Golden Visa Requirements in UAE 

Golden Visa requirements in UAE depend on the visa type and the specific eligibility category. A Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and invest in the UAE with greater stability. There are several benefits of this visa, including security of long-term residency without needing a national sponsor, extended stays, multiple entries, and the ability to sponsor family members. The eligibility extends to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and outstanding students. Generally, the Golden visa requirements in UAE include proving investment, employment, or educational achievements relevant to your category. This article provides a detailed look at the UAE Golden Visa requirements.

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What is a UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa designed to enable foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE. This visa offers exclusive benefits, including an entry visa valid for six months with multiple entries to facilitate residence issuance. The Golden Visa is a renewable visa with a validity of either 5 or 10 years. It is part of the Golden Visa Program, which grants long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals with exceptional talents, such as researchers, medical professionals, and those in scientific and knowledge fields, as well as exceptional students.

Learn more: Key Differences between UAE Standard Visa and Golden Visa

What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Golden Visa in UAE?

The UAE Golden Visa allows individuals to secure a long-term residency of up to 10 years, fostering business growth and enhancing the countryâ??s competitiveness. The eligibility criteria differ based on the applicant's profession and investment type.

1. Investor in Public Investment

Public investors in the UAE must meet one of the following conditions to be eligible for the Golden Visa:

• Business Idea or Plan: The applicant must have a business idea or plan for legal establishment in the UAE.
• Investment of AED 2 Million:
• Provide a letter from an approved investment fund in the UAE, stating a deposit of AED 2 million.
• Alternatively, the investor must have a valid commercial or industrial license, coupled with the companyâ??s incorporation contract, to show that the investor's capital is no less than AED 2 million.
• Company Shareholder: The applicant may invest in an existing company as a partner, holding shares worth at least AED 2 million. It is crucial that the investment is not financed by a loan.
• Federal Tax Authority Letter: The applicant can provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority verifying that they own a company that pays a minimum of AED 250,000 annually to the government in taxes.

2. Real Estate Investor

To obtain the Golden Visa as a real estate investor, the following terms apply:

• Ownership of Property: The applicant must present a letter from the Real Estate Registration Department in the respective emirate, stating that they own one or more properties with a combined value of no less than AED 2 million. Importantly, the property must not be under any mortgage or loan.
• Proof of Residency: The applicant must provide proof of housing in the UAE. This could be either ownership of a residential property or a valid house rental contract. This ensures the applicant's commitment to residing in the country.

3. Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who wish to apply for the Golden Visa must meet the following criteria:

• Project Valuation: Submit an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE, confirming that the value of the entrepreneurial project is no less than AED 500,000.
• Innovative Project Approval: The applicant must obtain an approval letter from the relevant emirate authorities, confirming that the project has a technical or future-oriented nature, showcasing innovation, leadership, or technological advancement.
• Business Incubator Support: Entrepreneurs must provide an approval letter from an accredited business incubator in the UAE, which confirms the establishment of the proposed activity in the country. 
• Additional Requirements:
• A valid passport copy.
• Valid health insurance coverage, which must be for at least one year, with the option to extend.
• Proof of housing (home ownership or rental contract).

Note: For entrepreneurs based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the application process must go through approved business platforms, such as AREA 2071 in Dubai or HUB71 in Abu Dhabi. After nomination approval, the entrepreneur can apply through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

4. Outstanding Specialized Talents

This category targets individuals with exceptional talent or expertise in areas crucial for the UAEâ??s growth, such as healthcare, scientific research, culture, technology, and sports. The specific conditions are as follows:

Doctors and Scientists

• Doctors: The applicant must obtain an approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health, confirming their authorization to practice medicine within the country. The letter verifies their qualifications and professional standing.
• Scientists: A recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence is required. The letter should confirm that the applicant is a recipient of the Academic Excellence Medal or holds a similarly prestigious accolade.
• Additional Requirements:
• A valid passport copy.
• Valid health insurance that lasts for at least one year, extendable as needed.

Creative Talents in Culture and Art, and Innovators

• Creative Individuals: An approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the relevant emirate is necessary. This letter should recognize the applicantâ??s contributions to culture and art.
• Inventors: A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy is required, acknowledging the applicantâ??s innovative contributions or patents that have had a significant impact.
• Additional Requirements:
• A valid passport copy.
• Valid health insurance, extendable beyond one year.

Executive Directors

To qualify as an executive, the applicant must meet the following:

• Educational Qualification: The applicant must hold a certified degree from an accredited university.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant executive role is required to showcase the applicantâ??s professional expertise.
• Salary Requirement: The applicant must earn a monthly salary of at least AED 50,000, demonstrating their seniority and contribution to the UAEâ??s economy.
• Valid Work Contract: The applicant must have an active, valid work contract from a recognized organization in the UAE.
• Additional Requirements:
• A valid passport.
• Health insurance is valid for at least one year.

Specialists in Science and Athletes

• Scientists: The applicant must hold a specialized certificate in a field deemed a priority by the UAE authorities. These fields include areas such as epidemiology, artificial intelligence, big data, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and biotechnology.
• Athletes: A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the countryâ??s sports councils is necessary to verify the applicantâ??s achievements and contributions in sports.
• Additional Requirements:
• A valid passport copy.
• Health insurance valid for at least one year.

Holders of Doctoral Degrees in Engineering and Science

• Doctoral Degree Holders: Applicants must present a certified PhD in one of the priority disciplines, as recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• The applicant must be employed in a profession that falls under one of the specified fields, such as engineering, science, technology, or similar disciplines.
• Additional Requirements:
• A valid passport.
• Valid health insurance for at least one year.

5. Outstanding Students

The Golden Visa is available to exceptional students, both from high school and university levels, under the following conditions:

High School Students

• Recommendation Letter: The applicant must provide a recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Education endorsing the studentâ??s academic achievements.
• Visa Duration: High school students are granted a five-year Golden Visa, which can be extended if the student enrols in a degree program requiring more than five years of study (e.g., medicine).
• Family Sponsorship: Eligible students can sponsor their parents and siblings under conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

University Students

• Academic Achievement: University students must present a recommendation letter from their university, confirming that their GPA is not less than 3.8.
• Visa Duration: University students can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa and may sponsor their parents and siblings.
• Family Sponsorship: Once students demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, they can also sponsor their spouse and children.

6. Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

Humanitarian pioneers are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa if they fall under one of the following categories:

• Outstanding members or employees of international or regional organizations who have worked for at least 5 years.
• Members or employees of civil associations or institutions of public interest for a minimum of 5 years.
• Individuals awarded for their contributions to humanitarian work by a local, regional, or international organization.
• Funders of humanitarian work, provided the support is valued at AED 2 million or more.

7. Frontline Heroes

Frontline heroes who have demonstrated exceptional service, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, are eligible for a Golden Visa. This includes nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other medical professionals, with a recommendation from the Frontline Heroes Office.

Also read: How to apply for a golden visa in UAE?

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