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Live, work, invest and study in the UAE on your own sponsorship. iWA confirms which route fits you, prepares and attests your documents, files your application and brings your family over.
The UAE's premium long-term residency.
Some of the world's most flexible long-term residency. Select a route for who qualifies, the 2026 thresholds and the step-by-step process.
A 5 or 10-year renewable residence permit — self-sponsored, no employer or national sponsor. Live, work, study and invest freely, change jobs without losing status, and stay outside the UAE beyond the standard 180-day limit.
Eligibility check & category selection
Documents, attestation & nomination
Application via ICP / GDRFA Dubai
Medical, Emirates ID & stamping
A 5-year self-sponsored residence permit (Cabinet Resolution 150 of 2022) bridging the standard employment visa and the Golden Visa. It stays valid through job changes, freelance transitions and short income gaps.
Confirm category & secure permit if needed
Income proof, degree & documents
Apply via ICP / GDRFA
Medical, Emirates ID & 5-year visa
New for 2026: the Dubai Land Department has removed the AED 750,000 minimum property value for sole owners — any fully-owned, completed residential unit now qualifies for the renewable 2-year residency, regardless of value. A landmark change that opens residency to mid-market and first-time buyers.
Title deed & ownership review
DLD property eligibility verification
Entry permit / status change
Medical, Emirates ID & visa
Lifestyle-driven residency for retirees and global remote professionals who want to base themselves in the UAE.
Confirm eligibility
Income / property / contract proof
Online application
Medical, Emirates ID & visa
Once you hold UAE residency, iWA brings your family over and arranges their visas, Emirates IDs and health insurance — and our concierge team handles schooling and housing (see Family & Concierge).
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Attested marriage / birth documents
Entry permits & status change
Medical, Emirates ID & visas
Both are self-sponsored. The Golden Visa runs longer and suits investors and senior talent; the Green Visa suits skilled employees and freelancers.
| Golden Visa | Green Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 or 10 years, renewable | 5 years, renewable |
| Sponsor | Self-sponsored | Self-sponsored |
| Main routes | Property AED 2M+, salary AED 30,000+, entrepreneurs, specialised talent | Skilled employees on AED 15,000+, freelancers on AED 360,000+ a year, investors and partners |
| Family | Spouse, children and parents | Spouse and children (sons to 25, daughters with no age limit) |
| If you lose your job | Status unaffected | Grace period of up to 6 months |
Requirements vary by category. We check your documents before anything is filed.
The Golden Visa is a 5 or 10-year renewable UAE residence permit that you sponsor yourself. You can live, work, study and invest in the UAE, change jobs without losing your status, and sponsor your family.
Your UAE real estate must be worth at least AED 2 million in total. Since February 2026 the total asset value is what counts, regardless of any mortgage. Browse qualifying homes with iWA Properties.
Yes, if you are a skilled professional with a basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more and approved credentials. Priority fields include AI, data science, medicine and engineering.
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children and parents. iWA handles their entry permits, medicals, Emirates IDs and health insurance, and our family relocation team helps with schools and housing.
Yes. Unlike a standard residence visa, the Golden Visa is not cancelled if you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days.
Yes. Since 2026, sole owners of any fully-owned, completed residential property in Dubai can apply for a renewable 2-year property investor visa, regardless of value. Joint owners need at least AED 400,000 each.
It depends on your category and how quickly documents can be gathered and attested. After a free eligibility check we give you a clear timeline, then manage every step through to your Emirates ID.
Tell us what you need — set up a company, relocate your family, secure residency or invest — and a specialist replies within one business day.
No obligation. Your details stay confidential.
Share your details and an iWA specialist will contact you shortly.