The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most important long-term residency programs in the country, allowing eligible individuals to obtain residency for 5 or 10 years. This visa can still be applied for through the ICP Smart Services Portal (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security of the UAE).

Below, the steps for submitting an application and important tips are explained in detail and updated.

Eligibility Criteria for the Golden Visa

Only individuals who fall into the categories designated by the UAE government can apply for the Golden Visa through the ICP Smart Services Portal. These categories include:

• Investors

  • Public investment

  • Investment in real estate according to the specified minimums

• Entrepreneurs

  • Founder or owner of registered and approved projects in the UAE

• Specialists

  • Doctors, engineers, scientists, IT specialists, modern technologies, and specialized fields needed by the country

• Outstanding Athletes

  • Having official honors or endorsements from relevant sports authorities

• PhD Holders

  • Especially in the fields of engineering, basic sciences, medicine, and technology

• Creative Professionals in Arts and Culture

  • Writers, artists, designers, and cultural activists endorsed by relevant authorities

Non-compliance with these criteria will result in automatic rejection of the application.

Submitting an Application Through the ICP Smart Services Portal

After ensuring eligibility, the steps to submit an application are as follows:

1. Access the ICP Smart Services Portal or ICP App (available for download on mobile devices)

2. Register or log in with UAE Pass

3. Select the option related to Golden Visa

4. Complete the application form with identity and professional information

5. Upload the required documents based on the type of application

After submitting the form and documents, your application will be officially registered in the system.

Application Fee Payment

A fee of approximately 50 USD is charged for the initial application and review.
This fee is for document review and application services and is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Required Documents for Application Submission

Documents vary based on the type of applicant but generally include the following:

• Valid passport

• Personal photo

• Educational certificate (for specialists and PhD holders)

• Investment or property ownership documents (for investors)

• Project or company registration documents (for entrepreneurs)

• Professional and specialized endorsements or certificates

• Other supplementary documents based on the application

After submitting the documents, confirmation of application registration will be sent to the applicant via SMS and official email.

Issuance of a 6-Month Entry Visa to the UAE

If the initial application is approved, a six-month entry visa will be issued for the applicant. This visa allows the individual to enter the UAE and complete the final steps for obtaining the Golden Visa from within the country.

This visa is issued solely for completing the residency process and does not replace the final Golden Visa.

Timeline and Conditions for Completing the Application

• If there are deficiencies in the documents or information, the application will be returned to the applicant

• There is a 30-day deadline for correcting and completing the application

• If corrections are not made within the specified period, the application will be automatically canceled

• Repeated deficiencies or submission of invalid documents may lead to final rejection of the application

Care in uploading documents plays a significant role in the speed of case review.

Costs of the Six-Month Entry Visa

The cost of issuing a six-month entry visa to the UAE is currently 1,150 AED, which includes the following:

• 1,000 AED: Visa issuance fee

• 100 AED: Application registration fee

• 28 AED: Electronic service fee

• 22 AED: Administrative fees of the Citizenship Authority

This cost is separate from the initial application registration fee.

Contact Methods and Support

If there is a problem or need for more information, you can contact through the following official channels:

• ICP App

• Official ICP website

• Contact the support center: 600522222

Responses are usually provided in English and Arabic.

Final Summary

Applying for the UAE Golden Visa through the ICP Smart Services Portal is one of the most official and direct methods for obtaining this type of long-term residency. Strict adherence to the criteria, complete submission of documents, and attention to the announced timelines play a crucial role in the success of the application. By preparing correctly and entering accurate information, this process can be completed smoothly and in accordance with the new UAE regulations.