How do I apply for the UAE Golden Visa step by step?

You apply for the UAE Golden Visa through an official government channel, not a private agent. The main routes are the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart services portal and app, which covers most emirates, or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if you are applying in Dubai. The general flow is: confirm you fall under an eligible category, gather your supporting documents (passport, photo, and category-specific proof such as a qualification, salary certificate, or investment evidence), submit the application online, pay the official fees, and wait for the entity to review and approve. Some categories require a nomination from the relevant authority before you apply. Once pre-approved you complete medical fitness screening, Emirates ID registration and biometrics, then the visa is stamped or issued electronically. Always start from the ICP or GDRFA platform, or the federal portal u.ae, to avoid inaccurate third-party information. If your situation is complex, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to review your eligibility and paperwork before you submit.