The UAE Golden Visa has quickly become one of the most coveted documents in the country, offering long-term residency and a host of exclusive benefits. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, scientist, or even a student, you may be eligible for this prestigious visa. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Dubai Golden Visa, from requirements, eligibility criteria to the benefits you can enjoy.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa grants residency for 5 to 10 years, offering long term residency without the need to renew every 2 to 3 years, as with standard visas. This visa is not tied to a specific employer, giving holders the flexibility to live, work, and study in the UAE. Additionally, Golden Visa holders can own 100% of their business on the UAE mainland, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.
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UAE Golden Visa Requirements
When applying for a Dubai Golden Visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Clear copies of your passport, including all pages with stamps and visas.
- Copies of any previous UAE visas (if applicable).
- Recent passport-sized color photographs with a white background.
- Proof of eligibility based on your chosen category, supported by relevant documents.
- Bank or financial statements demonstrating your financial stability and ability to support yourself in the UAE.
- Health insurance documentation.
- If you’re already residing in Dubai, verification of your current residence status may be required.
- A police clearance certificate from your home country or any other country where you’ve lived in recent years.
- Depending on your specific circumstances and chosen category, additional documents may be requested by UAE authorities.
Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Initially launched for residents who made significant contributions to the country or excelled in key industries, the Golden Visa eligibility has since expanded. Here’s a breakdown of who can apply:
1- Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility For Investors
Real Estate Investors: If you own property in the UAE valued at Dhs2 million or more, you qualify for the Golden Visa. This includes off-plan, completed, or mortgaged properties, with no minimum down payment required.
Public Investors: Significant public investments also qualify. For instance, a Dhs2 million deposit in a company’s capital, or being a partner in a company with at least Dhs2 million capital. You may also qualify if you pay Dhs250,000 in taxes annually or are a partner in a company that does.
Several banks in the UAE also offer the opportunity to obtain a UAE Golden Visa through their services if you can deposit Dhs 2 million with them. These banks include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Ajman Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and RAKBank.
2- Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility For Entrepreneurs
- SME Owners: If you are a partner or owner of a start-up registered as a small and medium enterprise (SME) in the UAE with annual revenues of Dhs1 million or more.
- Project Founders: Entrepreneurs who have sold an entrepreneurial project for more than Dhs7 million.
- Start-up Approval: If you have approval for a start-up from an official business incubator.
3- Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility For Exceptional Talents
Talented Individuals: Whether in culture, art, sports, digital technology, or other vital fields, exceptional talents can apply for the Golden Visa. This visa is not dependent on educational qualifications, employment status, or salary, but does require a recommendation from a federal or local government entity. This can apply to doctors, athletes, inventors and artists.
4- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility For Scientists
High Achievers: Scientists and researchers who have made significant contributions to their field can apply, provided they receive a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. Candidates should hold a PhD or Master’s Degree in areas like engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences, and have substantial research achievements.
Scientists, specialists at the presidential or CEO level, and business or management professionals may also qualify for the Golden Visa if they can demonstrate that they are classified as skilled labor within the first or second professional level, as approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
5- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility For Professionals
Highly-Skilled Workers: Professionals across various fields, including medicine, science, engineering, IT, business, law, and education, can apply. Applicants must have an employment contract in the UAE, a minimum Bachelor’s Degree, and a salary of Dhs30,000 per month or above.
They are classified as skilled labor within the first or second professional level, as approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
6- Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility For Outstanding Students and Graduates
High Achievers: This category includes top-performing students from UAE secondary schools, outstanding graduates from UAE universities, and graduates from the top 100 universities worldwide. Students from leading universities worldwide with a GPA of at least 3.5 are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa. However, if you are a student at an accredited university in the UAE, you will need a letter from your school confirming that your GPA is no less than 3.8. High school students with an average of 95% or more are also eligible.
7- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility For Humanitarian Pioneers
Humanitarian Workers: Individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian work, either through employment, volunteering, or financial contributions, may qualify for the Golden Visa.
- You have worked in international or regional organizations for at least five years.
- You have been a member or an exceptional employee in a civil association or an institution of public interest for at least five years.
- You have received a recognition award from a local, regional, or international organization specializing in humanitarian work.
- You are an outstanding humanitarian volunteer with a minimum of five years of service or at least 500 hours of volunteer work.
- You have contributed Dhs2 million or more to fund humanitarian efforts.
- You have been nominated by a minister as a pioneer in humanitarian work.
- You hold a relevant university degree and have met other requirements set by a ministry or authority.
8- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility For Frontline Heroes
Healthcare and Crisis Workers: Healthcare workers and other frontline heroes who have served in extraordinary circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are also eligible for the Golden Visa.
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
If you believe you fall into one of the above categories, you could be on your way to securing a UAE Golden Visa. To check your eligibility, you can use the UAE government’s online eligibility tool. Once confirmed, head to the golden services section on the official website to request a nomination.
What Are the Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa offers more than just long-term residency. Here are some of the key benefits:
Extended Residency Rights
The Golden Visa grants up to 10 years of residency for you and your dependents, far surpassing the standard residency visa that requires renewal every two to three years.
Self-Sponsored Work or Stay
Golden Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. You can work for yourself or another company without the usual sponsorship requirements.
Family Sponsorship and Unlimited Domestic Helpers
You can sponsor your family members, regardless of their age, and employ an unlimited number of domestic helpers. If the primary Golden Visa holder passes away, the family members can remain in the UAE until the visa’s expiration.
Extended Time Outside the UAE
Unlike the standard residency visa, which becomes invalid after six months of absence from the UAE, the Golden Visa allows you to spend extended periods outside the country without losing your residency status.
Exclusive Healthcare Packages
Golden Visa holders can access special healthcare and health insurance packages, starting at Dhs2,400, covering claims up to Dhs20 million. These packages are renewable annually. There are three levels of coverage available: Core Silver, Enhanced Gold, and Premier.
These health insurance plans are offered to UAE golden visa holders and their dependents who do not already have an existing health insurance plan. The plans will need to be renewed annually.
Dubai Police Esaad Privilege Card
Golden Visa holders are eligible for the Esaad privilege card, it has been established in 2017 by Dubai Police which offers discounts across thousands of brands and businesses in the UAE and 92 other countries. Benefits include discounts on school fees, hotels, theme parks, and more. Through Esaad Card you can avail 20% off At The Top in the Burj Khalifa, discounts on hotels both at home and abroad, and many more.
For a full list of discounts available, holders can visit the Esaad website or download the app.
How Long Does the UAE Golden Visa Last, and Can It Be Renewed?
The UAE Golden Visa lasts for 5 to 10 years, depending on the category under which you apply. It can be renewed, provided you continue to meet the original eligibility requirements.
Read Also: Dubai Resident Adnan Mayassi Becomes World’s First to Receive 10 Year Gaming Residency
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a Golden Visa in the UAE?
Individuals eligible for a UAE Golden Visa include investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
How much money is required for a UAE Golden Visa?
For property investors, a minimum of AED 2 million is required. Other categories may have different financial criteria, such as investments or business capital.
What is the salary requirement for a UAE Golden Visa?
To qualify, professionals must earn a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month and hold a Bachelor’s Degree.
How long can I stay outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without affecting their visa validity.
What is the AED 750,000 property visa?
The AED 750,000 property visa allows expatriates to obtain residency in the UAE by purchasing property worth AED 750,000, with certain conditions and limited benefits compared to the Golden Visa.
Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa offers an unparalleled opportunity for long-term residency, coupled with a range of exclusive benefits that make living and working in the UAE even more attractive. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, scientist, or even a student, the UAE Golden Visa could be your gateway to a prosperous future in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
