Dubai Golden Visa: Benefits, Eligibility, Requirements & More

In 2019, the UAE government launched the Dubai Golden Visa, creating a unique opportunity to attract wealthy and skilled individuals. This special visa enables foreigners to establish permanent residency in Dubai, granting them the freedom to live, work, study, or conduct business without the requirement of a local sponsor.

It would be correct to say UAE Golden Visa acts like an excellent gateway, offering entry into Dubai's dynamic community for students, retirees, or investors seeking to become integral to the city's diverse and thriving society.

Benefits of UAE Golden Visa 

The 'Golden Visa' in the UAE is a special long-term residence permit designed for foreign talents. It offers a range of exclusive benefits, including:

1. Dubai Golden Visa offers full business ownership rights, eliminating the need for a local sponsor and ensuring professional autonomy.
2. Holders benefit from a flexible entry system, with 6-month visas that allow multiple entries and smooth residency permit issuance.
3. The visa permits sponsoring family members, including spouses, children of all ages, and an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
4. If the primary visa holder dies, family members can remain in the UAE until the permit expires.
5. Residents enjoy the convenience of renewable 5 or 10-year long-term residence visas, which allow them to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing their residency status.

Who Can Apply for Golden Card

Eligible applicants include:

• Real Estate Investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Researchers & specialized talents including:
• Inventors
• Athletes
• Executives
• Specialists in scientific fields
• Creative people of culture and art
• Scientists
• Specialists in the fields of engineering and science
• Doctors
• Doctoral degree holders
• Highly talented students

These individuals can sponsor family members and receive 5 or 10-year renewable residence visas.

UAE Golden Visa Requirements

The UAE Golden Visa requirements vary based on the kind of residence, such as skills, entrepreneur, or investor.

Investors in Public Investments:

• Investment in an accredited investment fund necessitates a deposit of AED 2,000,000.
• Submission of a valid commercial or industrial license with a minimum capital of AED 2,000,000.
• Proof of annual government payment of no less than AED 250,000.

Real Estate Investors:

• Ownership of properties valued at no less than AED 2,000,000.
• Purchase of property using loans from specific local banks.

Entrepreneurs:

• Ownership of a technical or future-oriented economic project requiring a minimum value of AED 500,000.
• Approval letters from an auditor, emirate authorities, and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.

Outstanding Specialized Talents:

If you have an outstanding specialized talent, you may get a Golden visa for 10 years after meeting the requirements mentioned below for each category:

Doctors and Scientists:

• Approval Letter from UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (for doctors).
• Recommendation from Emirates Council of Scientists or Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence (for scientists).

Inventors:

• Recommendation from the Ministry of Economy validating the economic value of the patent.

Creative Individuals in Culture and Art:

• Approval letter from the respective emirate's Department of Culture and Arts.

Executive Directors:

• Accredited university degree.
• 5 years of experience in the same position.
• Salary certificate reflecting a minimum of AED 50,000.
• Valid work contract.

Athletes:

• Recommendation letter from General Sports Authority or a sports council.

Specialists in Engineering and Science:

• Certified Bachelor's or Master's degree from the Ministry of Education.
• Valid work contract.

Outstanding Students:

• If you're a high school student with a minimum grade of 95%, you could qualify for a 5-year Golden visa without a sponsor. 
• You would need a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education. The duration can be extended if enrolled in majors/colleges requiring more than five years of study.
• Outstanding university students may receive a 10-year Golden visa without a sponsor, provided the university is rated A or B class. 
• In this case, you would also need a recommendation letter or accredited academic record with a minimum GPA requirement. The same applies to outstanding students from foreign universities, with the additional condition of being among the top 100 globally according to recognized rating systems.

Pioneers of Humanitarian Work:

• Individuals with significant contributions to humanitarian causes can get a Golden Visa for 10 years.
• Recognition from international, regional, or local organizations is necessary.

Frontline Heroes:

• Recognized individuals who demonstrated exceptional efforts during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read More: Dubai Student Visa Requirements

Application Process of UAE Golden Visa 

To apply for the Dubai Golden Visa, follow these simple steps:

• Go to the official website and select the "eChannels Residency and Citizenship" option from the services menu.
• Click the Golden Residency option on the 'Browse Smart Service' page.
• Scroll down, choose the type of Golden Visa service you need, and click "Start service."
• Application Process:
  • Fill in personal information accurately.
  • Attach the required documents.
  • Review your visa application.
  • Pay the application fees.
• Visit ICP Smart Services to check eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa.
• After submission, track your application status on the website.
• The processing time typically ranges from a few weeks to a month.

The Dubai Golden Visa price for 5 years and 10 years is approximately AED 650 and AED 1,150, respectively. For a simplified process, use the 'One Touch' service available on the ICP website or app.

Investment Opportunities

For investors interested in Dubai's booming business scene, the Dubai Golden Visa, commonly called the Dubai Investor Visa, offers profitable options. 

• Individuals can get residency, job rights, and family sponsorship in Dubai with a minimum expenditure of AED 10 million for a 10-year visa or AED 5 million for a 5-year visa. 
• This visa promotes long-term commitment by requiring investors to keep their investments intact for three years without taking out loans. 
• Notably, investments must refrain from heavy reliance on real estate, ensuring diversification. 
• Moreover, the UAE Golden Visa benefits spouses, children, a chief executive director, and an advisor, fostering a supportive environment for business growth and prosperity in Dubai.

Legal and Financial Considerations

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) is the central authority entrusted with overseeing the Golden Visa program. It plays a pivotal role in formulating and enforcing regulations that dictate the issuance of Golden Visas, ensuring strict adherence to national laws.

Integral to the Golden Visa program is a set of key regulations that encompass aspects such as investments, business activities, and professional qualifications. These regulations are strategically crafted to safeguard the mutual interests of the UAE and visa holders, creating a framework that fosters transparency and compliance.

Unlock Your Dreams with Dubai Golden Visa 

Ultimately, the Dubai Golden Visa offers a promising chance for individuals aspiring to live and work hassle-free in the UAE. It offers long-term residency and enhanced work privileges. Its diverse eligibility categories and extended duration demonstrate the UAE's commitment to attracting global talent and fostering economic growth. 

The Golden Visa also provides applicants with a number of benefits, including access to quality education and healthcare, as well as the freedom to travel and explore the UAE.

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