UAE Golden Visa: Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process

The UAE Golden Visa offers a long-term residence visa, allowing foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE for 5 to 10 years. This program allows investors, business owners, skilled workers, outstanding students, and creative professionals to stay and excel in the UAE. It is administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, highlighting the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth by providing residents with a secure and sustainable environment. This article provides detailed information on the UAE Golden Visa, its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.  

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What is a Golden Visa?

As mentioned, The UAE's Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that attracts and retains skilled and affluent individuals. It enables foreign talents such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes to reside, work, or study in the UAE, offering exclusive benefits. Additionally, investors can obtain a ten-year self-sponsored residency permit by investing in public investments, eliminating the need for a sponsor or local host.

Benefits of UAE Golden Visa

The UAE's Golden Visa offers several significant benefits:

• Six-Month Entry Visa: Recipients receive a six-month visa with multiple entries to facilitate finalising their residency status.
• Long-Term Residency: The visa grants long-term residency for 5 or 10 years and is renewable under the same conditions.
• No Sponsor Requirement: Unlike other visa types, the Golden Visa does not require a sponsor or an employer in the UAE.
• Extended Stay Outside the UAE: Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their residency status, which is more flexible than regular residency visas.
• Family Sponsorship: The visa allows holders to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of age, and an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
• Security for Family Members: In the event of the visa holder's death, the family members can remain in the UAE until the expiration of their permit.

Eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa

Eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa vary based on the applicant's background, such as being an investor, a person of talent, or an entrepreneur.

For Investors in Public Investments

To qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa, investors must engage with a UAE-certified investment fund, which requires either a minimum deposit of AED 2 million or possession of a commercial or industrial license with a capital of at least AED 2 million. Additionally, proof of a minimum annual tax contribution of AED 250,000 to the UAE government is required.

• Applicants must fully own the investment (it cannot be financed through a loan) and ensure they and their family have medical insurance.
• In addition to the main criteria, applicants must ensure that:
• The investment capital is wholly owned by them and is not financed through any loan.
• They have valid medical insurance coverage for themselves and any family members included in the application.

For Real estate investors

For real estate investors seeking a Golden Visa in the UAE:

• Property Ownership: Must own property worth at least 2 million dirhams.
• Official Documentation: Require a letter from the land department confirming property ownership.
• Financing: Property purchases can be financed through certain approved local banks.
• Visa Duration: Eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions.
• No Sponsor Needed: Sponsorship is not required for this visa category.

 For Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs aiming for a Golden Visa in the UAE:

• Visa Duration: Eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa.
• Project Requirements: Must own a technical or future-oriented economic project based on innovation and risk.
• Approval from an Auditor: We need a letter from a UAE auditor confirming the project's value is at least 500,000 dirhams.
• Emirate Authority Approval: Require approval from the local emirate authorities attesting to the project's technical or futuristic nature.
• Business Incubator Support: Must have backing from a UAE-accredited business incubator to initiate the activity in the country.

For Outstanding Specialized Talents

The UAE Golden Visa for outstanding specialized talents targets a diverse group of professionals, including:

• Medical Professionals: Such as doctors.
• Scientists: Across various research fields.
• Creatives: Including individuals in culture and art.
• Innovators: Such as inventors.
• Business Leaders: Like senior executives.
• Academics: Including doctoral degree holders.
• Engineering and Science Specialists: Covering a range of disciplines from epidemiology to biotechnology engineering.

Key areas within engineering and science highlighted for this category encompass:

• Epidemiology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data Analysis
• Various branches of Engineering (Computer, Electronic, Software, Electrical)
• Genetics and Biotechnology

Eligible individuals in these fields can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, contingent upon meeting specific criteria for each profession.

Doctors and Scientists

• Doctors: Need an approval letter from the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine.
• Scientists: Should have a letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, confirming the Medal of Scientific Excellence award.

Inventors

They are required to present a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy indicating that their patent significantly contributes to the UAE's economy.

Creative Professionals in Culture and Art

Must obtain an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts of the respective emirate. For various professionals seeking the UAE Golden Visa, specific requirements are laid out as follows:

Executive Directors

• Education: Must possess at least a Bachelor's degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Experience: Need a minimum of 5 years in the same executive position.
• Salary: Should have a salary certificate showing earnings of at least AED 50,000.
• Employment: Must present a valid work contract.

Athletes

• Endorsement: Require a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or a relevant sports council.

Specialists in Engineering and Science

• Education: Need a Bachelor's or Master's degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Employment: Must have a current work contract in their field.

Documents Required to apply for UAE Golden Visa

To apply for a UAE Golden Visa, you'll need the following documents typically:

• Attested university degree and academic transcript
• Copy of the residence permit (Emirate of Dubai)
• Passport copy
• For Outstanding Student profession:
• Recognition by the Emirates Scientist Council or Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
• Passport photo with white background
• Educational documents
• Statement of account 
• Sales purchase agreement
• Initial contract of sale
• Oqood or Title Deed

For Creative Individuals:

• Recognition from the Ministry of Culture and Youth

For Investors:

• Patent approved by the Ministry of Economy

For High-Achieving Students:

• Secondary school students with a minimum grade of 95 percent or university students with a GPA of at least 3.75 upon graduation are eligible for a five-year Golden Visa.

For Doctors, Ph.D. holders, and Engineers:

Qualification from one of the top 500 accredited universities by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE)

For Managers and CEOs:

Authenticated university degree by the Ministry of Education (MOE) before applying for the Golden Visa.

How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

As we discussed, the UAE Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency permit awarded to individuals nominated by government or royal court officials, setting it apart from Emirati citizenship. This program caters to specific categories of applicants, such as investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talents.

Step 1: Nomination Request

Suppose you meet the eligibility criteria for a UAE Golden Visa but have not yet been nominated. You can apply through the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website.

• Access the online form labelled "Visa Golden Visa Nomination Request for Golden Residence (New Request)."
• Fill out the form with accurate details to be considered for nomination.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

After completing the nomination process, proceed with your application on the ICA website:

• Provide attested supporting documents.
• Include your Unified Identification Number (UID), a unique six-digit number issued upon entering the UAE.

Step 3: Choose the Appropriate Category

When applying, select the Golden Visa category that best aligns with your qualifications and requirements, such as investors, specialised talents, or real estate investors.

Step 4: Track Your Application

Monitor the status of your request through the ICA's tracking system. This tool lets you stay updated on your nomination and application progress.

Step 5: Await Confirmation

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a notification. Follow the instructions the authorised UAE government authorities provided to obtain your Golden Visa.

By following these steps, you can streamline securing your UAE Golden Visa and enjoy the benefits of long-term residency in the UAE.

How to Apply for a Golden Visa from Outside the UAE?

To apply for a Golden Visa from outside the UAE, it's essential first to obtain a six-month entry visa, allowing entry into the country to explore opportunities in the relevant Golden Visa categories and establish eligibility for nomination.

Begin by requesting the multi-entry visa and completing the online form based on your investor, entrepreneur, or student profile. For the UAE multi-entry visa, it's crucial to authenticate your legal documents through the corresponding authorities.

Document attestation is a prerequisite for various endeavours in the UAE, including employment, business, and education. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent authority) in your country is the primary authority for attesting government-issued documents.

Validity of Golden Visa

The validity of the Golden Visa in the UAE typically depends on the category under which it is obtained and can vary.

How to Track the UAE Golden Visa Application?

You can track the status of your UAE Golden Visa application through the ICP Smart Services platform provided by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Log in to the ICP portal using your credentials, navigate to the application tracking section, and enter your application reference number or Unified Identification Number (UID). This will provide real-time updates on your application's progress, including any additional requirements or the final decision.

Processing Time for UAE Golden Visa 

The processing time for a UAE Golden Visa typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the category of visa you are applying for. Factors such as the completeness of your application, the required documentation, and the nomination process may influence the timeline. Ensuring accurate submissions and prompt responses to any additional requirements can help expedite the proces.

Dependents on UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa allows holders to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, without any specified limit on the number of dependents.

Additionally, Golden Visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers. This flexibility ensures that the primary visa holder can provide for their immediate family and household staff under the Golden Visa scheme. It is a highly attractive option for expatriates seeking long-term residency in the UA.

Also read -  Key Differences Between UAE Standard Visa and Golden Visa

"One Touch" Golden Visa

The UAE has launched the "One Touch" Golden Visa, which provides applicants with an additional avenue to apply for the Golden Visa. This service allows applicants to streamline the application process, making it more efficient and accessible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UAE Golden Visa offers a strategic opportunity for foreign nationals to secure long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates. It provides significant advantages like long-term stays, flexibility without the need for a sponsor, and the inclusion of family members. Launched in 2019, it targets investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and students, enriching the UAE's diverse talent pool and fostering economic growth.

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