The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has updated its official Golden Residency guide (last updated 10 September 2026). It confirms that eligible applicants can get 10-year UAE residency, renewed automatically, without needing a sponsor.
Key points
- Real estate investors: need one or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, registered in their name. Properties financed with a loan from an approved local bank are accepted, and off-plan units worth at least AED 2,000,000 from an approved local developer also qualify.
- Public investment: a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 with an investment fund or national bank, or a UAE company with at least AED 2,000,000 in capital.
- Skilled professionals: at least a bachelor's degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.
- Family and staff: holders can sponsor their spouse and children regardless of age, plus their parents and domestic workers.
- Applying from abroad: eligible applicants outside the UAE get a six-month multiple-entry visa, renewable for six more months.
- If the sponsor dies: family members can stay until their permits expire.
- Health insurance: must cover the applicant and their family.