Golden Visa 10 Year UAE Lawyer: Eligibility, Documentation and Renewal

The UAE 10-year Golden Visa is granted under the UAE Cabinet Decision that established the programme and the Federal Decree-Law governing foreign residency, and it is available to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, or property owners who meet the set criteria.

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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE UAE 10-YEAR GOLDEN VISA?

Eligibility covers investors in public investments, entrepreneurs with approved projects, specialised talents in science, culture or sport, and property owners who purchase real estate above the prescribed threshold. Each category is defined by the Cabinet Decision that outlines qualifying activities and minimum investment levels.

To qualify as an investor, an applicant must either deposit at least AED 10 million in an UAE-based investment fund, establish a company with a capital of not less than AED 10 million, or partner in an existing company with a comparable capital contribution. Entrepreneurs must hold a project approved by an accredited UAE incubator or accelerator, demonstrating innovative potential and a clear business plan. Specialised talents need a contract or employment letter from a UAE-based entity, accompanied by evidence of internationally recognised achievements such as patents, awards or significant publications. Property owners must acquire one or more properties with a total value of not less than AED 2 million, provided the purchase is free from mortgages or loans. The applicant must also hold a valid passport, pass a security clearance, and undergo a medical examination as required by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE 10-YEAR GOLDEN VISA?

Applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport copy, recent passport-size photographs, proof of eligibility according to the chosen category, and a clear criminal-record certificate from their country of residence.

For investor applicants, the package includes a bank-issued certificate confirming the AED 10 million deposit, incorporation documents of the UAE company, shareholder register, and audited financial statements. Entrepreneurs need the incubator approval letter, a detailed business plan, proof of funding, and any relevant intellectual-property registrations. Specialised talent applicants must provide an employment contract, copies of academic degrees, award certificates, patent registrations, or letters of recommendation from recognised institutions. Property owners submit the title deed, sales agreement, and a valuation report from an authorised real-estate evaluator. All documents not originally in Arabic or English must be accompanied by a certified translation. The application also requires a completed medical fitness report from an approved UAE health centre and an Emirates ID application form.

HOW DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS WORK AND WHAT ARE THE TIMELINES?

The process begins with online submission through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship portal, followed by document verification, security screening, and issuance of an entry permit if applicable, before the residency visa is stamped.

After creating an account, the applicant uploads the completed form and supporting files. The system issues a payment reference for the service fee, which must be settled within five working days. Once payment is confirmed, the authority conducts a preliminary document review; any missing items trigger a notification allowing seven days for correction. Successful preliminary review leads to a security clearance request sent to the relevant police department, a step that normally takes ten to fifteen working days. Upon clearance, the applicant receives an approval notice and must schedule a biometric appointment at an Amer centre or similar service point. The biometric session captures fingerprints, a photograph, and signatures. The final residency permit is printed and delivered within three to five working days after biometrics. Overall, from submission to receipt of the Golden Visa card, the typical timeline ranges from four to six weeks, assuming all documents are correct and no additional security checks are required.

WHAT ARE THE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 10-YEAR GOLDEN VISA?

Renewal follows the same eligibility criteria as the initial grant; applicants must demonstrate continued compliance with the investment, entrepreneurial, talent or property conditions that qualified them originally.

At the end of each ten-year period, the holder submits a renewal application before the current visa expires, ideally thirty days prior. The renewal package mirrors the original submission: a valid passport copy, updated photographs, proof that the qualifying investment or activity remains active, and a fresh criminal-record certificate. For investors, this means providing recent bank statements showing the maintained AED 10 million fund or updated company financials reflecting ongoing capital. Entrepreneurs present the latest progress report from the incubator, evidence of sustained revenue, and any new intellectual-property filings. Specialised talent applicants submit an updated employment contract, recent performance evaluations, and any new accolades or publications. Property owners supply the current title deed and a valuation confirming the property's market value remains above AED 2 million. Medical fitness and security clearance are repeated as part of the renewal. If the authority finds the holder no longer meets the criteria, the renewal may be denied, and the individual would need to switch to an alternative residency option or leave the country.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE AFTER OBTAINING THE GOLDEN VISA?

Changes such as selling the qualifying property, reducing investment below the threshold, or terminating the entrepreneurial project must be reported; failure to do so can affect visa validity.

The Golden Visa is tied to the qualifying activity at the time of approval. Should an investor liquidate the AED 10 million fund, they must either reinvest an equivalent amount in another approved avenue or risk cancellation. Entrepreneurs who cease operations must either pivot to a new approved project within six months or apply for a different residency category. Specialised talent who change employers must obtain a new contract that still meets the talent criteria and notify the authority within thirty days. Property owners who sell their asset must either purchase another property meeting the AED 2 million threshold or transition to a different residency route. The authority reviews any reported change during the next routine renewal or upon a specific request for amendment. If the change results in non-compliance, the visa may be revoked, and the holder could face fines or a requirement to leave the UAE. Prompt disclosure and timely corrective action are essential to maintain residency status.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the minimum stay required to maintain the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa does not impose a minimum annual stay; holders may reside outside the UAE for extended periods as long as the visa remains valid and renewal conditions are met.

Can family members be included in the Golden Visa application?
Yes, the spouse and children under eighteen years of age can be added as dependents, provided they submit passport copies, photographs, and medical fitness reports.

Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is no upper age limit; applicants of any age may qualify if they meet the investment, entrepreneurial, talent or property criteria.

How much does the Golden Visa application cost?
The government service fee is AED 3 800 for the principal applicant and AED 900 for each dependent, plus additional charges for medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and any authorised typing centre fees.

Can I work for any employer with the Golden Visa?
Holders may work for any employer in the private sector without needing a separate labour card, provided the employment complies with UAE labour laws.

What happens if my passport expires while the Golden Visa is valid?
The visa remains linked to the passport number; upon passport renewal, the holder must visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to transfer the visa to the new passport, presenting the old and new passports along with a copy of the visa card.

If your matter involves golden visa 10 year lawyer in the United Arab Emirates, you are welcome to request a consultation with Nour Attorneys. Our team can assess your position under the law currently in force and outline the options available to you. Request a consultation

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