In 2019, the UAE introduced golden visas all across the Emirates. The purpose was to retain the top talents, encourage top-tier professionals and investors to work, live, and grow in the UAE. Are you one of them and wondering about the UAE’s golden visa requirements and how to get one?
Don’t worry; we have your back with our detailed guide on the Golden visa requirements and how to apply.
So, let’s jump in.
What is Golden Visa UAE?
It is a long-term residency program that was designed in 2019 to attract talented individuals and investors to live and work in the United Arab Emirates. During this 5 to 10-year residency period, you don’t need to renew the Visa every 2 or 3 years; it’s just like a one-time subscription for 10 years.
It offers several benefits, including:
- Long-term residency permit (typically 10 years)
- Sponsorship for family members, regardless of their age
- No need for a local sponsor (unlike many other UAE visa types)
- You will have the privilege to stay away from UAE for more than 6 months, and the Visa won’t get terminated.
- 100% ownership of your business in the Mainland.
- If you have the Golden Visa it means you are automatically approved for the UAE’s driving license.
- You can even sponsor domestic helpers for unlimited numbers.
- In case the primary golden visa holder passes away due to any reason – you are still able to stay in UAE until the end of the Visa duration.
- You are free to apply for jobs in UAE with any company.
What Are the Golden Visa Requirements?
Sounds interesting, Right?
So, let’s dive deeper and find out what are the Golden Visa Requirenments and who can apply for it.
For Professionals:
If you are a professional, your Golden Visa requires a university degree that the UAE’s Ministry of Education must recognize. It could be a bachelor’s or higher. However, it should demonstrate a stronger experience of a minimum of 5 years under the same employer in the same fields. It also requires a competitive salary exceeding AED 50,000 per month (approximately $13,600). Additionally, a valid work contract is also mandatory.
For investors:
Investors can qualify for the Golden Visa through a minimum investment of AED 2 million (around $545,000) in various options. This can include investing in a public investment fund or real estate or establishing a company in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
For specialists:
Specialists in high-demand fields, such as engineers, coders, and doctors, are usually considered valuable to the UAE’s economy. So, if you are one of them, it means you are eligible for the Golden Visa. However, you must possess relevant qualifications and demonstrably strong experience in your field of specialization.
For Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs can also qualify for the UAE Golden Visa program through several pathways:
- It’s mandatory to own a project of a minimum of AED 500,000. You also need to receive approval from a UAE auditor, the relevant emirate’s authorities, and a licensed business incubator in the UAE.
- Alternatively, entrepreneurs who have been approved by a business incubator or the Ministry of Economy to establish a new business activity in the UAE with a projected annual income of at least AED 1 million (approximately USD 272,000) can qualify.
- Finally, the Golden Visa program is open to founders of previously successful pioneering projects that were sold for a total value of no less than AED 7 million (approximately USD 1.9 million).
In all cases, entrepreneurs applying for the Golden Visa program must have valid health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members.
For Inventors:
Inventors with a patent for an invention approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy have a potential pathway to the Golden Visa program.
For Athletes:
Athletes with a proven record of exceptional achievement in a recognized sport are eligible for the Golden Visa program. They can secure a recommendation letter from the UAE General Sports Authority or a similar esteemed organization.
For Students:
Students who are enrolled in a top-ranked university within the UAE are also eligible for a UAE golden visa. Specific government entities recognize them and can potentially qualify for the Golden Visa program.
- A high school student with a minimum of 95% grade is eligible to apply for up to 5 years of residency program.
- An outstanding university student can also be awarded with Golden visa and sponsor. A recommendation letter from a university with a minimum of 3.8 CGP’sCGP is also required to apply.
Remember, if you want to apply for a Golden Visa as a student, then there should not be a study gap of more than 2 years.
For Pioneers of Humanitarian Work:
Finally, pioneers of humanitarian work with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant field can apply for the Golden Visa. It includes international/regional humanitarian organizations, UAE-based civil associations, and public interest institutions.
However, if you are just a funder and not a pioneer of humanitarian work, then you still receive the Golden Visa. The only requirement will be to have a minimum funding of AED 2 million or equivalent.
How to Apply for UAE’s Golden Visa?
Generally, there are 2 channels of applying for UAE’s golden Visa – ICA or GDRAFA.
- ICA – Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship is the official UAE government department responsible for residency applications. You can access their online portal to initiate the application process.
- GDRFA – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs is a department that menage residency matters in specific emirates, like Dubai. If you’re applying through an emirate-specific program, you might need to go through the GDRFA website.
So, if you fall under any of the above categories and fulfill the eligibility criteria – here is the way to apply for a Golden Visa using ICA.
- Go to the official website: https://icp.gov.ae/en/
- Once you’re on the homepage, locate the “Services” section and select it.
- Within the services dropdown menu, find “eChannels Residency and Citizenship” and click on it. This will redirect you to a dedicated page for online residency and citizenship services.
- On the “Browse Smart Service” page, you’ll find a list of various services. Look for the option labeled “Golden Residency” and click on it.
- After selecting “Golden Residency,” you’ll likely be presented with a menu showcasing the different types of Golden Visas available (e.g., Investor, Specialist, etc.). Here, you need to carefully review the options and choose the one that best aligns with your qualifications.
- Once you’ve selected your visa type, click on “Start Service” to officially commence your Dubai Golden Visa application process. The website will then guide you through the specific steps involved in your chosen category.
FAQs:
How to Track the Golden Visa Application?
Once you apply for the Golden Visa through the website after that you can track it through the website.
How long does it take to process the application?
It can generally take around a few weeks or even a month to process of application.
Are there any investment requirements for a Golden Visa?
Yes, depending on the category, you might need to fulfill the investment requirement, too.
