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 that serve investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and extraordinary students. In this guide, we will 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 valid for 5 or 10 years and can be renewed. With this visa, individuals can live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for sponsorship from a local individual or organisation. This long-term visa programme is intended to attract talented people, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIS), top athletes, and students who can facilitate the economic growth of the UAE.

Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

Investors

To apply for the UAE Golden Visa as a real estate investor, you must buy a property worth at least AED 2,000,000. You can buy it with your money or get a loan from certain banks. You can also invest in off-plan properties from approved real estate companies. Another way for investors to obtain a Golden Visa is to invest in a business in the UAE. In that case, you can apply for the visa by showing a business plan or by proving you have invested at least AED 2,000,000 in a company by owning shares or through an approved investment fund. Another option is showing that your company pays at least AED 250,000 yearly in taxes.

Creative People

People in the fields of arts, culture, sports, and digital technology can apply for a UAE Golden Visa. These individuals are exempt from employment status, qualification, or proof of salary.

Scientists and Professionals

Scientists holding a PhD or master’s degree from the top universities in the world and other professionals in the field of IT, law, engineering, Business Administration, and medicine are eligible for UAE Golden Visa. These individuals must have a valid employment letter with a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000. 

Entrepreneurs

To qualify for the UAE Golden Visa as an entrepreneur, you need to be the partner or sole owner of a start-up registered as an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) with a value of at least AED 500,000. You also need approval for your start-up idea from the Ministry of Economy, a local authority, or an official business incubator. Entrepreneurs must have a letter from the relevant authorities confirming their project is innovative or future-focused.

Students

Outstanding students who graduated from UAE universities with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities are eligible for a golden visa.

Frontline Heroes

Frontline heroes like nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, etc., who showed outstanding effort during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic may also be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. To qualify, they need a recommendation from the relevant authority.

Humanitarian Pioneers

Individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian work can also qualify for the UAE Golden Visa. These individuals include:

• Contributors to public benefit associations
• Award holders in humanitarian fields
• Volunteers or sponsors who support humanitarian causes
• Members of regional or international organisations with major contributions

Documents Required to Acquire Golden Visa

To apply, you will need the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Recent photo of the applicant
• Health insurance certificate of the applicant and dependents
• Birth certificate, marriage certificate (for family sponsorship)
• E-Certificate of title deed
• UAE ID (if available)
• Copy of current residence permit (if available)

How to Apply for a Golden Visa UAE?

Follow these steps to apply for a Golden Visa:

Step 1: Choose your visa category, such as investor, exceptional talent, entrepreneur, or student.

Step 2: Gather all the necessary documents, such as recommendation letters, proof of income or achievements, or academic records.

Step 3: Visit an Amer centre, which offers visa and residency-related services. Take the documents you have prepared to initiate the application process. You can also apply through the ICP website or the ICP app.

Step 4: Submit the fee for the Golden Visa.

Step 5: The processing time can take between 7 and 10 days. Wait for approval.

Step 6: Undergo an HIV blood test, X-ray, and fingerprint scans before receiving the Golden Visa.

Step 7: After approval, the Golden Visa will be sent electronically.

Fees for the UAE Golden Visa

Fees for the UAE Golden Visa may vary depending on the duration of the visa (5 or 10 years). 

Medical examination fee: AED 700

Emirates ID (10 years) fee: AED 1,153

Confirmation of residency permit (10 years): AED 2,656.75

Dubai Land Department fees: AED 4,020

Administrative fees: AED 1,155

Total: AED 9,684.75

Fees for family sponsorship (10 years)

Fees: AED 5,668.50 for each dependent

File opening fee: AED 318.75

Fee for parents’ residence permit (10 years)

Fees: AED 5,668.50

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The benefits of having a Golden Visa are listed below:

• A Golden Visa does not require frequent renewals. You can renew your visa after 5 or 10 years, depending on your category.
• A UAE Golden Visa allows you to move to or visit the country without restrictions.
• You can open bank accounts in local banks in different currencies, such as AED, dollars, or euros.
• You will bear no taxes on personal income, capital gains, property, gifts, or inheritance.
• Golden Visa holders can get a local driver’s license by passing an exam or exchanging their foreign license.
• Visa holders can sponsor their family members for long-term visas.
• You can access Dubai’s discount programme, Esaad, which offers special deals and bonuses at many local and international stores.

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 can reside, work, and study in a highly advanced country. If your eligibility criteria are met, start your application immediately to enjoy the benefits of UAE residency.

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