If you hold a UAE Golden Visa and are wondering “can I transfer Golden Visa to another passport?”, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion in the market, outdated advice floating around, and many professionals giving mixed answers. In this article I’ll walk you through exactly what the law and official guidance say, what you can and cannot do, and practical steps you should follow — so you stay compliant, safe and informed.
What is the UAE Golden Visa and why passport questions come up
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (5 or 10 years, renewable) issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) that allows investors, entrepreneurs, high-talent professionals and other eligible categories to live, work or study in the UAE. One of the most common scenarios is:
you obtain your Golden Visa attached to a particular passport, then later you get a new passport (renewal, lost, changed nationality) and you wonder: Does the Golden Visa transfer to the new passport? Do I need a fresh visa? Will my status be interrupted?
Because the subject is complex and is often treated like a “transfer” of visa, many people use phrases like “transfer Golden Visa to another passport” even though technically the process is “update/resubmit passport details under the same visa”.
To answer the main question: yes, you can continue holding your Golden Visa when your passport changes, but no, you cannot simply “transfer” a Golden Visa to a completely different passport/nationality in the sense of switching your sponsoring passport to another person’s or another nationality. There are distinct rules depending on the change:
- If your passport number changes (renewal of same passport), then you must update your passport details with UAE immigration/residency authorities.
- If your nationality changes (you become a citizen of another country) then you must notify the authorities and may face additional steps.
- If you want to switch your Golden Visa from one nationality to another (for example you took another passport and want the Golden Visa to reflect that new passport as your identity) then the answer is more complex and generally not straightforward.
Below I’ll break down these cases and clarify what applies for 2025.
What happens when you renew or replace your existing passport
If you as Golden Visa-holder simply renew your passport (same nationality, same identity but new passport number) or get a new valid passport due to expiry, you must update your visa/residency records so that the new passport is linked to your residency permit. This is essentially a passport update rather than a “visa transfer”.
- UAE immigration portals state clearly that when you receive a new passport you must submit a copy of the old and new passports and your residence visa copy for update of personal information.
- For example, the guide “How to Transfer UAE residence visa to a new passport” by Bayut indicates that residence visas (including long-term ones) can be transferred/updated onto the new passport via the relevant centre and you will need old + new passports, photograph etc.
- The official Golden Visa page on the UAE Government portal lists the Golden Visa under “residence visas” category and implies that usual rules of residence visa apply in respect of personal data updates.
Key takeaway: If your passport is renewed, you don’t need a brand-new Golden Visa — you simply update your visa record so your rights remain unaffected.
Action Steps:
- Submit old passport copy + new passport copy to the immigration authority (e.g., General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) if you’re in Dubai).
- Ensure your Emirates ID is updated if required.
- Ensure you travel on the correct passport that is linked to your visa/residency.
What if you change your nationality / get a new citizenship
This is where many people get confused when they ask “transfer Golden Visa to another passport” because changing nationality involves more than just a passport number change. It may trigger a review by immigration authorities of your visa/residency entitlement.
- The “Update Personal Information” rule for UAE residency indicates that when you “Change Nationality” you have to submit old and new passports, residence visa copy etc.
- However, the official Golden Visa FAQ page states that visa holders may change their Golden Visa category, subject to eligibility and conditions, and that each case is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
So, if you acquire a new nationality and you hold a Golden Visa, what does that mean?
- Your Golden Visa remains valid so long as you meet its conditions. The nationality change doesn’t automatically cancel the visa.
- But you must update your records with immigration: new passport, new nationality details.
- The authorities may review your eligibility again if your category was based on nationality-specific conditions.
- If your new passport is from a different country, you continue to travel on your new passport; your visa status remains tied to you (not tied to a specific passport number).
Summary: Changing nationality does not necessarily mean you need a brand‐new Golden Visa — but you must inform and update authorities, and ensure you still satisfy the eligibility conditions of your visa category.
What you cannot do: Switching to someone else’s passport / issuing a “new” Golden Visa under a different identity
When people ask “Can I transfer Golden Visa to another passport?”, some intend to ask: “Can I pretend the visa is under a new passport belonging to a different identity or country?” The short answer: No. The Golden Visa is issued to a specific person, under a specific identity. You cannot simply issue the same visa to someone else or attach it to a completely different passport holder.
- The Golden Visa conditions emphasise the person, their credentials, investment, talent. It is not transferable to another person like a ticket. (See the Golden Visa system description: eligible individuals based on investment, talent etc.)
- If you intend to “change to another passport” meaning a new citizenship that replaces your original nationality – that is permissible with update, but again under your identity only.
- If you attempt to shift the visa to a different person’s passport, or claim a different nationality not matching the person’s record, that would be a violation of rules.
Important: If you apply false documents or misrepresent identity, you risk invalidation of your visa and other serious consequences.
Practical checklist for Golden Visa holders when passport changes
To make sure you are fully covered, here’s a checklist you should follow when your passport changes (renewal, lost, nationality change):
- Notify immigration/residency authority as soon as possible — e.g., via GDRFA (for Dubai) or ICP portals.
- Prepare documents: old passport copy, new passport copy, current residence visa copy, Emirates ID copy, passport-size photo.
- Update your Emirates ID if needed — sometimes when passport number changes, Emirates ID must reflect correct detail.
- Ensure no gap in validity: Make sure your residence permit remains valid while you wait for update, and avoid travel problems.
- Travel on the correct passport: Your new passport should be the one linked to your visa/residency records when you travel.
- Keep proof of update/receipt: Keep the receipt or acknowledgement of your update submission in case immigration/airline asks.
- Inform your employer/bank/others: If needed, update your employer, bank, or service providers about your new passport details so your status remains consistent.
- For nationality change: Keep records of when your nationality change was formalised, carry the relevant documents, and ensure your Golden Visa category remains valid under the new nationality.
FAQs
Q: Can I transfer Golden Visa to another passport if I just renewed my passport?
A: Yes. You should update your visa/residency records with the new passport number. This is a standard process. You do not need to apply for a new Golden Visa.
Q: Can I transfer Golden Visa to a new passport if I changed nationality?
A: Generally yes, you must notify and update immigration records, submit your new passport and nationality details, but your Golden Visa remains valid if you continue meeting its eligibility criteria.
Q: Can I transfer Golden Visa to a completely different passport (different person)?
A: No. The Golden Visa is issued to a specific individual and cannot be “transferred” to a different person or identity.
Q: Will my Golden Visa be cancelled if my passport changes?
A: Not automatically. But if you fail to update your passport status with immigration, you may face complications (travel issues, Emirates ID mismatch, renewal problems). It’s best practice to update promptly.
Q: What is the process to update passport details under Golden Visa?
A: Submit both old and new passport scans, residence visa copy, recent photo and follow your emirate’s immigration/residency process (e.g., GDRFA in Dubai). You may pay a fee. For example, some service centres quote ~AED 343.50 for passport update for investors.
Why this matters for YOU and what we at GoldenVisaUAE recommend
As a company specialising in Golden Visas (2500+ successful applications to date), we’ve seen many cases where the person holds a Golden Visa but later gets a new passport and neglects to update. This can lead to unnecessary stress: airlines might flag passport/visa mismatch, renewal of Emirates ID might be delayed, family sponsorship could be affected.
Explore our full guide to Golden Visa eligibility categories.
What I strongly recommend:
- Always treat any passport change as a trigger for update, even if “just a renewal”.
- Don’t assume “nothing will happen”. Although the legal status remains, administrative processes still require link-update.
- If you’re changing nationality, check with us or your legal advisor whether your Golden Visa category remains fully compliant under your new nationality (rarely an issue, but worth verifying).
- Store all receipts and acknowledgement of any updates. Maintain a folder of your visa/residency documentation – this is good practice for your travel & compliance records.
Final Word
So to answer the core question: “Can I transfer Golden Visa to another passport?”– yes, if you’re simply updating your own passport or nationality, you can continue your Golden Visa and just update the details. But no, you cannot transfer your Golden Visa as a “blank ticket” to another person or change the fundamental identity. The key is updating your records promptly, keeping your eligibility intact, and ensuring compliance.
If you hold a Golden Visa and are about to change or renew your passport, don’t make this a missed step. Update your details, keep everything in order and travel with confidence.
Next Steps
If you’d like personalised assistance, our team at GoldenVisaUAE can help you review your subclass (investor/talent/entrepreneur), check if your new passport change triggers any extra steps, and file the update smoothly. Contact us today to book your consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change; always verify with the relevant authority or a qualified advisor.
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