The UAE Golden Visa program intended for individuals who would support the development of the country; it’s a long-term residency. The visa has the validity period of 10 years and is renewable. Of course, it benefits all its holders in plenty ways. Read on to get insights on how to apply and who can apply.
Eligibility Criteria
The Golden Visa is available to several categories of individuals, each with specific requirements:
Investors
- Public Investments: Must invest at least AED 2 million in an investment fund accredited in the UAE.
- Real Estate: Must own property worth at least AED 2 million.
- Business: Must own a business with a capital investment of at least AED 2 million.
Entrepreneurs
- Must own or be a partner in a start-up registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category, with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
- Alternatively, must have approval for a start-up idea from an official business incubator or the Ministry of Economy.
Specialized Talents and Researchers
- Includes doctors, scientists, inventors, specialists in culture and art, and other highly skilled professionals.
- Must have a valid employment contract in a specialized field of priority in the UAE.
Outstanding Students and Graduates
- High-performing students in UAE secondary schools and universities, as well as graduates from the top 100 universities worldwide, with a GPA of at least 3.8.
Humanitarian Pioneers
- Includes distinguished members of international and regional organizations, outstanding members of associations of public benefit, and recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields.
Frontline Heroes
- Includes frontline workers who demonstrated extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application Process
1. Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., investment documents, employment contracts, academic records)
2. Submit Application
- Applications can be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or app.
- For Dubai, applications can also be submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website.
3. Pay Fees
- The application fee varies depending on the category and processing time. Ensure all fees are paid to avoid delays.
4. Await Approval
- The processing time can vary, but applicants will be notified of their status via email or the ICP/GDRFA portal.
5. Receive Visa
- Once approved, the visa can be collected from the designated service center or delivered to your address.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Here are the benefits of UAE’s Golden Visa:
- Long-term Residency: Valid for 10 years and renewable.
- No Sponsor Required: Holders do not need a national sponsor.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
- Multiple Entries: Six-month entry visa with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance.
- Extended Stay Outside UAE: Can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency status.
The UAE Golden Visa is a massive investment opportunity for those who are mainly investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding professionals, and brilliant students with great talent. However, the benefits it accrues are many towards whoever gets the visa if one meets all the eligibility criteria and applies correctly.