How to Get a Sharjah Golden Visa
Invest in property or a business, or qualify as an entrepreneur, specialist talent, or exceptional student to receive a Sharjah Golden Visa in 2025. Upload documents such as title deed, passport copy, health certificate, or health insurance proof, on the ICP Website or the UAEICP App. It generally takes 3 months, costs approximately AED 10,000–10,400 (excludes health insurance), and comes with residency for up to 5 or 10 years, along with family sponsorship, tax-free income, and no local sponsor. Read for a step-by-step guide, eligibility information, and tips from insiders.
What Is the Sharjah Golden Visa?
The Sharjah Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that lets you live, work, and study in Sharjah, the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates, for a period of five or ten years. As a feature of the UAE Golden Visa program, the scheme is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, academics and students, and skilled individuals who add to Sharjah’s dynamic community of culture and commerce. This long-term visa category allows you to obtain it without any nationality sponsorship by simply purchasing a property of 2 Million AED or starting a business there or by presenting exceptional skill which will grant you a list of privileges, including granting a family sponsorship, bringing in the tax-free income and also being eligible for the top-notch medical facilities and the best universities located in Sharjah.
Why Choose the Sharjah Golden Visa?
The Sharjah Golden Visa is distinctive because it is highly flexible and beneficial for anyone who wants to stay in the UAE for an extended period of time. Contrary to other emirates, Sharjah provides a mix of affordability with a luxury lifestyle. The emirate is a home to rich culture and a thriving real estate sector. The Emirate of Opportunity. Whether you are an investor looking for property appreciate or an entrepreneur who is looking to set up a business in the UAE, Sharjah is friendly.
Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Financial Security: With a strong tax-free income UAE, Sharjah offers investment stability from a strong economy.
- Family Friendly: Sponsor your spouse, kids, parents, and even household help, such as drivers.
- Cultural Destination: Settle into a dynamic center of art, festivity, and cultural life.
- Access: Fly visa-free in and out of the UAE and to a number of countries worldwide.
Who Is Eligible for the Sharjah Golden Visa?
The ages of eligibility for the Sharjah Golden Visa vary according to the group of potential recipients, ranging from property investors to high-achieving students. Here, I’ve covered different eligibility categories and explained who can apply for the Sharjah Golden Visa based on these and other qualifying criteria.
1. Property Owners: The Real Estate Investment Visa
Buying property in Sharjah is the most common pathway to obtain a Golden Visa on real estate. You must purchase one or several properties worth at least AED 2 million ($545,000).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Own property worth at least AED 2 million in real estate in the UAE, supported by a title deed or sales agreement from the Sharjah Economic Development Department.
- Properties must be either 100% owned or mortgaged through a mortgage letter from UAE-based banks (e.g., 20% down payment for a 10-year visa).
- And keep up the investment for at least 3 years.
- Submit evidence of health insurance and a health certificate from a notifiable disease.
2. Entrepreneurs: Gold Visa: Innovators in Business
If you are thinking of company formation in Dubai or business setup in Sharjah, the Golden Visa for Businessmen/Entrepreneurs facilitates a 5-year residency. You must build a derivative business with upside.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Demonstrate that a company or project worth at least AED 500,000 has been audited and certified by a UAE auditor.
- Provide a copy of the approval letter from an incubator such as AREA 2071 or HUB71, confirming the project is either technology or future-based.
- Give them a business plan that is innovative and financially sustainable.
- Present evidence of current health insurance and an absence of a criminal record.
Tip: Entrepreneurs can also explore company formation in Dubai or Sharjah, leveraging business ownership UAE for full control without a local partner.
3. Specialized Talents: Visa for Exceptional Skills
The Golden Visa program for talented professionals targets professionals in science, medicine, sports, or culture. This route is best for senior-level professionals whose credentials are never short of obvious.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Physicians/Scientists: Present an endorsement from the Ministry of Health and Prevention or a recommendation from the Emirates Scientist Council.
- Creative Professionals: Provide a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or evidence of awards, such as the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Award.
- Executives: Present a bachelor’s degree (endorsed by the Ministry of Education), 5 years of experience, and a salary certificate worth AED 50,000 at least.
- Sportsmen: Submit a recommendation from the General Sports Authority.
Outstanding Students: Academic Excellence Visa
High-achieving students with exceptional academic records can secure a Golden Visa for students in Sharjah.
The Golden Visa in Sharjah is available for students with excellent grades and an outstanding academic record.
Eligibility Criteria:
- High school 1- Grade 9: Obtain a minimum of 95 % in public or private schools and have a recommendation from Emirates Schools Establishment.
- University students: GPA: 3.5 (for A-class universities) or 3.8 (for B-class universities), with a certified degree certificate to be confirmed, will be available 2 years after graduating.
- Foreign University Students: Graduate from a top 100 World University with a 3.5 average and an accredited certificate.
How to Apply for the Sharjah Golden Visa: Step-by-Step Process
Here is how to apply for the Sharjah Golden Visa. I know from helping people that the key to not getting held up is being prepared.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility:
Make sure you qualify for your stream (property, entrepreneur, talent, or student). For instance, make sure your real estate valued at two million AED is accompanied by a title deed.
Step 2: Obtain Entry Permit:
If you are already outside the UAE, you can apply for a multiple-entry permit through the official portal (ICP) or the ICA UAE eChannels app for a period of 6 months.
Step 3: Investment or Documentation Paid in Full:
If you are an owner, pay your AED 2 million now. Entrepreneurs need a business plan, talents, and students, recommendation letters, or certificates.
Step 4: Apply:
Utilize ICP UAE Smart or go to an AMER center in Sharjah. Upload scans of documents such as a passport copy, a health certificate, and evidence of health insurance.
Step 5: Track Application Status:
Receive updates via text or email. If some documents are missing, you have 30 days to submit them; otherwise, the application will be cancelled.
Step 6: Get Your Visa:
If approved, you will receive an e-visa and an Emirates ID card. It usually takes 3 months to do this.
Step 7: Extend your Visa to Spouse/Children/Parents/Other household helpers:
Apply for Family Sponsorship. Apply for Family Sponsorship: Extend your visa to your spouse, children, parents, or household helpers in one application.
What Are the Costs of the Sharjah Golden Visa?
The Sharjah Golden Visa fee depends on the pathway and location of the applicant. Here’s a breakdown according to the most recent data:
Application Fees:
- Inside UAE: AED 2,800–3,800.
- Outside UAE: AED 3,800–4,800.
- Total estimated cost (including state fees): AED 10,000-10,400.
Additional Costs:
- Title and registration fees (property): AED 160,000 for property investment.
- Medical Examination: AED220+ for each person.
- Health Insurance: AED 400+ / person ( except of visa fee ).
- Document Notarisation/Consular Legalisation: AED 1,000+ per person.
Renewal Charges: About AED 5,000–10,000, and it depends on the strategy.
Required Documents for the Sharjah Golden Visa
All you need to apply gather these documents, and start a fast process to get the Golden Visa:
| Document | Details |
| Copy of Passport | Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months. |
| UAE ID (if applicable) | Emirates ID card if you are a current UAE resident. |
| Passport Size Photographs | Colored photo with white background. |
| Property Ownership | Ownership proof or sales agreement for property worth AED 2,000,000. |
| Mortgage Letter (if applicable) | Letter from a UAE-approved bank, if the property is under mortgage. |
| Clearance Certificate | Medical test result showing negative for contagious diseases. |
| Health Insurance Copy | Valid health insurance policy within the UAE. |
| NOC Letter | No Objection Certificate if required by UAE authorities. |
| Business Documents (Entrepreneurs) | Business plan, Auditor’s letter showing AED 500,000 project value, and business incubator approval. |
| Talent/Student Documents | Reference letter and degree/diploma (e.g., 3.5 GPA or higher for students). |
Benefits of the Sharjah Golden Visa
The Sharjah Golden Visa not only provides a luxurious lifestyle but also brings about some practical and monetary benefits. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Long Term Residence: Get 5 or 10 years’ validity without hassle.
- No National Sponsor: Live, work, and study on your own, not tied to UAE visas.
- Benefits of family sponsorship: Add your spouse, kids, mum, and several household helps (such as drivers).
- Tax-Free Income UAE: You will owe no income tax, no death tax, and the UAE has over 130 double tax treaties, e.g., Pakistan, India, Canada.
- Property-Investment: An AED 2 million worth real estate receives price appreciation and rent.
- Business Opportunities: Use the business setup in UAE for 100% ownership without a local partner.
- Premium Facilities: You will never have to compromise with top-notch Education in Sharjah, world-class medical facilities, and excellent infrastructure UAE.
- Visa Free travel: Travel across the UAE and to several international destinations without any hassles.
- Cultural Assimilation: Dive into Sharjah’s living, breathing core of culture, where museums and festivals bring the city to life.
How to Renew Your Sharjah Golden Visa
Renewal for Sharjah businesses and investors. Renewing your Sharjah Golden Visa is easy, provided you are eligible. Current ICP holders should apply for renewal 1-2 months prior to expiry through the ICP website or the UAE ICP App.
Steps:
- Gather the documents: A copy of the passport, Emirates ID, insurance, medical fitness certificate, and investment documents (if you own property, for example, the title deed).
- Renewal fee: 5,000–10,000 AED (depending on your chosen intakes).
- Update your Emirates ID post-approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sharjah Golden Visa
Q1: What are the benefits of having a Sharjah Golden Visa?
You get a 5 or 10-year residency, no national sponsor, family sponsorship for spouse, children, parents, and household helpers, tax-free income, and access to Sharjah’s real estate market, top-tier medical facilities, and leading universities.
Q2: Does Sharjah give students a Golden Visa?
Yes, high-achieving students with 95% academic performance (high school) or a 3.5–3.8 GPA (university) can qualify for a 5-year visa, extendable for longer study programs.
Q3: What salary is necessary for a Golden Visa?
Executives need a salary certificate of at least AED 50,000 monthly, while other professionals (e.g., teachers) may qualify with AED 30,000 or specific achievements.
Q4: Can I sponsor my siblings and parents for Golden Visas in Sharjah?
Yes, you can sponsor parents and children of any age, but siblings are not typically included unless they qualify independently (e.g., as students or talents).
Q5: What is the Golden Visa bank deposit amount for investors in Sharjah?
Investors need AED 2 million in real estate or a business investment, not a bank deposit, verified by a title deed or an auditor’s letter.
Conclusion: Start Your Sharjah Golden Visa Journey Today
Securing a Sharjah Golden Visa in 2025 is your ticket to a stable, rewarding future in the UAE. Whether you’re investing AED 2 million in Sharjah real estate, launching an innovative business setup in the UAE, or showcasing academic excellence or specialized talents, this visa offers unmatched benefits: tax-free income, family sponsorship, and access to a vibrant hub. Start by checking your eligibility on the ICP website or using PRO services for a fast-track Golden Visa. With Sharjah’s economic vision driving growth, now’s the time to act.
