The Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residence visa in the UAE, designed to enable exceptional talents from around the world to live, work, or study in the country while enjoying exclusive benefits. This visa is available for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. Below is a detailed overview of its requirements and benefits, as well as guidance on how to apply.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit offering foreign talents the chance to settle in the country while accessing numerous exclusive advantages, including:
- A six-month entry visa with multiple entries to facilitate the residence visa application process.
- A renewable residency visa valid for 5 or 10 years.
- The ability to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without affecting visa validity.
- Sponsorship privileges for family members, including spouses and children of any age.
- The option to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers.
- The assurance that family members can remain in the UAE for the duration of their permit even if the Golden Visa holder passes away.
For inquiries, you may contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) for Dubai-related matters.
Eligibility and Requirements
The eligibility criteria and requirements for the Golden Visa vary depending on the category:
1. Investors in Public Investments
1. Investors in Public Investments
To qualify, you must:
- Provide proof of a deposit of AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund or hold a commercial/industrial license with a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
- Submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority showing an annual tax payment of no less than AED 250,000.
- Ensure that the invested capital is not loaned and provide proof of medical insurance.
2. Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors can obtain a 5-year renewable Golden Visa by:
- Owning property valued at a minimum of AED 2 million, as verified by the respective emirate’s land department.
- Purchasing property with a loan from approved local banks.
3. Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs may apply for a 5-year visa if they:
- Own a future-focused, innovative economic project valued at AED 500,000 or more, as verified by an auditor.
- Obtain approval from a local business incubator and relevant authorities.
4. Outstanding Specialized Talents
This category includes professionals such as doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, executives, athletes, and engineers. Requirements include:
- Approval letters from relevant UAE authorities (e.g., Ministry of Health, Emirates Council of Scientists, or cultural departments).
- Proof of significant contributions to their field.
5. Outstanding Students
High school or university students who meet specific academic performance criteria (e.g., national top scores or high GPAs) may be eligible for a 5- or 10-year visa.
6. Pioneers of Humanitarian Work
Humanitarian workers must demonstrate significant contributions, such as working in recognized organizations for at least five years or donating at least AED 2 million to humanitarian causes.
7. Frontline Heroes
Healthcare workers and other professionals who exhibited extraordinary service during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may receive the Golden Visa with recommendations from relevant authorities.
The One Touch Golden Visa Service
The UAE offers the ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa service, simplifying the application and renewal process. This service allows applicants to handle all visa-related procedures, including residency issuance, identity documents, and renewals, in a single step.
Explore the opportunities the Golden Visa offers and embark on a journey to long-term residency in one of the world’s most innovative and vibrant countries.