Golden Visa: all categories and official thresholds

The UAE Golden residence is a long-term, self-sponsored, renewable residence. ICP's guide lists these categories (10 years unless stated): 1) Investors - public investment: a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in an investment fund or national bank, or a company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000, or a partner share of at least AED 2,000,000, or paying at least AED 250,000 a year in tax. The capital must be owned, not borrowed. GDRFA Dubai requires a deposit to stay frozen at least 2 years and no withdrawal during the residence. 2) Real-estate investors: property worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total; off-plan from approved developers and bank-financed property are accepted. Dubai requires a DLD property status certificate (or a DLD-licensed valuer) and a hold on the property, and real-estate applications go through the DLD-accredited centres named by GDRFA. 3) Entrepreneurs: an SME with annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000, approval of the business by an accredited incubator or ministry, or founders who sold a venture for at least AED 7,000,000. In Dubai a nomination from the Dubai Future Foundation is required, and GDRFA Dubai lists: a pioneering project registered with the Ministry of Economy or a local authority with annual income of AED 1 million; or a project from an incubator or the Ministry of Economy with income of AED 2 million; or a founded project sold for at least AED 7 million. 4) Scientists and specialists: recommendation from the relevant body (Emirates Scientists Council, ministries of health, education, industry, culture); senior professionals at MOHRE occupational level 1 or 2 with at least a bachelor's degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. 5) Outstanding students and graduates: secondary school grade of at least 95%; UAE university graduates within 2 years with GPA at least 3.5 (category A universities) or 3.8 (category B); graduates of the world's top 100 universities within 2 years with GPA at least 3.5. In Dubai the student golden residence needs a Dubai residence file and is not renewed after it expires (GDRFA). 6) Exceptional talents in culture and arts, sports and digital technology: nomination by the competent ministry or council. 7) Humanitarian pioneers: at least 5 years with recognised international, regional or local humanitarian organisations, or contributions of at least AED 2,000,000. 8) First line of defence (frontline heroes): recommendation from the competent government agency. Retirees (55+) get a separate 5-year residence. All categories need valid health insurance. Nomination does not equal approval: GDRFA makes the final decision. People outside the UAE can get a 6-month multiple-entry visa (extendable once) to complete the procedure. Golden holders are exempt from the 180-day stay-abroad rule: the residence lapses only if it expires while the holder is outside the UAE (GDRFA). GDRFA's renewal page for the first-line-of-defence golden residence lists a 180-day grace period after expiry or cancellation; other golden pages do not state one.