10-year self-sponsored UAE residence with no employer sponsor needed. Multiple paths: AED 2M property, exceptional talent, top student, scientist, healthcare worker.
Official name: Golden Residence Visa (Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2022)
Not legal or immigration advice
This page summarizes publicly available information from official immigration authorities. Visa rules change frequently and individual circumstances matter. Verify with the relevant consulate, embassy, or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
$3,000–$10,000
30–90 days
120 months
Yes
The UAE Golden Visa, launched in 2019 and significantly expanded under Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2022 (effective October 2022), grants a 10-year residence permit that is self-sponsored — no employer or sponsor needed. Multiple pathways exist, but the most-used by foreigners are: AED 2 million property investment (must be unencumbered or 50% paid), exceptional talent (cultural, scientific, athletic, technological — endorsement from a federal agency required), top university student (high GPA + recognized institution), and 'specialized talent' (PhDs, doctors, scientists, top managers, creatives). Renewable indefinitely. Like all UAE visas: 0% personal income tax, full UAE residence rights, can sponsor family without restrictions, and a 6-month absence allowance preserves residency. The visa replaced the older 'Investor Residence' that required employer or property anchor.
Government fee
$1,100
Lawyer / agent
$1,500–$5,000
All-in (incl. medical, translation, travel)
$3,000–$10,000
Minimum income/savings: ~$0/year. No income floor for property/investor tracks. Specialist talent track requires AED 30,000+/month (~$98K/yr).
Initial visa
120 months
Path to residency
Direct on arrival
Path to citizenship
No
0% personal income tax for both residents and non-residents. Corporate tax (9%) applies to business profits exceeding AED 375,000 (~$102K). VAT 5%. No social security for expats. Long-term Golden Visa holders typically establish UAE tax residency (183-day test or center-of-vital-interests) to access UAE's 130+ DTA network — a powerful tool for restructuring out of high-tax origin countries. See /tax/calculator/ae.
Triggering threshold: more than 183 days physical presence.