Global عربي
KSA عربي
Global عربي
Many individuals who invest now want a place where they can build a safe and prosperous future. They want to grow not just their money, but a stable lifestyle, a promising future and a settlement for their families.
The UAE is a nation of business and quality of life. It is a place with a strong economy, investor-friendly rules, a modern lifestyle and a worldwide reputation, making it a popular choice for people from all over.
The UAE Silver Visa is a new way for investors to make this vision a reality. It offers a five-year residency allowing foreign investors to live, work and expand their businesses in the UAE without the increased money requirements of the Golden Visa. It's an opportunity to be a part of one of the world's fastest-growing economies without sacrificing the comfort and security of life within the UAE.
This guide will set you on the path to everything you need to know about the UAE Silver Visa 2026. You will learn who is eligible to apply, the rewards, the overall application process, and how this visa ranks compared to other residency options.
By the end, you will know how the Silver Visa can help you align your investment objectives with your own future in one of the most promising markets.
The UAE Silver Visa is a five-year residency permit allowing individuals to live, work and invest in the United Arab Emirates.
It's also part of the country's mission to attract the world's talent, including skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and top students. Unlike a short-term work or visit visa, the Silver Visa allows you to stay longer and establish a stable life in the UAE.
The one main thing that makes the Silver Visa unique is that you don't need a local sponsor or employer. This allows investors and professionals greater independence in managing their work or business. It also makes it easier for people looking to establish or expand their businesses within the UAE.
Different types of people use the Silver Visa card. Each type has its own set of specific criteria.
If you are an investor, these are some thresholds you must be familiar with;
- Taking ownership of property worth at least AED 1 million in the UAE can qualify.
- In a few cases, the threshold is AED 5 million to qualify for the five-year permit.
- Investment of at least AED 1 million in a UAE-based business is a standard benchmark.
If you are running a mature Business or Startup;
- You can be eligible to participate if your business has a minimum capital of AED 500,000 but a startup should be approved by a recognized incubator in the UAE.
- The business must be active in the UAE and approved by the incubator or the regulatory body.
For people who work in a specialized fields:
- Should have a degree or equivalent and work in sectors that contribute to the UAE's economy, such as healthcare, technology or engineering.
- A minimum threshold of salaries is frequently mentioned such as AED 15,000 per month.
If you are retired, then you want long-term residency;
- You must be at least 55 years old.
- You must satisfy financial requirements, such as owning property valued at AED 1 million or savings (pension) of at least AED 500,000 in the UAE.
- For high performing students, the students should be graduated from High-School with higher grades, such as 95% or above, or university graduates with a GPA of 3.75 or above.
- The talented individuals are those who are recognized for having some contribution in the field of science, arts & culture, research, etc.
All applicants are required to fulfill some basic requirements:
- Be 18 years or older.Have a valid passport, not expired for less than 6 months.
- Have a valid health insurance in the UAE and pass a medical check.
- Have a clean criminal record from the UAE and your country of residence.
The Silver Visa provides five years of residency in the UAE. The holders do not need to renew their visa every year or every two years. This additional extended stay allows residents to plan their life and investments in the UAE with confidence.
Read more about: What Are The Types of Residency Visas in the UAE?
Applicants do not need a local employer or sponsor to hold the Silver Visa. This independence allows investors and professionals to work, invest, or live in the UAE without being tied to a single company.
The holders of the Silver Visa can sponsor their family members, including spouses, children, and in some cases, parents. This benefit allows families to move together, live, and study in the UAE while the principal applicant holds the visa.
The Silver Visa simplifies immigrants' access to vital services in the UAE. Now the holders are able to open bank accounts, enroll children in school and access healthcare facilities just like other permanent residents.
The Silver Visa allows holders to stay outside the UAE for up to six months without losing their residency. This feature helps those with business or family obligations abroad maintain their UAE residency.
Holders of the Silver Visa can sponsor domestic workers such as drivers or household staff. This benefit is helpful for investors or residents who plan to live in the UAE full-time and require support.
In taking up the application, start by making sure that you meet the rules of the Silver Visa of your category (investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, retired or a high-achieving student).
For investors, you need property valued at at least AED 1 million, while for experienced professionals, a monthly salary of about AED 15,000 is required.
In addition, ensure you have a passport, are free of criminal activity, and have health insurance.
You will need to bring the following documents with you, including a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months, passport-size photos and any educational or professional certificates for which attestation is required.
For an investor or real estate owner, you require proof of the investment or property ownership.
If you are a professional, bring along salary statements and your contract of employment.
If you are a retiree, you need to provide bank statements or proof of savings.
Also, obtain a medical fitness certificate from an approved health centre and plan health insurance, which covers your stay in the UAE.
Send your application online via the appropriate portal, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports security (ICP) or the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), from your local emirate in which you are applying.
Complete the application form, upload the required documents and pay the application fees.
After submitting, you should visit an authorized health centre in the UAE for a medical fitness test.
You also need to complete biometric registration (fingerprints and a photo) to receive your Emirates ID card once your visa is approved.
Wait for the immigration authority to try to gain information about your application. Normal processing time ranges from approximately 2 to 4 weeks and depends on the category and emirate.
Upon approval, you'll get your visa residence stamp and your Emirates ID card as a Silver Visa holder.
The Silver Visa grants a 5-year residency that you can keep renewing so long as you maintain the conditions. It grants the holder the right to reside and work in the UAE for the duration of their stay, without the need for renewal.
The Golden Visa provides ten years of residency, the longest of the three. The Green Visa also offers five years but is more for skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed professionals rather than high net worth investors.
The Silver Visa is for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and retirees who want to live and invest in the UAE with sustainable financial needs.
The Golden Visa is for wealthy investors, top talents and innovators who can make significant contributions to the UAE economy, and gives them the longest stay.
The Green Visa is for skilled workers, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and partners or investors who don't have the highest investment requirements but still want to live and work in the UAE.
The Silver Visa generally requires an investment of roughly AED 1 million in a business or approximately AED 5 million in real estate, depending on the emirate and the category.
The Golden Visa requires a greater commitment to property or business investments, generally AED 2 million or more.
The Green Visa does not require a significant investment as applicants need to have a salary of approximately AED 15000 per month or an annual income of approximately AED 360,000 for self-employed professionals.
All three visas offer residence rights, work rights, and investment opportunities without an UAE national or employer sponsor. The Golden Visa allows for wider family sponsorship (including spouses, children of any age and occasionally other dependents).
The Silver Visa includes sponsorship of family members, but it might be more restrictive. The Green Visa does allow for family sponsorship but may have age or type of relatives as restrictions.
If you can invest heavily and are looking to hold residency for the longest time, the Golden Visa is the best option due to the stability and additional benefits.
Suppose you're looking to invest or live on a lower but substantial financial threshold in the UAE. In that case, the Silver Visa is a perfect balance between investment requirements and the benefits of residency.
Suppose you are a skilled worker, a freelancer, or a self-employed person and do not have the option to work in a conventional setting. In that case, the Green Visa offers you residence and work rights without requiring a significant investment.
Read more about: Green Visa vs Blue Visa, 2026 Updates
1- Can I upgrade my Silver Visa to a Golden Visa later?
Yes, you can switch from a Silver Visa to a Golden Visa, but only if you meet the Golden Visa conditions.
For example, you'd need more capital, or you’d need to make more money. The changing visas is not automatic and you have to submit a new application under the Golden Visa rules and provide all required documents. To make sure you qualify for the upgrade, check with UAE immigration first.
Read more about: 2026 UAE Golden Visa
2- What is the validity period of the Silver Visa?
A Silver Visa is valid for 5 years. Then you can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your category.
The visa renewal is based on things such as your investment, income or job, so make sure your records are up-to-date. If you can meet those requirements, you can stay in the UAE without gaps.
3- Can Silver Visa holders sponsor their families?
Yes, Silver Visa holders are allowed to sponsor a spouse and children to live in the UAE. You have to meet the sponsorship rules, including having sufficient income and suitable housing.
If approved, your family can now live in, go to school and access services in the UAE with your visa. This way, you can get your family together and plan for the future.
Disclamer:
This post is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to take any financial action. It should not be relied upon when making investment or financing decisions.
