UAE
Since its initiation, the UAE’s Golden Visa system has ignited fervor among certain expatriate groups aspiring to secure permanent residency in the United Arab Emirates. With its extended categories and broader eligibility criteria, the Golden Visa is poised to further elevate the UAE’s standing as a global epicenter for business and investment.
Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Golden Visa UAE, encompassing current prerequisites, advantages, the application process, and more.
What is the Golden Visa UAE?
The Golden Visa constitutes a long-term residency permit enabling foreign talents to reside, work, study, or engage in activities within the UAE for up to a decade. This enduring residency initiative is renewable and caters to specific categories, spanning investors to individuals of extraordinary abilities.
The fundamental purpose behind the Golden Visa program is to attract foreign investment and expertise to the UAE. This framework confers a host of benefits to holders, encompassing the right to reside and work within the country, access to top-tier education and healthcare, as well as the capability to sponsor family members for residence visas.
The Golden Visa tenure spans 10 years, with the option of renewal. Latest news and regulations regarding the Golden Visa UAE:
• According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, graduates from globally accredited universities outside the UAE can secure a renewable 10-year Golden Visa.
• This visa category empowers them to reside within the UAE without necessitating a sponsor or host. Its purpose spans work, investment, business establishment, or settling in the country.
• However, specific terms and conditions apply, alongside a fee of AED 350, based on guidelines provided by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
The stipulations include:
• Since its initiation, the UAE’s Golden Visa system has ignited fervor among certain expatriate groups aspiring to secure permanent residency in the United Arab Emirates.
• With its extended categories and broader eligibility criteria, the Golden Visa is poised to further elevate the UAE’s standing as a global epicenter for business and investment.
Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Golden Visa UAE, encompassing current prerequisites, advantages, the application process, and more. What is the Golden Visa UAE?
The Golden Visa constitutes a long-term residency permit enabling foreign talents to reside, work, study, or engage in activities within the UAE for up to a decade. This enduring residency initiative is renewable and caters to specific categories, spanning investors to individuals of extraordinary abilities.
The fundamental purpose behind the Golden Visa program is to attract foreign investment and expertise to the UAE. This framework confers a host of benefits to holders, encompassing the right to reside and work within the country, access to top-tier education and healthcare, as well as the capability to sponsor family members for residence visas.
The Golden Visa tenure spans 10 years, with the option of renewal. Latest news and regulations regarding the Golden Visa UAE:
According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, graduates from globally accredited universities outside the UAE can secure a renewable 10-year Golden Visa. This visa category empowers them to reside within the UAE without necessitating a sponsor or host. Its purpose spans work, investment, business establishment, or settling in the country.
However, specific terms and conditions apply, alongside a fee of AED 350, based on guidelines provided by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
The stipulations include:
• A passport valid for at least 6 months (without requiring presence in the UAE)
• Graduation from a university ranked among the world’s top 100, as per the international classification endorsed by the Ministry of Education
• A cumulative average of at least 3.5 degrees for bachelor’s graduates
• Graduation no more than 2 years prior, with approval from the Ministry of Education
Applicants can apply through four available channels, accessible 24/7. These avenues encompass the UAECIP website or smart application, utilizing UAE digital identity or a username, along with data submission, document attachment, service fee payment, and evaluation. Within 48 hours, applicants receive transaction confirmation via email. The ICP’s Customer Happiness Centres and accredited typing offices also facilitate application submissions.
Applications are electronically rejected after 30 days due to data deficiencies or insufficient documentation, with a complete rejection if returned three times for similar reasons. In such cases, issued fees and financial guarantees (if any) are reimbursed via credit card within 6 months or through alternative procedures within five years.
In terms of mandatory documents and associated fees, the ICP stipulates submission of a passport copy and a colored personal photograph. The visa issuance fee, totaling AED 350, covers application, issuance, smart services, as well as ICP and electronic services fees.
Note that if entry into the country is infeasible within the designated timeframe from visa issuance, the validity can be extended for 60 days once only.
Golden Visa UAE benefits and advantages:
The Golden Visa in the UAE furnishes an array of benefits, including:
• An initial entry visa of six months with multiple entries, succeeded by the issuance of residency permits
• A renewable long-term residence visa valid for 10 years
• Self-sponsorship privileges
• Unrestricted stay outside the UAE without visa nullification
• The capacity to sponsor family members—spouses and children—irrespective of age
• Sponsorship of parents for a 10-year residency, devoid of additional deposits
• Unlimited sponsorship of domestic helpers
• Family members’ ability to stay in the UAE until their permit duration concludes, even if the primary Golden Visa holder passes away
Moreover, distinctive benefits specific to individual emirates are outlined as follows:
Abu Dhabi:
Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi gain entitlement to discounts and special offers encompassing cars, real estate, healthcare, hospitality, health insurance, and banking services. Collaborative endeavors between the Resident’s Office and diverse industries foster these incentives.
In association with the Abu Dhabi Residents Office’s commercial partnerships, holders of the golden visa in Abu Dhabi are eligible for price reductions on select properties developed by Imkan Properties.
Reputed banks like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank extend reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates to real estate golden visa investors and attractive rates for savings accounts to non-real estate investors.
Holders also receive diminished premiums on annual health insurance plans for families and individuals, boasting a comprehensive network coverage and a multitude of benefits both within and beyond the UAE.
Golden Visa recipients are eligible for lowered prices on automobiles, accompanied by privileges like priority bookings for new releases, specialized payment facilities, maintenance offers, and licensing services. Exclusive offers extend to dining, spa treatments, gym memberships, and stays at handpicked hospitality establishments.
Dubai:
Officials have affirmed that foreign residents in Dubai possessing both a Golden Visa and a driving license from their home country can now undertake the UAE driver’s test without the requirement for additional lessons.
Furthermore, Golden Visa holders holding licenses from 32 approved countries—encompassing nations like the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Qatar, Kuwait, and Ireland—are automatically eligible for a UAE driver’s license.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has unveiled a visionary initiative, extending a 10-year residency Golden Visa to exceptional expatriate students and their families in Dubai. This encompasses the privilege of pursuing higher education within international university branches located in Dubai, coupled with enticing discounts.
Esaad Privilege Card:
Dubai’s Golden Visa recipients are in for an exclusive treat with the esteemed Esaad Privilege Card. This coveted card will be bestowed upon holders of both 5-year and 10-year Golden Visas in Dubai at no cost.
The Esaad card is specifically designed for select categories of Golden Visa holders in Dubai, encompassing:
• Investors in public investment funds
• Real estate investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Individuals with specialized talents and researchers in fields like science and knowledge (such as scientists, doctors, specialists, and inventors)
• Creative individuals in culture and art
• Executive directors
• Specialized academics
• Professional athletes
• Ph.D. degree holders specializing in engineering or science, along with humanitarian aid workers
• Outstanding university and high school graduates
Golden Visa Insurance:
Golden Visa holders are eligible to apply for comprehensive insurance coverage, the extent of which may range from AED 2,000 to AED 50,000. This coverage is contingent on several factors, including age, health status, and the scope of hospitals and clinics covered. The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has rolled out health insurance packages tailored for Golden Visa holders, each valid for one year and subject to renewal annually. It’s important to note that premiums across all insurance plans will vary based on age and the chosen plan option.
Golden Visa UAE Application:
Application via ICA:
Interested individuals seeking the Golden Visa can conveniently apply online through the ICP smart services platform. This process is streamlined, requiring candidates to submit requisite documents and demonstrate their intention to relocate to the UAE in alignment with their intended business endeavors.
Application via GDRFA:
Eligible applicants also have the option to apply for the Golden Visa using the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website. The steps are outlined as follows:
• Choose the desired Golden Visa service.
• Complete the visa application form.
• Attach the necessary documents and make the requisite payments.
• Submit the visa application.
• Alternatively, qualified candidates can utilize the GDRFA Dubai Smart Application, following these steps:
• Download the GDRFA-Dubai application (available on iOS and Android platforms).
If not registered, create a new user account.
• Select the desired service.
• Attach the required documents and fulfill the mandatory payments.
• Submit the Visa request.
• Furthermore, eligible applicants can pursue the UAE’s Golden Visa through the AMER Center.
Golden Visa UAE Requirements:
The UAE’s Golden Visa now encompasses an expanded array of eligible categories. Among the latest additions, particularly relevant to Abu Dhabi, are senior scholars, industry experts aligned with the 4th industrial revolution, specialists in health domains, and specialists in education.
Currently, the following individuals are eligible for the Golden Visa UAE:
Golden Visa for Preachers and Religious Researchers:
Dubai has introduced a substantial initiative ahead of Eid Al-Fitr. Notably, mosque imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have devoted two decades of service to the country will be granted the esteemed Golden Visa. This gesture seeks to acknowledge and honor their substantial contributions to community welfare. In conjunction with the Golden Visa, recipients will receive a significant monetary reward during the Eid celebration, symbolizing gratitude for their dedication and service.
Golden Visa UAE for Real Estate Investors:
• Eligibility for the Golden Visa is extended to real estate investors under the following conditions:
• Purchase of property valued at no less than AED 2 million
• Property acquisition with a loan from specific local banks
• Purchase of one or more properties, completed or off-plan, with a value of no less than AED 2 million from approved local real estate companies
Primary registration documents issued by the real estate authorities within the emirate are the pivotal requisites for applying in this category. Notably, the grace period for residence visa expiry or cancellation for expatriates who own property has been extended to 6 months. Within this framework, property owners may be granted a 5-year Golden Visa, which can be renewed with the same conditions and without requiring a sponsor.
Conditions encompass:
• Provision of a letter from the respective emirate’s land department, confirming ownership of one or more properties valued at no less than AED 2 million
• Property acquisition via loan from specific local banks endorsed by the pertinent local authority
Golden Visa UAE for Public Investors:
Individuals investing in an accredited investment fund are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without the need for a sponsor. The prerequisites entail:
• Submission of a letter from an accredited UAE investment fund, indicating an investor deposit of AED two million
• Submission of a valid commercial or industrial license, along with an association memorandum verifying an investor’s capital not below AED two million
• Submission of a letter from the Federal Tax Authority affirming that the investor contributes no less than AED 250,000 annually to the government
Additionally, investors must possess complete ownership of the invested capital, which cannot be in the form of a loan. Further, evidence of medical insurance for oneself and family members, if applicable, is required.
Golden Visa UAE for Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners:
Startup investors can now obtain a Golden Visa by ensuring their company’s registration within the UAE under the small and medium enterprise (SME) category. This pertains to enterprises with annual revenues of AED 1 million or higher. Additionally, the Golden Residence for Entrepreneurs can be secured if:
• The individual is a founder or co-founder of a prior entrepreneurial venture sold with a cumulative value not less than AED 7 million (USD 1,905,850)
• The approval of the Ministry of Economy or relevant local authorities is attained for projects or concepts
Entrepreneurs may also acquire a Golden Visa if they possess an innovative project within technical or futuristic realms characterized by risk and innovation.
Approval letters from the following entities are mandatory:
• An auditor in the UAE affirming the project’s value is no less than AED 500,000Emirate authorities confirming the project’s technical or future-oriented natureAn accredited business incubator within the UAE, validating the proposal’s establishment within the country
Golden Visa UAE for Exceptional Talents:
Extraordinary talents in fields such as art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, and law are eligible for the Golden Visa UAE. Noteworthy categories Creative individuals in culture and art, necessitating an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.
• Inventors
• Athletes, with a recommend include letter from the General Sports Authority or a sports council
• Holders of doctoral degrees
Importantly, the 10-year visa will be exclusively awarded based on individual talent, devoid of dependence on educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional standing. Nonetheless, the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity is requisite.
Golden Visa UAE for Executives:
The requirements encompass:
• A copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education, indicating an educational attainment no less than a bachelor’s degree
• A letter of experience spanning at least 5 years in the same position
• A salary certificate reflecting a minimum salary of AED 50,000
• A valid work contract
• Golden Visa UAE for Specialists in Engineering and Science:
Requisites encompass a certified copy of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree sanctioned by the Ministry of Education, alongside a valid work contract. Engineering and science specialties comprise:
• Epidemiology and viruses
• Artificial intelligence
• Big data
• Computer engineering
• Electronic engineering
• Software engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Genetics and biotechnology engineering
Golden Visa UAE for Scientists:
Scientists and researchers can attain the Golden Visa if they meet the subsequent conditions:
• Possession of a PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the world’s top universities
• A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, affirming receipt of the Medal of Scientific Excellence
Golden Visa UAE for Skilled Professionals:
A significant expansion to the Golden Visa eligibility category now welcomes skilled professionals across various fields and disciplines, including but not limited to education, law, science and engineering, information technology, social sciences, and more. The criteria encompass:
• Possession of a valid employment contract within the UAE
• Employment aligned with occupational levels one or two, as delineated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Minimum monthly salary not less than AED 30,000
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
It’s worth noting that skilled professionals classified under the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification are entitled to a prolonged 6-month grace period.
Golden Visa UAE for Students:
Students with exceptional academic excellence, achieving high scores in either UAE secondary schools or universities, are eligible for the 10-year Visa or the Golden Visa scheme.
Exceptional High School Students:
High school students achieving national-level top scores (minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school) are eligible for a Golden Visa, contingent upon submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
Outstanding University Students:
Exceptional university students are granted the Golden Visa for 10 years without a sponsor, provided:
• The university holds a rating of either A or B class by the Ministry of Education
• A recommendation letter from the university, an accredited graduation certificate, or an accredited academic record affirming a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities
• Graduation not exceeding 2 years
Similarly, exceptional students from foreign universities are eligible for the Golden Visa for 10 years without a sponsor if they meet specific criteria, including a top global university rating, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and graduation within the past 2 years.
Students who have completed their studies are entitled to an extended 6-month grace period.
Golden Visa UAE for Humanitarian Pioneers:
Humanitarian pioneers can secure a 10-year Golden Visa if they fall within the following categories:
• Members and exceptional employees with a minimum of five years’ service in international and regional organizations
• Members and exceptional employees with a minimum of five years’ service in civil associations and institutions of public interest
• Individuals receiving appreciation awards from local, regional, or international organizations focusing on humanitarian work
• Humanitarian work funders, provided the support value exceeds two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent
Golden Visa UAE for Doctors and Nurses:
Acknowledging the immense contributions of doctors and nurses, the UAE has extended long-term residency to these frontline heroes. Notably, individuals displaying extraordinary efforts during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, can acquire the Golden Visa with a recommendation from a competent authority. Frontline heroes encompass nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved cadres. Specifically, doctors must provide an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice medicine.
Golden Visa UAE for Exceptional Coders:
The UAE’s strategy to grant 100,000 golden visas to exceptional computer programmers worldwide is underway. In collaboration with tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon, the Emirates has initiated the National Programme for Coders. Application eligibility extends to distinguished experts, talents, and graduates in fields like software engineering, computer sciences, hardware engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, data science, big data, and electrical engineering.
Golden Visa Expanded Categories for Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi has augmented the eligible categories for the Golden Visa, while specific criteria apply across the board. Eligibility prerequisites include:
• Employment in the UAE
• Holding an occupation classified according to MoHRE’s occupational classification scheme
• Possessing at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
• Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or equivalent
• Holding a valid practicing license if applicable (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, teachers)
• Presentation of a salary certificate along with the last 6 months’ bank statements, reflecting a monthly salary of not less than AED 30,000
The new categories, along with their respective requirements, encompass:
Senior Scholars and Clerics:
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or the relevant local authority.
Specialists in Industry and the 4th Industrial Revolution:
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or the pertinent local authority.
Specialists in Health Fields:
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
Specialists in Education:
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
It’s important to note that the grace period after visa expiry or cancellation has been extended to 6 months for Golden Visa holders and their family members, allowing ample time for status amendment or departure. During this grace period, fines are not applicable.
Golden Visa UAE Price:
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has revised the entry permit fees for 10-year Golden Visa applicants. The updated price for the six-month entry permit now stands at AED 1,250, encompassing an issuance fee of AED 1,000, an application fee of AED 100, a smart services fee of AED 100, an electronic services fee of AED 28, and an ICP fee of AED 22.
Golden Visa UAE Validity:
In a significant move, the UAE government has extended the validity of all Golden Visa categories from 5 years to 10 years. This enhancement further amplifies the appeal of the Golden Visa for those desiring to reside and work within the UAE. Golden Visa holders are also granted a multiple-entry visa for a duration of 6 months to facilitate the completion of Golden Visa procedures. Moreover, Golden Visa holders have the flexibility to spend more than 6 months outside the UAE, enabling them to make the necessary arrangements. Expats are granted a 6-month grace period following visa expiry or cancellation, offering additional time to adjust their status or leave the country. Notably, fines are waived during this grace period. Additionally, for Golden Visa holders and their family members, the grace period has been extended from 30 days to 6 months after visa expiry or cancellation.
Golden Visa UAE Extension:
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (ICP) has introduced a new policy allowing individuals to extend or cancel
