UAE Golden Visa without a sponsor: ICP reveals 8-step guide for property owners

Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has outlined eight key steps for securing a 10-year UAE Golden Visa designed specifically for real estate investors, according to a recent update on its official website.

The visa offers long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor. The process begins with nomination and continues through a medical examination, health insurance, and status adjustments—ending with the issuance of the Emirates ID and Golden Visa.

According to the ICP, the Golden Visa is open to individuals who own one or more properties in the UAE, provided they meet specific criteria:

• The property must be worth at least Dh2 million and fully owned by the applicant. It can be mortgaged, but only through a local bank approved by the relevant authority.

• Off-plan properties worth a minimum of Dh2 million are also eligible, provided they are purchased from approved UAE-based developers, with payment completion evidence.

Steps to obtain the Golden Visa

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process outlined by ICP:

1. Eligibility check

Applicants must first submit their information for initial nomination to determine their eligibility.

2. Starting the journey

Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants begin the visa journey. ICP provides updates at each stage, ensuring a streamlined process.

3. Visa issuance

Applicants are notified once the visa is approved, enabling them to proceed to the next steps.

4. Conditional – cancellation of existing residency

If the applicant currently holds a UAE residency visa, it must be cancelled after initial approval to proceed with the Golden Visa.

5. Status adjustment

ICP will update the applicant’s visa status automatically unless fines are pending. A payment link is sent if fines exist. Once settled, the applicant receives a stamped visa copy for the medical test.

6. Medical examination and health insurance

Applicants aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test and obtain a two-year health insurance plan.
If completed through Ministry of Health-approved centres and registered insurers like Daman, ICP will automatically process the Emirates ID and residency issuance. Otherwise, documents must be uploaded manually.

7. Conditional – biometric enrolment

If required, applicants will be prompted to schedule fingerprinting at a designated ICP centre via a provided link.

8. Emirates ID delivery

Once all steps are completed, the Emirates ID is delivered to the registered address.

What is UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency to selected categories of foreigners, allowing them to live, work, invest, and study in the UAE without a sponsor. Eligible categories include:

• Investors

• Entrepreneurs

• Exceptional talent

• Scientists and professionals

• Outstanding students and graduates

• Humanitarian pioneers

• Frontline heroes

Key benefits of the Golden Visa

Introduced to attract and retain global talent and investors, the Golden Visa offers several advantages:

• Multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months to complete the residency process

• Renewable 5- or 10-year residence visa

• No restriction on time spent outside the UAE

• No requirement for a local sponsor

• Eligibility to sponsor spouse and children

• No limit on the number of domestic workers

• Family members can remain in the UAE after the primary visa holder’s death, for the duration of their valid residency

Contact information

For queries or assistance, contact:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)

• UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence

For Dubai-issued visas, reach out to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA).

You may also refer to the Cabinet Resolution on the Executive Regulations of the Entry and Residence of Foreigners Law for detailed legal provisions.