Dubai has published four categories of foreign nationals who qualify for the emirate's 10-year Golden Visa.

The United Arab Emirates runs the Golden Visa as a long-term residency programme. Successful applicants receive a renewable residence permit valid for ten years, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country without a national sponsor.

The publication of the four categories gives Dubai applicants a defined set of profiles to apply under. The list replaces the broader, less-defined criteria applicants previously navigated.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) oversees the federal residency system. Dubai applicants typically file through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or the ICP portal.

What does this change for applicants?

Foreign nationals considering long-term residency in Dubai now have a fixed list of profiles that qualify for the 10-year track. The four categories replace earlier discretionary criteria with a published standard.

Applicants who match one of the four categories can proceed with documentation. Standard requirements include:

• A valid passport
• Proof of qualifying profile (investment, employment, talent, or other category-specific evidence)
• Health insurance
• A clean criminal record
• An entry permit, if applying from outside the UAE

The official Dubai government publication is the authoritative source for the four categories and their specific thresholds. Applicants should review it directly before filing.

What about existing residents?

Foreign nationals who already hold a Golden Visa are not affected. The change applies to new applicants and to existing residence visa holders who may want to upgrade to the 10-year track.

Standard UAE residence visa holders (typically valid one to three years) remain on their current permit unless they transition into one of the four Golden Visa categories.

How does this affect employers?

Companies sponsoring foreign workers in Dubai should review the four categories against their workforce. Senior employees, specialists, or investors who fit one of the categories may be eligible for the longer permit, which removes the need for renewal every one to three years and reduces administrative cost.

The Golden Visa also allows holders to sponsor family members without the salary thresholds attached to standard permits.

Where can the four categories be verified?

The four categories and their eligibility criteria appear on official Dubai government websites. The ICP website (icp.gov.ae) carries the federal framework. Dubai-specific updates appear through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Applicants should anchor any application to the official publication rather than third-party summaries.