UAE Golden Visa 

The UAE, recognized for its iconic skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and cutting-edge infrastructure, has become one of the most desirable places to live and work.  The UAE government presents the exclusive UAE Golden Visa, a long-term residency program tailored to attract distinguished individuals—including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and students.

With the UAE Golden Visa, you gain the privilege to reside, work, or pursue your studies in the UAE, all while enjoying exclusive benefits that standard visas do not offer. Whether you’re an investor aiming to grow your business, a professional seeking career advancement or a retiree desiring a serene and vibrant environment, the UAE Golden Visa unlocks a world of opportunities across the entire nation.

Secure Your UAE Golden Visa with Filings.ae! Our team of experts at Filings.ae streamlines the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.  

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program launched by the UAE government, allowing foreign nationals to live there for five or ten years. Unlike traditional residency visas, the Golden Visa eliminates the need for sponsorship from a UAE citizen or employer, providing greater autonomy to its holders. This renewable visa offers numerous benefits, including business opportunities, tax advantages, real estate investment prospects, and entry to the UAE’s top-tier healthcare and education systems.

The program is designed to attract talented individuals from various fields, such as investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, researchers, and outstanding students. By targeting these diverse groups, the UAE Golden Visa aims to stimulate economic growth and drive innovation while ensuring stability and security for foreign nationals residing in the UAE. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for business, culture, and advanced research.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Here are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa:

• Long-Term Residency: The UAE Golden Visa allows holders to reside in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, with the option to renew, providing long-term stability and security.
• No Sponsorship Requirement: Unlike standard visas, the Golden Visa eliminates the need for a UAE national or employer sponsor, granting greater independence to visa holders.
• Business Flexibility: Investors and business owners can operate businesses without the need for a local partner or sponsor, allowing them full control over their investments.
• Tax Advantages: The UAE’s tax-friendly policies—such as no personal income tax or capital gains tax—are available to Golden Visa holders, enhancing their financial benefits.
• Family Residency: The Golden Visa extends to the holder’s spouse and dependent children, allowing family members to benefit from long-term residency and access to healthcare, education, and other government services.
• Real Estate Investment: Golden Visa holders who invest in real estate can capitalise on the thriving property market in Dubai and across the UAE.
• Access to Public Services: Visa holders enjoy access to essential public services, including healthcare, education, and utilities, comparable to UAE citizens.
• Global Mobility: Residents with a UAE Golden Visa benefit from excellent global connectivity, thanks to the UAE’s major international airports, making business and personal travel more convenient.

Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is open to individuals from various categories, offering long-term residency based on their valuable contributions to the UAE's economy and society. Below are the key eligible groups:

• Investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Skilled Professionals
• Outstanding Students
• Retirees
• Real Estate Investors
• Specialized Talents (e.g., scientists, researchers, and innovators)

Conditions and Criteria for Obtaining the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) to promote economic growth and create an attractive environment for business and innovation. The following are the conditions, criteria, and procedures for various applicant categories: 

Investors in Public Investments

To qualify, investors must:

• Have a business idea or plan to establish legally in the UAE.
• Provide a letter from a UAE-approved investment fund confirming a deposit of AED 2 million or a valid commercial/industrial license, with the investor’s capital being at least AED 2 million.
• Alternatively, invest in a company as a partner with shares worth at least AED 2 million, not financed by a loan.
• Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming they own a company that pays at least AED 250,000 annually to the UAE government.

Real Estate Investors

Real estate investors must meet the following conditions:

• Provide a letter from the Real Estate Registration Department confirming ownership of property worth at least AED 2 million, with no loan attached.
• Submit proof of residency (home ownership or rental contract).

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa if they:

• Provide an approval letter from a UAE auditor stating the project value is at least AED 500,000.
• Obtain a letter from the emirate authorities confirming the project is technical or future-oriented.
• Provide an approval letter from a UAE-accredited business incubator.
• Submit valid passport copies, health insurance, and proof of housing.
• For applications in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, submission is done through incubators like AREA 2071 (Dubai) or HUB71 (Abu Dhabi).

Outstanding Specialized Talents

This category includes doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, executives, specialists, and athletes in fields such as epidemiology, AI, big data, engineering, and biotechnology. Requirements include:

Doctors and Scientists:

• Doctors: An approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health.
• Scientists: A recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or an award from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence.
• Valid passport and health insurance.

Creative Individuals and Innovators:

• Artists: An approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts.
• Inventors: A recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Economy.
• Valid passport and health insurance.

Executives:

• Certified university degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience.
• A monthly salary of at least AED 50,000 and a valid work contract.
• Valid passport and health insurance.

Specialists and Athletes:

• Specialists: A specialized certificate in a rare field recognized by UAE authorities.
• Athletes: A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or relevant sports council.
• Valid passport and health insurance.

Ph.D. Holders and Engineering/Science Specialists:

• Ph.D. holders: A certified Ph.D. from the UAE Ministry of Education in a priority discipline.
• Engineering and science specialists: A certified degree and work contract in a relevant field.
• Valid passport and health insurance.

Outstanding Students

High School Students:

• A recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Education.
• The Golden Visa is valid for 5 years and may be extended if the student enrolls in a program that requires more than 5 years, such as medical studies.
• Students can sponsor their parents and siblings, subject to approval by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

University Students:

• A recommendation letter from the university stating a GPA of at least 3.8.
• The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years.
• Students can sponsor their family members (spouse and children) if they have sufficient financial means.

 UAE Golden Visa Validity

As mentioned, the  Golden Visa is available in two validity options, depending on the applicant's eligibility and category:

• 5-Year Visa: Granted to categories such as real estate investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and outstanding students.
• 10-Year Visa: Issued to investors, skilled professionals, and specialised talents, including doctors, scientists, and innovators.

The 5-year- and 10-year visas are renewable as long as the visa holder meets the eligibility criteria.

Documents Required for Applying for the Dubai Golden Visa

The specific documents needed to apply for the Dubai Golden Visa depend on the category under which you are applying. Below is a general list of required documents, along with category-specific requirements.

General Documents for All Categories:

• Passport Copies: Clear copies of your passport, including all stamped and visa pages.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized color photographs with a white background.
• Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage in the UAE.
• Proof of Residence (if applicable): For current UAE residents, documents verifying residency status.
• Police Clearance Certificate: Issued by your home country or any other country where you have lived in recent years.
• Proof of Financial Stability: Bank statements or other financial documents showing that you can support yourself during your stay.
• Educational Documents: Copies of your highest educational qualifications (e.g., degrees, diplomas).
  
• Statement of Account: Bank statements showing a minimum balance of AED 3 million (or equivalent) in your UAE bank account.
• Sales Purchase Agreement: A legally binding agreement for the purchase of a property in Dubai.
• Initial Contract of Sale: The initial contract signed when purchasing the property.
• Oqood or Title Deed: Proof of property ownership in Dubai. This can be either an Oqood (off-plan property sales agreement proof) or a Title Deed (property ownership certificate).

Category-Specific Documents

 In addition to the general documents required for all applicants, you must submit specific documents based on the visa category you are applying for. These category-specific documents align with the criteria mentioned earlier.

Consult with the experts at Filings.ae and ensure your documents are prepared accurately and efficiently.

Dependents on the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa enables holders to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, with no restriction on the number of dependents.

In addition, Golden Visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers. This flexibility allows the primary visa holder to ensure the residency of their immediate family and household staff, making it an appealing choice for expatriates seeking long-term stability in the UAE.

How to Obtain a UAE Golden Visa?

Individuals eligible for the UAE Golden Visa are typically nominated by government or royal court officials, setting it apart from Emirati citizenship. Golden Visa services cater to specific applicant categories. If you qualify but have not yet been nominated, you can apply directly via the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website.

Procedure to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

The process of applying for the UAE Golden Visa involves several steps to ensure eligibility and the submission of necessary documents.  

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa, depending on your category (e.g., investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, student, retiree, or real estate investor). Gather all the general and category-specific documents required for your application.

Step 2: Visit the Official ICA Website

Go to the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website, which handles residency and visa applications.

Step 3: Submit a Nomination Request

Complete the "Visa Golden Visa Nomination Request for Golden Residence - New Request" form on the ICA website to begin the application process.

Step 4: Select the Correct Visa Category

Choose the appropriate Golden Visa category based on your eligibility (e.g., investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional).

Step 5: Attach Required Documents and Make Payment

Submit your general and category-specific documents online.  tc.) After submitting the documents, you will be redirected to the payment page. Pay the required application fees via credit or debit card. Ensure you receive a confirmation of payment and submission.

Step 7: Track Your Application

Once your application is submitted, you can track its status through the ICA website or the ICP Smart Services platform. Use your application reference number to check for updates on the processing of your visa.

Step 8: Await Approval

If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the UAE authorities.  After receiving confirmation, follow the instructions provided by the government to obtain your UAE Golden Visa.

Applying from Outside the UAE

If you are applying for the UAE Golden Visa from outside the UAE, you will need to:

• Obtain a six-month multi-entry visa to explore opportunities and establish eligibility for the Golden Visa.
• Complete the multi-entry visa application online and submit the required documents.
• Ensure that all legal documents are attested by relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country.

Golden Visa Renewal Process

Golden Visa holders must renew their visas before they expire. The renewal process is similar to the initial application, requiring updated personal details, proof of continued eligibility, and payment of the renewal fees.

Ready to Secure Your UAE Golden Visa?

At Filings.ae, we make the process of obtaining the UAE Golden Visa seamless. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, or retiree, our expert team is here to guide you through every step. Enjoy long-term residency and unlock endless opportunities across the UAE.

Start your Golden Visa process today with Filings.ae – your trusted partner for visa and business setup services in the UAE.