UAE Golden Visa For Indians: Price, Processing Time And Eligibility Explained

UAE Golden Visa For Indians. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a hub of opportunities for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from all over the world, including India. The introduction of the UAE Golden Visa has further cemented its status as a preferred destination for long-term residence. The UAE Golden Visa offers exceptional benefits, including long-term residency without the need for a sponsor.

In this article, we will explore everything there is to know about the UAE Golden Visa, including its benefits, eligibility, price, processing time, and new rules in 2026.

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What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced by the UAE government to attract exceptional talents, skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding students. It grants individuals the opportunity to reside, work, and study in the UAE for 5 to 10 years, with the possibility of automatic renewal.

Unlike regular visas that require a sponsor, the Golden Visa provides the benefit of living in the UAE without being dependent on a local sponsor. This visa is aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness by encouraging investment, innovation, and the presence of skilled professionals.

UAE Golden Visa Price

The cost of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. Generally, the Golden Visa is linked to investments in specific sectors, such as real estate, business, or science. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

Investor in Public Investment: For individuals who wish to invest in the UAE, the minimum investment is 2 million AED (United Arab Emirates Dirhams) for a public investment or a company.
Real Estate Investors: Those investing in real estate must own property worth a minimum of 2 million AED. The property must not be financed by a loan.
Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the UAE need to invest at least 500,000 AED in a project, subject to approval from business incubators.
Outstanding Talents: For specialists in fields such as medicine, science, or engineering, the Golden Visa is granted based on the individual’s achievements and recognition in their field rather than an investment amount.

Eligibility Criteria for the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is available for a range of individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and skilled professionals. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the category. Below are the primary categories and their corresponding requirements:

1. Investors in Public Investment

A business idea or business plan in the UAE.
Proof of investment, such as a letter from an investment fund stating a minimum deposit of 2 million AED or a commercial license with a capital of at least 2 million AED.
Real estate investors must own property worth at least 2 million AED and must provide a letter from the relevant Real Estate Registration Department.

2. Entrepreneurs

Approval from a UAE business incubator or an innovation-based project.
The business value should be at least 500,000 AED.
A valid health insurance policy and proof of housing in the UAE.

3. Outstanding Talents

Doctors and Scientists: Approval letters from relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Health or the Emirates Council of Scientists.
Inventors: A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy confirming the value of their patents.
Creative Talents: Approval from the Department of Culture and Arts for individuals in the creative fields like art and culture.
Athletes: A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority.

4. Outstanding Students

High School Students: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education and a GPA of 95% or higher.
University Students: A recommendation letter from the university confirming a GPA of 3.8 or higher for admission to UAE universities.

5. PhD Holders and Specialists

PhD Holders: A certified copy of the PhD degree, along with a work contract in relevant scientific fields like biotechnology or artificial intelligence.
Specialists in Engineering and Science: A valid work contract and a degree in relevant fields.

Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

The process to apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE involves several steps, including submitting your application, providing supporting documents, and paying the necessary service fees. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the application process:

Step 1: Visit the Official ICP Website or App

Website: Go to the official Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website at www.icp.gov.ae.
App: Alternatively, you can use the ICP UAE Smart App to complete your application. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices.

Step 2: Register and Create Your Account

Before applying for the Golden Visa, you need to create an account on the ICP platform:

Sign up with your personal details, such as your full name, email, phone number, and nationality.
Verify your email and phone number using the one-time password (OTP) sent to your mobile or email.

Step 3: Choose the Golden Visa Type

Select the appropriate Golden Visa category based on your eligibility. Some of the common categories include:

Investor in Public Investment
Real Estate Investors
Entrepreneurs
Outstanding Talents (Doctors, Scientists, Engineers, Athletes)
Outstanding Students

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents required for the selected category.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Upload the required documents for the selected category. Below are some general documents you may need:

Passport Copy: A clear copy of your valid passport.
Valid Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance for you and your family members, if applicable.
Investment Proof: For investors, provide proof of investment or ownership in a business or property worth the required minimum amount.
Education Records: For students, submit your academic transcripts and recommendation letters from universities or schools.
Special Talent Verification: For doctors, scientists, athletes, and other talents, submit approval or recommendation letters from the relevant UAE authorities (e.g., Ministry of Health, Emirates Council of Scientists, etc.).

Step 5: Fill in the Application Form

Complete the online application form. This form will ask for your personal details, including your profession, investment status, or educational background, depending on the category you are applying for.

Step 6: Pay the Service Fee

Once you’ve filled out the application and uploaded the necessary documents, proceed to pay the service fee. The payment is securely processed online. The fee amount varies based on the type of visa being applied for and the services included.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

After submitting the application and payment, the ICP will process your request. Depending on the type of Golden Visa and your eligibility, the processing time can take 1-2 months. You will receive updates on your application status through the ICP website or app.

Step 8: Nomination for the Visa

If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Golden Visa. You may be required to attend an appointment at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or any other designated UAE government office for biometric verification and further processing.

Step 9: Issuance of the Golden Visa

Once all necessary procedures are complete, you will receive your UAE Golden Visa. This visa will be valid for 5 to 10 years, depending on your category, and will be automatically renewed.

Step 10: Sponsor Family Members (If Applicable)

As a Golden Visa holder, you can sponsor your family members, including spouses, children, and even parents. The sponsor process is also done through the official platform, and the requirements vary depending on your specific situation.

UAE Golden Visa Processing Time

The UAE Golden Visa processing time can vary depending on the type of visa and the documents submitted. Generally, the process takes around 1 to 2 months. After the submission of the application, individuals will be invited to apply for the visa through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).

UAE Golden Visa: New Rules in 2026

In 2025, the UAE government has introduced several changes to make the Golden Visa more accessible and attractive for a wider range of individuals. Some of the new rules include:

Increased Flexibility: The government has streamlined the application process and reduced the time taken to process the visa applications.
New Categories: In 2025, the UAE has expanded the Golden Visa to include new categories, such as people in the field of artificial intelligence, big data, epidemiology, and genetics.
Longer Residency Periods: The government is now offering more extended residency options, including 10-year Golden Visas for specific categories, like investors and outstanding talents.
More Family Sponsorship Opportunities: In 2026, Golden Visa holders will be able to sponsor an even larger number of family members, including siblings and parents, subject to specific criteria.

Golden Visa UAE 30,000 Salary Requirement

One of the key requirements for the UAE Golden Visa is a minimum salary requirement for specific categories. For instance, executive directors, specialists in scientific fields, and athletes must meet a salary threshold of AED 50,000 or more. While this requirement may vary for other professions, meeting this salary criteria is crucial for obtaining the visa under certain talent-based categories.

UAE Golden Visa University List

The UAE Golden Visa also targets outstanding students who have graduated from top-ranked universities in the UAE and abroad. Students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher from any of the recognized universities in the UAE can apply for the visa. Below is a list of some of the notable universities in the UAE that are eligible for Golden Visa applications:

Khalifa University of Science and Technology
United Arab Emirates University
American University of Sharjah
Zayed University
American University in Dubai

Additionally, universities outside the UAE that are ranked among the top global institutions may also qualify for Golden Visa eligibility if the student meets the GPA requirements.

Visa-Free Countries for UAE Golden Visa Holders

Golden Visa holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide. The exact list of countries may vary, but some of the notable countries that offer visa-free access to UAE Golden Visa holders include:

Schengen Area Countries
United Kingdom
United States (via visa waiver for specific categories)
Japan
Singapore

UAE Golden Visa Benefits

The UAE Golden Visa offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for investors, entrepreneurs, and other eligible individuals. Some of the notable benefits include:

Long-Term Residency: The UAE Golden Visa grants a residency of 5 to 10 years, depending on the category under which it is issued. This ensures that holders can enjoy a stable and secure long-term stay in the UAE.
No Sponsor Required: One of the most significant advantages of the Golden Visa is that the holder does not require a local sponsor for residency. This gives individuals more freedom and flexibility in managing their affairs.
Visa-Free Travel: Golden Visa holders can travel freely to many countries without the need for a visa. The UAE has also expanded its visa-free access to several other nations.
Sponsorship for Family Members: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and even parents. There are no restrictions based on the age of the children, making it an excellent opportunity for families.
Business Growth Opportunities: The UAE Golden Visa system is designed to support the growth of business and innovation in the country. It allows investors and entrepreneurs to establish, own, and operate their businesses without restrictions.
Stay Outside the UAE for Longer Periods: Unlike other visas, the Golden Visa allows holders to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period, ensuring that their residency is not affected by travel.

Conclusion

The UAE Golden Visa provides a unique and valuable opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students. With benefits such as long-term residency, the ability to sponsor family members, and the freedom to live without a local sponsor, it is no wonder that this program has become one of the most attractive residency options in the UAE. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are looking to take advantage of the growing business and cultural environment in the UAE, applying for a Golden Visa could be the perfect next step for you.