Golden Visa or Green Visa — which should you get?
Both are self-sponsored. Golden gives 10 years at a high bar (AED 2M investment or AED 30K salary); Green gives 5 years at roughly half that bar. Here is the full comparison and a decision rule.
Side by side
| Golden Visa | Green Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 years | 5 years |
| Sponsor | None | None |
| Investment routes | AED 2M property, or AED 2M deposit (2 yrs) | AED 1M+ in assets |
| Salary route | AED 30,000+/month + attested degree | AED 15,000+/month and levels 1–3 and a bachelor’s degree |
| Freelancer route | — | MOHRE freelance/self-employment permit and a bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma and AED 360,000+ annual freelance income over the previous two years — all required |
| Government fees | ≈ AED 4,695–10,140 by route | Broadly comparable — confirm on ICP |
| Family sponsorship | Yes, for the visa term | Yes, for the visa term |
| 6-month absence rule | Not cancelled by long absence | Standard rules apply — confirm your case |
Which one should you pick?
Pick Golden if you clear any of its bars — the 10-year term, absence flexibility and prestige effects compound. Pick Green if you earn AED 15–30K or freelance with a degree: you get sponsor-free residence now instead of waiting to qualify for Golden. Many residents use Green as the bridge and upgrade at renewal time.
Full guides: Golden Visa · Green Visa
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade from Green Visa to Golden Visa?
Yes — holding a Green Visa does not block a Golden application. Many residents treat Green as the bridge and apply for Golden once they clear an investment or salary bar.
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Enquire about this space →Sources & verification. Each page lists the official pages its figures come from, and carries the date we last reviewed it (2026-11-02). Where we could not confirm a figure against a primary government source, the page says so instead of asserting it. against UAE government portals (u.ae, ICP) and current legal-advisory publications. This site is an independent guide by Growtoday Holdings FZE, Dubai — not a government website and not legal advice. Requirements vary by emirate, nationality and case; confirm with ICP/GDRFA or a licensed advisor before making decisions.
The AI assistant points you to which office decides and what to confirm, from this guide's content — it does not rule on individual eligibility.
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