Greetings to everyone exploring the UAE Silver Visa. This article is worth bookmarking if you plan to apply for one. Our expert team of UAE visa consultants has prepared this guide. Let’s begin!
You will be surprised to know that over “10 million people call the UAE home”. Interestingly, around 88% are expats. They arrive for work, business, or education.
The attraction is simple.
The UAE offers comfort, security, and room to grow. People choose it because life feels steady here and progress feels possible. It’s a place where work, family, and ambition can go hand in hand.
If you plan to build a life here, that’s a different mindset than a short contract stay. Long-term residency options naturally become the next step. Most discussions lead to two names. Golden Visa and Silver Visa.
The Golden Visa is the more familiar term. It offers a ten-year residency and is often viewed as the premium route for high-net-worth investors, entrepreneurs, and top-tier professionals.Â
The Silver Visa, however, is emerging as the smarter and more attainable alternative. It offers long-term security without demanding the same level of financial investment. For many residents, this balance makes it far more realistic. In fact, over 50,000 Silver Visas are issued annually under the ICP system, and the 2025 updates have made qualification even smoother.
This guide provides all the information you need about Silver Visa UAE requirements. It also includes the latest 2025 regulations linked to the Silvr Visa.
What’s Inside This Guide
- What is the Silver Visa in the UAE
- Silver Visa UAE Requirements
- Who Can Apply
- Benefits of Holding a Silver Visa
- Silver vs Golden Visa
- Fees and Cost Breakdown
- Pitfalls, Renewal, and 2025 Updates
- Ready to Apply
What Exactly is the Silver Visa in the UAE?
The Silver Visa is a long-term renewable residency valid for five years. It is open to property investors, professionals, students, retirees, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and exceptional talent.
This pathway was introduced under the Projects of the 50 initiative in 2022. It is processed through the federal ICP portal, while Dubai uses GDRFA and Abu Dhabi uses TAMM interfaces.Â
Think of it like the bridge between normal residency and Golden residency. strong. secure. achievable.
Silver Visa UAE Requirements: Your Quick Ready List
Meet these basics and you’re good to apply.
- First of all, a Valid passport is required.
- No criminal history, supported by a police clearance certificate.
- Medical fitness test clearance from an approved Emirates ID clinic, including HIV and TB tests.
- Proof of stable income, funds, or investment.
- Active UAE health policy with coverage beginning from AED 50,000.
Documents must be scanned clearly in colour. Non-English or Arabic paperwork must include a legal translation approved by MOFA. Even one missing page can delay approval, so accuracy is everything.
Who Can Apply for the Silver Visa?
You can consider applying if you fall under these groups. Eligibility has been streamlined in 2025 to include more “green professions” (now 114 roles) and remote workers.
Property Investors
- Minimum property value AED 1 million for Silver Visa in most emirates.
- Abu Dhabi may require AED 2 million for some investor tiers.
- Off-plan property is allowed if 50% payment is completed.
- Mortgaged units accepted with 50% equity paid.
- Ownership must continue for at least 3 years.
- AED 750,000 only qualifies for a 2-year investor visa, not Silver Visa.
Skilled Professionals
- Covers skilled roles, from doctors and engineers to researchers and IT experts.
- Valid UAE employment contract required.
- A minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 (or equivalent experience/qualifications) is required, tied to the UAE’s expanded “green professions” list (e.g., renewables engineers fast-tracked in 2025).
- Freelancers qualify with AED 180,000 annual earnings or AED 1 million deposit.
Outstanding Students
- GPA 3.75+ or top 100 global university student.
- Offers internships as part of the benefits.
- Post-graduation job support.
- One year post-study residency extension possible.
- Parents can be co-sponsored.
Entrepreneurs & SMEs
- Owners or partners in a UAE-based company.
- Requirement options:
- AED 1M annual business revenue, or
- AED 500K project value via a recognised incubator
- No physical office is needed
- Virtual zone registration accepted — ideal for startups
- Exceptional Talent & Retirees
- For people who’ve done well in science, tech, arts, culture, or sports.
- Evidence required: awards, recognitions, certifications, portfolio
- Retiree eligibility options:
- AED 500K pension deposit, or
- AED 1M+ property in Dubai/Abu Dhabi
- Plus AED 15,000 monthly income proof
Why the UAE Silver Visa is Worth It: Benefits That Matter
- 5-year residency that can be renewed with proof of eligibility. Renewal occurs approximately 60 days before the expiration date.
- Less paperwork and fewer renewals since no sponsor is needed.
- You can sponsor spouse, children, and parents if the income criteria are met. For couples, about AED 10,000 monthly is needed.
- Easier access to banking, healthcare, and everyday paperwork.
- Loans and long term planning also feel smoother.
- Possibility to upgrade to Golden residency later if you qualify (e.g., scale investment to AED 2 million).
This residency gives breathing room. No yearly renewals. No chasing approvals. Just stability.
Silver Visa vs. Golden Visa: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Silver Visa | Golden Visa |
| Validity | 5 years (renewable) | 10 years (renewable) |
| Investment Min | AED 1M (property/business) | AED 2M+ |
| Target | Mid-level pros/investors | Elites/high-net-worth |
| Sponsor Needed | No | No |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes (with income proof) | Yes (broader) |
Silver = reachable and stable.
Golden = premium upgrade when finances grow.
Silver Visa UAE: Costs and Fees (Updated)
Here we break down the entire cost of the visa. So you can analyse most efficiently.
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) | Notes |
| Application Processing | 300–500 | Per person; federal ICP fee |
| Medical Test | 350–500 | Clinic-dependent; includes screening |
| Emirates ID | 100–370 | 5-year validity |
| Visa Issuance & Stamping | 1,000–2,000 | E-stamping needed |
| Health Insurance | 1,500–3,000/year | Mandatory; family extras apply |
Common Pitfalls, Renewal Rules, and 2025 Updates
Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Unverified agents often come with risk. Scams rose about 15% in 2025, so use ICP-approved PRO services.
- Ignoring e-channel updates or incomplete attestations.
- Many skip the six-month rule. Go beyond it and the visa stands cancelled.
Renewal & Cancellation: Renews every five years. You only need the same documents and proof of eligibility. Cancel if you leave >6 months, sell qualifying assets, or commit offences.
2025 Updates: Fast-track for “green tech” pros (e.g., EV/renewables); remote work proof now accepted for freelancers. Post-COVID flexibilities extended.
Ready to Secure Your UAE Future?
The UAE Silver Visa isn’t just a residency choice. It is a decision to stay, grow, and breathe easy in one of the fastest-developing nations.
If you have documents ready and confidence to apply yourself, use icp.gov.ae to begin. If you prefer expert handling without risks or delays, Royal Visa can prepare documents, check eligibility, and process the application end-to-end. It saves time. avoids mistakes. and keeps you stress-free.
Either way, the opportunity is open, and your long-term life in the UAE could start sooner than you think.
