Golden Visa: Comprehensive Guide

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa designed to attract foreign talents, enabling them to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying a host of exclusive benefits. This visa is open to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. Below is a detailed overview of its features, requirements, and application process.

What is the UAE’s Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa offers long-term residency and exclusive benefits, including:

• An entry visa valid for 6 months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance.
• A renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.
• No need for a sponsor.
• The ability to stay outside the UAE for more than six months while retaining visa validity.
• Permission to sponsor family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their age.
• The ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
• Family members can stay in the UAE until the end of the permit duration, even if the primary visa holder passes away.

Contact Information for Visa Queries:

• General Queries: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) or UAE embassies/consulates.
• Dubai Visas: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD).

Related Links:

• UAE Cabinet Executive Regulations on Residency
• Golden Residency – ICP
• Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi – TAMM
• Golden Visa Categories – Abu Dhabi Residents Office

Golden Visa Requirements

The eligibility and requirements for the Golden Visa vary based on the applicant’s category:

1. Investors in Public Investments (10-Year Visa)

• Proof of AED 2 million investment in a UAE-accredited fund or company.
• Valid commercial/industrial license with a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
• Proof of AED 250,000 annual tax payment to the government.
• Ownership of investment capital (no loans) and proof of medical insurance.

2. Real Estate Investors (5-Year Visa)

• Ownership of properties worth AED 2 million.
• Option to purchase with loans from approved UAE banks.

3. Entrepreneurs (5-Year Visa)

• Ownership of an economic project valued at AED 500,000 or more, based on innovation and risk.
• Approval letters from:
  • UAE auditor verifying project value.
  • Local authority confirming the project’s technical/future-oriented nature.
  • Accredited business incubator supporting the project.

4. Outstanding Specialized Talents (10-Year Visa)

Eligible categories:

• Doctors and Scientists: Approval/recommendation from UAE health or science bodies.
• Inventors: Patent recognition with economic impact.
• Creative Talents: Recommendation from cultural departments.
• Executives: Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years of experience, AED 50,000+ salary, and valid contract.
• Athletes: Recommendation from UAE sports councils.
• Engineering/Science Specialists: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in relevant fields (e.g., AI, genetics, big data).

5. Outstanding Students

• High School Students: National toppers with a minimum 95% grade.
• University Students: GPA of 3.5+ (A-class) or 3.8+ (B-class) and a recommendation from their university.
• Foreign University Students: Graduates from the top 100 global universities with a GPA of 3.5+ and within 2 years of graduation.

6. Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

• Significant contributions to humanitarian efforts for at least 5 years.
• Awardees or donors of AED 2 million or more to humanitarian projects.

7. Frontline Heroes

• Extraordinary contributions during crises like COVID-19.
• Recommendation from a competent authority.

The ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa Service

A streamlined service to simplify the application and renewal processes for Golden Visas:

• Assistance with visa applications, renewals, and status regularization.
• Simplified issuance of residency and identity documents in a single step.

How to Apply:

• ICP Website: Apply here
• ICP Mobile App: Available on Google Play and App Store.

Related Digital Services

• Golden Visa Eligibility Check – ICP
• Golden Visa Services – GDRFA
• Creative Talent Accreditation – Dubai Culture
• Recommendation Letters for Creatives – Ministry of Culture and Youth

By meeting the outlined requirements and using the available services, eligible individuals can seamlessly apply for the UAE’s Golden Visa, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for long-term residency and growth.