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UAE Golden Visa Costs: Category-Based Breakdown
The costs associated with the golden visa in the UAE vary depending on the category, investment requirements, and government fees. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pricing:
1. Government & Application Fees
The main fees for most Golden Visa categories include:
- Visa issuance fee: Most applicants pay around AED 2,800-4,500 for the Golden Visa application and processing fee, depending on category and emirate.
- Emirates ID fee: For long‑term visas like the Golden Visa, the Emirates ID cost is typically AED 1,070-1,200 based on the validity period and service level.
- Medical fitness test fee: The mandatory health check usually costs around AED 400-1,000, though premium or fast‑track options may cost more.
- Processing & administrative charges: Additional admin, typing centre, and service charges often range from AED 500-1,500 or more. It depends on how you submit and whether you use service centres.
2. Investment Thresholds vs. Price Paid
The actual visa fees, processing charges, and other related costs are separate. They must be paid in addition to the investment. Refer to the table below for a better understanding:
| Visa Type | Minimum Investment Requirement | Typical Price Paid (Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa | AED 2,000,000 property | ~AED 10,250 |
| Bank Deposit | AED 2,000,000 deposit | From ~AED 4,600 |
| Managerial / Professional | Salary & diploma requirements | From ~AED 4,600 |
| Retiree | AED 1,000,000 investment/savings | ~AED 8,900 |
| Exceptional Talents & Students | Category-specific | Varies widely |
Note: Investment requirements are eligibility thresholds, not direct visa fees. Actual fees include government charges, Emirates ID, and medical tests.
3. Hidden and Additional Costs
In addition to the main Golden Visa fees, applicants should be aware of extra costs that may apply during the process. These expenses include:
- Mandatory medical fitness tests: Required for all residency visas and charged separately.
- Document attestation and translation: Applies to foreign degrees, certificates, and legal documents.
- Optional agent fees and PRO charges: Costs vary depending on whether third-party assistance is used.
These additional expenses can add a few hundred to several thousand AED to the total cost, depending on the services selected.
Golden Visa Benefits in the UAE: Price vs Value
Investing in a UAE Golden Visa service comes with higher fees than regular visas, but it offers significant long-term benefits. Here’s what you get for the cost:
- 10-Year Renewable Residence: The Golden Visa provides long-term stability with a 10-year residency. This reduces the need for frequent visa renewals in Dubai and the UAE.
- Live, Work, and Study Freely: Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, offering flexibility and independence.
- Family Sponsorship Benefits: Applicants can sponsor spouses, children, and sometimes parents, ensuring security and convenience for the entire family.
- Business Ownership Freedom: Investors and entrepreneurs can own and operate businesses more freely in the UAE.
- Travel Flexibility: The golden visa allows easier entry and exit from the UAE, reducing the need for repeated travel visas. This makes it convenient for frequent travelers and business professionals.
Overall, the Golden Visa benefits make living, working, and investing in the UAE easier and more rewarding.
