How Much Time It Takes To Get Golden Visa In UAE - Latest Updates & Tips!

The UAE Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after residency options in the world, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents. While its benefits are clear—long-term residency, no need for a local sponsor, and the ability to sponsor family members—the processing time often becomes a top concern for applicants.

Stay tuned with us, we break down how much time it takes to get Golden Visa in UAE, explore the different application routes, explain the step-by-step timeline, discuss factors that influence the duration, and share practical tips to help you secure your visa faster.

What Is The UAE Golden Visa And Why Does Processing Time Matter?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that can be valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant category. It’s designed to attract high-value residents who contribute to the country’s economy and society.

Understanding how much time it takes to get Golden Visa in UAE is important because:

• You may need to plan business or relocation activities.

• Family members' timelines depend on your approval.

• Some applicants may need to cancel existing visas or coordinate with employers.

• Delays can affect travel schedules, investment transactions, or academic admissions.

Typical Processing Time For UAE Golden Visa Applications - Need To Know!

Processing times vary depending on where you apply from and your visa category.

a) Applicants Inside the UAE:

If you are already living in the UAE:

• Initial Approval: Usually granted within 48 hours after submitting a complete application.

• Medical & Visa Cancellation: Once approved, you undergo a medical fitness test and cancel your existing visa. This stage typically takes 3–5 working days.

• Final Issuance: The Golden Visa is issued after medical clearance and visa cancellation.

Average Total Time: 5–7 working days (if documents are ready and the application is straightforward).

b) Applicants Outside the UAE:

If you are applying from abroad:

• Document Verification & Approval: Takes longer because the UAE authorities verify foreign documents, such as academic certificates and investment proofs.

• Entry Permit: Once approved, you receive an entry permit to travel to the UAE.

• Medical & Biometrics: Conducted after arrival.

• Final Issuance: Similar to local applicants, this takes another 3–5 working days.

Average Total Time: 2–3 weeks, but it can stretch to a month depending on verification delays.

What Is The Step-by-Step Timeline For Getting The UAE Golden Visa?

Here’s a detailed look at each stage to help you understand how much time it takes to get a Golden Visa in the UAE.

a) Eligibility Assessment (1–3 Days):

• Check if you meet the criteria for your chosen category (investor, entrepreneur, scientist, etc.).

• If you hire a professional consultant, this step is faster.

b) Document Preparation (3–7 Days):

• Gather and notarise required documents.

• Academic and professional certificates may need to be attested.

• Missing documents at this stage can cause significant delays later.

c) Submission of Application (1–2 Days)

• Submit online via the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

d) Initial Approval (Within 48 Hours)

• For local applicants, this is usually quick.

• For foreign applicants, initial approval can take longer if background checks are needed.

e) Medical Test & Biometrics (1–2 Days)

• A standard medical fitness check is mandatory.

• Biometrics are taken for new residents.

f) Visa Cancellation (If Inside UAE) (1–3 Days)

• Cancel your existing residency visa before the Golden Visa can be issued.

• Ensure all financial dues, tenancy contracts, and employer clearances are settled to avoid delays in cancellation.

g) Final Issuance (1–3 Days)

• Once all checks are complete, the Golden Visa is issued.

• You will receive your Emirates ID linked to the Golden Visa status.

• Depending on the emirate, final stamping can be completed online or at a service centre.

Factors That Influence The Processing Time - UAE Golden Visa Explained!

While many applicants receive their visas within the average timelines, several factors can speed up or delay the process:

• Visa Category: Investors and entrepreneurs may require additional verification of funds or business ownership.

• Document Completeness: Missing or incorrectly attested documents can add days or weeks.

• Nationality: Some countries’ documents require extra verification.

• Applicant Location:  Processing is faster if you are already in the UAE.

• Seasonal Backlogs: Applications may take longer during peak times such as major UAE holidays.

• Background Checks: Certain professions or nationalities may trigger deeper security reviews.

• Authority Discretion: The final decision rests with UAE authorities, who may request extra details.

How To Speed Up Your UAE Golden Visa Approval?

If you want to get your Golden Visa faster, the key is preparation. Make sure all your documents are ready, attested, and translated before you even start the application. Book your medical test as soon as you get the initial approval to avoid gaps in the process. 

Using an experienced visa consultant or VIP fast-track service can also save you several days. Most importantly, respond quickly to any extra requests from the authorities so your application doesn’t get stuck in review.

Common Mistakes That Delay The Process - Tips For A Smooth Application!

Many applicants face delays simply because of avoidable errors. Understanding these pitfalls in advance can save you days or even weeks in getting your UAE Golden Visa. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect application forms

• Forgetting to attest to academic or professional certificates before submission

• Applying under the wrong Golden Visa category

• Delaying the cancellation of an existing residency visa when applying inside the UAE

• Not booking medical tests promptly after initial approval

• Providing documents with mismatched spellings or inconsistent personal details

• Failing to clear outstanding bills, fines, or legal obligations before applying

• Using unclear or low-quality scans of documents, making verification harder for authorities

FAQs:

Is the process faster if I apply from inside the UAE?

Yes, applying from inside the UAE is generally quicker since you can complete medical tests and biometrics locally. The timeline is usually 7–10 working days. This is shorter than applying from abroad, which often takes 2–3 weeks.

Can I track my Golden Visa application online?

Yes, you can track your application through the ICP or GDRFA portals. Tracking helps you monitor progress and respond quickly if extra documents are requested. This can prevent unnecessary delays.

Do public holidays affect Golden Visa processing time?

Yes, UAE public holidays like Eid or National Day can slow down processing. Government offices may close, and the backlog can add several extra days. It’s better to apply outside peak holiday periods if possible.

Can I get the Golden Visa in under a week?

It’s possible if you apply inside the UAE and use a VIP fast-track service. This requires all documents to be ready and verified in advance. Even then, timelines depend on the specific case.

Conclusion:

Getting a UAE Golden Visa doesn’t have to be a long or stressful process if you plan ahead. Most people can expect to receive it within 1–3 weeks, depending on their location and category. 

The key is to have all documents ready, act quickly at each stage, and avoid common mistakes. With the right preparation, you could be holding your Golden Visa much sooner than you think.