The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is well-known for welcoming foreigners to the country and offers numerous opportunities to experience the lifestyle and business landscape it has to offer. The UAE introduced the Golden Visa program in 2019 that attracted foreigners and residents alike who were considering relocation or investment opportunities in the country. Many deemed this a golden opportunity to tap into the flourishing market and luxury lifestyle that the country has to offer.
The UAE Golden Visa offers multiple benefits catering to both professional and personal aspirations. This resulted in a wave of interest, with many individuals thinking, “Am I eligible for the UAE’s Golden Visa?”. The blog discusses the categories, eligibility criteria, process for application, and benefits of the UAE Golden Visa.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa granted to a set of individuals qualified by the UAE authority with specific criteria, encompassing a wide range of professions such as scientists, seasoned performers, and investors.
The Golden Visa aims to provide benefits to foreign people who are permitted to reside, work, and study in the UAE and requires renewal after five or ten years once granted. It also offers the privilege of not needing a sponsor and living outside the UAE for a period of more than the usual 6 months. This is unlike regular visas, which require the individual to enter the country every 6 months to keep their visa valid.
Who is Eligible For The UAE’s Golden Visa?
Below is a list of the eligibility criteria, along with the professionals eligible to apply for the visa:
|
Profession |
Eligibility |
|
Investor |
● Minimum investment of AED 2 million in the UAE (in the form of an investment fund or a company) |
|
Entrepreneur |
● Must have an existing project with a capital of at least AED 500,000. ● An authorised business incubator in the country should approve the project. ● Approval from the government stating that the project is of a technical or future nature. |
|
Scientist/doctors |
● Should have a high degree of specialisation in their field. ● Must be affiliated with a prestigious university or research institution. ● Approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE ● A letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence. |
|
Humanitarian pioneers/frontline heroes
|
● Individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields are eligible. ● This can include doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals who have played a vital role in humanitarian efforts or in responding to crises like COVID-19 or some war. |
|
Students |
● High school students who are national-level toppers (with a minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school) can qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa. ● Letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education. ● Not more than 2 years since graduation. |
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
There are various macro- and micro-level benefits to the UAE’s golden visa. We have hand-picked the five most important benefits for you, which are:
- Long-term residency (5 or 10 years): Live, work, or study in the UAE for an extended period.
- Sponsorship not required: Reside in the country without needing an employer or a family member as your sponsor.
- Multiple entry and exit: Travel freely in and out of the UAE with the need to enter the country every 6 months.
- Family sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse and children (any age).
- Domestic help sponsorship: Sponsor unlimited numbers of domestic sponsors.
Let Gatestone Group Ease Your Golden Visa Journey
Don’t let this golden opportunity slip! We suggest you start the application right away if you fulfil any of the above-mentioned categories and their specific criteria. Contact our expert team via email at [email protected] or call +971 4 450 1023 or +971 52 410 0849 for a free consultation and start today.
FAQs
Foreigners from all the countries recognised by the UAE’s government as states or countries are eligible to apply for Dubai’s Golden Visa.
An investment of AED 2 million (or approximately $545,000), in real estate property is the minimum investment amount required to obtain the UAE Golden Visa.
