What exactly is the UAE Executive Golden Visa?

The UAE Executive Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program granting a 10-year renewable visa. It is designed for high-level professionals and senior management, allowing them to live, work, and invest in the Emirates without a traditional sponsor.

Who is eligible for the Executive Golden Visa?

Eligibility is for individuals in senior leadership roles classified by MOHRE as Level 1 or 2, such as CEO, General Manager, Executive Director, CFO, COO, and other board members who meet specific salary, education, and experience requirements.

What is the minimum salary for the Executive Golden Visa?

The minimum salary requirement is typically AED 30,000 per month. For certain roles like Executive Director, the threshold increases to AED 50,000 per month, which must be verified with a valid employment contract.

How many years of experience are required for this visa?

Applicants generally need a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant senior management role. As of February 2025, a new 2-year tenure requirement with the current employer may apply for certain direct applications.

Do I need a university degree, and what is 'degree equivalency'?

Yes, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement. If your degree is from a university outside the UAE, you must obtain an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) to certify that it meets local academic standards.

What is the main difference between a Golden Visa and a regular employment visa?

The Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer, giving you the freedom to switch jobs or start a business without losing your residency. A regular employment visa is dependent on your employer.

Can I sponsor my family with the Executive Golden Visa?

Yes, comprehensive family sponsorship is a core benefit. You can sponsor your spouse, children (with no age limit), parents, and an unlimited number of domestic helpers for the same 10-year residency duration.

How much does the Executive Golden Visa cost in total?

The total cost includes government fees for the residency permit (approx. AED 2,790) and Emirates ID (approx. AED 1,070), plus administrative costs. An all-inclusive service package is typically around AED 8,500.

Can I stay outside the UAE for long periods with this visa?

Yes. Unlike standard visas that require you to return within six months, the Golden Visa allows for extended travel freedom, letting you stay abroad for longer periods without your residency becoming invalid.

Does the Golden Visa allow me to own a business in the UAE?

Yes, it offers significant business opportunities, including the eligibility for 100% business ownership on the UAE mainland, a key advantage for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

What is the application process for the Executive Golden Visa like?

The process involves an eligibility check, document gathering (including degree equivalency), application submission, a medical examination, and final visa issuance. Using a professional service streamlines this multi-stage procedure.

How long does the Golden Visa application process usually take?

Once all documents are correctly submitted, the processing time is typically between 2 to 4 weeks. The document preparation phase, especially for degree equivalency, can take longer.

Are the requirements the same in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The core federal requirements from the ICP are consistent across all emirates. However, there can be minor procedural differences, and specific platforms like HUB71 in Abu Dhabi or AREA 2071 in Dubai might be used for certain application tracks.

Is the Executive Golden Visa renewable after 10 years?

Yes, the visa is renewable for another 10-year term upon expiry, provided you continue to meet the qualifying criteria for your category, ensuring true long-term residency.

Executive Golden Visa UAE

Tired of visa renewals tying you down like a ball and chain? The UAE Executive Golden Visa is your golden ticket to a 10-year renewable residency that screams freedom, stability, and opportunity in the global business hub of Dubai. Tailored for C-suite executives, general managers, board directors, and senior professionals, this prestigious visa isn’t just paperwork—it’s your launchpad to 100% business ownership, tax-free income, and a secure future for your family. With clear eligibility criteria based on your professional experience and salary, the path to a thriving career in the UAE is closer than you think. Let Company Formation Corporate Service Provider guide you through the application process with expert assistance to unlock your long-term residency. Ready to take control? Let’s make it happen.

Key Benefits of Executive Golden Visa in Dubai

The UAE Golden Visa for Executives isn’t just a residency permit—it’s a game-changer for senior professionals and their families. Designed to fuel your career mobility and financial growth in Dubai’s booming economy, this visa offers unmatched security, flexibility, and lifestyle upgrades. Here’s why it’s the best choice for ambitious leaders.

10-Year Residency

Say goodbye to the stress of short-term visa renewals. The Executive Golden Visa grants you a 10-year residency, renewable for another decade, giving you unshakable stability to plan your career, build business ventures, and settle into UAE life without constant paperwork. It’s the long-term security every executive craves.

Family sponsorship

Bring your loved ones along for the ride. The Golden Visa lets you sponsor your spouse, children (no age limits), parents, and even domestic helpers, ensuring everyone enjoys the same residency benefits. With comprehensive sponsorship, your family can thrive in Dubai’s vibrant ecosystem, from top-tier schools to world-class healthcare.

Career Mobility

Why let a visa chain you to one employer? Unlike traditional residency permits, the Golden Visa is employer-independent, giving you the freedom to switch leadership roles, start your own company with 100% mainland ownership, or invest in Dubai’s real estate and commercial sectors. Take control of your professional destiny with unmatched flexibility.

Tax-Free Income

Keep more of what you earn. Dubai’s zero personal income tax means your salary and investments go further, boosting your savings and wealth optimization in one of the world’s leading economies. It’s a financial advantage that makes every paycheck feel like a bonus.

Required Documents for Executive Golden Visa in Dubai

To apply for the Executive Golden Visa, you’ll need to gather a few key documents. Here’s the checklist to ensure a smooth application process:

Affordable Executive Golden Visa Cost in Dubai

Worried about Golden Visa costs? Relax—it’s more transparent and affordable than you think. The total investment includes government fees, administrative costs, and our expert assistance for a hassle-free process. Here’s the breakdown:

Residency Permit: ~AED 2,790 (~USD 760) for the 10-year visa.
Emirates ID: ~AED 1,070 (~USD 291) for your identification document.
Medical Test: ~AED 300–600 (~USD 82–164) for the mandatory health check.
All-Inclusive Package: Our comprehensive service starts at ~AED 8,500 (~USD 2,315), covering all fees, medical tests, and application support for a seamless experience.

With no hidden surprises, our business setup consultants ensure you know exactly what you’re paying for. Want a precise quote tailored to your needs? Contact us today for personalized guidance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Executive Golden Visa in Dubai

Securing your Executive Golden Visa is straightforward with the right plan. Follow these action-oriented steps to apply and start your UAE journey:

33 | Company Formation Corporate Services Provider

Check Eligibility

Holding a certified degree from the university.
Minimum 5 years of experience.
Salary not less than AED 50,000.
Valid work contract.

34 | Company Formation Corporate Services Provider

Apply For Golden Visa

Submit the Golden visa nomination request
Authorities review your eligibility and send an approval

35 | Company Formation Corporate Services Provider

Medical Test & Biometrics

Complete medical tests and biometrics
Ensure you have active health insurance

36 | Company Formation Corporate Services Provider

Receive Your Golden Visa

Get your 10-year Golden Visa and Emirates ID
You're now eligible to sponsor family and business partners

Frequently Asked Questions about Executive Golden Visa

The UAE Executive Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program designed to attract and retain high-level professionals and senior management talent. It grants a 10-year renewable visa, providing unparalleled stability for executives and their families to live, work, and invest in the Emirates without needing a traditional sponsor.

Eligibility is targeted at individuals in senior leadership roles. This includes professionals classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) as Level 1 or 2, such as a CEO, General Manager, Executive Director, CFO, COO, or other board members and senior executives who meet specific salary, education, and experience requirements.

The minimum salary requirement is typically AED 30,000 per month. However, for certain high-level positions like an Executive Director, the required salary threshold increases to AED 50,000 per month. This must be proven with a valid employment contract and salary certificate.

Applicants generally need a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant senior management or executive position. Additionally, as of February 2025, a new 2-year tenure requirement with your current employer may apply for certain direct applications, so it's crucial to verify the latest rules.

Yes, a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement. If your degree was obtained from a university outside the UAE, you must get an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). This process certifies that your foreign degree meets the UAE's academic standards and is a mandatory step in the application.

The key difference is freedom. A regular employment visa is tied to your employer, meaning if you lose your job, you lose your residency. The Golden Visa is not linked to a specific employer, giving you the flexibility to switch jobs, start your own business, or even remain unemployed for a period without losing your residency status.

Absolutely. Comprehensive family sponsorship is a core benefit. You can sponsor your spouse, children (with no age restrictions), and parents for the same 10-year residency duration. You can also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, providing complete peace of mind for your family's stability.

While official government fees for the residency permit (approx. AED 2,790) and Emirates ID (approx. AED 1,070) are fixed, the total cost varies. An all-inclusive service package, which includes these fees, your medical test, and expert assistance, is typically around AED 8,500.

Yes. This is a major advantage. Unlike standard residency visas that become invalid if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months, the Golden Visa allows you to enjoy extended travel freedom, staying abroad for longer periods without impacting your residency status.

Yes, it provides significant business opportunities. As a Golden Visa holder, you have the flexibility to establish your own company and are eligible for 100% business ownership on the UAE mainland, an advantage previously reserved for investors in free zones.

The process involves several key steps: securing a nomination or applying directly, gathering essential documents (passport, degree, work contract), obtaining your degree equivalency certificate, passing a medical examination, and finally, getting the visa stamped. Using a professional service simplifies this multi-stage procedure significantly.

The processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your documentation and the time required for degree equivalency. However, once all documents are submitted correctly, the process can often be completed within 2 to 4 weeks.

The core federal requirements set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) are the same across all emirates. However, specific platforms like Abu Dhabi's HUB71 or Dubai's AREA 2071 may be used for entrepreneur-track applications, and minor procedural differences can exist between emirates.

Yes, the visa is renewable upon expiry. As long as you continue to meet the qualifying criteria for your category (e.g., salary, professional role), you can renew your Golden Visa for another 10-year term, ensuring true long-term residency.

The UAE has introduced a compassionate rule for Golden Visa holders. In the unfortunate event that the primary visa holder passes away, their sponsored family members are permitted to stay in the UAE until the end of their existing permit's duration, providing crucial stability during a difficult time.

Business Setup Mainland

Business Setup Freezone

Business Setup Offshore

PRO Services in UAE

Other PRO Services

UAE Visa Services

UAE Golden Visa Services

Accounting Services

Latest Blogs

UAE Golden Visa for UK Citizens

Benefits of a Mainland License Over a Free Zone License