The UAE Golden Visa requires a qualifying investment, but the visa itself incurs separate government fees that vary by route and emirate. Below is a breakdown of the costs and charges applicable in 2026.
Investment versus visa fee
- Qualifying investments (mid‑2026): AED 2 million in property, AED 2 million bank deposit, monthly salary of AED 30,000, or nomination as specialised talent.
- The investment amount is retained by the applicant and is not a visa charge.
Federal government charges (ICP)
- Application fee: AED 100
- Issuance fee: AED 100 per year (AED 1,000 for a 10‑year permit)
- Smart service fee: AED 100
- Emirates ID: AED 100 per year + AED 100 smart service fee (optional AED 150 for urgent processing)
- Status adjustment fee for switching visas inside the UAE: AED 500
- Mandatory medical fitness test (cost not specified)
Dubai-specific fees (GDRFA Dubai)
- Residence permit fee: AED 1,100 (increases by AED 100 for each year beyond two)
- Knowledge and Innovation Dirham charges: AED 10 each
- Application fee for in‑country submissions: AED 500
- Delivery fee: AED 20
Property route fees (Dubai Land Department)
For a 10‑year investor residence permit, the DLD lists:
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Medical examination | 700 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 1,153 |
| Confirmation of residency permit (10 years) | 2,856.75 |
| DLD processing fees | 4,020 |
| Administrative fees | 1,155 |
| Total for main applicant | 9,884.75 |
Applicants must be physically present in the UAE to apply via this route.
Family sponsorship costs (Dubai property route)
- 10‑year family residence permit per person: AED 5,774.50
- Family sponsorship file opening: AED 318.75 (per family)
- Example (investor + spouse + two children): ≈ AED 27,500 in government fees, excluding health insurance and document preparation.
Document preparation may require attestation and translation of marriage and birth certificates, especially when issued abroad, which can add time and expense.
Additional recurring and one‑off costs
- Health insurance: mandatory for all residents; paid annually.
- Advisory/PRO fees: applicable if a firm handles the application.
- Property purchase costs: DLD transfer fee of 4 % of the property value (≈ AED 80,000 on a AED 2 million property).
- Grace period and renewal: 180 days after expiry or cancellation; renewal incurs the same application, per‑year, and smart service fees.
- Overstay fine: AED 50 per day after the grace period.
Choosing the right route
- Salary‑based applicants generally face lower government fees than property investors.
- Business owners may prefer routes aligned with their corporate structure.
- Each route imposes different ongoing obligations: property investors must retain the qualifying asset, while salary‑based holders must maintain the salary threshold.
- The chosen route influences dependents’ eligibility, interaction with other residencies, and tax residency planning.
Note: Fees are set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), GDRFA Dubai, and the Dubai Land Department and may change. Applicants should verify current fees with a licensed advisor before proceeding.
Source article: knightsbridge.ae
