Dubai Golden Visa - Golden Visa Guide

UAE Dubai Golden Visa: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements, Price, Benefits, and Application Process

In 2019, the UAE government introduced the Golden Visa, a groundbreaking initiative that gives expatriates in specific categories the opportunity to apply for long-term residence and become self-sponsored individuals. A key benefit is that Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their immediate family members for a UAE Dubai residence visa of the same duration.

Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers a host of exclusive advantages that go far beyond a standard residency permit. These include:

• Long-Term Residency: Secure your future in the UAE with a 10-year renewable residence visa.
• Self-Sponsorship: Enjoy the freedom of living and working in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor or employer.
• Extended Stay Outside the UAE: Unlike standard residence visas, you can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without your visa becoming invalid.
• Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children (regardless of age), and an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
• Family Security: In the event of the primary holder's death, family members are permitted to remain in the UAE until the visa's natural expiry.
• Access to Esaad Card: As a resident, you gain access to Dubai's Esaad discount program, providing exclusive offers and bonuses at numerous establishments both locally and internationally.

Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa in the UAE?

To qualify for the Golden Visa, an applicant must fall into one of the following eligible categories:

• Investors (in public funds or real estate)
• Entrepreneurs
• CEOs or General Managers
• Individuals with Specialized Talents (Doctors, Scientists, Creatives, Engineers, Athletes, etc.)
• Outstanding Students and Graduates
• Humanitarian Pioneers
• Frontline Heroes

The Golden visa application involves collecting and submitting various documents depending on your specific category.

UAE Dubai Golden Visa Requirements by Category

The requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE vary depending on the residency type, whether it is for investors, specialized talents, entrepreneurs, or others. The specific criteria for each category are as follows:

Investors in Public Investments

Investors who deposit money into an investment fund can be granted a 10-year sponsor-free Golden Visa if they meet one of the following conditions:

• Submit a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming a deposit of two million AED.
• Provide a valid commercial or industrial license along with a partnership agreement stating a capital investment of at least two million AED.
• Submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that you pay the government no less than AED 250,000 annually.

Additional requirements for investors include:

• Full ownership of the invested capital (it cannot be a loan).
• Proof of health insurance for themselves and their families.

Real Estate Investors

Individuals who own one or more properties can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions and without a sponsor, if they meet the following requirements:

• Submit a letter from the land department of the respective emirate confirming ownership of properties with a minimum value of AED 2 million (approx. US$545,000).
• Purchase a mortgaged property with a down payment of at least 50% to a specific local bank approved by the relevant local authority.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs with a technical or innovative economic project can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Have an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE confirming the project value is no less than AED 500,000.
• Obtain approval from the authorities in the respective Emirate confirming the project is of a technical or innovative nature.
• Receive accreditation from an approved business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.

Outstanding Specialized Talents

The category of outstanding specialized talents includes professionals such as doctors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, executives, scientific experts, athletes, PhD holders, and specialists in engineering and science.

Specific requirements for each sub-category are as follows:

Doctors and Scientists

• Doctors must obtain an approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine.
• Scientists need a letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence confirming they have been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.

Inventors

Inventors must submit a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy stating that their patent adds value to the country's economy.

Creative People in Culture and Art

Creative individuals in culture and art must obtain an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective Emirate.

Executive Directors

Executive directors must submit:

• A copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with a minimum educational level of a bachelor's degree.
• A letter of experience of at least 5 years holding the same position.
• A salary certificate showing a minimum salary of AED 50,000.
• A valid work contract.

Athletes

Athletes need a letter of recommendation from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.

Specialists in Engineering and Science

Specialists must provide a copy of a Bachelor's or Master's degree certified by the Ministry of Education, along with a work contract.

Outstanding Students

High School Students

• High school students who have achieved excellence at the national level (a minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school) can receive a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor.
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) is required.
• The duration of the Golden Visa for students is 5 years and can be extended if they are enrolled in a major or college that requires more than five years of study.

University Students

Outstanding university students can receive a 10-year sponsor-free Golden Visa if they meet the following conditions:

• The university must be rated as class A or B by the Ministry of Education.
• Submit a recommendation letter from the university, an accredited graduation certificate, or an accredited academic record stating a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities.
• It must not have been more than two years since graduation.

Outstanding Students from Foreign Universities

Outstanding students who graduated from foreign universities can receive a 10-year sponsor-free Golden Visa if they meet the following criteria:

• The university must be ranked among the top 100 worldwide according to a rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.5.
• It must not have been more than two years since graduation.
• The graduation certificate must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

Pioneers of humanitarian work are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa if they fall into one of the following categories:

• Members and outstanding employees who have worked for international and regional organizations for at least five years.
• Members and outstanding employees who have worked for civil associations and institutions of public interest for at least five years.
• Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization focusing on humanitarian work.
• Funders of humanitarian work, provided the support value is no less than two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.

Frontline Heroes

• Frontline heroes who displayed extraordinary efforts during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are eligible for a Golden Visa with a recommendation from a competent authority.
• Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other cadres approved by the Frontline Heroes Office.

How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

Step-by-step Golden Visa UAE application process:

1. Choose your category: Select your desired visa category, such as investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, humanitarian pioneers, or frontline heroes.
2. Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents specified by the UAE government for your chosen category, including investment or property-related documents, recommendation letters, academic records, or proof of achievement.
3. Visit an Amer office: To initiate the application process, go to an Amer office, a designated government service center, with your prepared documents.
4. Pay the fees: Submit the applicable fees associated with the Golden Visa application.
5. Await approval: Wait for the approval process, which may take anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, depending on your chosen category and other factors.
6. Cancellation of existing visa: If you have an existing residence visa, follow the procedures to cancel it before proceeding with the Golden Visa application.
7. Submit the application: Provide the necessary details, including passport information and any additional required information, and submit your Golden Visa application.
8. Receive the Golden Visa: Once approved, the Golden Visa will be endorsed in your passport, granting you the desired residency status. Collect your passport with the Golden Visa from the relevant authorities.

Cost of the UAE Golden Visa

As of 2024, the cost for a new 10-year Golden Visa is AED 2,657, excluding fees for the medical check-up (AED 700) and Emirates ID (AED 1,153). If your application is rejected, 60% (AED 1,680) will be refunded.

Additionally, consider the cost of UAE health insurance, where the minimum basic coverage is approximately AED 800, DLD fees are AED 4,020, and administrative fees are AED 1,155.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

• Extended validity: The Golden Visa offers a 10-year validity, providing long-term residency in the UAE.
• Self-sponsorship: You are no longer dependent on an employer or company for sponsorship.
• You are not required to enter the UAE every 6 months for the visa to remain valid.

How much is the UAE Golden Visa?

The total cost for a 10-year Golden Visa is approximately AED 15,734. This includes:

1. New visa: AED 2,657
2. Emirates ID: AED 1,153
3. Medical Check: AED 700
4. DLD Fees: AED 4,020
5. Administrative fees: AED 1,155
6. Health Insurance (approximate basic): AED 800+
7. Service/Consulting Fees: Varies

How long does it take to process the UAE Golden Visa?

• Approval time: Eligible applicants may receive visa approval within a few days, with a minimum of 72 hours and a maximum of approximately one month.
• Additional procedures: Following approval, the medical check, Emirates ID, and visa stamping can be completed within a few days.

Who Can Qualify for the UAE Golden Visa?

You can find detailed information about the eligibility criteria and requirements in the UAE GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS section above.

In short:

• Investors in the public sector
• Business owners and entrepreneurs
• Real estate investors
• CEOs and senior executives
• Talented students
• Highly skilled professionals like Engineers, Doctors, Athletes, PhD holders
• - Pioneers of humanitarian work and frontline heroes

Can I sponsor my family if I get the UAE Golden Visa?

Yes, you can. Once your visa is stamped in your passport, you can start the application process for your dependents. You can find more information about family visas in our article on UAE Family Visa Requirements.

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