Golden Visa – Your gateway to success in UAE
Are you dreaming of long-term residence in UAE? Whether you are starting a business, going to work or planning to study in UAE, the UAE’s ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) has offered a golden opportunity for you: Golden Visa. Golden Visa is a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy the benefits of the fascinating country.
What is Golden Visa in UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa also called as Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa, for up to 10 years, offered by the UAE government for foreigners who wish to live, study, work, run a business or invest in the country. This visa is renewable, requires no sponsorship, and available for certain groups or talented individuals.
Who can apply for Golden Visa?
If you want to apply for the Golden Visa, you must be under any of the following profession or status:
- Public investors
- Real estate investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Executive directors
- Inventors
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Lawyers
- Outstanding University and High-school Students
- Athletes
- Creative people in the fields of culture and art
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Frontline heroes
- Specialists in engineering and science
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Long-Term Residency
The Longer the Stay, The Bigger the Benefit
This is the major benefit of a golden visa. If you wish to have a prolonged residency in the UAE, the Golden Visa is an ideal choice. Individuals can enjoy an extensive stay of 5 to 10 years in the UAE while pursuing their career or educational goals without having to worry about frequent visa renewals. For entrepreneurs, it is an excellent opportunity to initiate or expand their businesses in the UAE.
No Sponsorship
Like a piece of cake
In contrary to other visa programs, a sponsor is not required to obtain a Golden Visa. Whether you are looking for establishing a business or pursuing your career or planning to study, you certainly not require a sponsor.
Family Sponsorship
Through thick and thin
The Golden Visa program allows you to stay with your loved ones by offering family sponsorship as your spouse and children can live with you and can partake the benefits of the Golden Visa.
Tax Benefits
Reap the rewards of being a Golden Visa holder
The UAE is known as a tax haven as it imposes low or no tax liability on foreign entities or individuals.
There are no taxes on income, gifts and inheritances and the corporate tax is very low with the rate of 9% when compared to other countries. The corporate tax rate is 9% only for businesses with income above AED 375,000 and 0% tax for businesses in the free zones.
Multiple Entry Visa
Travel to and from
The golden visa holders can enjoy the benefit of global mobility by multiple-entry privilege. Golden Visa holders can travel to any country using Multiple-entry Visa without applying for a visa again and also can travel to visa-free countries.
Access to World-Class Healthcare
Unlocking Access to Quality Healthcare
Dubai’s best-quality healthcare facilities and efficient health services will be accessible for Dubai Golden Visa Holders and their family members.
Educational Advantages
Education is the premise of progress
UAE Golden Visa program allows students to get admission in the local public schools and universities. Through this, the students will have access to top-quality education system and career development opportunities.
Esaad Card
Avail exclusive benefits & discounts
Since 2022, to enhance the merits, extremely beneficial Esaad Card will be provided for golden visa holders in Dubai. Dubai Golden Visa holders will be gifted this Esaad Card for use.
Esaad Card will be provided for Dubai residents to avail exclusive benefits, discounts and offers in various facilities like healthcare, medicines, travel, restaurants, hotels and government services etc.
General Documents Required for Golden Visa Application
Here are the documents needed to apply for Golden Visa UAE:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Non-marriage certificate for children above 18 years of age
- No-Criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship
- Good Conduct Certificate addressed to the Dubai Land Department
- Medical Insurance
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Photo of the applicant
- Current UAE Visa
- Letter of submission from Federal Tax Authority
- Provision letter from concerned authority (if needed)
Golden Visa for Public Investment
Requirements/Conditions to Obtain a Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors:
If you are a public investor, you will be granted a UAE Golden Visa/Dubai Golden Visa for 10 years if you invest in an investment fund under following conditions.
- You should provide a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund that proves that you have a deposit of AED 2 million (or)
- You should submit a valid commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association stating an investor capital of at least AED 2 million.
- You must submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority affirming a yearly payment to the government as a minimum of AED 250,000.
- Moreover, you must have total possession of the invested capital and not buy it through a loan.
- You should provide evidence of medical insurance coverage for you and your family (if applicable).
*You will have the chance to include your spouse and children, one executive director, and one advisor.
Golden Visa for Real Estate Owners
If you own a property or a set of properties, you could get a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor and is renewable.
Requirements/Conditions to Obtain a Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors:
As a property investor, you must satisfy and follow the underlying procedures to obtain a 5-year Golden Visa
- You must hold a property with a minimum value of AED 2 million (or)
- Buy a property with a minimum value of AED 2 million through a loan from the listed local banks (or)
- Buy an off-plan property with a value of a minimum of AED 2 million from the approved local real estate companies
- You must submit the registration documents issued by the Emirate real estate authorities
- Provision of a letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating that he owns one or more properties whose value is not less than AED 2 million
* Please note that the grace period has been extended from 90 days to 6 months after residence visa expiry or cancellation, for the expats residing as a property investor, within 6 months, a real-estate investor could either amend their status and obtain a different residence visa or terminate residency. Fines will not be imposed during the grace period.
Documents Required for Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
- Property Ownership Proof: Letter from the Real Estate Registration Department in the relevant emirate stating that he owns one or more properties whose value is not less than 2 million dirhams, stating that the property is not subject to a loan.
- In case the property is mortgage, an Noc letter from the bank to issue a visa on the property and shows the paid and remaining amounts
- Proof of housing in the country (home ownership or house rental contract).
- Personal Identification: Passport copies, photographs, and other identification documents.
What is the process of applying for Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
- Choose Your Property: Select a property worth at least AED 2 million.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents like property ownership proof, financial statements, and personal identification.
- Submit Application: Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or online portals.
- Review and Approval: The application undergoes a review process. Upon approval, receive your Golden Visa.
What are the benefits of Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
Tax Benefits of Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
- The UAE provides several tax benefits for real estate investors, making it an attractive destination for investment.
Benefits:
- No Income Tax: The UAE does not impose personal income tax on residents.
- No Capital Gains Tax: Profits from property sales are not subject to capital gains tax.
- No Inheritance Tax: Property can be passed to heirs without inheritance tax.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners
Requirements/Conditions to Obtain a Golden Visa for Startup Owners & Entrepreneurs:
Startup owners can obtain a Golden Visa, if their company is registered in the UAE under the category of small and medium enterprises (SME). The annual revenue of the company must be AED 1 million or above.
The Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs for a period of 5 years will be provided under these conditions:
- The person must be a founder or one of the founders of one or more entrepreneurial project that was sold for AED 7 million or above
- The projects or ideas must be approved by the Ministry of Economy, or the competent authorities.
For entrepreneurs,
If you’re working on an economic project that promotes technical excellence and innovation nature and is futuristic in nature, you will have the opportunity to get a Golden visa for 5 years.
Please note that you also need approvals from below mentioned authorities for the economic project:
- An auditor in the UAE confirming that the project value is not below the amount of 500,000 dirhams
- The emirate authorities approving that the project is of a technical nature or futuristic nature
- An accredited business incubator in the UAE to implement the proposed activity.
Benefits of a 5-year Entrepreneurial Visa
In a 5-year entrepreneur visa, the applicant can add three more executives to this visa.
It can also be extended to include business partners on the condition that each partner contributes AED2 million
Golden Visa UAE for Exceptional Talents
Now exceptionally talented individuals can apply for a Golden Visa for 10 years residence.
- Talented individuals under the following fields are eligible for Golden,
- Art & Culture
- Digital Technology
- Sports
- Innovation
- Medicine
- Law
- And Other Outstanding Specialized Talents like Doctoral Degree Holders, Inventors, Athletes, and Creative People
Requirements/Conditions to Obtain a Golden Visa for Exceptional Talents:
The creative people practicing in the field of culture and art, will be required to submit the following evidence:
- Evidence that the person has received an award, recognition/nomination from a recognized International or regional authority in the respected field
- Hold an honourable position in an esteemed international authority due to the person’s exceptional talent and creativity
- Should be an active member of any well-recognized international art organization or association
- Their creative works should be showcased in popular platforms (exhibitions, forums, festivals, events) in the local or international level.
- A recommendation or approval of a federal or local entity.
For Athletes,
A recommendation letter is required from the General Sports Authority or any of the Sports Councils
* Please note that the golden visa will be provided only on the basis of individual’s talent. The person’s educational qualification, employment status, salary or professional status will not be considered.
Golden Visa UAE for Exceptional Talents
Eligibility for UAE Golden Visa for Managers or Executives
If you are a manager or a higher-level executive working in the UAE, then you the chance to get a Golden Visa for 10 years if you meet the following criteria:
- You must be in a managerial or executive position (general manager, director, CEO, or any other high-ranking position) in a UAE-based company.
- Your salary should not be less than the minimum salary threshold for your position (Each emirate has different salary threshold).
- Your employer must sponsor for the Golden Visa application.
- Years of experience must be above 5 years.
- A clean criminal record should be provided and must not have security concerns.
Conditions/Requirements to Obtain a Golden Visa for Executives or Managers:
- An experience letter from the company, proving a minimum of 5 years of service.
- A copy of bachelor’s or master’s Degree certification approved by the Ministry of Education
- Bank statements of the last 6 months. The statements should reflect that the salary is credited every month.
- The Salary certificate issued by the organisation should be in Arabic format. For person working in a Free Zone company, the salary certificate generated by the Free Zone Authority should be submitted. (The minimum monthly salary should be AED 30,000).
- No Objection Certificate/Letter (NOC) should be provided by the company for applying the Golden Visa
- Copy of the Employment/Labor contract. The job position and salary in the employment contract should match with the residence visa and employment certificate respectively.
Golden Visa UAE for Doctors
Conditions/Requirements to Obtain a Golden Visa for Doctors and Nurses:
The UAE has been granting doctors and nurses, the first line of defence, a long-term residency in “recognition of their efforts and sacrifices”
- Doctors must submit a letter of approval from the Ministry of Health to practice medicine in the UAE.
Golden Visa UAE for Scientists
Conditions/Requirements to Obtain a Golden Visa for Scientists:
- The scientist must have a PhD, or master’s degrees specialized in the any of the following areas from the recognized universities in the world
- Engineering
- Life sciences
- Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Scientists must provide a letter of proof that they are awarded with Mohammed bin Rashid medal for scientific excellence or submit a recommendation letter form the Emirate Council of Scientists.
- The monthly salary should be a minimum of AED 30000.
- Inventors can also apply by providing a letter from the Ministry of Economy that their patent brings value to the UAE economy.
Golden Visa UAE for Specialists in Engineering and Science
Conditions/Requirements to Obtain a Golden Visa for Specialists in Engineering and Science:
The Specialists in engineering and science can apply for Golden Visa UAE under these conditions:
- Should provide a copy of a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education
- Should have completed a degree in any of the following disciplines:
- Epidemiology and Virology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Big Data
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Genetics and Biotechnology Engineering
- Must provide an employment contract in the above disciplines, validated by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Golden Visa UAE for Skilled Professionals
Now Golden Visa is granted for professionals from key sectors which has been expanded recently that includes healthcare, technology, education, law, science and engineering, and others.
Conditions/Requirements to Obtain a Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals:
Skilled professionals should meet the following criteria to obtain a Golden Visa
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Must provide a valid employment contract in the UAE
- The occupation level must be classified as first or second by the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation.
- The Monthly Salary should not be less than AED 30,000
Skilled professionals can enjoy the benefit of extended 6-month grace period.
Golden Visa UAE for Humanitarian Pioneers
The UAE government acknowledge the exceptional contributions of the humanitarian pioneers who work to aid people in need of support by offering the Golden Visa for 10 years.
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements for Humanitarian Pioneers
Humanitarian Pioneers must satisfy the following criteria to obtain a Golden Visa:
- A member or employee in regional or international organisation with the outstanding records and have 5 years of working experience.
(or)
- Have a recognition award from either local or international organization that does humanitarian work.
(or)
- At least 5 years of experience working in civil organizations with public interest.
(or)
- Funded at least 2 million AED in a program that deals with humanitarian activities.
- Must have at least a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent level of education.
(or)
- A recommendation letter from a local competent authority can be provided.
Golden Visa for Exceptional Coders
The UAE government is offering 100,000 golden visas to exceptional coders from around the world.
This creates an opportunity for youngsters who are genius in computer programming, and the Emirates has collaborated with leading tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria to obtain Golden Visa for Exceptional Coders
The UAE government has launched a programme named National Programme for Coders to provide Golden Visa and many more opportunities for programmers.
The eligibility to apply to join this programme include:
- Outstanding professionals and talents who are successful in diverse areas of coding
- Programmers work for pioneering global tech organizations.
- Graduated in any of the discipline: Computer Sciences, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Hardware Engineering, AI, Data Science, Big Data, and Electrical Engineering.
Golden Visa UAE for Students
Students who are excellent in academic performance with exceptional grades are now eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa in UAE
Requirements/Eligibility to obtain Golden Visa for Exceptional Coders
Below category of students are eligible for 10-year Golden Visa
- Students who obtained top grades either in UAE secondary schools or universities.
- High school students and national-level toppers (with a minimum grade of 95%) from public or private secondary schools and submit a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
- Brilliant students from the best universities in the world (academic performance, year of graduation and university classification will be considered).
Criteria For Outstanding University Students
- University must be categorized as A or B class by the Ministry of Education
- A recommendation letter from the university or an accredited certificate of graduation or an accredited academic record declaring that cumulative GPA of the student is at least 3.5 for universities rated as A-class and 3.8 for universities rated as B-class.
- Should not be above 2 years from the date of graduation.
Criteria For Students from Foreign Universities
- The university must be rated among the best 100 universities by the Ministry of Education
- The cumulative GPA shouldn’t be less than 3.5
- Shouldn’t be more than 2 years from the graduation date.
- The graduation certificate should be accredited by the Ministry of Education
Make notice of that there is an extended 6-month grace period for students who had finished their studies.
Golden Visa UAE for Volunteers
People who volunteer to provide substantial contributions, either through dedicated service hours or considerable financial support, may be eligible for long-term residency in UAE through Golden Visa.
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria for Volunteers to Apply for Golden Visa
- Must be a member or distinguished worker for at least 5 years in an international and regional organisation
- Should be a member or distinguished worker for at least 5 years in a public benefit association and institution.
- Recipients of appreciation awards from local, regional, or international institutions specialised in humanitarian work
- Distinguished volunteers in the field of humanitarian work, with a service period of not less than five years or a minimum of 500 volunteer hours
- Financial supporters of humanitarian work with a contribution value of no less than AED 2,000,000 or its equivalent
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- Inquiry
Reach out to our team of Visa Consultation Experts
2) Consultation with Experts
Our visa consultants are here to hear your requirement and provide you with best solutions.
3) Eligibility
Our experts will verify your eligibility before applying for Golden Visa
4) Documentation
Gather all the supporting documents for the Golden Visa application
5) Visa Processing
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6) Receive Golden Visa
Upon approval by the authority, you will receive Golden Visa and gain access to privileges from the Golden Visa Program
