UAE Golden Visa? Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency scheme introduced in 2019 by the UAE government to attract foreign investment and talented individuals. This visa offers a range of benefits, including the ability to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years. In this article, we’ll look closer at the UAE’s Golden Visa and everything you need to know about it.

What is the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency scheme introduced by the UAE government in 2019. It is designed to attract foreign investment and talented individuals to the UAE. The visa allows investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, and their families to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years. The Golden Visa offers several benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members, work in the UAE without a national sponsor, and travel in and out of the UAE without the need for a visa. To be eligible for the Golden Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as investing a minimum of AED 10 million in the UAE, setting up a business in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 500,000, or being a talented individual in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine with a Ph.D. degree from a top-ranked institution and at least 10 years of experience in their field. Applicants must also provide documents such as passport copies, proof of investment or business setup, and high school or university transcripts. The application fee for the UAE’s Golden Visa is AED 2,000.

Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is open to investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals who meet certain criteria. Eligible applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Investors: Foreign investors who have invested a minimum of AED 10 million in the UAE can apply for the Golden Visa.
2. Entrepreneurs: Foreign entrepreneurs who have set up a business in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 can also apply for a Golden Visa.
3. Talented Individuals: Foreign professionals who are considered experts in science, engineering, and medicine with a Ph.D. from a top-ranked institution and at least 10 years of experience in their field can apply for the Golden Visa.

In addition to the above criteria, all applicants must meet certain requirements, such as providing proof of income, a clean criminal record, and passing a medical fitness test. They must also provide documents such as passport copies, proof of investment or business setup, and high school or university transcripts. Once granted, the Golden Visa allows the applicant and their family members to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years.

Documents required for Golden Visa

The documents required to apply for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the eligibility criteria of the applicant. However, here is a list of some of the most common documents required:

1. Passport copies of the applicant and their family members
2. Proof of investment or business setup in the UAE
3. High school or university transcripts and degrees
4. Clean criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country or the UAE
5. Medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved medical center
6. Proof of UAE health insurance
7. Passport-sized photographs of the applicant and their family members
8. The application form for the Golden Visa is available online through the Federal Authorities for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website or through a registered agent.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers several benefits for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals who are eligible to apply. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Long-term residency: The Golden Visa allows the applicant and their family members to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years. This provides a stable and secure environment for families to grow and develop their businesses or careers.
2. No national sponsor required: Unlike other UAE visas, the Golden Visa does not require a national sponsor, which means that applicants have more freedom to work and conduct business in the UAE.
3. Travel flexibility: Golden Visa holders can travel in and out of the UAE without the need for a visa, making it easier for them to conduct business internationally.
4. Sponsorship of family members: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including parents and adult children, to live and work in the UAE.
5. Access to healthcare and education: Golden Visa holders and their families have access to healthcare and education services in the UAE.
6. Path to citizenship: The Golden Visa can provide a pathway to citizenship for eligible applicants who meet certain criteria.
7. Attractive investment opportunities: The Golden Visa encourages foreign investment in the UAE, which can lead to attractive investment opportunities for applicants.

Overall, the UAE’s Golden Visa provides a range of benefits that can help applicants and their families build a secure and prosperous future in the UAE.

How to apply for the UAE Golden Visa

To apply for the UAE’s Golden Visa, eligible applicants must follow these steps:

1. Gather required documents: Applicants must gather all the necessary documents, including passport copies, proof of investment or business setup, high school or university transcripts, and a clean criminal record.
2. Submit application: Applicants can submit their Golden Visa application online through the Federal Authorities for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website or through a registered agent.
3. Pay application fee: The Golden Visa application fee is AED 2,000, which must be paid at the time of application.
4. Wait for approval: Once the application is submitted, the ICA will review the application and notify the applicant of its status. The processing time for the Golden Visa can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
5. Undergo medical fitness test: If the Golden Visa is approved, the applicant must undergo a medical fitness test to ensure they are in good health.
6. Collect Golden Visa: Once the medical fitness test is complete, the applicant can collect their Golden Visa and start enjoying the benefits of long-term residency in the UAE.

It’s important to note that eligibility for the Golden Visa is subject to meeting certain criteria, including a minimum investment or business setup requirement, a clean criminal record, and passing a medical fitness test. Applicants should also be prepared to provide all necessary documents and pay the required application fee.

Conclusion

The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that offers a range of benefits to eligible applicants, including investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals in certain fields. The Golden Visa allows the applicant and their family members to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years, with the possibility of renewing after that period. Some of the benefits of the Golden Visa include no national sponsor required, travel flexibility, sponsorship of family members, access to healthcare and education, and a pathway to citizenship for eligible applicants. To apply for the Golden Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, gather the required documents, and pay the application fee. Overall, the Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to make the UAE their long-term home or establish a business in the country.

FAQs