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.
Benefits of the Golden Visa UAE include:
Qualifying for the golden visa requires falling into one of the following eligible categories:
Application for the golden visa involves collection and submission of a range of documents depending on your category.
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 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:
Additional requirements for investors include:
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:
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:
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
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:
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.
High School Students
University Students
Outstanding university students can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they meet the following conditions:
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:
Pioneers of humanitarian work are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa if they fall into one of the following categories:
Application for the golden visa is done through Amer, a semi-government typing center.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
The total cost of a 10-year Golden Visa is 9,734.75 AED. This includes the following:
Find detailed information on the eligibility criteria and requirements in the UAE GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS section above. In short:
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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