Guide
UAE golden visa cost: AED 2m property route, fees and family sponsorship
Updated
The UAE's 10-year golden visa is the most searched programme in the world. Here is what the property route actually costs, and who else qualifies without investing at all.
The property route: AED 2,000,000
Buy property worth at least AED 2,000,000 and you can apply for a 10-year renewable golden visa (UAE ICP; in Dubai, GDRFA). Off-plan purchases from approved developers and mortgaged property can qualify subject to conditions set by the land department and the issuing emirate, confirm the current position before you buy.
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Visa issuance, medical test, Emirates ID (main applicant) | ≈ AED 9,884 |
| Each sponsored dependant | ≈ AED 5,500 |
| Property threshold | AED 2,000,000 |
Fees vary by emirate, application channel and service centre, and are revised without much notice, treat these as estimates and verify with ICP or GDRFA before applying. Our calculator uses the same figures.
Categories that need no investment
- Skilled professionals earning AED 30,000+ per month in an eligible profession with a bachelor's degree.
- Doctors, scientists and specialists accredited by the relevant UAE bodies.
- Outstanding students and graduates of top-ranked universities meeting GPA conditions.
- Entrepreneurs with an approved project or accredited business incubator backing.
Family sponsorship
Golden visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children, under current practice sons up to 25 and unmarried daughters without an age limit, plus domestic workers. Each dependant pays their own visa and Emirates ID fees. Sponsorship rules are applied by the issuing emirate, so verify the current family rules for your emirate when you apply.