The United Arab Emirates is a beacon in the Middle East that represents freedom, safety and opportunity. With just under 90% of the population being expats from countries across the globe, the UAE has proven to be the perfect place to settle, whether that be alone, or with family.
Leading in sustainability worldwide, along with providing an excellent standard of living, increased safety and of course, mesmerising skyscrapers that create a beautiful skyline, Dubai in particular, is a great place not only to visit, but to create a great life for yourself.
It is possible to work and live in the UAE under various VISAs, with many coming under a work or partner visa. These tend to last a few years before having to be renewed, however they are always subject to the employment of an individual. For those looking for a more permanent form of a Visa, the UAE ensured that they cater to such an audience, by introducing their Golden Visas in 2019.
What is UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a foreign residency visa that grants non-UAE citizens permission to reside in the country for an extendable 10-year period. This document also allows its holder to work or study in the Emirates. The golden residency scheme is a renewable program meant for specific groups of people, such as investors or those with exceptional talents.
What Include in UAE Golden Visa
In April 2022, the UAE visa residency announced that real estate investors could obtain the Golden Visa when purchasing a property that is a minimum of Dh2 million. This saw many Dubai residents investing or merging their properties in order to be eligible for the long-term residency Golden Visa.
As the UAE’s ‘Golden Visa’ is an exclusive visa that enables foreign talent to live and work or study in the UAE, it means that it also holds many exclusive benefits, which include:
- An entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance.
- A long term, fully renewable residence visa that is valid for up to 10 years.
- A self-sponsored visa that does not require an employment sponsorship
- The ability to stay outside of the UAE for more than the usual restriction of six months without invalidating the visa.
- The ability to sponsor family members, including partners and children.
- Sponsorship of unlimited domestic helpers.
Abdulla Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, acting director-general of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), told Investment Monitor that the UAE’s golden visa programme is “opening a pathway for more businesses and entrepreneurs to pursue high-growth opportunities in a world-class innovation ecosystem”, much like other countries that have employed the same Visa, including Italy, Spain and Austria.
With the UAE’s ability to adapt and employ different methods of attracting investors, the Golden Visa is used to adapt to immigration regulations to attract private wealth, capital and talent. (This is a cut-and-paste, please provide
Latest News about the UAE Golden Visa
- Real estate investors in Dubai are no longer required to pay a minimum down payment of AED 1 million to be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa, as the government changed the criteria for property buyers. The investors can apply for a long-term visa (10 years of residency) regardless of payment paid upfront. Read full new here: Khaleej Times.
- Golden visa holders can now sponsor their parents for a 10-year residency. Furthermore, UAE Golden Visa holders do not have to pay the deposit when they sponsor their parents. The only requirement is presenting a certification from their respective consulates demonstrating that they are the parents’ single caregivers. The changes to the Golden Visa system will allow for even greater accessibility for foreign nationals to live, work, conduct business, and study in the UAE without needing a national sponsor.
Benefits of UAE Golden Visa
The Golden Visa in the UAE provides many benefits, such as:
- A six-month multiple entry visa followed by the issuance of residency permits.
- A long-term residence visa that can be renewed every 10 years.
- Long-term residency in the UAE, provides you the stability and security for you and your family.
- A freedom to own and establish a business in the UAE, fostering entrepreneurship.
- Sponsoring spouses and children of any age to come live with the sponsor in the United Arab Emirates.
- Opportunity for the kids to study in the one of the world-class educational institutions.
- Access to the UAE’s high-quality multispecialty healthcare services, ensuring the well-being of you and your family.
- The ability to stay outside of the UAE for any length of time without having their visa nullified.
- If the primary holder of a Golden Visa passes away, family members will still be allowed to stay in the UAE until their permit expires. Sponsorship for an indefinite number of domestic helpers.
Also Read: Portugal Golden Visa Guide
Eligibility Criteria and UAE Golden Visa Requirements
The UAE Golden Visa, which allows for residency in the country, has recently expanded its eligible categories to include professionals, specialists, and exceptional talents. The changes also extend to additional entry permits and visas for tourists, business travellers, job seekers, friends, and relatives of UAE residents. According to the UAE Government’s Official Portal, those eligible to apply for the Golden Visas include:
1. Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors may obtain the Golden Visa if they satisfy at least one of these requirements: Purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million Purchase property after the acquisition of a loan from specific local banks, or Purchase one or more completed or off-plan properties worth at least AED 2 million from a list of approved local real estate companies
2. Professionals
The Golden Visa for professionals applies to various fields and disciplines, including but not limited to education, law, science and engineering, information technology, and social sciences. Those who fulfil the criteria mentioned below can apply: A valid employment contract in the UAE Hold a job that is classified in the occupational level one or two according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification A minimum educational level of holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent Basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (USD 8,167)
3. Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners
Startup investors in the UAE can now apply for a Golden Visa, provided their company falls under the small and medium enterprises (SME) category with annual revenues of AED 1 million or above. However, the acquisition of a Golden Visa for entrepreneurs is also possible, if: The applicant has founded or co-founded a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold with a value of AED 7 million (USD 1,905,850.80) or more. However, projects or ideas must be approved by the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities before proceeding.
4. Engineers
Those with highly-specialised skillsets, engineers, and researchers from a variety of academic disciplines are eligible for the Golden Visa. This allows residency for 10 years, renewable every decade, granted to the applicant and their family members. The requirements are as follows: An attested degree from an accredited institution (bachelor’s degree or higher), OR A letter of equivalency for the applicant’s academic degree from the Ministry of Education A copy of the sponsored residency A work contract in one of the following disciplines: Epidemiology and Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering
5. Exceptional Talents
The Golden Visa scheme is designed for exceptional individuals who excel in areas such as art, culture, digital technology, sports innovation, and medicine. Furthermore, the 10-year visa will only be available to those with exceptional talent — not based on factors like educational background, current employment status, monthly salary, or professional experience. However, a recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity will still be required.
6. Scientists
The Golden Visa is now available to scientists and researchers who meet the following conditions: PhDs and Master’s degree holders in engineering, technology, and life sciences from the world’s best universities A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council
7. Skilled Workers
Those with specific talents and skills may apply for the Golden Visa scheme as long as the following requirements are met: They have a valid employment contract in the UAE A job that falls under the occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation A minimum monthly salary that is not less than Dh30,0000 A bachelor’s degree
8. Outstanding Students and Graduates
The 10-year visa is also available to students who have achieved high scores in either UAE secondary schools or universities. Furthermore, talented students and graduates who have studied at the world’s 100 best universities can also benefit from the Golden visa scheme.
9. Humanitarian Pioneers
The Golden Visa is available to humanitarian pioneers, such as: Members of international and regional organisations that have distinguished themselves through their work members of outstanding associations that provide public benefits Those who have been recognised for their work in humanitarianism Outstanding volunteers and sponsors who contribute to humanitarian efforts.
10. Doctors and Nurses
All doctors licenced by the UAE’s health regulatory bodies can apply for the Golden Visa through ICA’s Golden Residency services for doctors. Nurses and medical staff, who have been fighting against COVID-19 in the UAE, are now eligible to receive the prestigious Golden Visa. The UAE Golden Visa is an excellent option for those looking to make the UAE their long-term home.
The visa process can be complex, but at Passport Legacy, we have the expertise to guide you through every step. So if you are interested in pursuing the UAE Golden Visa, contact us today. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on your journey to becoming a permanent resident of the UAE.
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