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The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign talents to live and work or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This golden residency scheme is renewable and reserved for certain categories ranging from investors to individuals with exceptional talents.
The Golden Visa program is designed to attract foreign investment and expertise to the UAE. It offers several benefits to holders, including the ability to live and work in the country, access to top-quality education and healthcare, and the ability to sponsor family members for residence visas. The length of the Golden Visa is 10 years, after which it can be renewed.
Dubai eliminates the requirement for a minimum down payment for investors in properties exceeding 2 million dirhams. Property owners can now apply for a golden visa regardless of the down payment amount made. As confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security graduates of accredited universities outside the UAE can now obtain a renewable Golden Visa for a period of 10 years, which enables them to reside in the UAE without the need for a sponsor or a host, to work, investing, setting up a business, or settle in the country. However, the authorities have specific terms and conditions, with a fee of AED 350, according to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), provided the following conditions are met:
Some of the benefits of the Golden Visa in the UAE are as follows:
an entry visa for six months with multiple entries followed by the issuance of residency permits
a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 10 years
a self-sponsored visa
ability to stay outside of the UAE for any amount of time without having their visa nullified
sponsoring their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages
sponsoring their parents for a 10-year residency without the need to pay additional deposits
sponsoring an unlimited number of domestic helpers
allowing family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration in the event the primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away
Additionally, there are Golden Visa benefits specific to individual emirates as follows.
Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi will be entitled to discounts and offers on cars, property, health care, hospitality, health insurance and banking services. The Resident’s office has teamed up with companies across various industries to offer the incentives.
under the Abu Dhabi Residents Office’s commercial partnerships, Abu Dhabi golden visa holders will be entitled to discounts on selected properties from developer Imkan Properties.
banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, will offer real estate golden visa investors reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates and non-real estate investors attractive rates on savings accounts.
the holders will also be entitled to reduced premiums on annual health insurance plans for families and individuals, with diverse network coverage and a bundle of benefits both inside and outside the UAE.
Golden Visa holders will also be eligible for price reductions on cars. They will receive priority booking for new releases, in addition to special payment facilities, maintenance offers and licensing services.
they will receive special offers for dining, spa treatments, gyms and stays at selected hospitality.
As stated by the authorities, foreign residents in Dubai who have a golden visa and a driving license from their home country can now take a UAE driver’s test without needing extra lessons.
Additionally, if the golden visa holders have a license from one of 32 approved countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Qatar, Kuwait and Ireland, they will automatically be eligible for a UAE driver’s license.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced that a 10-year residency Golden Visa will be granted to outstanding expatriate students and their families in Dubai. They will also be given discounts to pursue their higher education in international university branches in Dubai.
Golden Visa holders in Dubai will be gifted the coveted Esaad privilege card. The card will be provided free of charge to holders of 5-year and 10-year Golden Visas in Dubai.
Select categories of Golden Visa holders in Dubai will receive the Esaad card. These categories include
investors in public investment funds
real estate investors
entrepreneurs
people with specialised talents and researchers in science and knowledge, such as scientists, doctors, specialists, inventors
creative people in culture and art
executive directors
specialised academics
professional sportspeople
Ph.D. degree holders specialising in engineering or science, humanitarian aid workers
outstanding university and high-school graduates
For details on what the benefits of the Esaad Card actually entail, please refer to our dedicated article below.
Golden Visa holders can apply for comprehensive insurance coverage that could range between AED 2,000 – 50,000 depending on several factors such as age, health, hospitals/clinics covered etc. The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has introduced health insurance packages for Golden Visa holders valid for 1 year and can be renewed on a yearly basis. Premiums for all insurance plans will vary according to age and the plan option chosen.
Real estate investors may obtain the Golden Visa if they fulfil one of the following conditions:
purchase a property worth no less than AED 2 million,
purchase a property with a loan from specified local banks, or
purchase one or more completed or off-plan properties of no less than AED 2 million from a list of approved local real estate companies
The registration documents issued by the real estate authorities in the Emirate are the primary documents needed to submit for applying to the Golden Visa in this category.
Please note that the residence visa expiry or cancellation in the UAE for expats has been extended from 90 days for property owners. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country. Fines do not apply during the grace period.
If you own a property or a group of properties, you may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 5 years, renewable on the same conditions and without a sponsor, subject to the:
provision of a letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating that he owns one or more properties whose value is not less than AED 2 million
purchase of a property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.
Applicants might be granted a Golden Visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor if they are investing in an investment fund. The following conditions have to be taken in account for the same.
5. Additionally, furnishing evidence of medical insurance coverage for both the investor and their family, if applicable, is required.
Startup investors may now obtain a Golden Visa, provided their company is registered within the UAE. It should fall under the small and medium enterprises (SME) category with annual revenues of AED 1 million or above. Furthermore, the Golden Residence for Entrepreneurs can also be obtained if:
the person is a founder or one of the founders of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold with a total value of not less than AED 7 million (USD 19,05,850)
the approval of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities is required for projects or ideas
If you are an entrepreneur, you may get a Golden visa if you own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation. In addition, you must have an approval letter from each of the following:
an auditor in the UAE stating that the project value is not less than 500,000 dirhams
the authorities in the emirate stating that the project is of a technical or future nature
an accredited business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.
Under the category of exceptionally talented individuals, talented individuals in the field of art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, law and others are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa scheme. Some outstanding specialised talents include:
Moreover, the 10-year visa will be awarded solely based on the individual’s talent. It will not depend on educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional status. However, the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity will be required.
Requirements include:
a copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor’s degree
a letter of experience of no less than 5 years holding the same position
a salary certificate with a salary of AED 50,000, at least
a valid work contract.
Moreover, the 10-year visa will be awarded solely based on the individual’s talent. It will not depend on educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional status. However, the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity will be required.
Requirements include:
a copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor’s degree
a letter of experience of no less than 5 years holding the same position
a salary certificate with a salary of AED 50,000, at least
a valid work contract.
The Golden Visa will now be granted to scientists and researchers who meet the following conditions:
have a PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from the world’s best universities.
must have a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council to avail of this Visa or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence stating that the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
Please note that skilled professionals (classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification) are eligible for an extended 6 months grace period
Students with exceptional academic excellence, having obtained high scores either in UAE secondary schools or universities, are also eligible to apply for the 10-year Visa or the Golden Visa scheme.
Suppose you are a high school student and a national-level topper (with a minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school). In that case, you may be granted a Golden visa without a sponsor, subject to the submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
Furthermore, talented students who have studied at the world’s best universities can apply for the Golden Visa scheme. Criteria include academic performance/cumulative average, year of graduation, and university classification.
If you are an outstanding university student, you may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided that:
the university must be rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education
a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities is submitted.
it has not been more than 2 years since you graduated.
Outstanding students of foreign universities may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided that:
the university is rated among the best 100 universities globally according to the rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education
the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5
it has not been more than 2 years since you graduated
the graduation certificate is accredited by the Ministry of Education
Please note that students who have completed their studies are eligible for the extended 6 months grace period.
The UAE has been granting doctors and nurses, the first line of defence, a long-term residency in “recognition of their efforts and sacrifices”.
Frontline heroes who displayed extraordinary effort in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, also may get the Golden visa with a recommendation from a competent authority.
Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists and other cadres approved by the Frontline Heroes Office. Seven centres affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship have been established across the Emirates for doctors and nurses who wish to apply for visas in person.
Doctors will need to provide an approval Letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice the profession of medicine.
To train 100,000 youngsters in computer programming, the Emirates has teamed up with various tech powerhouses such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon. The National Programme for Coders has initiated the application process. Application eligibility extends to:
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has recently announced an expansion to the eligible categories for the Golden Visa. Please note that the following criteria apply to all categories to be eligible.
must be employed in the UAE
must hold a role classified by MoHRE’s occupational classification scheme
the minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or equivalent
hold a valid practising licence in the UAE if required (such as a physician, pharmacist, teacher, etc.)
salary certificate issued by the employer with a bank statement for the last 6 months showing a monthly salary of an amount no less than AED 30,000
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or a competent local authority.
Specialists in health fields A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
an employment contract approved in the UAE
evidence that the applicant holds a position classified as level 1 or 2 by MOHRE’s occupational classification scheme
attested bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
a valid practising licence in the emirate or UAE for professions that require this
employment certificate
Furthermore, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has now revised the entry permit fees for those applying for the 10-year Golden Visa UAE. The price for the six-month entry permit has now been updated to AED 1,250. The AED 1,250 charge includes an AED 1,000 issuance fee, AED 100 application fee, AED 100 smart services fee, AED 28 electronic services fee, and AED 22 for ICP.
As confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (ICP), you can now extend or cancel your entry permit via a personal account online. This refers to the document issued to foreign nationals entering the UAE to finalize their residency visa.
The new policy is valid for the following:
Two months for normal visas or green residency visa applications.
Six months with multiple entries for golden visa applications.
They are also allowed to stay outside of the UAE for more than 6 months. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country. The grace period after visa expiry or cancellation has been extended from 30 days to 6 months for Golden visa holders and their family members. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country.
Fines do not apply during the grace period. However, if the Golden visa holder fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependents, the dependents could be liable to pay an overstay fine.
Property in Dubai worth at least 2 million AED, Multiple properties will be accepted under the applicant’s name.
In case the property purchased through Developer or Bank mortgage, statement of account from developer or Bank NOC to proceed with the Residence visa application.
Person must be inside UAE.
Husband and wife can participate in one property (marriage certificate is required attested from MOFA and legally translated to arabic).
In case the property joint between Husband & Wife, property share must be equal between both parties. In case the shares are not equal, highest share holder will only allow to apply as primary visa holder then sponsor other party (Spouse).
Title deeds owners can apply for Golden residence visa application if the market value exceeds 2 million (official evaluation certificate is mandatory).
Title deed jointly between partner is acceptable (applicant share should be minimum 2 million).
The applicant’s name in the title deed must be matching with the name in the passport.
To apply for a long-term resident Visa in the UAE, you must first acquire the following documents:
When a title deed is issued for property in Dubai, the property value stated in the title deed must be at least 2 million AED (other emirates & DIFCA are not accepted).
A clear passport copy (Passport valid more than 6 months).
Old Emirates ID (If applicable).
A high-quality applicant digital photo that matches the ICP specifications(Note: Please find the personal photo guidelines to be followed set by Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship, Customs & Port Security )
Applicants from the following countries Must Bring their National ID (IRAN – PAKISTAN – IRAQ – LIBYA – AFGHANISTAN).
Health insurance (from any insurance company in UAE).
1 – What is the minimum amount to invest for a 10-year property Investor Visa in the UAE?
You must invest at least 2 million AED in Dubai to be eligible for the 10-year property Investor Visa.
2 – Is a 10-year Investor Visa the same as having a golden Visa in Dubai?
Yes, a 10-year investor Visa is considered a golden Visa in Dubai.
3 – Can I sponsor my family with a UAE Investor Visa?
Yes, if you have a property investor Visa in the UAE, you can sponsor your spouse and children for a period of 10-years. Please check the Family Visa page on the same website for a list of all required documents.
4 – What are the different types of Investor Visas in the UAE?
The following are the several types of investor visas available in the UAE.
5 – Can I work in Dubai in any company with an investor visa?
Yes, holders of a Dubai investor Visa may live and work in Dubai. MOHRE permission is required.
6 – Do I need to visit Dubai every 6 months to keep my investor Visa valid?
As per the latest update from ICA you can stay unlimited time outside UAE.
7 – Is it possible to apply for Investor Visa, if the person is outside the country?
If a person is outside the country, he cannot apply for an investor Visa since his physical presence is required within the country throughout the completion of the residency procedures, and he is not permitted to travel during the procedure.
Please keep in mind that: DLD Cube will not accept any third-party applications (PRO or person holding POA), and only the applicant will be allowed to access the DLD Cube Center.