🇦🇪 UAE Immigration Hub 2026
The UAE's Golden Visa is self-sponsored and family-inclusive across 6 different routes — from real estate investment to skilled professional salary thresholds. Check which route fits you.
The Golden Visa is the UAE's flagship long-term residency route (5 or 10 years, self-sponsored, family-inclusive) across six main categories: real estate investor, public investment investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, specialized talent, and outstanding student. Check which route fits you with the Golden Visa calculator.
Since February 2026, the real estate investor route accepts mortgaged and off-plan property — a significant widening of access — as long as the certified value reaches AED 2,000,000 and a bank/developer NOC is provided. The skilled professional route requires AED 30,000+ monthly basic salary, a bachelor's degree, and a MOHRE skill-level 1 or 2 occupation.
The Golden Visa's key advantage over standard UAE residence visas is that it's self-sponsored — you can change jobs, start a business, or spend extended time outside the UAE without losing your residency status.
| Route | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Real Estate / Public Investment | AED 2,000,000+ |
| Skilled Professional (monthly salary) | AED 30,000+ |
| Entrepreneur (annual revenue) | AED 1,000,000+ |
| Outstanding Student (GPA) | 3.5+ from A/B-rated university |
| Visa term | 10 years (most routes) |
- Proof of investment or income — property title/mortgage certificate, business revenue documentation, or salary certificate depending on route
- Bank or developer NOC — required for mortgaged/off-plan property since the February 2026 rule change
- Educational credentials — required for skilled professional and outstanding student routes
- Government endorsement — required for the specialized talent category (e.g. Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education)
What's the minimum investment for the UAE Golden Visa?
AED 2,000,000 for both real estate and public investment routes. Since February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan properties qualify if certified value reaches this threshold with a bank/developer NOC.
Do I need an employer sponsor for the Golden Visa?
No — this is the Golden Visa's key advantage. It's self-sponsored, so you can change jobs, start a business, or travel extensively without losing your residency status.
What salary do I need for the skilled professional route?
AED 30,000+ monthly basic salary, a bachelor's degree, and an occupation classified at MOHRE skill level 1 or 2.