The Dubai Golden Visa offers eligible individuals and their families extended periods of residence with various duration options as part of a distinguished long-term residency program in Dubai.
The Dubai Golden Visa is a distinguished long-term residency program in Dubai, offering eligible individuals and their families extended periods of residence with various duration options.
6/22/20232 min read
The Golden Visa offered by the UAE is a long-term residence program that grants foreign individuals the opportunity to live, work, or study in the UAE, along with several exclusive benefits. These benefits include a six-month multiple-entry visa for initial entry and subsequent issuance of a long-term residence visa valid for either 5 or 10 years. One notable advantage is the absence of the need for a sponsor, allowing individuals to stay in the UAE for more than the usual six-month period to maintain their residency status. Moreover, Golden Visa holders have the privilege to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children of all ages, as well as an unlimited number of domestic helpers. In the unfortunate event of the primary Golden Visa holder's passing, the family members can continue to reside in the UAE until the expiration of their own visas.
For inquiries related to visas, individuals can contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) or the UAE's embassies and consulates. In the case of Dubai visas, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFAD) should be contacted.
The specific requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa depend on the chosen category, such as investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding specialized talents, or students. Here are some highlights of the requirements for each category:
- Investors in public investments: Investors may be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa by meeting specific criteria, including a minimum deposit of AED two million in an accredited investment fund or owning a commercial or industrial license with a minimum capital of AED two million. Additionally, they must demonstrate an annual payment to the government of no less than AED 250,000 and possess comprehensive medical insurance for themselves and their families.
- Real estate investors: Property owners can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under certain conditions and without the need for a sponsor, by owning properties valued at a minimum of AED two million. They may also qualify by purchasing property with a loan from approved local banks.
- Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs who establish innovative economic projects with a technological or future-oriented focus, based on risk and innovation, may be eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa. This requires approval from an auditor confirming a project value of at least AED 500,000, verification from relevant authorities regarding the project's nature, and accreditation from a recognized business incubator in the UAE.
- Outstanding specialized talents: Various professionals, such as doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, executives, athletes, and specialists in scientific fields, can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa. Each category has specific requirements, such as approvals from relevant authorities, recommendation letters, academic qualifications, and work contracts.
- Outstanding students: High school students who excel academically and university students with outstanding performance can receive a 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa, respectively, without a sponsor. Requirements include recommendation letters, proof of academic achievements, and accreditation from relevant educational institutions.
Additionally, the UAE offers Golden Visas to pioneers of humanitarian work and frontline heroes who have made significant contributions or displayed exceptional efforts during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa based on specific criteria and recommendations from relevant authorities.
To streamline the application and renewal process, the UAE offers the "One Touch" Golden Visa service, a comprehensive service designed to simplify the procedures and save applicants' time and effort. Interested individuals can apply through the ICP website or the ICP App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
