UAE authorities have firmly denied recent rumours about granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) clarified that all Golden Visas are issued for fixed terms—5 or 10 years—based on strict eligibility criteria, and must be processed solely through official government channels.
In response to a surge of misleading reports and social media claims, the UAE government has firmly denied recent rumours suggesting the existence of a "lifetime Golden Visa" scheme for select nationalities. These false claims, widely circulated by both local and international outlets as well as consultancy firms, have prompted the country's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) to issue an official statement clarifying the facts.
The ICP stressed that there are no provisions for a lifetime Golden Visa in the UAE, regardless of nationality. All Golden Visas are granted according to clearly defined legal criteria and timeframes, which are outlined on the official UAE Government Portal and the websites of relevant government entities.
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According to the ICP, Golden Visa applications must be submitted exclusively through official government channels within the UAE. The authority explicitly stated that no internal or external consultancy firms are permitted to process or submit Golden Visa applications on behalf of individuals.
This clarification comes in the wake of a false campaign by a foreign-based consultancy company that claimed it could secure lifetime Golden Visas for all nationalities by bypassing standard government procedures. The ICP dismissed these claims as completely untrue and warned the public not to fall for such misinformation.
In its statement, the ICP also reminded the public that all legitimate information, requirements, and application steps for the Golden Visa can be found only on government-managed platforms. Individuals are strongly advised to verify any claims through the official UAE Government website or by contacting the ICP’s 24/7 call center at 600 522222.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced to attract and retain top global talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and other skilled individuals. It allows qualified residents to live, work, invest, or study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor and comes with a host of exclusive benefits.
The visa is typically granted for a duration of 5 or 10 years, depending on the eligibility category, and can be automatically renewed as long as the conditions continue to be met. There is currently no system that supports granting this visa for life.
The Golden Visa is not offered indiscriminately. Applicants must meet specific criteria within one of the approved categories:
Eligible for a 10-year visa without a sponsor if they:
Eligible for a 5-year renewable visa if:
Eligible for a 5-year visa if they:
This includes professionals in medicine, science, culture, arts, and engineering:
Eligible individuals include:
Healthcare professionals and emergency workers who served exceptionally during national crises (such as COVID-19) may be nominated for the Golden Visa by relevant authorities.
The ICP reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the visa system and ensuring that applicants are treated fairly. The authority stated that it continuously enhances its services through official digital platforms, keeping the process simple and transparent.
Moreover, the ICP warned that legal action will be taken against any parties or individuals caught spreading misinformation or misleading the public. Specifically, it cautioned against submitting personal documents or payments to unauthorized individuals or agencies under the false promise of securing a visa.
All information and official application processes are available on the UAE Government portal:
🔗 https://u.ae/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa
Or contact the 24/7 ICP call center: 600 522222
The Golden Visa remains a powerful tool for attracting high-achieving individuals to the UAE—but it comes with clear eligibility rules and legal procedures. There is no such thing as a "lifetime Golden Visa" and no shortcuts or third-party agents can alter or simplify the official process.
Authorities strongly urge the public to rely only on trusted government sources and avoid falling for misinformation aimed at quick profit. In a rapidly evolving global environment, the UAE continues to stand firm in offering safe, structured, and transparent immigration opportunities for those who qualify.
Source : Gulf News
Image Courtesy : ibh.ae
