Requirements, Price, Benefits, and Application Process

Golden Visa UAE Guide 2024

verified by : Andrey Ovchinnikov

08 Jan 2024

In 2019, the UAE government introduced the Golden Visa, granting an opportunity for certain categories of expatriates to apply for long-term residence visas and become self-sponsored individuals. They may also sponsor their close family members for UAE residency visas of the same duration.

In October 2022, the terms for acquiring the Golden Visa UAE through investment were altered. With the new regulation introduced by the UAE authorities, the required investment sum was lowered, and investors were granted an opportunity to purchase off-plan real estate or take mortgages. The limitations on the length of stay in other countries were also removed, making this visa type even more convenient.

Advantages of UAE residency visa

  • Ability to relocate to the UAE or visit the country without any restrictions
  • Tax benefits for UAE residents include exemption from taxation on income, capital gains, property, gifts, and inheritance.
  • The UAE visa allows opening accounts in local banks in different currencies, including AED, dollars, and euros.
  • UAE residents can acquire a local driver’s license by either passing an exam or exchanging their license received in other countries.
  • Owners of a UAE visa have access to the country’s healthcare and education systems, from clinics and hospitals to schools and universities.
  • UAE residents are able to sponsor their family members for long-term visas and their parents for 1-year ones.
  • Having a UAE residency provides access to Dubai’s discount program, Esaad, allowing for exclusive discounts and bonuses in numerous local and foreign establishments.
  • A resident of the UAE can become the country’s citizen for particular outstanding services or after a 30-year period of living in the UAE through the naturalization program.

Golden visa UAE benefits

Benefits of the Golden Visa UAE include:

  • Self-sponsorship
  • Extended visa validity (10 years!)
  • Ability to sponsor family members
  • No need to enter the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa valid.

Who can apply for golden visa in UAE

Qualifying for the golden visa requires falling into one of the following eligible categories: 

  • Business owners
  • CEOs or Managing directors
  • Highly educated individuals (PhD holders)
  • Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Athletes
  • Students
  • Investors.

Application for the golden visa involves collection and submission of a range of documents depending on your category.

Golden visa UAE requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE vary based on the type of residence, whether it's for investors, talent, entrepreneurs, and others. Here are the specific criteria for each category:

Investors in Public Sector

Investors who put their money in an investment fund can be granted a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • Submit a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming a deposit of AED two million.
  • Submit a valid commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association stating a capital investment of at least AED two million.
  • Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating an annual payment to the government of not less than AED 250,000.

Additional requirements for investors include:

  • Full ownership of the invested capital (not a loan).
  • Proof of medical insurance for themselves and their family.

Real Estate Investors

Individuals who own one or more properties can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions and without a sponsor if they meet the following requirements:

  • Submit a letter from the land department of the respective emirate confirming ownership of properties valued at a minimum of 2 million dirhams (545,000 USD).
  • Purchase a property with a mortgage from specific local banks approved by the relevant local entity with a 50% down payment.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who have an economic project of a technical or innovative nature can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa if they meet the following criteria:

  • Possess an approval letter from an auditor in the UAE confirming the project's value is not less than 500,000 dirhams.
  • Obtain approval from the authorities in the respective emirate confirming the project's technical or innovative nature.
  • Receive accreditation from an approved business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.

Outstanding Specialized Talents

The category of outstanding specialized talents includes professionals such as doctors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, executives, scientific specialists, athletes, doctoral degree holders, and specialists in engineering and science.

For each subcategory, the specific requirements are as follows:

Doctors and Scientists

  • Doctors require an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice medicine.
  • Scientists need a recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, confirming the award of the Medal of Scientific Excellence.

Inventors

Inventors must provide a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy, stating that their patent adds value to the country's economy.

Creative People in Culture and Art

Creative individuals in culture and art should obtain an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.

Executive Directors

Executive directors must submit:

  • A copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum educational attainment of a bachelor's degree.
  • A letter of experience holding the same position for at least 5 years is required.
  • A salary certificate indicating a minimum salary of AED 50,000.
  • A valid work contract.

Athletes

Athletes need a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.

Specialists in Engineering and Science

Specialists must provide a copy of a Bachelor's or Master's degree certified by the Ministry of Education, along with a work contract.

Outstanding Students

High School Students

  • High school students who achieve national-level excellence (minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school) can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor.
  • A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) is required.
  • The duration of the Golden Visa for students is 5 years and can be extended if enrolled in majors or colleges requiring a study period exceeding five years.

University Students

Outstanding university students can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet the following conditions:

  • The university must be rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education.
  • Submit a recommendation letter from the university, an accredited graduation certificate, or an accredited academic record stating a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities.
  • It must not exceed two years since graduation.

Outstanding Students of Foreign Universities

Outstanding students who graduated from foreign universities can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet the following criteria:

  • The university must be among the top 100 globally according to a rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5.
  • It must not exceed two years since graduation.
  • The graduation certificate must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

Pioneers of humanitarian work are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa if they fall into one of the following categories:

  • Members and outstanding employees who have worked for international and regional organizations for a minimum of five years.
  • Members and outstanding employees who have worked for civil associations and public interest institutions for a minimum of five years.
  • Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization focusing on humanitarian work.
  • Funders of humanitarian work, provided the support value is not less than two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.

Frontline Heroes

  • Frontline heroes who have demonstrated exceptional efforts during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can be eligible for the Golden Visa with a recommendation from a competent authority.
  • Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved cadres by the Frontline Heroes Office.

How to apply for golden visa UAE

Application for the golden visa is done through Amer, a semi-government typing center.

Step-by-step Golden Visa UAE application process:

1. Choose your category: Select the desired visa category, such as investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, humanitarian pioneers, or frontline heroes.

2. Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents specified by the UAE government for your chosen category, including investment or property-related documents, recommendation letters, academic records, or proof of achievements.

3. Visit an Amer office: Go to an Amer office, a designated government service center, with your prepared documents to initiate the application process.

4. Pay fees: Submit the applicable fees associated with the Golden Visa application.

5. Await approval: Wait for the approval process, which can take anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, depending on your chosen category and other factors.

6. Cancel current visa: If you have an existing residence visa, follow the procedures to cancel it before proceeding with the Golden Visa application.

7. Submit application: Provide necessary details and submit your Golden Visa application, including passport information and additional required information.

8. Receive Golden Visa: Once approved, the Golden Visa will be endorsed in your passport, granting you the desired residency status. Collect your passport with the Golden Visa from the relevant authorities.

Cost of the golden visa UAE

The cost of a new 10-year Golden Visa in 2024 is 2,657 AED, not including fees for a medical check (700 AED) and Emirates ID (1,153 AED). If your application is rejected, 60% (1,680 AED) will be refunded. 

Also, consider the cost of UAE health insurance, with minimum basic coverage costing about 800 AED, DLD fees of 4,020 AED, and administrative fees of 1,155 AED.

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Benefits of UAE golden visa

  • Self-sponsorship
  • Extended visa validity (10 years!)
  • Ability to sponsor family members
  • No need to enter the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa valid.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

    • Extended validity: The Golden Visa offers a validity of 10 years, providing long-term residency in the UAE.
    • Self-sponsorship: You are no longer reliant on an employer or company for sponsorship.
    • No need to enter the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa valid.
  • How much is the UAE Golden Visa?

    The total cost of a 10-year Golden Visa is 9,734.75 AED. This includes the following:

    1. New visa 2,657 AED
    2. Emirates ID 1,153 AED
    3. Medical Check 700 AED
    4. DLD Fees 4,020 AED
    5. Administrative fees 1,155 AED
  • How long does it take to process the UAE Golden Visa?

    • Approval time: Eligible applicants can receive visa approval within a few days, with a minimum of 72 hours and a maximum of approximately one month.
    • Additional procedures: After approval, medical check, Emirates ID, and visa stamping can be completed within a couple of days.
  • Who is eligible for UAE Golden Visas?

    Find detailed information on the eligibility criteria and requirements in the UAE GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS section above. In short:

    • Investors in the public sector
    • Company owners and entrepreneurs
    • Real estate investors
    • CEOs and top managers
    • Talented students
    • High professionals like Engineers, Doctors, Athletes, PhD holders
    • Pioneers of humanitarian work and frontline heroes
  • Can I sponsor my family if I get a UAE Golden Visa?

    Yes, you can. After your visa is stamped into your passport, you can initiate the application process for your dependents. Read more about family visas in our article UAE Family Visa Requirements.

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