Golden Visa Cost UAE 2026: How Much Do You Actually Pay?
Golden visa cost UAE 2026 ranges from AED 4,600 to AED 10,250 in government and processing fees, depending on your category. This does not include the investment amount (such as AED 2 million in property or a bank deposit), which you retain as an asset. The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after long-term residency options in the world – but before you apply, you need to know the real cost, not just the investment threshold.
This guide provides a complete golden visa fee breakdown for every category: investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and family dependents, so you can budget accurately before applying. If you are a salaried employee, our UAE Golden Visa for skilled professionals guide explains the AED 30,000 basic salary rule, the 2-year employment requirement, and all required documents including the 6-month bank statement. If you are a freelancer, our Golden Visa for Freelancers UAE 2026 guide covers the specific fees and eligibility for the freelancer pathway, including the more affordable 5-year Green Visa option. If you are applying through property investment, our Golden Visa through property investment guide covers the new February 2026 rules, DLD process, and additional costs specific to real estate investors. If your Dubai property is under AED 2 million and you want 2-year UAE residence instead, see our Dubai property investor visa guide – in 2026, the AED 750,000 minimum was removed and sole owners of any freehold property now qualify. For how long the Golden Visa and other UAE visa applications take to process, see our complete processing time guide.
What Are the Government Fees for the Golden Visa?
Every Golden Visa applicant pays a combination of mandatory government fees. These are set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The fees apply whether you are inside or outside the UAE at the time of application.
The core fees that every applicant pays are:
- Visa issuance fee: AED 2,700 – AED 2,800 (10-year residence permit)
- Emirates ID (10-year): AED 1,100 – AED 1,200 (AED 100 per year + AED 100 smart service fee) – for details on how Emirates ID fees work and renewal process, see our Emirates ID renewal guide for 2026
- Medical fitness test: AED 700 – AED 1,000 (HIV test + chest X-ray, required at any DHA/MOHAP-approved centre)
- Application typing/service fee: AED 100 – AED 350 (varies by typing centre)
- Knowledge Dirham + Innovation Dirham: AED 20 (mandatory government surcharge)
These base fees total approximately AED 4,600 – AED 5,400 for most applicants.
Related Reading
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