The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term 10-year renewable residency visa that allows investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. One of the most common questions we get at Takween Advisory is: how much does the UAE Golden Visa actually cost?
In this guide, we break down the exact fees, government charges, and total costs by category - so you know exactly what to budget before you apply.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa was introduced by the UAE government in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022. It grants a renewable 10-year residency to eligible applicants across several categories, including real estate investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and talented individuals.
Unlike a regular UAE residence visa, the Golden Visa is not tied to an employer, meaning you retain your residency even if you change jobs or leave the country for extended periods.
UAE Golden Visa Price: Quick Summary (2026)
Before diving into the full breakdown, here's a quick overview of the total costs by category:
| Visa Category | Investment Requirement | Total Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investor | AED 2 million property | AED 9,685 - 10,250 |
| Bank Deposit Investor | AED 2 million fixed deposit | AED 4,600 - 5,000 |
| Skilled Professional / Executive | Salary AED 30,000+/month | AED 4,600 - 5,000 |
| Entrepreneur | Approved startup/project | AED 4,700 - 6,500 |
| Outstanding Talent | Category-specific | AED 4,700 - 6,500 |
| Retiree | AED 1 million assets | AED 8,900 |
| Family Member (per person) | Sponsored by main holder | AED 5,775 |
Full UAE Golden Visa Fee Breakdown (2026)
Every Golden Visa applicant - regardless of category - pays a set of mandatory government fees. Here is what each fee covers:
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Issuance Fee (GDRFA / ICP) - Inside UAE | AED 1,640 - 2,800 | Standard government processing |
| Visa Issuance - Outside UAE | AED 3,800 - 4,800 | Includes entry visa processing |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | AED 1,153 | Mandatory for all UAE residents |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 300 - 700 | HIV screening + chest X-ray at an approved center |
| Status Change Fee (visit to residence) | AED 500 | Only if converting inside UAE |
| Knowledge & Innovation Dirham | AED 20 | Government levy |
| Dubai Land Department Fee (property route only) | AED 4,020 | Real estate investors via DLD |
| Administrative / Typing Fees | AED 150 - 500 | Depends on service center |
Total from Inside UAE (non-property route): Approximately AED 4,600 - 5,000
Total from Inside UAE (property/real estate route): Approximately AED 9,685 - 10,250
UAE Golden Visa Cost by Category
1. Real Estate Investor Golden Visa
To qualify, you must own property in the UAE worth a minimum of AED 2 million. The property can be mortgaged, but the paid-up value must reach AED 2 million.
Total estimated cost: AED 9,685 - 10,250
- Visa application fee: AED 2,856
- Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,153
- Dubai Land Department fee: AED 4,020
- Medical test: AED 700
- Admin fees: AED 1,155
2. Bank Deposit Investor Golden Visa
Requires a minimum AED 2 million fixed deposit in a UAE-accredited bank for a minimum of 3 years.
Total estimated cost: AED 4,600 - 5,000
- Visa application fee: AED 2,800 - 3,800
- Emirates ID: AED 1,153
- Medical test: AED 300 - 700
Skilled Professional / Executive Golden Visa
You must earn a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 and hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is one of the most accessible Golden Visa categories for expats already living in the UAE.
Total estimated cost: AED 4,600 - 5,000
- Visa application fee: AED 2,855 - 3,860
- Emirates ID: AED 1,153
- Medical test: AED 300 - 700
4. Entrepreneur / Startup Golden Visa
Requires owning or co-founding a UAE-registered company valued at a minimum of AED 500,000, or having an approved project by an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
Total estimated cost: AED 4,700 - 6,500
- Processing varies based on approval route (GDRFA or free zone authority)
- Additional business valuation and attestation fees may apply
5. Outstanding Talent Golden Visa
This category covers doctors, scientists, artists, athletes, inventors, and individuals recognized for exceptional achievement in their field.
Total estimated cost: AED 4,700 - 6,500
- Nomination or endorsement letter from the relevant UAE authority is mandatory
- Costs vary based on the issuing authority and talent category
6. Retiree Golden Visa
Applicants must meet one of these conditions:
- Own property worth at least AED 1 million
- Have AED 1 million in savings in a UAE bank
- Have a monthly income of at least AED 20,000
Total estimated cost: AED 8,900+
This is among the higher-cost categories due to additional documentation and longer processing requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor Your Family?
Once you hold a Golden Visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents. Here are the approximate costs:
| Family Member | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Spouse | AED 5,775 |
| Child (per child) | AED 5,775 |
| Parents | AED 5,775 per person |
| Family file opening fee | AED 319 |
Children of any age and unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of age, which is a major benefit over standard UAE residence visas.
UAE Golden Visa: Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Many applicants budget only for the visa fee but overlook these additional charges:
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for all UAE residents. Budget AED 800 - 2,500/year,depending on your plan
- Document Attestation: If applying from abroad, expect AED 1,000 - 3,000 for attestation and translation
- Typing / PRO Service Fees: AED 150 - 500 depending on the service center
- VIP Medical Examination: Premium service available at select centers for AED 700+
- Visa Renewal (every 10 years): Budget approximately AED 2,000 - 5,000 for renewal
UAE Golden Visa Price in Indian Rupees (INR)
Many applicants from India search for Golden Visa costs in INR. Based on current exchange rates (1 AED ≈ ₹23.5):
| Category | AED Cost | Approx. INR Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Professional/Skilled Worker | AED 4,600 - 5,000 | ₹1,08,100 - ₹1,17,500 |
| Real Estate Investor | AED 9,685 - 10,250 | ₹2,27,600 - ₹2,40,900 |
| Retiree | AED 8,900 | ₹2,09,150+ |
Note: INR amounts are approximate and subject to live exchange rates at the time of application.
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa: Step-by-Step
1. Confirm your eligibility - Check which category you qualify for (investor, professional, talent, etc.)
2. Gather your documents - Passport, Emirates ID (if already a resident), proof of income/investment, educational certificates
3. Submit your application - Via the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal, GDRFA Dubai, or through an approved typing center
4. Complete medical fitness test - At an approved UAE medical center
5. Emirates ID registration - Biometric data submission at an ICP service center
6. Receive your Golden Visa - Processing typically takes 5-15 working days
UAE Golden Visa vs. Regular UAE Residence Visa
| Feature | Regular Residence Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2-3 years | 10 years (renewable) |
| Tied to employer? | Yes | No |
| Sponsor required? | Yes | No |
| Family sponsorship | Limited | Full (spouse, children, parents) |
| Time outside UAE before cancellation | 6 months | No limit |
| Can own 100% business? | Depends on category | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the UAE Golden Visa price in 2026?The UAE Golden Visa costs between AED 4,600 and AED 10,250 in 2026, depending on your category. Real estate investors pay the highest fees (up to ~AED 10,250) due to Dubai Land Department charges, while skilled professionals and bank deposit investors pay approximately AED 4,600 - 5,000.
Q: Can I apply for a UAE Golden Visa from outside the UAE?Yes. Applications from outside the UAE cost between AED 3,800 - 4,800 for visa processing, slightly higher than inside-UAE applications.
Q: How long does the UAE Golden Visa take to process?Processing takes approximately 5 to 15 working days after all documents are submitted and the medical test is completed.
Is the UAE Golden Visa renewable?Yes. The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Does the UAE Golden Visa grant citizenship?No. The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit, not citizenship. UAE citizenship is a separate process and is not automatically granted through the Golden Visa program.
Can I include my parents in a UAE Golden Visa?Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor both parents, unlike regular UAE residents who typically cannot sponsor parents easily.
Get Your UAE Golden Visa with Takween Advisory
Navigating the UAE Golden Visa process can be complex - from confirming eligibility to submitting the right documents and avoiding costly delays. At Takween Advisory, we handle the entire Golden Visa application process for you, from eligibility assessment to final visa stamping.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out which Golden Visa category you qualify for.