UAE Investor and Golden Visa Cost: Every Fee Itemised
7 min readUpdated 2026-08-01Editorial policyHow we verify
Quick answer
A standard two-year UAE investor visa costs about AED 5,690 all-in and takes 7–14 working days after the licence is issued. The 10-year Golden Visa requires qualifying investment or talent criteria and costs roughly AED 9,500–15,000.
Investor visa fee breakdown
| Step | Cost (AED) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment card (company level) | 1,200 – 1,800 | 2–3 days |
| Entry permit | 1,150 | 2–4 days |
| Status change | 790 | 1 day |
| Medical fitness test | 530 | 1–2 days |
| Emirates ID | 390 | Included |
| Visa stamping | 660 | 2–3 days |
| Medical insurance (minimum plan) | 1,400 | Same day |
Sponsoring your family
- Minimum salary or income threshold of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
- Attested marriage and birth certificates, translated into Arabic.
- Each dependant costs roughly AED 4,500–5,500 including insurance.
- Sons are sponsored to age 25; daughters until marriage; parents need a higher income threshold.
- UAE freelance visa and freelance permit — The route for independent professionals rather than shareholders
Golden Visa vs standard investor visa
| Investor visa | Golden Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years | 10 years |
| Typical cost | ≈ AED 5,690 | AED 9,500 – 15,000 |
| Main criteria | Company shareholding | AED 2m property, capital investment, or talent |
| Renewal | Every 2 years | Every 10 years |
| Sponsor family | Yes | Yes, plus domestic staff |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a UAE investor visa take?
- Typically 7–14 working days from establishment card issuance, assuming the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics are done promptly.
- Can I get a UAE residence visa without a company?
- Yes — through employment, property ownership from AED 750,000, a remote-work visa, or the Golden Visa talent categories.
Sources and further reading
This guide links to official and primary sources where available. Rules, forms and online services can change, so confirm your case through the relevant official service.
About the author
Sherwin Jesuraj
Business Setup Industry Expert
Sherwin Jesuraj writes about UAE company formation, mainland and free zone options, business setup costs, and entrepreneurship. His content for BusinessSetup.ae helps readers understand their options, compare practical requirements, and make informed decisions before starting a business.
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