The United Arab Emirates Golden Visa program has garnered attention worldwide, offering many benefits and opportunities to expatriates and investors. This comprehensive guide simplifies the process, eligibility criteria, and the benefits of the Golden Visa, ensuring a smooth application journey for prospective applicants.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term renewable residence visa, allowing expatriates to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. It comes with the flexibility of a six-month entry visa with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance. Valid for either 5 or 10 years, it significantly eases the process of sponsoring family members and does not restrict the visa holder from staying within the UAE for more than six months to retain its validity.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa
Applying for the Golden Visa has been made straightforward through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or the ICP App, available on Google Play and the App Store. The ‘One touch’ Golden Visa service streamlines both the application and renewal processes, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all applicants.
Related Article: UAE Golden Visa: How to Check Your Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
The Golden Visa caters to a diverse group of individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. The specific eligibility criteria vary based on the applicant’s category, but generally, it encompasses those who have shown exceptional talents or have made significant investments in the country.
For Investors
Investors can apply under two main categories:
- Public investments with a minimum deposit of AED two million or ownership in a commercial or industrial business with capital not less than AED two million.
- Real estate investors who own property valued at no less than AED two million, with the possibility of purchasing through specific approved local banks.
For Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are eligible if they own a project of a technical or future nature valued at not less than 500,000 dirhams, with necessary approvals from respective authorities and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
For Outstanding Specialised Talents
This category includes doctors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, executive directors, athletes, and specialists in engineering and science. The requirements vary, including approval letters from respective authorities, recommendation letters, and proof of exceptional achievements or contributions.
For Outstanding Students
Golden Visas are available for top-performing students, offering 5 or 10-year visas based on academic excellence, with specific GPA requirements and endorsements from educational institutions.
Also Read: Easy Steps to Checking Your Golden Visa Status
Benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa provides significant advantages, such as a renewable long-term residence, the elimination of the need for a sponsor, and the flexibility to live outside the UAE for extended periods without affecting visa validity. Additionally, it facilitates the process of sponsoring family members and assures their ability to remain in the UAE until their permit’s expiration, even in the event of the primary visa holder’s death.
FAQs
1. How can one apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
You can apply through the ICP website or the ICP App available on Google Play and App Store. The ‘One touch’ service simplifies the application and renewal process.
2. What are the general requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa?
Requirements vary by residence type (e.g., investor, talent, entrepreneur) and include proof of investment, property ownership, or possessing outstanding specialized talents in fields like medicine, science, or athletics.
3. What benefits does a Golden Visa offer?
Benefits include a six-month entry visa with multiple entries, a renewable long-term residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, no sponsor requirement, extended stay outside UAE without losing visa status, and family sponsorship.
4. Who is eligible for a Golden Visa?
Eligible individuals include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, each subject to specific requirements.
5. What specific requirements must investors meet for a Golden Visa?
Investors need to show a minimum investment of AED two million, proof of full ownership of the invested capital (not a loan), and provide proof of medical insurance for themselves and family, among other requirements.
6. How can entrepreneurs qualify for a Golden Visa?
Entrepreneurs need an auditor’s approval letter stating the project value is not less than 500,000 dirhams, approval from emirate authorities, and from a UAE accredited business incubator.
7. What are the criteria for outstanding specialized talents to receive a Golden Visa?
This category includes professionals like doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, and athletes who must provide specific approvals or recommendation letters from relevant UAE authorities.
8. What are the Golden Visa requirements for real estate investors?
Real estate investors must own property worth at least 2 million dirhams and, if financed, must be through approved local banks.
9. Can family members be sponsored under a Golden Visa?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members, who can stay in the UAE until their permit duration ends, even if the primary visa holder passes away.
10. What documentation is required for doctors and scientists applying for a Golden Visa?
Doctors need an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, while scientists require a recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a similar body.
11. What conditions must entrepreneurs meet to be eligible for a Golden Visa?
Entrepreneurs must own a project of technical or future nature valued at least 500,000 dirhams, with necessary approvals from UAE authorities and accredited business incubators.
12. How do inventors qualify for a Golden Visa?
Inventors need a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy confirming their patent adds value to the UAE’s economy.
13. What are the eligibility criteria for outstanding students to obtain a Golden Visa?
High school students must be top performers with a minimum grade of 95%, and university students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 from A or B-class universities or top 100 global universities, with specific conditions regarding graduation timing.
14. Are there specific benefits for Golden Visa holders regarding their stay outside the UAE?
Yes, they can stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six months without losing their residence visa status.
15. Can Golden Visa holders work in the UAE without a sponsor?
Yes, one of the benefits of the Golden Visa is that holders do not need a sponsor to live or work in the UAE.
Conclusion
The UAE’s Golden Visa program opens doors for talented individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world, offering them an opportunity to be a part of the UAE’s dynamic and growing economy. By simplifying the application process and providing clear eligibility criteria, the UAE continues to attract global talent and investment, reinforcing its position as a leading global hub for innovation and prosperity. Whether you’re a potential investor, a talented professional, or an outstanding student, the Golden Visa could be your gateway to a brighter future in the UAE.
