Golden Visa Dubai: Costs, Eligibility, & Benefits 2025
October 7, 2021
October 23, 2025
June 24, 2025
October 23, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Application Fees and Processing Charges
In 2025, the application fee for the UAE Golden Visa generally ranges between AED 2,500 and AED 7,000, depending on the category under which you apply. Additional processing charges, medical tests, and Emirates ID registration fees apply separately. These mandatory costs cumulatively represent the initial investment required for securing residency.
2. Category-Specific Investment Thresholds
Golden Visa eligibility often necessitates a minimum investment, such as property purchase or business capital. For investors, the threshold is typically AED 2 million in real estate or AED 500,000 in a business. Entrepreneurs and specialised professionals might be evaluated based on criteria beyond monetary investment but should expect ancillary costs linked to qualification verification.
3. Validity Period and Renewal Expenses
The Golden Visa can be granted for 5 or 10 years, with a commensurate variation in renewal fees. Renewal costs are usually lower than the initial application fees but still mandatory to maintain residency benefits. Prospective applicants should consider the long-term commitment involved in fee payments and document validity.
4. Additional Costs for Dependants
Applications covering family members entail supplementary fees. Dependants such as spouses and children are subject to separate application and identity processing charges. It is essential to budget accordingly to secure residency status for all intended family members.
5. Legal and Consultancy Fees
Many applicants engage specialised legal or consultancy services to navigate the application process. These professional fees vary widely but can significantly impact the overall expenditure. While not compulsory, expert guidance ensures compliance and smooth processing, which may justify the additional cost.
Thinking about staying in Dubai for the long haul? You’re not alone.
The Golden Visa in UAE is not just a residency shortcut, it’s a launchpad. With over 150k Golden Visas issued since launch, it’s a bedrock of stability, ownership, and global access for founders, investors, and highly skilled professionals.
But what’s the cost in 2025? And how do you qualify? This guide takes you through everything from the Golden Visa cost in Dubai to why the right business setup matters.
And while Meydan Free Zone doesn’t issue Golden Visas, we help you build a business that ticks every box.
Understanding Golden Visa in Dubai and Its Eligibility Categories
In short, the Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency visa introduced by the UAE to attract extraordinary talent, investors, and innovators. Yielding this visa removes the need to look for a local sponsor, offers full time family coverage, and supports long-term living and working in Dubai.
It’s your golden gate to freedom, ownership, and a bright future in Dubai.
So, what does golden visa eligibility in the UAE look like in 2025?
- Entrepreneurs: If you own a business generating at least AED 1 million in revenue annually
- Skilled professionals: Earning a minimum monthly basic salary of AED 30,000 and classified MOHRE Level 1 or 2
- Property investors: Those buying real estate worth AED 2 million+
- Scientists & innovators: Anyone endorsed by the Emirates Scientists Council
- Top students or graduates: Has a high GPA or from a top 100 globally ranked university
- Creative talent: Recognised by the Ministry of Culture for exceptional work in the arts
If you’re launching through Meydan Free Zone, you’re already taking a smart first step under the entrepreneur route. Why? You’re set for success using fast-track licensing and a robust setup.
Cost of Getting A Golden Visa in Dubai in 2025
Wondering what the UAE Golden Visa price looks like this year?
Whether you’re applying as an investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional, here’s a simple breakdown of the cost of golden visa in Dubai to help you budget smart when applying:
Keep in mind that this is the average cost of a golden visa in Dubai in 2025. Prices are subject to change.
At Meydan Free Zone, we help founders set up structures that align with Golden Visa eligibility. So that when you’re ready to apply, everything is already set in place.
Benefits of Getting a Golden Visa in Dubai
A Golden Visa in Dubai is not just about staying here for longer, but living freer.
Imagine what you could build with 10 years of renewable residency in a city made of ambition. No local sponsor, no renewal stress, and full coverage for your family. And it does get better.
You’re free to live, work, study, and invest across the UAE. You also gain 100% business ownership in Dubai, rapid access to essentials like property and bank accounts, and the peace of mind to scale without borders.
This is your foundation to create, grow, and stay rooted in Dubai for the long run. And Meydan Free Zone is your enabler.
Building a Business Setup That Supports Golden Visa Eligibility With Meydan Free Zone
If you’re aiming for a long-term residency visa in the UAE through the Golden Visa, your business setup needs to be solid from day one. And that’s exactly where Meydan Free Zone comes in.
While we don’t issue the visa itself, we help you build with intention, so you’re not just running a business, but building eligibililty.
- Setup tailored to your journey: Your business license is your gateway to tapping into massive business potential. At Meydan Free Zone, whether you’re a soloprenuer or a startup owner, we’ve got you covered. There’s Fawri for when you need speed, and our Regular license for when you need scale.
- Fast-track licensing: Get your Fawri business license in under an hour with our fully digital setup. Forget about piling paperwork and unnecessary delays.
- Comprehensive business model: Choose from 2500+ business activities so your business can reflect what you do and where you’re going.
- Financial credibility: Need help maintaining clean and audit-ready records? We’ll help you show AED 1MN+ in revenue to meet critical thresholds for eligibility.
- Bank ready structure: Need support sifting through bank account procedures? Don’t worry. We help you open a UAE bank account with full documentation support, making transparency easier when applying for your visa.
With Meydan Free Zone, you’ve already laid the groundwork with a compliant, smart business setup. If long-term residency is your goal, your journey starts with the right license, the right structure, and the right support.
FAQs
1. How much are the Dubai 10-year visa fees in 2025?
The Dubai Golden Visa costs between AED 3,500 and AED 10,000 in 2025. Fees include visa issuance, a 10-year Emirates ID, and medical testing. The exact amount depends on your visa category, such as entrepreneur, professional, or property investor.
2. What’s included in the Golden Visa application in Dubai?
The application includes the visa issuance fee, medical fitness test, 10-year Emirates ID, and background checks. You must also submit supporting documents like property ownership, business licenses, salary proof, or academic credentials—depending on your eligibility category.
3. How much is the Golden Visa in UAE for entrepreneurs or professionals?
Entrepreneurs and professionals typically pay around AED 3,500. This covers approximately AED 1,640 for the visa, AED 700 for the medical test, and AED 1,153 for the Emirates ID. Additional service or PRO fees may apply if processed through third-party agents.
4. What are the key Dubai Golden Visa requirements in 2025?
Golden Visa eligibility in Dubai depends on your category:
• Property investors: AED 2M+ in real estate
• Entrepreneurs: AED 1M+ annual revenue or AED 2M in funding
• Professionals: AED 30K+ monthly salary and university degree
All applicants need valid health insurance, a clean record, and must pass a medical test.
5. Can I apply for the Golden Visa through Meydan Free Zone?
Meydan Free Zone doesn’t issue Golden Visas directly, but it helps entrepreneurs and investors build eligibility by setting up compliant, revenue-generating businesses. Once qualified, you can apply for the Golden Visa through government channels like GDRFA or DLD.
6. Do I need a local sponsor for the Golden Visa in Dubai?
No, the Golden Visa is self-sponsored. You do not need a local partner or UAE national. It grants you full ownership of your business and lets you sponsor family members, including your spouse, children, and parents.
7. How long does the Golden Visa process take after applying?
Processing the Dubai Golden Visa typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. GDRFA approvals may be issued in as little as 48 hours, while applications through the Dubai Land Department for property investors can take up to 10 working days.
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