Who Can Apply for Golden PR? Eligibility & Requirements

As the world becomes more globalized, the benefit of obtaining long-term residency in a prosperous, safe, opportunity-rich country has never been more appealing. Enter the Golden PR (Permanent Residency), also called the Golden Visa. Designed to draw global investors, specialists, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talented people, the Golden PR is a residency option allowing the individual and/or their family to be able to legally live, work, and invest in a country without a traditional sponsorship agreement.

The Golden PR is not merely a visa, but an introduction to stability, freedom, and economic opportunities. Whether you are a business leader trying to enter new markets, a researcher attempting to usher in innovation, or a student with an exceptional academic record, the Golden PR provides a route to long-term residency in one of the world's most dynamic economies.

This article will define who is eligible to apply, then examine and discuss the eligibility requirements, and finally review the most important requirements and benefits of the Golden PR residency pathway- providing all necessary information to determine your eligibility and potential next steps in becoming part of your global future.

What is the Golden PR?

The Golden PR (Permanent Residency) usually refers to long-term residency visas that offer a foreign nation's residency, usually on a qualifying investment basis, to attract foreign investment, talent or skilled professionals.  In the UAE context, the Golden Visa is a special long-term Residence Permit (5 or 10 years - renewing) that allows eligible foreign nationals to study, live and work in the country without having a local sponsor.

While the Golden Visa doesn't technically equate to citizenship nor full permanent residency in terms of rights being unlimited, it does afford many of the benefits of residency and is oftentimes referred to by applicants as "Golden PR".  The UAE is implementing this scheme to attract talent, capital and business activity into the country, as part of its economic diversification initiative.

Who is Eligible: The Eligibility Categories

The UAE Golden Visa relies on multiple "pathways" or categories of applications than a general visa classification. The various categories outlined below all depend on which category you are applying within. Broadly, the categories generally consist of investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents/professionals, top students, and finally, any other group of merit-based individuals (scientists, creatives, etc.).

Here are the main categories and the eligible applicants for each:

1. Investors

If you are a person of significant wealth who wishes to make a contribution in the UAE, you would likely qualify under investor category. As an example, real estate investors who may possess one or more properties with a total valuation of AED2 million or more can qualify to apply.

Most likely, the visa will be for 10 years (renewable) for real estate investors. 

Investors need to understand the intention is for those who want to invest and have residence, not those who are applying for a visa through job sponsorship.

2. Real Estate Investors

A type of investor: foreign nationals who acquire property in the UAE meeting certain minimum value tests.

As per one of the guides: “Foreigners who buy or own real property in the UAE which has a minimum magnitude of AED 2 million [≈ $545,000 USD]”. 

Important: Occasional full ownership or substantial or substantial ownership (not fully mortgaged) and the must be a stable investment. 

This type of visa option allows those attracting investors to move towards the long-stay pathway. 

3. Entrepreneurs

Those who are running or intend on running a business in the UAE especially businesses that are commercialized technology or other future-oriented fields may be eligible. 

For this “entrepreneurs” example, per the official ICP-UAE site you will need: a business idea or business plan; or a deposit of a minimum amount of AED 2 million in a fund. or you will also need a valid commercial/industrial license which also has as part of their requirements a minimum of AED 2 million in capital. 

Some may require a local incubator's approval too! 

This visa option is suited to business owners, founders of start-ups, or anyone with an idea that is innovative.

4. Skilled Professionals / Talented Individuals

This category includes those with specialised skill, talent, or special academic/research advantage.

For example, in the Abu Dhabi example, “Scientists and Researchers”: having a Masters or PhD in a recognised field receiving an above minimum threshold (for example, above an H-index of 20) or similarly special academic/research recognitions.

Another rule is the minimum level for some high skilled professionals: AED 30,000 salary per month.

So, if you are a high-end professional (scientist/researcher/specialist) you may qualify under this framework.

5. Outstanding Students / Graduates

The UAE also provides an opportunity for outstanding students or recent graduates to apply for a prestigious Golden Visa:

For outstanding university students: e.g. GPA above a threshold (<3.5, or <3.8) from an A or B tier class university. The applicants must have graduated within the past two years.

Outstanding high-school students achieving excellence at the national level may also qualify (through the undergraduate visa, which is for 5 years, etc.)

This framework is provisioned for younger individuals with academic excellence.

6. Other Merit Categories

Other categories for obtaining the Golden Visa include other people identified as outstanding artists (described in the areas of Culture, the Arts), athletes, frontline heroes, humanitarian "pioneers". The country has slowly expanded eligibility.

From May 2025 the UAE expanded eligibility requirements to include nurses with long service, educators etc.

Eligibility & General Guidelines: What You Need to Satisfy

While each category has specific requirements, there are common eligibility requirements that apply across the board. Knowing what these are allows you to assess your eligibility before you apply.

General Requirements

Here are some general requirements that usually apply:

• Be 18 years of age (in many cases). 

• Be of good legal standing (no serious criminal convictions).

• Be of sound health (may require medical checks). 

• Submit all required documents: a valid passport with enough valid time, a passport-photo, proof of residence or enter permit if applying from inside the UAE. 

• Meet specific criteria by category (amount of investment, academic achievement, minimum salary, etc.)

• In many cases, a letter of recommendation or nomination from the appropriate UAE authority may be required (especially for talents, creators, researchers). 

Categories-Specific Requirements

Let's look at some of the most important specific requirements by category.

Investors & Real-Estate Investors:

Possess either one or more properties worth a minimum total value of AED 2 million.

If property is acquired against a loan/mortgage: personal investment must be at least AED 2 million (for 10-year visa) or meet criteria (for shorter visa). 

Documents from the land department of the emirate stating ownership and value of the property are required. 

Possibly have investment in fund or business, when required. 

Entrepreneurs:

A business project that has a technical or future aspect (in relation to innovation, technology, etc).  

Annual income or annually/annualized business revenue threshold (e.g., AED 1 million or more) or be an eligible business with an incubator support.

Valid business license, proof of incorporation, or letter from incubator. 

Talented Professionals / Researchers:  

Degree (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) in relevant fields with evidence provided. E.g., for scientists/researchers category: Master’s or PhD in engineering, technology, life or natural sciences. H-index score or List of Metrics for Research Impact is required. 

Requested minimum salary (in some cases) or processed in relation to their salary. e.g., request to at least AED 30,000/month. 

Recommendation letter from competent authority. 

Outstanding Students / Graduates:

Received GPA of 3.5 or 3.8 (depending on qualification from an accredited university) and graduated within the last two years (for degree qualifications). 

For high-school students: received national recognition level of excellence based on exams. 

Enrolled in a field-of-study that has prospects will help.

Benefits of the Golden PR (Golden Visa)

Understanding the perks helps applicants gauge why this route is attractive.

• Long-term residency (5 or 10 years, renewable) without need for a national sponsor. 

• Ability to live, work or study in the UAE. 

• Family sponsorship: many categories permit spouse, children (sometimes of any age) and domestic helpers to be sponsored. 

• Greater flexibility: for example, holders can stay outside UAE for longer periods (often more than six months) without losing visa. 

• Investment and business freedom: especially for investors/entrepreneurs, the visa supports business setup and operation. 

• No requirement for employer sponsorship simplifies mobility and independence.

The Golden PR route via the UAE Golden Visa offers a compelling opportunity for those with the right profile: global investors, entrepreneurs, high-end professionals, outstanding students and talented individuals. It opens doors to long-term residency, flexibility, and access to one of the world’s most dynamic hubs.

However, it is not a “one-click” path. Success depends on meeting rigorous criteria, submitting proper documentation, maintaining conditions, and often receiving nomination from relevant authorities. Prospective applicants should carefully review the specific requirements for their category, stay abreast of any regulatory changes, and plan their investment/eligibility strategy accordingly.