UAE Golden Visa
UAE GOLDEN VISA
The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits such as:
- A six-month entry visa with multiple entries to facilitate residence issuance
- A renewable long-term residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
- The benefit of not needing a sponsor
- The ability to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency status
- The ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children, regardless of age
- The ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers
- Family members can remain in the UAE until the end of their permit duration if the primary Golden visa holder passes away
The requirements for the Golden Visa vary depending on the type of residence, such as for investors, talents, entrepreneurs, etc.
Investors in Public Investments
If you invest in an investment fund, you may be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor, subject to:
1. Submission of a letter from an accredited investment fund in the UAE confirming a deposit of AED 2 million
2. Submission of a valid commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association confirming the investor’s capital of at least AED 2 million
3. A letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that the investor pays at least AED 250,000 in taxes annually
4. Full ownership of the investment capital (it cannot be a loan)
5. Proof of medical insurance for the investor and their family, if applicable
Real Estate Investors
If you own one or more properties valued at AED 2 million or more, you may be granted a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions without a sponsor. Requirements include:
1. A letter from the relevant land department confirming property ownership of at least AED 2 million
2. Purchase of property through loans from approved local banks.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs may receive a 5-year Golden Visa if they own a risk-based and innovative economic project, subject to approval from:
1. An auditor stating the project value is at least AED 500,000
2. Local authorities confirming the project is technical or future-oriented
3. An accredited UAE business incubator supporting the activity.
Outstanding Specialized Talents
Individuals with exceptional talents, such as doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, executives, athletes, PhD holders, and specialists in engineering and science, may be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa, subject to meeting specific requirements for each category. Fields include epidemiology, artificial intelligence, big data, computer engineering, and more.
1-Doctors and Scientists: Approval letter from the Ministry of Health (doctors) or a recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists
2-Inventors: A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy confirming your patent's value
3-Creative Professionals: Approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts of the respective emirate
4-Executives: A valid degree, a letter of at least 5 years experience in the same position, a salary certificate of at least AED 50,000, and a valid work contract
5-Athletes: A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or a sports council.
6-Specialists in Engineering and Science: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education and a work contract.
Outstanding High School Students
Top-performing high school students with a minimum grade of 95% in public or private secondary school may receive a 5-year Golden Visa, with a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education. If they enrol in a long-term program, the visa may be extended.
University Students:
Outstanding university students may receive a 10-year Golden Visa, provided:
1-The university is rated A or B by the Ministry of Education
2- A recommendation letter from the university or an accredited academic record showing a GPA of at least 3.5 (A-class) or 3.8 (B-class)
3-Graduation must have occurred within the last 2 years.
Outstanding students from foreign universities may also receive a 10-year Golden Visa, provided:
1. The university ranks among the top 100 globally according to Ministry of Education standards
2. The student has a GPA of at least 3.5
3. Graduation has occurred within the past 2 years
4. The graduation certificate is accredited by the Ministry of Education
Pioneers of Humanitarian Work:
Humanitarian workers may be granted a 10-year Golden Visa. Eligible individuals include:
1. Those with at least 5 years of service in international or regional organizations
2. Individuals with at least 5 years of service in civil associations or public interest institutions
3. Individuals who have received a humanitarian award
4. Funders of humanitarian work, with support valued at no less than AED 2 million
Frontline Heroes:
Frontline heroes, such as those who showed exceptional effort during the COVID-19 pandemic, may qualify for a Golden Visa with a recommendation from the relevant authority. Frontline heroes include nurses, lab technicians, and other essential workers.