What is the UAE's Special Talent Golden Visa?

The Special Talent Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence permit offered by the UAE to gifted individuals in fields like science, arts, and technology, without requiring a sponsor. It's a key part of the UAE's talent attraction programs designed to grant long-term residency to professionals who can contribute to the nation's growth.

Is a sponsor required for the Golden Visa for talented individuals?

No, a sponsor is not required. This is a primary benefit of this excellence-based immigration pathway. It provides complete professional freedom, allowing you to work for any employer, start your own business, or work independently without being tied to a specific company.

How do I know if I am eligible for the exceptional talent visa?

Eligibility depends on your field and a proven record of professional achievement. The process requires a recommendation letter from a designated endorsing body, such as the Emirates Council of Scientists for scientists or the Ministry of Culture for artists. Your qualifications and contributions are the key factors.

Can I sponsor my family with the Golden Visa?

Yes, the Golden Visa includes a comprehensive family sponsorship policy. You can sponsor your spouse and children (with no age limit for unmarried daughters) for the same 10-year duration, allowing them to live, study, and thrive with you in the UAE.

How much does the UAE Golden Visa cost for professionals in 2025?

The total cost for a full-service package typically ranges from AED 5,900 to AED 10,400. This fee generally covers government charges, the mandatory medical test, Emirates ID issuance, and final visa stamping. It does not usually include health insurance or document attestation fees.

How long can I stay outside the UAE with my Golden Visa?

You can stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period without your residency being cancelled. This flexibility is a major advantage for global professionals who need to travel frequently for business or personal reasons.

Is the Golden Visa the same as permanent residency?

The Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence permit, which is the most secure long-term option available, but it is not classified as permanent residency. It can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

What are the main steps in the Golden Visa application process?

The process involves four main steps: 1. An eligibility assessment to confirm you qualify. 2. Preparing and submitting all required documents, including recommendation letters. 3. Receiving a nomination from a competent government authority. 4. Finalizing the visa issuance, which includes a medical test and biometrics.

What proof do artists need for the cultural talent golden visa application?

Artists applying for the cultural talent visa need a recommendation from the Department of Culture and Tourism and must provide evidence of their work's significance. This can include international awards, media recognition, or membership in a prestigious arts organization.

What is the difference between an investor visa and a talent visa?

An investor visa is based on financial investment (e.g., AED 2 million in real estate), while the Special Talent Golden Visa is a merit-based residency awarded for your professional skills, achievements, and contributions to your field, not your capital.

Is it possible to renew the 10-year Golden Visa?

Yes, the Golden Visa is renewable. Before the 10-year period expires, you can apply for renewal by resubmitting your application, providing proof of valid health insurance, and undergoing a new medical fitness test.

Does the Golden Visa automatically include a work permit?

Yes, the Golden Visa itself provides work authorization, so you do not need a separate work permit. This allows you to be employed or run your own business in the UAE seamlessly.

What kind of healthcare access does the Golden Visa provide?

Golden Visa holders have access to the UAE's premium healthcare system. It is mandatory for all residents, including visa holders, to have a valid health insurance plan to access these world-class medical services.

Are entrepreneurs and startup founders eligible for the talent visa?

Yes, entrepreneurs with an innovative project are a key talent category. The application typically requires an approval letter from an accredited UAE business incubator, such as HUB71 in Abu Dhabi or AREA 2071 in Dubai, to endorse the project.

Why does the UAE have a Golden Visa program?

The Golden Visa is a central part of the UAE's national strategy to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. By implementing this talent attraction program, the nation aims to retain and attract global talent, innovators, and pioneers, securing its position as a leading global hub for business and creativity.

Special Talent Golden Visa

Imagine a future built on your terms. The Special Talent Golden Visa isn’t just a visa; it’s your key to unlocking a decade of stability and unparalleled opportunity in the UAE. This excellence-based immigration pathway is designed to reward your professional achievements with powerful, life-changing benefits.

Enjoy complete professional freedom as your own sponsor, giving you the flexibility to work and create without limits. Secure your family’s future with the ability to sponsor your spouse and children, ensuring they share in your success. You’ll benefit from a 10-year renewable visa that offers long-term security and the freedom to stay abroad for extended periods without risking your residency status. This is more than a permit; it’s a foundation for your personal and professional growth in a thriving global hub, unlocking access to world-class services and career opportunities.

Key Benefits of Special Talent Golden Visa in Dubai

10 Year Residency

Enjoy unparalleled peace of mind with a 10-year renewable residence visa, a cornerstone of the Golden Visa program. This long-term permit provides a stable foundation for your personal and financial planning, allowing you to invest, purchase property, and truly build a home in the UAE without the uncertainty of short-term renewals. This decade of stability is the ultimate security for talented individuals looking to commit to their future, supported by a clear and straightforward renewal process as long as the criteria are met.

Comprehensive Family Sponsorship

Secure your family’s future alongside your own with one of the most generous family inclusion policies. You can sponsor your spouse and children with no age limit, ensuring educational continuity and a stable, secure environment for them to grow. This long-term family sponsorship can also extend to other dependents. Critically, should the primary visa holder pass away, your family members are permitted to remain in the UAE until the end of their visa term, providing an unparalleled layer of security for your loved ones.

Recognition for Talent

As a skilled professional, you are your own sponsor. This exceptional feature grants you complete professional freedom and flexibility, a key benefit of residency by talent. You are no longer tied to a single employer, empowering you to change jobs, explore different sectors, or launch your own business venture with ease. This autonomy puts you in full control of your career path, enabling you to pursue ambitious projects, collaborate with other innovators, and maximize your growth opportunities in the UAE’s dynamic economy.

Premium Healthcare

Benefit from the UAE’s significant investment in its world-class infrastructure, a key part of its talent attraction programs. Your Golden Visa unlocks access to premium healthcare services at advanced medical facilities for your family's well-being. Furthermore, it opens doors to top-tier educational institutions and globally-ranked universities, providing outstanding education benefits for your children. This commitment to a high quality of life ensures you have the support system you need to thrive personally and professionally in a modern, globally-connected environment.

Required Documents for Special Talent Golden Visa in Dubai

Affordable Special Talent Golden Visa Cost in Dubai

Understanding the financial requirements is a key step in your journey. While exact figures can vary, a comprehensive service package for the Special Talent Golden Visa that manages the entire application process for you is typically in the range of AED 10,000. This investment covers the essential government-mandated steps to secure your 10-year residency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Special Talent Golden Visa in Dubai

Check Eligibility

Ensure you qualify as a recognized expert in fields

Apply For Golden Visa

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

Medical Test & Biometrics

Complete medical tests and biometrics
Ensure you have active health insurance

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 Special Talent Golden Visa

The Special Talent Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residence permit valid for 10 years. It is a core component of the UAE's talent attraction programs, designed to grant residency to gifted individuals without needing a sponsor. This talent-based residency visa is a type of long-term visa (hypernym) offered to specific talent categories (hyponyms) like artists, scientists, innovators, and top-tier executives, recognizing their valuable contributions.

No, a sponsor is not required. This is a primary benefit of this excellence-based immigration pathway. It grants you complete professional freedom, unlike traditional employer-sponsored visas. You are your own sponsor, giving you the flexibility to work independently, switch jobs, or launch a business venture, making it a true system of residency by talent.

Eligibility for this specialist visa category depends on your field of expertise and a proven track record of professional achievement. The application process (holonym) includes key steps (meronyms) like securing a recommendation letter from a designated endorsing body. For example, a scientist might need a letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists, while an artist would require one from the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

Yes, absolutely. The Golden Visa features one of the most generous family inclusion policies. This long-term family sponsorship allows you to sponsor your spouse and children with no age restrictions. This ensures your dependents can live, work, and study with you, enjoying the same long-term security and high quality of life in the UAE.

Understanding the financial requirements is crucial. The total cost for a service package that handles the full visa processing for a Special Talent Golden Visa typically ranges from AED 5,900 to AED 10,400. This fee generally includes the core government charges, your medical fitness test, Emirates ID issuance, and the final visa stamping. Mandatory health insurance and document attestation are usually separate costs.

A key attribute of the Golden Visa is its flexibility. You can remain outside the UAE for extended periods—specifically, for more than the usual six months—without your residency status becoming invalid. This benefit provides global mobility for professionals and their families without the pressure of having to return frequently.

This is a common question. The Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence permit, not a direct grant of permanent residency or citizenship. It is the most secure long-term visa available, offering unparalleled stability. However, it operates within the framework of renewable permits, with a straightforward renewal process provided you continue to meet the criteria.

The application process is a multi-stage immigration pathway. It begins with an eligibility assessment to confirm you meet the criteria for your specific talent category. The next step is document preparation, where all your credentials, portfolio, and recommendation letters are compiled. This is followed by submitting for a nomination from a competent authority. Once the nomination is approved, you submit the final application for visa issuance through the Federal Authority for Identity (ICP).

For the creative industry visa, applicants must provide strong evidence of their talent and recognition. This includes securing a recommendation from the Department of Culture and Tourism. You will typically need to provide a portfolio and proof of at least three achievements, such as receiving international awards, having your work highlighted by critics or media, or holding an active membership in a reputable international art organization.

The main difference lies in the eligibility criteria. An investor visa is granted based on financial requirements, such as making a minimum investment of AED 2 million in real estate or a local business. In contrast, the Special Talent Golden Visa is a form of merit-based residency, granted based on your proven professional achievements, skills, and recognized contributions in your field, not your capital.

Yes, the renewal process for the Golden Visa is designed to be straightforward. As your 10-year visa approaches its expiry, you can apply for renewal by submitting a new application. This typically requires providing a copy of your valid passport, proof of ongoing health insurance, and undergoing a new medical fitness test to ensure all requirements are still met.

Yes, the Golden Visa itself provides work authorization. This means you do not need to apply for a separate work permit to be employed or run a business in the UAE. This integrated permission is a significant advantage, simplifying your professional life and allowing you to start contributing to the economy immediately.

Holding a Golden Visa grants you access to the UAE's premium healthcare system, which includes advanced medical facilities and highly qualified specialists. A mandatory condition for all residents, including visa holders, is to have a valid health insurance plan. This ensures you and your family can access high-quality medical services and enjoy a healthy, secure life.

Yes, entrepreneurs and startup founder visa applicants are a key category. The criteria differ slightly, as you must own an innovative economic project. The application process often requires an approval letter from an accredited business incubator in the UAE, such as HUB71 in Abu Dhabi or AREA 2071 in Dubai, which will endorse your project's value and future potential.

The Golden Visa is a central part of the UAE's macro-economic vision. It's a key government policy within the larger national strategy to transition to a knowledge-based economy. By implementing talent attraction programs like this, the nation aims to retain and attract global talent, pioneers, and innovators, solidifying its position as a thriving global hub for business, science, and creativity.

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

LLC Company Formation in Abu Dhabi

How Much Does It Cost to Live in UAE in 2025?