UAE’s Golden Visa: Comprehensive Guide

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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:

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

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.