your Golden Visa Application

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

We begin with a review of the individual’s profile, assets, and circumstances to determine which Golden Visa category applies, whether the qualifying criteria are met, and what documentation will be required. Where eligibility is not immediately clear, we advise on what may need to be in place before an application can be submitted.

Step 2: Documentation Preparation

We identify every document required for the application, advise on anything that needs to be attested or obtained, and compile a complete and correctly ordered submission package. Golden Visa applications require a higher level of documentation than standard residency applications, and preparation matters significantly.

Step 3: Application Submission & Authority Liaison

We submit the application to the relevant authority — typically the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — and manage all follow-up and government liaison through to initial approval.

Step 4: Medical Testing & Emirates ID Registration

We coordinate the mandatory medical fitness test and manage the Emirates ID registration process, ensuring each step is completed correctly and in the right sequence.

Step 5: Visa Stamping & Completion

We coordinate the final visa stamping and confirm completion of the residency process with the client. For family sponsorship applications, we manage these in parallel or immediately following the primary visa.

Step 6: Renewal Management

We track Golden Visa expiry dates across our clients’ portfolios and manage renewals in advance of the deadline, advising on any change in circumstances that may affect renewal eligibility.