A Comprehensive Guide to Getting a Golden Visa UAE

The UAE's Golden Visa has arisen as a revolutionary solution for those planning to settle in the country permanently. The pull of this visa is powerful because of the enticing benefits and adjusted criteria that serve investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and extraordinary students. In this guide, we'll cover all you need to know about the UAE Golden Visa, including requirements, advantages, associated charges, and the application process.

What Is a UAE Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa from five to 10 years and ensures the opportunity for renewal. Individuals can live, work, and study in the UAE with this visa without the need for sponsorship from a local individual or organisation. This project is intended to unite talented individuals, high-net-worth people, and financiers who can facilitate the economic growth of the UAE.

UAE Golden Visa Requirements

Knowing the UAE Golden Visa requirements is important to succeeding in the application process. The visa caters to various categories, each with specific conditions:

Investors in Public Investments

Duration: 10 years, no sponsor.

Requirements:

• Letter from an accredited UAE investment fund confirming a deposit of AED 2 million, or

• Valid commercial/industrial license and memorandum of association showing a capital of AED 2 million.

• Letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming annual government payments of at least AED 250,000.

• Additional: Full ownership of invested capital (no loans) and proof of medical insurance for self and dependents.

   

Real Estate Investors

Duration: 5 years, renewable, no sponsor.

Requirements:

• Letter from the land department confirming property ownership valued at no less than AED 2 million.

• Option to purchase with a loan from approved local banks.

   

Entrepreneurs

Duration: 5 years, no sponsor.

Requirements: Ownership of a project valued at no less than AED 500,000.

Approval letters from:

• A UAE auditor.

• Local authorities confirm the project’s innovative nature.

• An accredited business incubator for establishing the activity in the UAE.

Outstanding Specialised Talents

Outstanding specialised talents include:

• Doctors

• Scientists

• Creative individuals in culture and the arts

• Inventors

• Executives

• Specialists in scientific fields

• Athletes

• Holders of doctoral degrees

• Specialists in engineering and science

Subjects Relating to Engineering and Science

• Fields of engineering and science include:

• Epidemiology and viruses

• Artificial intelligence

• Big data

• Computer engineering

• Electronic engineering

• Software engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Genetics and biotechnology engineering

If you possess an outstanding specialised talent, you may be eligible for a Golden Visa for 10 years after fulfilling the requirements outlined for each category:

Doctors and Scientists

• Doctors: An approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practise medicine.

• Scientists: A letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence confirming the award of the Medal of Scientific Excellence.

   

Inventors

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy stating that your patent adds value to the country’s economy.

Creative Individuals in Culture and the Arts

An approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the relevant emirate.

Related Services

• Apply for creative talent accreditation (cultural visa) – Dubai Culture

• Obtain an endorsement certificate for creative individuals – Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism

• Acquire a recommendation letter for Golden Visa requests – Ministry of Culture and Youth.

Frontline Heroes

Frontline heroes who demonstrated extraordinary effort during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may also be eligible for the Golden Visa with a recommendation from a competent authority. Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other personnel approved by the Frontline Heroes Office.

Golden Visa UAE Benefits

• 10-year residency, no frequent renewals.
• Can sponsor spouses, children, and parents.
• Unlimited sponsorship for maids, nannies, and drivers.
• Enjoy world-class healthcare, reputable education, and robust banking.
• Supports start-ups and expansion in a business-friendly environment.
• Spend over 6 months outside the UAE without losing residency status.

How to Get a Golden Visa UAE

If you're wondering how to get a golden visa in UAE, here's how you can streamline your application process:

• Prepare Required Documents: Your passport, photographs, records of investments, educational documentation, and other necessary documents that correspond with your particular category are among these papers.

• Submit Your Application Online: You can apply to the UAE's official government entities, which include the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

• Pay the Application Fees: Pay attention to the charges referenced for your category, which apply to the initial application and further processing.

• Undergo Medical Tests: Complete the essential medical tests at the appropriate UAE medical locations.

• Approval and Visa Issuance: Upon at least verifying your application, You'll receive both the Visa and your Emirates ID.

• Time Duration to get the Visa: The UAE Golden Visa application process usually takes five to seven days, with an additional 30 days to respond if further questions arise. After biometric scanning, you'll receive your residency permit and related identification cards.

Fees Associated with the UAE Golden Visa Programme

Here is a breakdown of fees associated with the UAE Golden Visa:

5-Year Visa

Application Fees: AED 650 (approx. USD 177).

Medical Tests and Insurance: An amount ranging from approximately AED 1,000 to 2,000 (about USD 272 to 545)

10-Year Visa:

Application Fees: AED 1,150 (approx. USD 313).

Medical Tests and Insurance: Similar to the 5-year Visa.

Additional Costs

Visa Issuance Fee: AED 100 to 600 translates into approximately USD 27 to 163.

Emirates ID: AED 1,070 (approx. USD 291).

Dependent Fees:

Spouse: AED 1,150

Children: AED 1,150 each

Maid: AED 1,150

These costs can add up based on the number of dependents.

Conclusion

Residents in the UAE gain significant advantages from the Golden Visa, which involves stability, family security, and unlimited entrepreneurial opportunities. This visa programme has brought about a change for many people, allowing them to concentrate on their career trajectories without having to repeat visa renewal too often. Individuals who embrace the Golden Visa get the opportunity to reside, work, and study in a highly advanced country. If your eligibility criteria are met, start your application straight away to enjoy the benefits that come with UAE residency.

Please read: Exploring the latest UAE Visa Rules in 2024