To attract professionals, investors and extraordinary talents from around the globe, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Golden Visa in the UAE program. This visa allows foreigners to live, work and study within the UAE without requiring a national sponsor. Many widely prefer it due to its wide-ranging advantages and easy application procedure. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of Golden Visa requirements in UAE, including eligibility criteria, benefits and the process of applying for it.
What is UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa issued for five or ten years with periodic renewals. It aims to bring stability and security to its investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and excellent students, thus encouraging them to contribute to the development and economic growth of the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria for the Golden Visa
The Gold Visa has various categories, each with specific requirements:
- Investors
10-Year Visa:
Public Investments: The investment should either be a 10 million dirham share in another company, the formation of a firm with a paid-up capital of AED 10m, or participation in any new or established company with shares valued at AED 10 million.
Conditions: The invested amount must not be loaned, and the investment should be retained for at least three years. The investor must own full assets without any encumbrance.
5-Year Visa:
Real Estate: Investors who wish to invest in real estate must have a property with a total value of at least AED 5 million. The holding period is three years, and the property cannot be mortgage-financed.
- Entrepreneurs
5-Year Visa:
- Entrepreneurs may apply and are qualified for multi-entry, valid for six months and renewable for an additional six months if they have an established project valued at AED 500,000 or if certified business incubators in the United Arab Emirates have authorized their projects.
- Specialized Talents and Researchers
10-Year Visa:
- Doctors and Specialists: They should hold PhD degrees from the top 500 universities worldwide or receive awards in their areas of specialization. Additionally, they may belong to a professional body relating to their speciality or have made significant contributions to major scientific research efforts.
- Scientists: They must be recognized by the Emirates Scientists Council or win the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal For Scientific Excellence.
- Inventors: They need to acquire valuable patents that would contribute positively to the UAE economy. These patents must also be approved by the Ministry of Economy.
- Creative Individuals: People specializing in culture and art must have accreditation from the Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development.
- Executive Directors: In addition to coming from a recognized university, they should also possess a minimum of five years experience in their field plus a salary level of AED 30,000 onwards
- Outstanding Students
5-Year Visa:
- Those who graduated from public or private secondary schools have at least 95% as their minimum grade.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Graduates of universities within UAE or abroad who had a GP A of at least 3.75 upon graduation:
- The visa’s duration, which is either five or ten years, provides long-term stability, and it can be renewed automatically for another term.
- The visa does not require sponsorship from nationals, thus allowing the holders more control over their lives.
- The entire family can reside in UAE since the Visa covers wives and children.
- In UAE, visa holders can freely work, conduct business and invest.
- Visa provides long-term residency, hence making one feel secure thus enabling them to plan for their future safely.
This is how to apply for a golden visa
The Golden Visa Application procedure involves various steps, which vary slightly according to the applicant’s category. The following points give an overview of the process:
- Collect Necessary Documents: Take all required documents, including passports, certificates, financial statements, business details and other related papers.
- Apply: Applications may be made through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website or service centres.
- Application review and approval: The application will be assessed and reviewed by department officials. Applicants will be notified if necessary.
- Medical Test: Upon acceptance, a medical test is done on these applicants.
- Issue of a Visa: A Golden visa can now be issued when all necessary stages are completed and authorized.
The UAE Golden Visa program is an important strategy meant to attract talented people, investors and professionals worldwide. By being aware of the requirements, benefits and application processes, they can easily choose what suits them best and realize their dreams of living in the United Arab Emirates for a long time. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, specialized talent, researcher or exceptional student, Golden visa in the UAE provides a bright future in one of the most vibrant and fast-growing countries on earth.
