How to Obtain UAE Golden Visa - A Comprehensive Guide

Do you want to live in the United Arab Emirates? The UAE Golden Visa program is for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents and outstanding students who would like to be residents in that country for an extended period of time. In this guide we will go through all the benefits offered by this visa as well as eligibility requirements, application process and investment options available under it.

The Golden Visa is a program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which gives people long term residency permits if they invest money there or start businesses; also if they have special skills or talents. It was created so as to attract foreign investors and exceptional individuals into the country thus boosting its economy. UAE being tax free with world class infrastructure coupled with a vibrant business environment has become one of most preferred destinations by expatriates looking for new challenges.

Overview of UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa, which was launched in 2019, is a long-term residency permit that allows foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. It is issued for 5 or 10 years with renewability provisions that give holders a sense of stability and security.

Benefits of Golden Visa

The UAE residence permit for investors opens many doors. Without a local sponsor, it lets you live, work, and learn in the UAE. This means more freedom and control in your life and work. The UAE residence permit for investors offers numerous benefits:

No need for a national sponsor
100% ownership of businesses in the UAE mainland
Visa sponsorship for family members
Access to world-class healthcare and education
Ability to travel in and out of the UAE easily

Eligibility Criteria

The UAE Golden Visa enables people to live, work and study anywhere in the UAE without a sponsor or guardian. In order to qualify for this type of residence permit one needs to fall under certain categories defined by law: investor, entrepreneur, highly skilled worker or exceptional student.

Investors

Foreign investors who have made considerable investments within the UAE are eligible for this type of visa. However, there is no fixed minimum investment required; rather it depends on what sector you invest in:

Type of Investment Minimum Investment Required

Real Estate AED 2 million (around USD 545,000)
Public Investments AED 10 million (around USD 2.7 million)

Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners

Entrepreneurs and startup owners who own successful businesses or plan to set up one in Dubai can apply for this type of visa.

Requirements include;

Ownership of a startup or SME in the UAE
Approval from any accredited business incubator/accelerator platform recognized by DED or any other government entity concerned with entrepreneurship development programs/initiatives in Dubai.

Specialized Talents and Researchers

People with exceptional talents or expertise in various fields such as science, technology, engineering arts culture etc., may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria according to their respective category under which they fall under when applying.

This category includes but not limited to;

Doctors & Specialists
Scientists & Researchers
Inventors & Innovators
Creative Professionals e.g Artists Writers Musicians etc..

Outstanding Students and Graduates

Excellent students or graduates from universities recognized by MOEHE inside/outside UAE can also apply for golden visas but must meet specific conditions based on academic excellence while studying abroad/university ranking/their outstanding contributions towards research work during undergraduate/postgraduate studies etc..

Requirements are as follows:

Minimum GPA 3.8 or equivalent
Graduation from top ranked university
Extraordinary achievements in academic, research or extracurricular activities

Application Process

In order to apply for a UAE golden visa, there are several steps one needs to follow:

Choose Visa Category

Determine the visa category you qualify for based on your investment, expertise, or educational background.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents which may include but not limited to;

Passport copy with residence visa page (if applicable)
Recent passport size photograph with white background.
Investment proof such as property ownership certificates/ business licenses etc., depending on the type of investment made by an individual applicant.
Medical Insurance Card & Health Certificate obtained from authorized medical centers recognized by DHA/DHCC/MOHAP etc..

Submit Online Application

Go online at ICA website – https://www.ica.gov.ae/ – then create an account if you don’t have any yet Fill in application form Upload/supporting your scanned documents Pay fee electronically Wait approval message from immigration department via email/sms/mobile app notification.

Pay Fees and Wait for Approval

After applying, you’ll need to pay the visa’s costs. It usually takes about two months to get the visa approved. Once it’s approved, you can bring your family, run your own business fully, and stay mostly outside the UAE but still keep your visa.

Investment Options

To get a UAE Golden Visa, you can check out two main ways: investing in real estate or the public sector. Each choice has its rules and good points. This lets you pick what’s best for your money plans and what you like.

Real Estate Investment

Many people choose real estate to get a UAE Golden Visa. To get residency permit this way you’ll need to buy a property in freehold area worth AED 2 million or more ($544,508). However if that property is sold then visa will be cancelled and investor will have to either purchase another property or meet other Golden Visa requirements to maintain their residency status.

When looking at real estate for UAE golden visa look into freehold areas. Check if they’re likely going up in value and if you can rent them out. Good places to look include Dubai Marina ,Palm Jumeirah ,Downtown Dubai .

Investment in Public Sector

Another way is through the public sector. You can do this by putting at least AED 10 million in an investment fund in the UAE. Or start company with AED 10 million capital or join one with a share worth AED 10 million.

By investing in the public sector, you can get a Golden Visa. Plus, you help the UAE’s economy grow. Healthcare, education, and renewable energy are good areas to invest in.

Investment Option	Minimum Investment	Visa Duration
Real Estate	AED 2 million	5 years
Public Sector (Investment Fund)	AED 10 million	10 years
Public Sector (Company Establishment)	AED 10 million	10 years
Public Sector (Company Partnership)	AED 10 million (share value)	10 years

Choosing between real estate and public sector depends on how much risk you can take, your plan for investing and how much involvement you want in your investment. Speaking to a money expert can guide you to a choice that’s aligned with your bigger money plan.

Required Documents

Want the UAE Golden Visa? You need to send in many documents. This is important no matter if you are an investor, an entrepreneur, a skilled worker or a top student it is crucial for smooth application process. Make sure all documents are ready before applying.

Passport and Photographs

You must have a valid passport for at least six more months. You also need recent passport photos that follow the UAE’s rules. They should have a white background and clearly show your face.

Proof of Investment or Expertise

If you’re investing, you might need a letter showing you own property worth over AED 2 million. As an investor, you could also use a letter confirming your investment from a fund. Entrepreneurs can qualify for a 5 year Golden Visa if they have project approved by an accredited business incubator in the UAE with minimum capital of AED 500K. There is no minimum annual income requirement. Skilled workers and researchers must have official UAE accreditation and prove they have made big contributions to their field. Smart students need to show their school awards or college diplomas.

Medical Insurance and Certificate

Having health insurance is a must. Your policy should cover your whole stay in the UAE. Also, you need a health check that says you’re not sick when you apply.

The UAE Golden Visa process has a few steps. You give your information, attach your documents, they check everything and then you pay the visa fee which can be between AED 2,800 and AED 4,800 depending on what you need and where you apply. You’ll also pay extra for the health check and an Emirates ID. Applying at the Al Kifaf Amer center costs AED 2,711.75. The health check for the visa costs AED 1,000.

*The exact fees for the Golden Visa application and medical check may vary depending on the category and the emirate where you apply.

Visa Validity and Renewal

Foreigners who would like to reside for an extended period of time can apply for the UAE Golden Visa. It allows individuals to live, work, or study in the UAE for five to ten years depending on the type of Golden Visa applied for. Investors or those with unique abilities such as doctors or artists may receive a ten-year Visa while entrepreneurs, students and fresh graduates that qualify could obtain a five year one.

5 or 10 Year Validity

The duration of your Golden Visa in the UAE is tied to what you do. If you invest in real estate over AED 2 million, you might get a ten-year one. This applies to many categories now, including investors, entrepreneurs, and people with special skills, allowing up to ten years in the UAE.

Renewal Process and Requirements

To keep your Golden Visa, you have to keep meeting the right criteria and renew it in time. Renewing means updating some documents and paying fees. Make sure to start the renewal process early to avoid any gaps in your UAE residency.

When renewing your Golden Visa, show you still fit the criteria for your type. For real estate investors, this means keeping properties worth two million AED or more. The renewal requirements for Golden Visa holders may vary depending on the category and the specific conditions at the time of renewal.

Know the rules for renewing your Golden Visa to make the process easy. This lets you keep enjoying the benefits, like owning a business fully and sponsoring helpers. Knowing what to do will help you stay in the UAE without any problems.

Conclusion

Getting a UAE Golden Visa means you need to know about different investment choices like real estate or public projects. You also must gather the needed documents: your passport, investment proof, expertise, and health insurance info. You can apply for the UAE Golden Visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or app or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) offices in the respective emirates. The process may vary slightly depending on the emirate and the category under which you are applying.

How to Obtain UAE Golden Visa – A Comprehensive Guide