How to Apply for a Golden Visa UAE for Students

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows students to live, study, and grow in the United Arab Emirates. Unlike regular student visas, it offers 5 to 10 years of residency and does not require a local sponsor. 

As per the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), the total number of beneficiaries of the Golden Residency scheme for students reached 16,456 in 2025. This showcases the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for talent and innovation.

Some key benefits of the Golden Visa for students include:

• Family Support: Students can sponsor their parents and siblings, which ensures family support while living abroad.

• Study and Work Flexibility: The visa allows students to study while also taking internships or pursuing business opportunities.

• Multiple Entry Privileges: The visa offers easy re-entry to the UAE even after extended stays abroad. This reduces travel-related stress for international students.
• Access to Scholarships and Programs: Golden Visa students are often eligible for government-backed scholarships, research grants, and priority placement in innovation-driven programs.
• Better Career Opportunities: Long-term residency helps students transition smoothly from education to employment. This makes it easier for them to secure jobs in leading UAE companies and global firms operating in the region.
• Global Recognition: The UAE Golden Visa is well-recognized internationally. This strengthens a student’s academic profile and enhances global career prospects.

The UAE government regularly revises its Golden Visa policies to attract global talent, strengthen its education system, and provide long-term opportunities for students and professionals. These updates ensure that deserving candidates benefit from extended residency and greater career security. Below are some of the most important recent changes.

1. Expansion of eligibility to students and talented professionals: 

In May 2025, the UAE added five new Golden Visa categories tailored to growing talent sectors: nurses (with over 15 years of service), private educators, digital content creators, e-sports professionals, and luxury yacht executives. These additions offer 10-year self-sponsored residency options for those who plan their careers in these fields.

2. Greater access to standout students: 

The updated eligibility covers high school toppers and university graduates. Students who score 95% or more in the final grade or graduate from top-100 global universities with a strong GPA (e.g., 3.5-3.8+) can now apply directly after high school or university. 

3. Clarification on misinformation about “nomination-based lifetime visas”:

Recent media claims suggested that Indians could buy “lifetime Golden Visas” for AED 100,000. The UAE’s official authority (ICP) strongly debunked this. They confirmed that the Visa still requires formal nomination and approval, and no external consultancy or fee can shortcut the process.

4. Plans to support families and long-term resident benefits: 

Authorities have streamlined the Golden Visa to include easier family sponsorship. The visa now supports extended coverage for parents, children, spouses, and even domestic helpers, making long-term residency more accessible and family-friendly.

The UAE Golden Visa gives outstanding students a chance to stay long-term and pursue academic and career opportunities. Authorities have set clear benchmarks for eligibility. Meeting these requirements is essential for those exploring how to apply for Golden Visa as a student.

Applying for a UAE Golden Visa as a student requires careful preparation. Authorities check every document to confirm eligibility and maintain accuracy. Missing or incorrect paperwork often delays approval or leads to rejection. Collecting all documents in advance ensures a smoother process and increases the chances of quick approval.

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• Recent passport-size photographs that follow ICA guidelines.
• Academic transcripts or certificates proving high grades or achievements.
• Recommendation letters from schools, universities, or recognized authorities.
• Emirates ID and UAE entry permit or residency visa (if already living in the UAE).
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE health center.
• Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or scholarship details.
• Nomination approval letter for outstanding student applications.
• Graduation degree certificate attested by the Ministry of Education if from a UAE university.
• Equivalency certificate, for international degrees, issued by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Proof of university ranking, for international students applying under the “Top 100 Universities” criteria.
• Visa application form, generated during submission.

Applying for a Golden Visa as a student can feel complex, but the process becomes clear when broken down into simple steps. The application involves checking eligibility, preparing documents, and applying through official UAE portals. With the right preparation, students can secure long-term residency without unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Confirm that the student meets the academic criteria set by the UAE government. Typically, this includes top grades, graduation from UAE schools, or recognition as a high-achieving student.
• International students may also qualify if they meet excellence requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Collect essential documents, such as a valid passport, Emirates ID, photographs, and educational certificates.
• Secure a recommendation letter from the school or university if required.
• Translate or attest documents if they are not in Arabic or English.

Step 3: Apply Online Through the ICP or GDRFA Portal

• Visit the official ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) portals.
• Use ICA for visa applications, Emirates ID, and residency services across the UAE (except Dubai). Meanwhile, GDRFA is specifically used for residency and visa services in Dubai.
• Create an account and choose the Golden Visa student application option.
• Fill in the details accurately and upload scanned documents.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

• Pay visa application charges online through the official system.
• Fees vary depending on the application type and processing time.
• Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

• Authorities will review eligibility, documents, and payments.
• If needed, they may request additional documents.
• Processing usually takes 2-5 weeks.

Step 6: Receive the Golden Visa

• Once approved, authorities issue the visa and residence permit.
• Collect the visa through the portal or registered UAE visa services.
• Activate the visa by linking it with the Emirates ID and residency records.

Students applying for the UAE Golden Visa must pay several fees during the process. These include visa issuance, Emirates ID, medical examination, and service charges. Costs differ depending on visa duration, emirate, and service provider. Below is the estimated breakdown.

Note: The medical examination is required at the time of residency stamping/Emirates ID issuance, not always during the initial application.

The duration of the Golden Visa for students depends on academic performance and eligibility. Renewal keeps the residency valid and ensures uninterrupted benefits.

• Students receive the Golden Visa for 5 or 10 years, based on the category.
• The 5-year visa usually applies to outstanding school students.
• The 10-year visa covers exceptional graduates, researchers, and high achievers.
• The visa stays valid as long as the student follows residency rules and academic requirements.
• Renewal is possible before expiry by submitting updated academic records, Emirates ID, and medical results.
• Students must apply through the ICA or the emirate’s authority for renewal.
• Renewal fees are generally the same as initial application fees.
• Processing usually takes a few weeks, depending on the authority.

The UAE Golden Visa opens doors to stability, growth, and global opportunities. Students gain long-term residency, freedom from sponsorship, and a strong base for future careers. With updated rules and growing benefits, the visa reflects the UAE’s vision to attract talent and innovation. 

By applying step by step, students can secure not just education but a brighter future in one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs.