Are you an investor looking for a long-term residency in the UAE? Or a student looking to study in Dubai? Or a frontline hero wanting to settle down in the UAE? Look no further than the Golden Visa scheme, introduced by the UAE government.
Golden Visa is a long-term residence that is granted to investors or entrepreneurs, outstanding individuals, scientists, outstanding students or graduates, humanitarian pioneers, or frontline heroes. The Golden Visa is a perfect opportunity for those who wish to live, work, and study in the UAE without a sponsor. The government introduced this scheme in 2019 to attract foreign investments and talent to the country. It allows the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 10 years and can be renewed on the same conditions without a sponsor.
If you are looking for an opportunity to build a prosperous future in the United Arab Emirates then Golden Visa might just be the solution you’ve been searching for! This visa provides a path to long-term residency, So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the Golden Visa and how to make it work for you.
I. Explanation of UAE Golden Visa and its Benefits
A. What is a UAE 10-year Golden visa?
UAE Golden residency has a validity of 10 years and is granted to individuals who fulfil certain criteria set by the government. It is issued to eligible foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talents in the fields of arts, literature, sport, and innovation, along with their family members. Foreigners who are eligible for it do not require a local sponsor or a national partner, which translates into 100% ownership of their businesses and properties. Moreover, the visa can be renewed with ease and the holders can travel in and out of the country at their convenience. This long-term visa is a game-changer for the United Arab Emirates, as it aims to attract top talent and investors from around the world and establish the country as a hub of innovation and prosperity.
B. What are its Benefits?
The ‘Golden Visa’ is a special long-term residence visa that offers exclusive benefits to foreign talents looking to live, work or study in the country. The advantages for Golden visa holders are
- Long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
- Entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance
- Without the need for a sponsor
- Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months to keep their residence visa valid
- Ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their ages
- Ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers
- Permit for family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration if the primary holder of the Golden visa passes away.
II. Eligibility Criteria and Requirements to Get a Golden Visa UAE
The Golden Visa allows for long-term residency, making it an attractive option for those looking for stability and security in the region. To be eligible, an investor must invest a minimum of AED 2 million in the UAE, while outstanding individuals, such as frontline heroes and outstanding students, may be granted a Golden Visa for a period of five years.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship is responsible for granting the visa, and applicants must submit a letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE, stating that the investor pays the government minimum of AED 2 million. The requirements may vary depending on the type of residence visa.
Investors in Public investments
Investors can obtain a Golden Visa, valid for 10 years without a sponsor, by investing in an accredited UAE investment fund. Here are the requirements for obtaining it through investment in an investment fund:
- Providing a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund indicating that there is a deposit of AED 2 million.
- Presenting a valid commercial or industrial license, along with the investor’s Memorandum of Association, for a company where the investor’s capital is not less than AED two million.
- Submitting a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that the investor is the owner of a company that pays the government no less than AED Two hundred and fifty thousand annually.
- Submission of a valid commercial or industrial license is a requirement for the acceptance of applications. Applications that use licenses other than these are not accepted.
- If the license is issued from a free zone or special development zone, a “To Whom It May Concern Certificate” issued by the relevant free zone authorities is required.
Senior Employees of an Investor in Public Investments
Senior employees, such as executive directors or advisors, appointed by an investor in public investments also may apply for UAE Golden Visa for 10 years, exclusively for themselves. To be eligible, they must provide a letter from the investor stating their appointment for a 10-year period.
In addition, family members of senior employees, including spouses and unmarried daughters and sons, are eligible for the 10-year period as per the Cabinet Resolution.
Real Estate Investors
An owner of one property or a group of properties also may get the Golden Visa for 5 years, which is renewable under the same conditions if they meet the following criteria:
- Submission of a letter from the Land Department of the respective emirate, verifying that the investor owns one or more properties whose value is not less than AED two million and are not subject to a loan.
- Proof of ownership of one or more properties with a value of at least 2,000,000 AED
- The value of these real estate investments is permitted to be a loan for what exceeds the value of AED (2) two million.
- The eligible family members of the real estate investor, as listed in the Cabinet Resolution, including the husband or wife and unmarried children (sons and daughters), can receive a Golden Visa for 5 years. In summary, a property owner can obtain a UAE residency visa that is renewable on the same conditions and without a sponsor for 5 years if they meet specific criteria related to their property investment, and their eligible family members can also receive a Golden Visa.
Entrepreneurs
Here are the requirements for entrepreneurs
- Own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk and innovation.
- Obtain an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE stating that the project whose value is not less than 500,000 dirhams.
- Obtain a letter from the authorities in the emirate stating that the project is of a technical or future nature.
- Obtain a letter from an accredited business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.
- The nomination for this category is made by the Dubai Future Foundation
- The entrepreneur must have a pioneering project registered with the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities, with an annual income of at least 1 million dirhams.
- The entrepreneur should have a pioneering project that is supported by a business incubator or the Ministry of Economy to establish an activity in the country, with an annual income of at least 2 million dirhams.
- The entrepreneur should be the founder of a pioneering project that was sold for no less than 7 million dirhams.
Outstanding specialized talents
The UAE offers a Golden visa to individuals with exceptional skills and expertise in various fields, such as medicine, science, engineering, sports, and the arts. These outstanding specialized talents can obtain a Golden residence by fulfilling specific criteria, This category aims to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to the country’s growth and development in various fields. Members and outstanding employees with specialized talents include
Doctors
To obtain Golden Visa in the UAE as a doctor, you must provide an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This letter certifies that you have met all the requirements of the UAE to practice the profession, including obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. It is essential to note that this requirement is only applicable to doctors seeking to obtain the visa under the category of “Outstanding Specialized Talents” It enables doctors to live and work in the United Arab Emirates for ten years without the need for a sponsor. It provides them with the opportunity to work in world-class healthcare facilities and collaborate with other healthcare professionals from different parts of the world.
Scientists
Obtain a golden visa with a recommendation from the Council of Emirates Scholars or receive a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence stating that the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
- To have a master’s degree or a doctorate in one of the majors of engineering, technology, life sciences, and natural sciences from the top 500 universities in the world (for a PhD) or the best 250 universities in the world (for a master’s) according to the international classifications approved by the Ministry of Education.
- To have a master’s or doctorate in engineering, technology, life sciences, and natural sciences from a university ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in the classification of the subspecialty according to the international classifications approved by the Ministry of Education.
- Conditions (2) or (3) must be applied to the university in any of the last ten years
- Have a score of 1.0 or higher in the Field Weighted Citation Index (FWCI) and a score of 10 or higher in the h-index.
Individuals with a Scopus H index ≥ 20 or who have achievements in building the research and development sector inside and outside the country based on the recommendation of the Emirates Scientists Council are excluded from the above conditions. - The certificate must be approved by the Ministry of Education.
- Must have comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their family members, effective when applying for a Golden Visa or according to what is in force at the competent local authority.
Creative people in the fields of culture and art
The eligibility criteria for creative people in the fields of culture and art to apply for a Golden Visa are as follows:
- Obtain approval/recommendation from the competent cultural authorities in the country.
- Have an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts department of the respective Emirates
Related services to obtain the necessary documents include:
(I) Apply for a creative talented accreditation (cultural visa) from Dubai cultural authorities
(ii) Get an endorsement certificate for creative people from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
(iii) Get a recommendation letter for a golden visa request from the Ministry of Culture and Youth.
Innovators and Inventors
- To have obtained the approval/recommendation of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authority in the country.
- To be the holder of a patent of added value to the country’s economy.
Executives
Here are the requirements for Executive Directors:
- Copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor’s degree
- Letter of experience of no less than 5 years holding the same position
- Salary certificate with a salary of AED 50,000 at least
- Valid work contract.
Specialists in scientific fields
For specialists, the following criteria must be met to apply for a golden visa:
- Hold a valid work permit and have a current work contract in the country.
- Be classified as a skilled worker at the first or second professional level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s approved classifications.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent as the minimum educational requirement.
- Receive a monthly salary of a minimum of AED 30,000 or its foreign currency equivalent.
- Hold a professional license to practice for professions that require one, such as doctors, pharmacists, and teachers.
- Have sufficient comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their family members at the time of applying for the golden residency or as required by the competent local authority.
Athletes
To be eligible for it as an athlete in the UAE, you must provide a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority. This letter serves as proof that the athlete is recognized by the UAE government and has made significant contributions to the sport. The Golden Visa provides athletes with a unique opportunity to continue pursuing their athletic careers in the United Arab Emirates while enjoying the many benefits of residency. With this visa, athletes can focus on their training and competition schedules without the added stress of renewals or travel restrictions.
Doctoral degree holders
Doctoral degree holders are eligible for it in the UAE, provided they meet certain criteria. They must provide a copy of their doctoral degree certified by the Ministry of Education, and demonstrate their contribution to the scientific field in which they specialize. Additionally, they must provide proof of their employment or a valid work contract. The Golden Visa not only recognizes their academic achievements but also provides them with a long-term stay in the country, allowing them to continue their research and make valuable contributions to the UAE’s economy and society.
Specialists in the fields of engineering and science
For digital talent: Approval/recommendation from the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions is required.
For exceptional talent in other fields: Approval/recommendation from the government or federal authorities is required.
Subjects relating to engineering and science include:
- Epidemiology and viruses
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data
- Computer engineering
- Electronic engineering
- Software engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Genetics and biotechnology engineering.
Outstanding Students
High school students:
High school students who have achieved national-level top scores with a minimum grade of 95% in public or private secondary school may get a Golden visa, valid for 5 years. This is subject to the submission of a recommendation letter from the Emirates Schools Establishment of the Ministry of Education. If the student enrols in a major or college that requires a study period of more than five years, the duration of the Golden visa may be extended within the UAE without the need for a sponsor beyond 5 years.
University students:
If you are a remarkable university student, you have the opportunity of getting a uae Golden visa permit for 10 years. It is available to students who meet the following requirements:
For students studying in the United Arab Emirates:
The university must be rated A or B class by the Ministry of Education.
The student must provide a recommendation letter from the university, or an accredited graduation certificate or academic record indicating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities.
It has not been more than two years since graduation.
For students studying abroad:
The university must be among the top 100 universities globally, according to the rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education.
The student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
It has not been more than two years since graduation.
The graduation certificate must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.
Pioneers of humanitarian work
If you have been a pioneer in the field of humanitarian work, you may obtain the Golden visa that allows you to stay in the UAE for a 10-year residency without the need for a sponsor. To qualify, you must belong to one of the following categories:
- To have a university degree.
- Members and exceptional employees who have worked for regional and international organizations for at least five years.
- Members and exceptional employees who have worked for civil associations and public interest institutions for a minimum of five years.
- Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization that focuses on humanitarian work.
- Funders of humanitarian work provided that the value of the support is not less than two million or it’s equivalent.
Frontline heroes
The Frontline Heroes Office may consider granting a Golden visa residence permit to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recommendation from a competent authority. These individuals may include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved professions as determined by the Frontline Heroes Office. Such individuals are recognized as heroes for their invaluable contribution to managing the crisis, and their recommendation from a competent authority is a key factor in determining their eligibility
III. How to apply for the Golden visa?
You can apply for a UAE golden visa through different channels such as:
For digital channels ( GDRFA website/smart application)
Login to the smart services system using either UAE Pass or a username.
Look for the desired service.
Provide the required information on the application.
Pay any applicable service fees.
For the Customer Happiness Center
Go to the nearest Customer Happiness Center.
Get an automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
Submit the application with all required documents (if any) to the customer service representative.
Pay any applicable service fees.
For the Amer Service Center:
Go to the nearest Amer Service Center.
Get an automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
Submit the application with all required documents (if any) to the customer service representative.
Pay any applicable service fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the UAE Golden Residence Visa
Does UAE Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
No, it does not lead to citizenship. it is a long-term residency that allows the holder to live and work in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, but it does not lead to citizenship. The visa aims to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to contribute to the UAE’s development, but to become a citizen, one must meet the naturalization requirements and go through the citizenship application process, which is separate from the Golden Visa program.
How long does it take to get a golden visa?
The process to obtain the UAE golden visa may vary depending on various parameters such as the applicant’s nationality, previous residency status, and intended investment. Generally, it may take between six months to a year to obtain a golden residency. The process involves applying for a visa, undergoing a medical examination, providing necessary documents, and fulfilling the investment requirements. However, the government has introduced various initiatives to speed up the visa application process. For instance, the application process for entrepreneurs and investors may take a shorter time with the assistance of government entities.
If I earn a monthly salary of Dh30,000, am I eligible to get the UAE Golden Visa?
If you earn a monthly salary of Dh30,000, you may be eligible to apply for a Golden Visa. It is a long-term residency option for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals who wish to live and work in the UAE. It was introduced by the government to attract talent and investment to the country. To apply for it, you will need to meet certain criteria, including a minimum income requirement. Other factors such as your profession, education level, and contribution to the UAE economy will also be taken into consideration.
Wrap it up: Your Ultimate Takeaway on Uae Golden Visa – Get Your 10-Year Dubai Golden Residency Visa Now!
In conclusion, the Golden Visa program has highlighted the government’s approach toward diversifying the economy and attracting more foreign investment. The program provides a pathway for those who aim to make a long-term commitment to the United Arab Emirates and contribute to its development. Through the introduction of new visa categories, such as the self-employed and the ten-year residency visa, the UAE has made significant steps in enhancing its appeal to expatriates and entrepreneurs.
The Golden Visa program also enables individuals to benefit from the UAE’s tax-free environment, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life. While the program has been well-received, it is important to note that applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and fulfil various requirements.
Overall, the Golden Visa program in the United Arab Emirates represents an exciting opportunity for those seeking to establish themselves in the region and contribute to its growth.
