The UAE Golden Visa is an exciting opportunity for people who want to live and work in the United Arab Emirates. This special visa program offers long-term residency to talented individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and even students. With a Golden Visa, you can enjoy a stable and secure life in the UAE, with plenty of benefits and opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the UAE Golden Visa is all about, who can apply, and the advantages it brings. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, start a business, or simply enjoy the vibrant culture of the UAE, the Golden Visa could be your gateway to a brighter future.
UAE Golden Visa
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a special residency visa that lets foreign talents live, work, or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This long-term visa is renewable and aimed at various groups, including investors and people with exceptional skills.
The Golden Visa program is created to bring in foreign investment and expertise to the UAE. It offers many benefits, such as the ability to live and work in the UAE, access to excellent education and healthcare, and the option to sponsor family members for residence visas. The Golden Visa lasts for 10 years and can be renewed after that.
Benefits and Advantages of the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa offers many benefits for those who obtain it:
- Entry Visa: Initially, a six-month entry visa with multiple entries is provided, followed by the issuance of a residency permit.
- Long-Term Residency: A renewable residence visa valid for 10 years.
- Self-Sponsorship: No need for a sponsor to obtain this visa.
- Unrestricted Travel: The ability to stay outside the UAE for any length of time without the visa being canceled.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their age.
- Parent Sponsorship: Sponsor parents for a 10-year residency without extra deposits.
- Domestic Helpers: Sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
- Family Stability: Family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration even if the primary visa holder passes away.
Additional Benefits in Specific Emirates
Abu Dhabi:
- Discounts on cars, property, healthcare, hospitality, health insurance, and banking services.
- Discounts on selected properties from developers like Imkan Properties.
- Reduced mortgage interest rates from banks like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
- Lower premiums on annual health insurance plans.
- Price reductions on cars, including priority booking for new releases, special payment facilities, and maintenance offers.
- Special offers for dining, spa treatments, gyms, and hospitality stays.
Dubai:
- Golden Visa holders with a driving license from their home country can take the UAE driver’s test without extra lessons.
- Automatic eligibility for a UAE driver’s license if holding a license from one of 32 approved countries (e.g., US, UK, Australia).
- 10-year residency for outstanding expatriate students and their families, with discounts on higher education in international university branches in Dubai.
- Esaad privilege card offering various discounts and offers, provided free to 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa holders. Categories eligible for the Esaad card include investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students.
Golden Visa Insurance:
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage ranging between AED 2,000 – 50,000, depending on factors like age, health, and hospital coverage. The National Health Insurance Company (Daman Health) offers packages for Golden Visa holders that are valid for one year and can be renewed annually. Premiums vary based on age and plan options.
How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa
Applying for the UAE Golden Visa is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Application through ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship):
- Go to the ICP smart services platform online.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Submit the required documents.
- Ensure you are prepared to move to the UAE for your business venture.
Application through GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs): You can apply through the GDRFA website or the GDRFA Dubai Smart App.
Applying through the GDRFA Website:
- Visit the GDRFA Dubai website.
- Choose the Golden Visa service you need.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Attach the required documents and pay the fees.
- Submit your application.
Applying through the GDRFA Dubai Smart App:
- Download the GDRFA-Dubai app (available for iOS and Android).
- If you don’t have an account, create a new one.
- Select the desired service.
- Attach the necessary documents and pay the fees.
- Submit your visa request.
Application through AMER Center: Eligible candidates can also apply for the UAE Golden Visa by visiting an AMER Center.
Requirements for the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa program has expanded its eligibility categories. Here are the general requirements and some specific to certain categories:
General Documents Required:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing contact information, biography, and notable achievements
- Copy of current residency visa (if already a UAE resident)
- Colored personal photo
Eligibility Categories:
Religious Leaders:
- Mosque imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have served for 20 years will receive Golden Visas and a special cash reward.
Real Estate Investors:
- Purchase property worth at least AED 2 million.
- Purchase property with a loan from specified local banks.
- Buy one or more properties (completed or off-plan) from approved local companies totaling AED 2 million.
- Provide registration documents from the real estate authorities in the emirate.
- Property owners now have a six-month grace period after visa expiry or cancellation.
Public Investors:
- Invest in an investment fund.
- Provide a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming a deposit of AED 2 million.
- Submit a valid commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association indicating investor capital of at least AED 2 million.
- Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming an annual payment of at least AED 250,000.
- The capital must be owned outright, not obtained through a loan.
- Show evidence of medical insurance for the investor and family.
If you are specifically interested in long-term residency options for investors, be sure to explore the UAE Investor Visa for more detailed information.
Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners:
- Own a startup registered in the UAE with annual revenues of AED 1 million or more.
- Be a founder or co-founder of a previous entrepreneurial project sold for at least AED 7 million.
- Obtain approval from the Ministry of Economy or local authorities.
- Have a technical or future-oriented project with a value of at least AED 500,000.
- Provide an auditor’s letter and a letter from the local emirate authority.
- Secure approval from an accredited business incubator.
Exceptional Talents:
- Talented individuals in art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, law, and other fields.
- Creative individuals must submit evidence such as certificates of appreciation, honorary positions, membership in prestigious organizations, media attention, and participation in significant forums.
- Inventors and athletes must provide recommendation letters.
- Ph.D. holders specializing in certain fields can apply.
- The 10-year visa is based on talent, not education, employment status, salary, or professional status, but requires a recommendation from a federal or local government entity.
Executives:
- University degree accredited by the Ministry of Education (at least a bachelor’s degree).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in the same position.
- Salary certificate showing a monthly salary of at least AED 50,000.
- Valid work contract.
Specialists in Engineering and Science:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education.
- Valid work contract in the field.
Fields:
- Epidemiology and viruses
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data
- Computer engineering
- Electronic engineering
- Software engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Genetics and biotechnology engineering
Scientists:
- PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from a top university.
- Recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or a letter stating that the applicant has been awarded the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
Skilled Professionals:
- Valid employment contract in the UAE.
- Job must be at occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.
- Bachelor’s degree.
High School Students:
- Top scores in UAE secondary schools (minimum grade of 95%).
- Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.
University Students:
- Graduated from one of the world’s top universities with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
- Graduated within the last 2 years.
- Recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate.
Humanitarian Pioneers:
- Members and outstanding employees of international and regional organizations with at least 5 years of service.
- Members and outstanding employees of civil associations and public interest institutions with at least 5 years of service.
- Recipients of appreciation awards from local, regional, or international humanitarian organizations.
- Financial supporters of humanitarian work with contributions of at least AED 2 million.
Volunteers:
- Members of international and regional organizations or distinguished workers within them, with at least 5 years of service.
- Members of public benefit associations and institutions or distinguished workers within them, with at least 5 years of service.
- Recipients of appreciation awards from humanitarian organizations.
- Distinguished volunteers with at least 5 years of service or 500 volunteer hours.
- Financial supporters of humanitarian work with contributions of at least AED 2 million.
Doctors and Nurses:
- Approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine in the UAE.
- Frontline heroes who have shown extraordinary effort in crises like the COVID-19 pandemic with a recommendation from a competent authority.
Exceptional Coders:
- Distinguished experts and talents in various areas of coding.
- Employees of leading international tech firms.
- Graduates in software engineering, computer sciences, IT, AI, data science, and related fields.
Expanded Categories for Abu Dhabi:
- Must be employed in the UAE in a role classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- Minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.
- Valid practicing license in the UAE if required (e.g., physician, pharmacist, teacher).
- Salary certificate and bank statement showing a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000.
New Categories:
- Senior Scholars and Clerics: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or a local authority.
- Specialists in Industry and the 4th Industrial Revolution: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
- Specialists in Health Fields: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
- Specialists in Education: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
Golden Visa UAE Cost
The cost of obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE varies depending on the application process and category. For applications made within the UAE, the price ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 3,800. If you apply from outside the UAE, the cost is between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800. This includes an application fee of AED 150 and around AED 1,000 for a medical examination for the Emirates ID.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has also updated the fees for the six-month entry permit required for the 10-year Golden Visa. The updated cost for this permit is AED 1,250, which covers various fees, including an issuance fee, application fee, smart services fee, electronic services fee, and ICP charges.
Golden Visa UAE Validity
The UAE government has extended the validity of the Golden Visa from 5 years to 10 years. Golden Visa holders also receive a multiple-entry visa valid for six months to complete their residency procedures. Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their residency status.
The grace period for visa expiry or cancellation has been extended from 30 days to six months. This means expats have six months to amend their status or obtain a new residence visa without incurring fines. However, dependents of Golden Visa holders must ensure their visas are renewed or canceled timely to avoid overstay fines.
Golden Visa UAE Extension
According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), you can now extend or cancel your entry permit online. This applies to both regular visas and the Golden Visa entry permits.
The extension policy includes:
- Two months for normal visas or Green Residency Visa applications.
- Six months with multiple entries for Golden Visa applications.
Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa is a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking long-term residency in a dynamic and prosperous country. Offering a 10-year renewable residency, the Golden Visa is designed to attract investors, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents from various fields. With benefits like multiple-entry permits, the ability to stay outside the UAE without losing residency, and the option to sponsor family members, the Golden Visa provides a stable and supportive environment for expats.
Whether you’re an investor, a scientist, an entrepreneur, or a student with exceptional academic achievements, the Golden Visa opens doors to numerous advantages in the UAE. From access to top-quality healthcare and education to significant business opportunities, the UAE Golden Visa is a pathway to a thriving future in one of the world’s most progressive countries.
