What the Golden Visa actually gives you
The Golden Visa is a residence visa held in your own name. You don't need a job offer or a company to sponsor you, so you can change jobs, go freelance or start a business without it affecting your right to live here.
It's valid for up to ten years and can be renewed as long as you still meet the conditions of your category. Under the current rules, it also stays valid if you spend long periods outside the UAE, which matters a lot if your work keeps you travelling.
You can include your spouse and children, so the whole family has the same stable residency. We prepare their applications alongside yours, which means nobody ends up waiting on a separate timeline.
Who can apply
There are several routes to a Golden Visa. Each has its own evidence, and some need a nomination or recommendation before the residency application itself. Here's a plain summary of each one.
Creative professionals
Artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, photographers and content creators with a recognised body of work. This route usually begins with a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, which has no government fee.
Investors
People who own property in the UAE or hold qualifying public investments. Minimum values apply, and your evidence needs to show the investment is in place and where the funds came from.
Entrepreneurs
Founders and owners of businesses or startup projects that meet the criteria. Some cases need an approval or nomination from a recognised body before the application.
Specialists and scientists
Doctors, engineers, researchers and other highly qualified professionals. Evidence usually covers your qualifications, your current role and the recognition you've earned in your field.
Outstanding students and graduates
High achieving students at UAE schools and universities, and graduates who meet the grade and institution requirements.
Humanitarian and frontline
Humanitarian pioneers and people who served on the front line, such as during public health emergencies. These routes rely on evidence of service and recognition.
Not sure which one fits you? That's very common, especially if your work crosses categories. Tell us about yourself when you register and a specialist will suggest the strongest route before you pay anything.
A closer look at the creative route
So many of our clients work in film, music, media and design that this route deserves a little more detail.
It usually happens in two stages. First, the Ministry of Culture reviews your work and decides whether to recommend you. Depending on your field, they may look at your portfolio, awards, press coverage, your audience and letters from people in your industry. If you're recommended, you then apply for residency with ICP, or with GDRFA if you'll be living in Dubai.
Where we make the biggest difference is in how your work is presented. A strong file is clear, well organised and backed by evidence that someone outside your industry can understand quickly. If we think your portfolio needs more before it goes in, we'll tell you honestly and help you build it.
Documents you'll usually need
The exact list depends on your category and where you'll live. We confirm it with you at the start, so you're not collecting things you don't need.
- Your passport, valid for at least six months
- A recent passport photo on a white background
- Your CV or professional profile
- Evidence for your category, such as a portfolio, awards, title deeds, investment statements, company documents or academic transcripts
- Your current UAE visa and Emirates ID, if you already live here
- Passports, photos and relationship documents for family members you're adding, such as marriage and birth certificates
Documents that aren't in Arabic or English may need a certified translation, and some certificates issued abroad need to be attested. We'll tell you which ones and can arrange both for you.
How your application works with us
Register and get verified
Create your account and confirm a few details about yourself. We review every new account, so we know who we're working with before any documents change hands.
Route check
A specialist looks at your background and confirms your category, the current requirements and anything that could slow your case down. If we don't think you'll qualify yet, we'll say so.
Choose your package
You'll see our fixed service fee and the government fees as separate lines. Nothing is charged until you agree.
Upload your documents
You send your documents once through your secure account. We prepare the application from them and only come back to you for details that are missing or unclear.
Checked by two people
Two members of our team review the complete file. You then read the final version and sign the declaration before anything is submitted.
Submission
We submit through the appropriate official channel, including any nomination or recommendation your category needs first. Each reference number appears in your account as it arrives.
Medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID
When the authority moves your case to the next stage, we book your appointments and tell you exactly where to go and what to bring.
Visa issued
We check the outcome against the official record, send you your documents and close the case. If you'd like help with travel or settling in, our concierge team can take it from there.
What it costs
Every quote is broken into the parts below, so you can see exactly where your money goes.
| Part of the quote | Who sets it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Government fees | The issuing authority | Passed on at cost. They change from time to time, so we confirm them when you're ready to submit. |
| Medical test and Emirates ID | The provider | Passed on at cost and paid at the stage they're needed. |
| Our service fee | Emirates Media Hub | A fixed fee for your case, agreed before you pay. It covers the route check, preparation, submission and follow up until your visa is issued. |
| Optional extras | You decide | Translation, attestation, courier and concierge, only if you ask for them. |
How long it takes
Honestly, it depends. Our preparation moves as quickly as your documents do, and most of the waiting happens with the authorities, especially on routes that need a nomination or recommendation first.
We'll give you a realistic estimate for your category during the route check. After that, your account always shows what's happening and who has the next action. If something is waiting on you, you'll know. If it's waiting on an authority, we'll tell you that too, rather than leaving you guessing.
One thing we'll always be clear about
We prepare and submit applications. We don't decide them. Approval rests with the authority, and no service, including ours, can guarantee it. What we can promise is a complete, accurate application, submitted the right way, with no surprises on cost.
Golden Visa questions
Can I apply if I'm not in the UAE yet?
Yes, plenty of people start from abroad. Some steps, like the medical test and biometrics, have to happen here, so we'll plan the timing with you and can arrange your travel if you'd like.
Can my family apply at the same time?
Yes. We prepare your spouse's and children's applications as linked cases so they move together. Each person needs their own documents, and we'll give you a clear list for everyone.
What happens if my application is rejected?
We'll explain the reason given and talk you through your options. That might mean strengthening the evidence and applying again, or looking at a different route. We never resubmit anything without your agreement.
I already have a UAE visa. Will it be affected?
Your current visa stays in place while we prepare your application. When it's time to change status, we'll walk you through each step so there's no gap in your residency.
Do you handle renewals?
Yes. We check that you still meet your category's conditions, prepare the renewal and handle it the same way as a new application.
Why use a service instead of applying myself?
You're completely free to apply directly, and some people do. Our clients usually come to us because they want their evidence presented properly the first time, someone keeping track of every step, and one place to manage the application alongside travel, permits or bookings.