The Golden Visa program allows individuals to secure a 10-year residency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), thereby enhancing the nation’s competitiveness and fostering a conducive environment for business and growth. A comprehensive health insurance policy for the applicant is mandatory during the application process, as mandated by the relevant local authority.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Rights and Flexibility: Holders can work, reside, travel, and invest in the UAE.
Long-term Residency: The visa is long-term and renewable for a duration of 10 years.
Self-Sponsorship: Individuals can sponsor themselves and their family members, irrespective of their ages.
Domestic Assistance: Unlimited sponsorship of domestic helpers is permitted.
Multiple Entries: Visa holders can enjoy multiple entries to the UAE upon receiving residency permits.
Residency Duration: Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for any length of time without forfeiting their Golden Visa.
Family Continuity: Family members can stay in the UAE for the full duration of the visa, even in the event of the primary holder's demise.
No Mandatory Entry: Unlike other UAE visa holders, Golden Visa holders are not required to enter the UAE at least once every six months.
Public Investment
Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Maintain a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in an investment fund or a national bank in the UAE.
- Establish a business in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 2,000,000.
- Hold a partnership in an existing or new business with a minimum investment of AED 2,000,000.
- Own a business that contributes at least AED 250,000 in taxes to the Federal Government.
- Partner in a business that pays taxes amounting to at least AED 250,000 annually.
Subject to the confirmation that the invested capital is solely owned by the investor, not obtained through loans.
Real Estate Investment:
Property Value: Applicants must own property in UAE valued at a minimum of AED 2,000,000. Multiple properties under the applicant's name are permissible.
Mortgage Conditions: If the property is financed through a developer or bank mortgage, an account statement from the developer or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank is required to proceed with the residence visa application.
Geographical Presence: The applicant must be physically present in the UAE at the time of pre-approval for the Golden Visa.
Joint Ownership: Spouses may jointly hold a property; however, a marriage certificate (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legally translated into Arabic) is required. If the joint property is valued under AED 4,000,000, only one spouse can apply for the Golden Visa, with the ability to sponsor the other. Equal property shares are necessary; if the shares differ, the spouse with the larger share will be the primary visa holder and may sponsor the other.
Title Deeds: Ownership of property title deeds is essential for the application, with the market value needing to exceed AED 2,000,000 (an official evaluation certificate is mandatory).
Name Consistency: The name on the property title deed must match the name on the applicant’s passport.
Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals
Skilled workers and professionals may qualify for a Golden Visa by meeting the following criteria:
- Hold a valid employment contract in the UAE, with job roles classified under occupational levels 1 or 2 as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree and earn a minimum monthly basic salary of AED 30,000.
Required Documentation:
- NOC from the employer confirming eligibility for Golden Residency and length of service.
- Attested educational qualifications.
- Salary certificate confirming a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000.
- Employment contract aligning with the stated salary.
- Bank statements for the last six months showing consistent salary deposits.
- Copies of passport and visa, along with a recent photograph.
Pioneers of Humanitarian Work
Individuals recognized as pioneers in humanitarian work may obtain a 10-year Golden Visa by meeting specific criteria, including:
- Members and outstanding employees who have worked for international and regional organisations for a minimum of five years.
- Members and outstanding employees who have worked for civil associations and institutions of public interest for a minimum of five years.
- Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional or international organisation that focuses on humanitarian work.
- Funders of humanitarian work provided that the value of the support does not fall below two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.
Outstanding Specialized Talents
Professionals in critical fields, including healthcare, science, culture, and technology, may qualify under the following categories:
Doctors and Scientists: Must provide a practice approval letter and a valid health insurance card.
Creatives and Innovators: Requires a recommendation from relevant authorities.
Executives: Must possess a relevant degree, substantial experience, and meet salary thresholds.
Specialists in Science and Sports: Should have recognized qualifications and letters of recommendation from relevant bodies.
PhD Holders: Need to present attested academic qualifications and a valid work contract in their field.
Each category has specific requirements for documentation, including valid health insurance and identification.
