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Golden Visa Program

Details on the UAE's Golden Visa initiative, offering long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.

Sections

1. Overview of the UAE Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. It provides long-term residency for 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s category and qualifications, and is renewable upon meeting the eligibility criteria.

The program is governed by UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2018 and subsequent updates, which outline the eligibility requirements, benefits, and application procedures.

2. Eligibility Criteria

The Golden Visa is available to individuals in specific categories. Below are the main eligibility groups and their requirements:

A. Investors

  1. Real Estate Investors (5-Year Visa):

    • Must invest in property worth at least AED 2 million.
    • The property must not be mortgaged (unless the mortgage value exceeds AED 2 million).
    • Off-plan properties from approved developers are also eligible.

  2. Business/Investment Investors (10-Year Visa):

    • Must invest at least AED 10 million in the UAE.
    • The investment can be in the form of:
      • A deposit in an investment fund.
      • Establishing a company with a capital of AED 10 million.
      • Partnering in an existing company with a share value of AED 10 million.
    • At least 60% of the investment must not be in real estate.
    • The investment must not be loaned, and proof of financial solvency is required.

B. Entrepreneurs (5-Year Visa)

  • Must own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE.
  • The startup must be classified as a small or medium enterprise (SME) with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
  • Alternatively, applicants can obtain approval for a startup idea from an official UAE business incubator or government entity.

C. Highly Skilled Professionals (10-Year Visa)

  • Includes doctors, engineers, IT specialists, scientists, and other professionals in high-demand fields.
  • Must hold a valid employment contract in the UAE.
  • Must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.
  • Academic qualifications must be certified (e.g., a PhD or equivalent degree).

D. Scientists and Researchers (10-Year Visa)

  • Must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or hold a prestigious award in their field.
  • Must have significant contributions to research and innovation.

E. Outstanding Students and Graduates (5-Year Visa)

  • High school students with a minimum grade of 95% in public or private schools.
  • University graduates with a GPA of 3.8 or higher from UAE or internationally recognized universities.

F. Humanitarian Pioneers (10-Year Visa)

  • Includes individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes, such as founders of charitable organizations or recipients of international humanitarian awards.

G. Frontline Heroes (10-Year Visa)

  • Includes healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors, who have demonstrated exceptional service during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Benefits of the Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers numerous advantages, including:

  1. Long-Term Residency:

    • 5 or 10 years of renewable residency without the need for a local sponsor.

  2. Family Sponsorship:

    • Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children (of any age), and domestic staff.

  3. Business and Employment Flexibility:

    • Freedom to establish and operate businesses in the UAE.
    • No restrictions on employment or business ownership.

  4. Ease of Travel:

    • Multiple-entry visa for the UAE.
    • Simplified re-entry procedures.

  5. Security and Stability:

    • Assurance of long-term residency, even during economic or political changes.

  6. Tax Benefits:

    • The UAE has no personal income tax, making it an attractive destination for professionals and investors.

  7. Access to UAE Services:

    • Eligibility for UAE healthcare, education, and other public services.

4. Application Process

The application process for the Golden Visa involves several steps:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Review the eligibility criteria for your category.
  • Gather the required documents (e.g., proof of investment, academic qualifications, employment contracts).

Step 2: Submit an Application

  • Applications can be submitted through:
    • The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).
    • The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or other emirates.
  • Applications can also be initiated through the UAE Golden Visa platform or TAMM (Abu Dhabi’s government services portal).

Step 3: Approval Process

  • The relevant UAE authority will review the application and verify the documents.
  • Additional approvals may be required from specific entities (e.g., the Ministry of Economy for investors or the Emirates Scientists Council for researchers).

Step 4: Issuance of the Visa

  • Once approved, the applicant will receive their Golden Visa.
  • The visa can be linked to the Emirates ID for ease of access to services.

5. Costs

The cost of obtaining a Golden Visa varies depending on the category and emirate. Below are approximate costs:

  • Application Fees: AED 4,000–AED 5,000 (varies by emirate and category).
  • Medical Examination Fees: AED 500–AED 1,000.
  • Emirates ID Fees: AED 1,000–AED 2,000.
  • Additional Costs: Translation, attestation, and legal fees for documents.

6. Key Considerations

  1. Document Attestation:

    • All foreign documents (e.g., degrees, marriage certificates) must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the applicant’s home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  2. Renewal Requirements:

    • Renewal is contingent on meeting the eligibility criteria at the time of renewal.

  3. Emirate-Specific Rules:

    • While the Golden Visa is a national program, some emirates (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi) may have additional incentives or requirements.

  4. Processing Time:

    • Applications typically take 1–3 months to process, depending on the category and completeness of the documentation.

  5. Dependents:

    • Dependents’ visas are tied to the primary applicant’s visa and must be renewed together.

7. Recent Updates (as of 2023)

  • The UAE has expanded the Golden Visa categories to include more professionals and investors.
  • The Green Visa has been introduced as an alternative for skilled workers and freelancers, offering 5-year residency without a sponsor.

8. Resources for Applicants

The UAE Golden Visa Program is a gateway to long-term residency in one of the world’s most dynamic and prosperous countries. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, individuals can enjoy the benefits of living and working in the UAE while contributing to its growth and development.