In line with Dubai’s digital transformation and the continuous effort to simplify government services across the emirate, the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) has launched an updated system that allows applicants to obtain DDA approval for the Golden Visa electronically and seamlessly, eliminating the need for the traditional No Objection Certificate (DDA NOC).
Through the AXS portal, employees, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals can now apply directly for approval from DDA Dubai and receive their Golden Visa through a clear and connected process.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the DDA approval process for the Golden Visa, including the DDA documents required, step-by-step application guidelines, and the most common mistakes to avoid to ensure your request is accepted from the very first submission.
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No More NOC: Understanding the New DDA Approval Process for the Golden Visa
If you work for a company licensed by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) and wish to apply for a Golden Visa, you no longer need a separate No Objection Certificate from the dubai authority. Simply log in to the AXS Portal and submit your application online.
The process involves preparing essential documents such as your employment contract and valid health insurance, then uploading them through the digital platform. The application is then reviewed, and preliminary approval is issued electronically.
The dubai authority approval system defines specific requirements for each category of applicants — employees, investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled talents. It’s crucial to pay attention to common mistakes such as missing documents or uploading unclear files to the AXS system, as these issues can cause delays or even result in rejection.
What Are the Documents Required for the Golden Visa Through DDA?
The documents required by the dubai development authority to obtain the Golden Visa vary depending on the applicant’s category (employee, investor, entrepreneur, or talent). However, the essential documents generally include personal identification papers (passport), proof of employment (salary certificate), and legal and health documents (such as a valid insurance policy).
Below is the list of documents needed for the Golden Visa application through DDA:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- A personal photo with a white background.
- A copy of the current residence visa (if available).
- A valid health insurance policy and a Police Good Conduct Certificate issued in the UAE.
- For Employees: A valid employment contract from a DDA-licensed company, a copy of its trade license, and a salary statement showing a minimum income of AED 30,000.
- For Investors: A valid trade license, a copy of the Memorandum of Association, and audited financial statements by an auditor approved by DDA, proving an investment of at least AED 2 million.
- For Entrepreneurs: The project must be innovative or technology-oriented, valued at a minimum of AED 500,000.
- For Talents (engineers, scientists, creatives, and other exceptional professionals): A recommendation letter from a recognized authority (such as the UAE Scientists Council), a copy of a university degree, an experience certificate (minimum 5 years), and an employment contract with a salary not less than AED 50,000.
Steps to Apply for DDA Approval for the Golden Visa
The steps to obtain the Golden Visa through the dubai development authority approval begin with preparing your essential documents such as your passport and employment contract, then submitting them via the AXS system by filling out the digital application form. After submission, the DDA reviews the request and grants initial approval within a few business days.
Next, the applicant must complete the final procedures, including a medical test, after which the final approval is issued within three to four weeks. The total dda approval cost usually ranges between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800, depending on the applicant category.
You can summarize the main application steps as follows:
- Prepare all required documents.
- Register via the AXS portal.
- Wait for the initial approval.
- Complete the final approval process (medical test, fee payment, and cancellation of existing residency if applicable).
- Receive the final approval.
This structured DDA approval process ensures a transparent, efficient, and traceable method for obtaining your Golden Visa in Dubai.
Common Mistakes When Applying for the Golden Visa Under the Dubai Development Authority
The most frequent cause of rejection when applying for the Golden Visa is incomplete or missing documentation, such as an expired employment contract or insufficient years of experience (at least two years required). Another common reason is having a monthly salary below the minimum threshold of AED 30,000 as set by the dubai development authority regulations.
Rejections also occur due to unverified educational certificates, lack of valid health insurance, or inaccurate job titles that do not match the title registered in the Ministry of Human Resources system.
Other recurring mistakes include submitting inaccurate data in the online form or uploading low-quality document scans through the AXS system, leading to delayed reviews or outright rejection.
You can list these common errors as follows:
- Missing documents: such as expired passports or absent health insurance certificates.
- Salary below the required limit: applicants must have a minimum monthly income of AED 30,000.
- Insufficient work experience: specific roles, such as executive managers, require defined years of experience.
- Unverified educational certificates: all degrees must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
Application errors in AXS: caused by unclear uploads or incomplete form fields.
How DDA Simplifies the Path Toward the Golden Visa
The dda approval meaning has evolved to represent much more than just a permit — it’s now a streamlined digital authorization ensuring compliance with dubai development authority standards.
The DUBAI DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL (DDA) has become an essential and central step in obtaining the Golden Visa, eliminating the need for the traditional NOC and simplifying the entire journey through digital innovation.
Thanks to the modern AXS Portal, applicants can now complete the entire procedure online with greater speed and transparency, provided they submit the correct documents and meet the conditions set by the dubai authority.
Dubai opens its doors to exceptional individuals only — so be ready, and begin your journey toward DDA approvals with confidence.
Contact DAEM Contracting today to make your process seamless and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need a nomination letter or an NOC from my company when applying for the Golden Visa through DDA?
No, you no longer need a separate No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your company or the Dubai authority when applying for the Golden Visa through the DDA system. According to the new digital mechanism, the DUBAI DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL is processed directly via the official AXS Portal, which serves as the unified digital gateway for all applications.
2. Can I apply for the Golden Visa online?
Usually, the DDA approval cost for new construction under the Dubai Development Authority approval system represents a percentage of the total project value, often around 2%.
For villas, this can reach tens of thousands of UAE dirhams. This does not include separate fees for NOCs required from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Dubai Civil Defense (DCD).
3. Do I need a separate NOC from my employer to get municipal approval for the Golden Visa?
No, fees paid to the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) do not include those of Civil Defense and DEWA. Each entity must be paid separately according to the authority approvals in UAE system.
No. When applying for the Golden Visa in areas managed by the Dubai Municipality (DM), you don’t need a separate NOC if you remain with your current employer.
The authorities will review your official documents, such as your employment contract, salary certificate, and passport, before issuing dubai development authority approvals based on compliance with all DDA standards.
However, if you plan to change your job or employer, you may be required to provide an NOC as part of the DDA approvals for office projects or employment-related applications.
