What is UAE’s Golden Visa and who is eligible to apply: Explained

The United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa continues to attract global interest as a long-term residency option offering significant benefits for foreign investors, skilled professionals, and high-achieving students. Created to support the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for talent, the Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the country without needing a local sponsor.

What is the UAE’s Golden Visa?

According to the official portal of the UAE government, the Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable residence permit issued for 5 or 10 years. It offers a six-month multiple-entry permit to finalise residency procedures, and applicants can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their residency status. Key advantages include:

• No need for a local sponsor
• Ability to sponsor family members of any age
• Permission to sponsor unlimited domestic workers
• Family can stay in UAE even if the visa holder passes away

Applications and renewals can be done online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD).

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Who is eligible?

Eligibility varies based on the applicant’s profession or contribution. The UAE government recognises several categories for Golden Visa consideration.

1. Investors in public investments
Investors with at least AED 2 million in public investments qualify for a 10-year visa. They must:

• Submit a letter from an accredited investment fund in the UAE
• Hold a valid commercial or industrial licence with a minimum AED 2 million capital
• Show evidence of paying at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes
• Own the investment outright and not through loans
• Provide medical insurance for themselves and their families

2. Real estate investors
Real estate owners with assets valued at a minimum of AED 2 million can apply for a 5-year visa. The property may be financed through select local banks, subject to approval by the land department of the emirate.

3. Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs with innovative and risk-based projects of at least AED 500,000 can apply for a 5-year visa. Required documents include:

• Auditor’s confirmation of project value
• Approval from the local emirate stating the project is of a technical or future nature
• Letter from an accredited UAE business incubator

4. Outstanding specialised talents
This 10-year visa applies to experts across diverse sectors, including:

• Doctors and scientists: With approval from UAE’s health ministry or a letter from Emirates Council of Scientists
• Inventors: With patents endorsed by the Ministry of Economy
• Cultural and artistic creatives: With approvals from local culture departments
• Executives: Must hold a bachelor’s degree, five years’ experience, a monthly salary of at least AED 50,000, and a valid contract
• Engineers and tech specialists: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree holders in specific disciplines like AI, big data, software or electronic engineering

5. Outstanding students

• High school toppers: Must score 95% or above and submit a recommendation from the Ministry of Education. The 5-year visa can be extended.
• University students in UAE: GPA of 3.5 (A-rated universities) or 3.8 (B-rated), and graduation within two years
• Foreign university graduates: The university must be among the global top 100, with GPA not below 3.5, and a certified degrees

6. Humanitarian work pioneers

This 10-year visa targets individuals who:

• Worked in international or public-interest organisations for five years
• Received humanitarian awards
• Donated at least AED 2 million to humanitarian causes

7. Frontline heroes
Professionals who served during national emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic may also qualify. Eligible roles include nurses, lab technicians, and medical assistants, subject to recommendations from recognised UAE authorities.

What is the 'One Touch' Golden Visa service?
To streamline the application and renewal process, the UAE introduced the 'One Touch' Golden Visa service. This digital solution allows applicants to:

• Apply for visas
• Modify or regularise status
• Obtain residency and identity documents
• Renew all in a single transaction