Dubai has established itself as a city of opportunities over the years. It has evolved into the ideal hub for individuals to thrive in with the introduction of the Dubai Golden Visa.
The UAE is well-known for its world-class technology and innovative methods to further the economy. With the addition of this newly introduced visa, there’s no doubt that the economy is only going to develop significantly hereon.
Read to learn everything you need about Golden Visas and how to obtain one for yourself and your family.
What is a Dubai Golden Visa?
A UAE and Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanities pioners and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden Visa.
The Golden Visa was introduced to motivate, provide opportunities, and retain “talented people and great minds” in the country. This will drive the economy to great heights. Moreover, after its launch in 2019, over 400 investors, entrepreneurs, and some of their family members have been granted a golden visa in the UAE.
Who can obtain a Golden Visa in UAE?
There are specific categories under which individuals can obtain the UAE Golden Visa. These categories include:
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
UAE Golden Visa Cost 2024:
If you are eligible, the UAE Golden Visa cost would be approximately AED 5,000 for an investor visa. Additionally, PRO charges will apply to the amount. Charges and years of visa validity may vary depending on the type of visa applied for.
Benefits of Dubai Golden Visa
With the Dubai Golden Visa, the individual can receive the following advantages:
- Multiple entry permits
Unlike other types of visas where individuals are required to be physically present in the UAE every six months, Golden Visa holders are exempt from this rule.
- Security
These long-term residence visas give people the safety and assurance of being a resident in the UAE for an extended period. They also have the option to renew their visas on conditional terms.
- Extended to dependents
Acquiring a Golden Visa in Dubai gives applicants the opportunity to extend the visas to their dependents, such as spouses and children.
- Affordable pricing
Compared to the price of obtaining a visa in other countries, Golden Visas in the UAE are highly affordable.
- Special services
The UAE has come up with various benefits and services for individuals with Golden Visas. One such service is implementing 24×7 “You are special service” by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). This service aims to assist Golden Visa holders, among others.
How Can you be Eligible to Obtain a Golden Visa in UAE?
10-year Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility:
The applicant must fulfil at least one of the below-mentioned requirements:
Investors:
- Deposit up to AED 10 million in an investment fund in the UAE.
- Required to own a company with a minimum of AED 10 million as a capital investment or partner with a share of up to AED 10 million.
This visa can be extended to business partners, spouses and children, as well as one executive director and advisor.
Conditions:
The individual must meet at least one of the following conditions to apply for a Golden Visa.
- The individual should wholly own investment funds made. Investments made using loans will not be acceptable, and adequate proof must be given.
- The applicant must have retained the investment for at least 3 years.
- The applicant must have insurance documents for themselves and their dependents.
The visa can also be obtained by specialised talents such as scientists, specialists, doctors, coders, and creative individuals in culture and art.
5-year Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility:
The applicant must fulfil at least one of the below-mentioned requirements:
Investors:
- Should have invested in a property of no less than AED 5 million.
- The invested amount cannot be paid on a loan basis.
- The property must be in possession for at least three years.
Entrepreneurs:
- Should have an existing project of AED 500,000.
- Must be approved as an accredited business incubator in the country.
Conditions: (applicable only to investors)
The individual would have to meet at least one of the following conditions in order to apply for a Golden Visa.
- The applicant’s existing project must be in a field certified in the UAE.
- Applicant must be recognised as a founder of the project.
- The applicant’s business incubator must support other enterprises and startups by providing relevant resources and services. Additionally, the enterprise needs to have relevant certification.
- Applicants must have health insurance for themselves and their family members.
This visa can also be obtained by outstanding students with a minimum grade of 95%. Additionally, the Golden Visa is extended to the student’s family.
Guide to Applying for a Dubai Golden Visa
Interested in applying for a Golden visa in Dubai? First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Once confirmed, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website and navigate to the services section.
- Choose “eChannels Residency and Citizenship” from the dropdown menu.
- You’ll be directed to the ‘Browse Smart Service’ page.
- Click on the option for Golden Residency.
- Scroll through the available types of Golden Visa services.
- Select your desired service and click “Start Service” to initiate your application.
- The application process comprises several steps:
- Provide your personal information accurately.
- Attach the necessary documents.
- Review your visa application thoroughly.
- Proceed to pay the application fees.
You can diligently complete your Dubai Golden Visa application process by following these steps.
Documents required for a Golden Visa in Dubai
Submission of all the necessary documents. These documents include:
- Passport copy
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID
- Passport photo
- Trade license
- Memorandum of Association
- Audit report
- Auditor license and certificate
- Bank statement
- Title deed (AED 2 million)
- Ejari
- Health Insurance
Changes may apply to the required documents depending on your category. In addition, the applicant should also be willing to relocate to the UAE.
Essential Documents for Indian Applicants Seeking UAE Golden Visa
Below is a detailed list of documents required for Indian citizens applying for a Golden Visa in the UAE:
- Clear copies of your passport, including all pages with stamps and visas.
- Copies of previous UAE visas, if applicable.
- Recent passport-sized colour photographs with a white background.
- Proof of eligibility, including relevant documents corresponding to the chosen category.
- Bank or financial statements demonstrate financial stability and the ability to support oneself in the UAE.
- Health insurance coverage.
- For current residents of Dubai, documentation verifying your current residential status may be necessary.
- A police clearance certificate from your home country or any other country where you have resided in recent years.
- UAE authorities may require additional documents depending on your unique circumstances and chosen category.
Who is Eligible for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE’s Golden Visa offers exclusive privileges allowing individuals to reside, work, and study in the country. This includes a specialised business visa catering to business owners. With this visa, individuals can enter Dubai either for six months on a multiple-entry basis or opt for a long-term renewable residence visa valid for five or ten years, with the possibility of sponsoring family members.
Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa is determined based on talent, residency type, and occupation. The following categories of individuals qualify for the Golden Visa:
Investors
Investors are granted a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor if they invest in an accredited investment fund. Requirements include a letter from the investment fund in the UAE confirming a deposit of AED two million or more, along with a valid industrial/commercial license and a memorandum of association attesting to the investor’s capital not falling below AED two million. Additionally, a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating an annual payment of no less than AED 250,000 to the government is required. Proof of complete ownership of invested capital (not a loan) and medical insurance is also necessary.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs with economic projects of a technical or future-oriented nature qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa. Requirements include an auditor in the UAE certifying a project value not below AED 500,000 and validation of the project’s technical or future orientation, based on risk and innovation, by relevant authorities.
Skilled Professionals
This category encompasses professionals with specialised expertise benefiting Dubai’s development, including those in science, technology, art, and culture.
Outstanding Students
Exceptional students accepted by recognised universities or educational institutions in Dubai are eligible for the Golden Visa.
Retirees
Retired individuals with a specified level of financial stability qualify for the Golden Visa, subject to meeting specific financial criteria.
Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors receive a 5-year Golden Visa upon providing a letter from the land department confirming ownership of one or more properties valued at AED 2 million or more. Additional documentation is required if the property was purchased with a bank loan approved by a competent local entity.
Read more insightful articles: How to Start a Real Estate Business in Dubai
Outstanding Specialized Talent
Individuals meeting the following criteria receive a 10-year Golden Visa: an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE and a recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists, attesting to the applicant being awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
Obtain your Golden Visa now with Shuraa
It is no surprise that the UAE economy is flourishing. With the addition of Golden Visas, it’s the hub for individuals to thrive and accomplish much more. Obtaining your Golden Visa might seem taxing, but Shuraa can help smoothen and speed up the process. We will take care of the entire process with the help of our expert business setup consultants and PROs.
Shuraa is one of the leading business setup companies in the UAE. For over 20 years, we have been helping entrepreneurs form and maintain their businesses in the country. Our expert consultants will guide you through applying for your visa, understanding all you need to know about the visa, and gaining approvals from the authorities.
Contact us to learn more about the Dubai Golden Visa. Call us at +97144081900 or send a WhatsApp message at +971507775554. Additionally, you can email us at [email protected] and get your queries answered quickly.
Golden Visa FAQs
Q1. Who qualifies for a long-term residency visa in Dubai?
Both investors and entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for a 5-year or 10-year residency visa in Dubai, commonly known as a Dubai investor visa.
Q2. What is the minimum investment required for long-term residency in Dubai?
A minimum investment of AED 2 million is necessary for obtaining a 5-year residency visa, whereas for a 10-year residency visa, the minimum investment required is AED 10 million.
Q3. Can investor visas be used for employment in Dubai?
Investors holding a valid UAE residency visa can reside, work, and sponsor family members in Dubai.
Q4. What is the typical processing duration for the UAE Golden Visa?
The processing time for a UAE Golden Visa varies based on the visa category. However, generally, it takes between 3 to 6 months to process.
Q5. Who Qualifies for a UAE Golden Visa?
Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa depends on the visa category you’re applying for. Nonetheless, general requirements include:
- Being a non-UAE citizen.
- Holding a valid passport.
- Maintaining a clean criminal record
- Fulfilling the particular criteria for your visa category.
Q6. How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa for Engineers?
To apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai, UAE, specifically for engineers, you need to satisfy the following criteria:
- You must be a non-UAE citizen.
- Possess a valid passport.
- Maintain a clean criminal record.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering experience.
- Accumulate at least 5 years of engineering experience.
- GET a job offer from a company in the UAE.
Q7. How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa for doctors?
To apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE specifically for doctors, you need to fulfil the following criteria:
- Non-UAE citizenship is required.
- A valid passport is necessary.
- Maintaining a clean criminal record is essential.
- A medical degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
- Holding a valid license to practice medicine in the UAE is required.
- Accumulating at least 5 years of experience in the medical field is necessary.
