The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced significant updates to its Golden Visa program for 2025, creating new opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students to secure long-term residency in the country. The changes aim to make the UAE an even more attractive destination for global talent and investment.
The Golden Visa provides a stable residency option for individuals and families, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a sponsor. The visa is valid for five to ten years, offering recipients the chance to build a long-term future in the country.
Expanded Opportunities for Residency
The program now includes a broader range of eligibility categories. Individuals who invest in off-plan properties (under-construction properties) can qualify for the Golden Visa by making a down payment of at least 50% or providing a bank guarantee for the remaining amount.
Entrepreneurs are also a key focus of the updated program. Those with innovative business ideas or projects supported by government-approved incubators, such as Dubai’s AREA 2071 or Abu Dhabi’s HUB71, can now apply. Additionally, the minimum project value required has been reduced to AED 500,000, making the visa more accessible to startups and small businesses.
Skilled professionals, including PhD holders, doctors, engineers, and creatives in art and culture, now face fewer documentation requirements if they have a valid work contract in the UAE. High-achieving students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher, whether in high school or university, are also eligible for the Golden Visa. Notably, students can sponsor their families, including parents and siblings, to live in the UAE.
Investors, too, have clearer guidelines. To qualify, they must invest at least AED 2 million in an approved investment fund, own a company paying AED 250,000 or more in annual taxes, or make fully paid real estate investments worth at least AED 2 million.
Supporting Global Talent
The updates aim to enhance the UAE’s appeal to individuals specializing in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, big data, and the arts. Professionals with endorsements from UAE government entities or business incubators can apply under these categories.
Speaking on the updated program, a government official emphasized, “The UAE is committed to attracting global talent and investment, and the Golden Visa is a key initiative to achieve this goal. By expanding eligibility and simplifying the application process, we aim to make residency in the UAE more accessible than ever.”
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Streamlined Application Process
The UAE has also simplified the application process for the Golden Visa. Applicants must visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) website or mobile app to submit a nomination. They are required to upload documents, including a passport copy, proof of investment, academic credentials, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Once the nomination is approved, applicants receive an invitation to complete the visa application process, which includes biometric registration and a medical examination.
“The new process ensures quick and easy application processing for all eligible individuals,” the official added.
A Program for the Future
As of 2024, the inclusion of off-plan property investments and reduced thresholds for entrepreneurs highlight the UAE’s focus on innovation and economic growth. Outstanding students and specialized talents in advanced fields will play a key role in shaping the country’s future.
The Golden Visa program reflects the UAE’s long-term vision of becoming a global hub for talent, innovation, and investment. These updates not only make it easier for expatriates and their families to gain stable residency but also position the UAE as a top destination for global achievers.