Imagine a visa that not only grants you the right to reside, work, or study in the UAE but also opens doors to a plethora of privileges. That’s precisely what the UAE Golden Visa offers. Designed to attract top-tier investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students, humanitarian leaders, and frontline heroes, this prestigious visa program signifies more than just residency—it’s a symbol of recognition for those who seek to contribute their expertise and resources to the nation’s growth and development.
With the Golden Visa, individuals gain access to a host of advantages, including extended residency, tax advantages, and rights almost equivalent to UAE citizens. This unique visa category stands out for its flexibility and the wealth of opportunities it provides to those looking to establish themselves in the UAE.
Explore the Golden Visa program, your gateway to building a future in the UAE. Check out how it supports business investors, fosters top talent, and enriches the UAE’s diverse community. This program goes beyond a visa; it’s an invitation to contribute to a thriving nation and realise one’s full potential.
Types of UAE Golden Visas
A 5 year Green Residence visa
Who is it for:
Skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs.
Who can be added?
Three executives and family.
A 10-year visa
Who is it for?
Investors and entrepreneurs.
Who can be added?
Family can be added
Domestic support staff can be added
One executive director
One advisor
Who can apply for the golden visa?
The UAE residence system has expanded, opening doors for more individuals to secure this prestigious long-term visa. Are you an innovative entrepreneur, a talented scientist, or a high-achieving student? You could be eligible!
Here’s who can apply:
Investors: Own property worth at least AED 2 million anywhere in the UAE, regardless of whether it’s completed, off-plan, or mortgaged. This exciting update eliminates equity restrictions.
Entrepreneurs: Be a partner or owner of a registered SME generating at least AED 1 million annually, found a startup sold for over AED 7 million, or have an approved startup from an official incubator.
Exceptional Talents: Showcase your brilliance in fields like culture, art, sports, or digital technology, regardless of education, employment, or salary. A federal or local government recommendation is required.
Scientists: Receive recognition from the Emirates Scientists Council with your PhD or Master’s in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences, along with notable research achievements.
Professionals: Hold a first or second occupational-level position in your field (medicine, science, IT, business, etc.) with a minimum bachelor’s degree and a salary of at least AED 30,000 per month. An employment contract within the UAE is also required.
Outstanding Students & Graduates: Shine as a top achiever in UAE secondary schools or universities or graduate from one of the world’s 100 best universities with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. High schoolers with a 95%+ average are also eligible, along with their families.
Humanitarian Pioneers: Dedicate yourself to making a difference as a member of international/regional charities, a public benefit association, or a recognised volunteer in humanitarian efforts.
Frontline Heroes: Healthcare workers and others who bravely served during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible.
UAE Golden Visa Advantages
Acquiring a Golden Visa in the UAE presents numerous benefits for investors. Below are some of the key advantages it offers:
Extended validity
The Dubai Golden Visa offers a significant advantage with its 10-year validity period. This visa can be automatically renewed, provided you maintain ownership of property in the UAE, ensuring prolonged stability and security for both you and your family.
Unrestricted residency and employment
Possessing a golden visa grants you unrestricted rights to reside and work within the UAE, allowing for seamless engagement in business activities or simply enjoying life in the Emirates. Moreover, the visa includes the investor’s entire family, encompassing children and parents.
Tax advantages
The UAE is renowned for its minimal tax obligations. By holding a golden visa, you gain access to a tax-friendly environment, exempt from income, capital gains, inheritance, estate, and gift taxes, thereby enhancing financial freedom and prosperity.
Banking privileges
Acquiring a Dubai Golden Visa enables you to establish a bank account within the UAE, facilitating efficient financial management. This capability empowers you to safeguard savings, accrue interest on deposits, and conduct international transactions easily and conveniently.
Healthcare and education access
The Dubai Golden Visa offers you and your family invaluable access to high-quality healthcare services at clinics across the UAE. As well as international schools and universities, the country offers a variety of educational institutions, making your children’s education a top priority.
Golden Visa Requirement for Investors
Investors aspiring to secure a Golden Visa in the UAE for a duration of up to 10 years must fulfil specific criteria.
- Valid Trade License and Business Activities: Demonstrate possession of a valid trade license along with active engagement in substantial business activities within the UAE.
- Employed Capital: Maintain an employed capital exceeding 2 million AED or the equivalent share value.
- Valid Emirates ID from a Recognized Company: Present a valid Emirates ID issued by a nationally recognised company.
- Valid UAE Visa: Possess a valid visa permitting entry into the UAE.
- Audited Financial Statements: Furnish audited financial statements for the preceding year as evidence of financial stability and viability.
- Investment in VAT-Registered Company: Direct investment into a VAT-registered company, with the applicant required to provide the last four quarterly statements demonstrating consistent and punctual tax payments.
- Minimum Average Balance: Maintain a minimum average balance of 500,000 AED in the company’s operational accounts over the last six months.
- Business Partners Contribution: For investors with business partners, each contributing a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately US$544,484) towards the investment.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa
1. Check Your Match: Head to the official website and click on eChannels Services, and you will reach the page Browse Smart Service. Under Golden Residency, select the type that best suits you (Investor, Entrepreneur, etc.).
2. Ready, Set, Apply: Hit Start Service and embark on your application journey. Fill out each section with accurate information, attach your required documents, and carefully review your application before submitting.
3. Secure Your Spot: Pay the application fees and you’re good to go! Remember, you can also check your eligibility through the ICP Smart Services.
4. Tracking Your Dream: Once submitted, track your application status effortlessly on the website. Processing times typically range from a few weeks to a month.
In a Nutshell
Imagine a future where opportunity thrives, innovation flourishes, and success knows no bounds. This is the vision embodied by the UAE Golden Visa, a prestigious program crafted to support business investors like you.
Beyond a visa, it’s an invitation. Join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries shaping the UAE’s dynamic landscape. Leverage the benefits: extended residency, tax advantages, unrestricted work access, and the privilege of calling this thriving nation home.
Find out what you can do: invest in real estate, establish a business, or tap into a network of support systems. The Golden Visa is your gateway to live your entrepreneurial dreams.
