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Every UAE Golden Visa category explained — investors to specialists

Investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, students: the thresholds and documents for each route.

author
NEXON consultants·Jul 2026·3 min read
Dubai skyline at dusk

What the Golden Visa gives you

A ten-year renewable residency that does not depend on an employer or local sponsor. Holders can sponsor their spouse and children, stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing status, and in most categories sponsor domestic staff as well.

Investors

The investor category is the most common route for our clients. It is open to those who place a qualifying public investment or hold property that meets the threshold, currently from AED 2,000,000. Decisions are fast, typically two to four weeks once the file is complete.

Entrepreneurs

Founders of approved startups or projects with demonstrable economic value can apply through the entrepreneur route. Approval letters from a recognised incubator or authority carry most of the weight here.

“The right category is the one you can document today, not the one with the most attractive label.”

Specialists, professionals and talent

Doctors, scientists, engineers and senior executives qualify through accredited degrees, salary thresholds and employment contracts; outstanding students, graduates and creative talent have their own tracks with nominations from recognised bodies. Each track has a distinct document list, which is where most delays occur.

Investor · from AED 2,000,000 · 2–4 weeks
Entrepreneur · approved startup or project
Specialist · accredited degree, salary threshold, contract
Student and talent · nomination from a recognised body

Program requirements change. Speak to an expert for figures verified this month.

author
NEXON consultants
Residency, citizenship and global mobility consultancy · Dubai
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