The UAE’s Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program aimed at attracting foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE. It provides a range of exclusive benefits:
Entry Visa
Initially, it provides an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with the issuance of the residence visa.
Long-Term Residence Visa
Successful applicants are granted a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for either 5 or 10 years, depending on the category and qualifications.
No Need for Sponsor
Unlike many other visas in the UAE, the Golden visa does not require a sponsor, giving individuals more independence and flexibility in their residency.
Extended Stay Outside the UAE
Golden visa holders have the privilege of staying outside the UAE for more extended periods than usual (typically more than six months) without losing their residency status.
Sponsorship of Family Members
Golden visa holders can sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages, to live with them in the UAE.
Sponsorship of Domestic Helpers
Additionally, Golden visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
Family Permit in Case of Death
In the unfortunate event of the primary Golden visa holder’s passing, family members can continue to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa offers numerous advantages to foreign talents, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students, humanitarian workers, and frontline heroes looking to settle in the UAE. These benefits include:
Six-Month Multiple Entry Visa
Golden Visa holders receive a six-month multiple-entry visa, enabling them to apply for their residence visa during this period.
Long-Term, Renewable Residence Visa
The Golden Visa grants a long-term residence permit, valid for either 5 or 10 years, ensuring long-term stability and security for individuals and their families.
No Sponsorship Required
Unlike standard visas, the Golden Visa allows holders to stay in the UAE without needing a sponsor. Golden Visa holders can work, study, or live in the UAE without being tied to employment by a local or international company. They are free to pursue self-sponsored projects, entrepreneurship, or enjoy a long-term stay without employment restrictions.
Extended Stay Outside the UAE
Golden Visa holders are permitted to stay outside the UAE for extended periods, beyond the typical six-month limit, while keeping their residency status intact.
Family Sponsorship
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including spouses and children of any age, enabling them to live in the UAE.
Sponsorship of Domestic Helpers
Golden Visa holders are allowed to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers to assist with daily tasks.
Family Protection in Case of Death
If the Golden Visa holder passes away, their family members can continue to reside in the UAE for the remainder of their visa’s validity.
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Golden Visa Requirements
The eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa vary depending on the applicant’s category, such as investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers. Below is an overview of the requirements for each group.
Investors in Public Investments
- Invest in an investment fund with a deposit of AED two million.
- Own the invested capital completely.
- Provide proof of medical insurance for yourself and your family.
- Submit a letter from the investment fund or commercial license and memorandum of association.
- Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating annual government payments of at least AED 250,000
Real Estate Investors
- Own property worth at least 2 million dirhams
- Submit a letter from the land department confirming property ownership
- Purchase property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.
Entrepreneurs
- Own an economic project of technical or future nature based on risk & innovation.
- Have a project value not less than 500,000 dirhams
- Obtain approval letters from an auditor, authorities in the emirate, and an accredited business incubator.
Outstanding Specialized Talents
- This category includes doctors, scientists, creatives, inventors, executives, specialists in scientific fields, athletes, doctoral degree holders, and specialists in engineering and science.
- Requirements vary based on the specific talent, such as approval letters from relevant authorities, recommendation letters, and specific qualifications.
Outstanding Students
- Requirements vary for high school and university students, with considerations for academic performance and institution ratings.
- Submit recommendation letters from educational institutions and meet GPA criteria.
Pioneers of Humanitarian Work
- Work for international/regional organizations, civil associations, or public interest institutions for at least five years.
- Receive an appreciation award from a humanitarian organization or provide support not less than two million UAE dirhams.
Frontline Heroes
- Display extraordinary effort during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Obtain a recommendation from a competent authority.
Each category has its own specific documentation and eligibility criteria, and it’s essential to fulfill these requirements to qualify for the Golden visa.