UAE Golden Visa – Golden Visa Online Application, Requirements, Price

UAE Golden Visa applicants can easily acquire a second passport, or at least residency in another country, for themselves and their families. Recently, these types of visas have increased in popularity, especially in countries within the European Union, where passports or residence permits come with a host of benefits including access to the EU free market and Schengen freedom of movement.

What is UAE Golden Visa?

Golden Visa are long-term residency visa that allow foreign talent to live, work, or study in the UAE for up to ten years. Investors and individuals with exceptional talents qualify for this golden residency scheme, which is renewable.

Foreign investment and expertise are attracted to the UAE through the Golden Visa program. A number of benefits are offered to holders, including living and working in the country, access to high-quality education and healthcare, and the ability to sponsor family members. After 10 years, the Golden Visa can be renewed.

UAE Golden Visa Online Application Process

UAE Golden Visa Online Application Via ICP

Individuals interested in applying for the Golden Visa can do so online at the ICP smart services platform. Applicants are required to submit the necessary documents and be willing to relocate to the UAE in accordance with their business venture.

UAE Golden Visa Online Application Via GDRFA

 The following steps can be followed by eligible applicants to apply for the Golden Visa on the GDRFA website:

• visit the GDRFA Dubai website.
• Choose your Golden Visa service
• Complete the visa application
• Pay the required fees and attach the required documents
• Apply for a visa

Additionally, applicants can also apply for the Golden Visa using the GDRFA Dubai Smart Application by following the steps below:

• Download the GDRFA-Dubai app (iOS, Android)
• New users must register an account if they do not already have one
• Choose the service you need
• Pay the required fees and attach the required documents
• Apply for a Visa

Candidates eligible for UAE’s Golden Visa can also apply through AMER Center.

UAE Golden Visa Requirements

UAE Golden Visa eligibility categories have been expanded. Among the newest additions to Abu Dhabi are senior scholars and clerics, elite specialists in industry and the 4th industrial revolution, medical specialists, and educators.

According to the latest developments, the following individuals are eligible to apply for the UAE Golden Visa:

Golden Visa For Preachers And Religious Researchers

A major announcement has been made by Dubai in anticipation of Eid Al-Fitr. Government officials have decided to award Golden Visas to mosque imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have served the country for 20 years.

The purpose of this decision is to recognize and appreciate the tremendous contributions made by these religious leaders toward the welfare of the community. The recipients will also receive a generous cash reward on the occasion of Eid, which is a symbolic gesture of gratitude.

UAE Golden Visa For Real Estate Investors

One of the following conditions must be met for real estate investors to qualify for the Golden Visa:

• Invest in a property worth at least AED 2 million,
• Purchase a property with a local bank loan
• From a list of approved local real estate companies, purchase one or more completed or off-plan properties worth no less than AED 2 million

To apply for a Golden Visa in this category, you must submit registration documents issued by the real estate authorities in the Emirate.

It is important to note that the residence visa expiry or cancellation period for expats in the UAE has been extended from 90 days to 180 days. Expats now have 6 months to amend their status and obtain another residence visa or leave the country. Grace periods are exempt from fines.

You may be granted a Golden visa if you own a property or a group of properties. The visa is renewable on the same terms without a sponsor if you meet the following criteria:

• Provision of a letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating he owns one or more properties worth at least AED 2 million
• An approved loan from a specific local bank allows the purchase of a property.

UAE Golden Visa For Public Investors

A Golden Visa can be granted for a period of 10 years without a sponsor if an applicant invests in an investment fund. This requires the consideration of the following conditions.

• A letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming the investor’s AED two million deposit is required, or
• Valid commercial or industrial license along with a memorandum of association indicating a minimum capital of AED two million.
• A letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming an annual payment of at least AED 250,000 to the government is required. Furthermore, the invested capital must be owned outright and not financed. A proof of medical insurance for both the investor and their family, if applicable, is also required.
• Moreover, it is essential that the invested capital is owned outright and not obtained through a loan.
• Evidence of medical insurance coverage for the investor and their family, if applicable, must also be provided.

UAE Golden Visa For Entrepreneurs And Startup Owners

Startup investors now have the opportunity to apply for a Golden Visa, providing their company is registered in the UAE. A company with annual revenues of AED 1 million or more should be classified as a small or medium business (SME). Additionally, entrepreneurs can qualify for the Golden Residence if they meet the following criteria:

• Entrepreneurship with a total value of not less than AED 7 million (USD 19,05,850) founded or co-founded by the person.
• A project or idea must be approved by the Ministry of Economy or the local authorities

Entrepreneurs who own economic projects of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation may qualify for a Golden visa. A letter of approval is also required from each of the following:

• An auditor in the UAE certifying that the project is worth at least 500,000 dirhams
• Authorities in the emirate stating that the project is technical or future-oriented
• Establish the proposed activity in a UAE accredited business incubator.

UAE Golden Visa For Exceptional Talents

The Golden Visa scheme is open to individuals who are exceptionally talented in the fields of art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, law, and others. Specialized talents include:

Artists and cultural creators

• A letter of approval from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.

Inventors

Athletes

• A letter of recommendation from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils

Doctoral degree holders

Moreover, the 10-year visa will be granted solely on the basis of talent. It will not be influenced by educational qualifications, employment status, monthly salary, or professional status. A federal or local government entity must, however, recommend or approve the proposal.

UAE Golden Visa For Executives

Requirements include:

• Obtain a copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with a bachelor’s degree or higher
• A letter of experience of at least five years with the same employer
• Minimum salary of AED 50,000 on a salary certificate
• A valid contract of employment.

UAE Golden Visa For Engineers And scientists

A copy of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education is required.

Engineering and science subjects include:

• Epidemiology and viruses
• Artificial intelligence
• Big data
• Computer engineering
• Electronic engineering
• Software engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Engineering in genetics and biotechnology.

UAE Golden Visa For Scientists

Scientists and researchers who meet the following criteria will be granted the Golden Visa:

• Have a PhD or Master’s degree from a world-class university in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences.

• A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or a letter from the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal Secretariat stating that the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence is required for this Visa.

UAE Golden Visa for skilled professionals

Golden Visa for skilled professionals encompasses all fields and disciplines, including education, law, science and engineering, information technology, social sciences, among others.

Professionals who qualify for the Golden Visa scheme must meet the following requirements:

• A valid UAE employment contract is held by them
• According to the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation, the job must fall under occupational level one or two.
• Salary must not be less than 30,000 AED per month
• A bachelor’s degree is also required for skilled workers.

Skilled professionals (classified at the first or second occupational level in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification) are eligible for an extended 6-month grace period.

UAE Golden Visa for students

A student with exceptional academic excellence, who has obtained high grades in UAE secondary schools or universities, is also eligible to apply for the 10-year Visa or the Golden Visa.

If you are a high school student and a national-level topper (with a minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school), you may be granted a Golden visa without a sponsor, provided you submit a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). 

Golden Visas are also available to talented students who have studied at top universities around the world. Academic performance/cumulative average, graduation year, and university classification are all considered.

You can apply for a Golden visa without a sponsor if you are an outstanding university student:

• Ministry of Education must rate the university either A or B
• Students are required to submit a letter of recommendation from their university or a certificate stating that their cumulative GPA is greater than 3.5 at A-class universities and greater than 3.8 at B-class universities.
• You graduated less than two years ago.

Golden visas may be granted to outstanding foreign university students for a period of 10 years without a sponsor if the following conditions are met:

• According to the Ministry of Education’s rating system, the university is among the top 100 universities in the world
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 is required
• You graduated less than two years ago
• The Ministry of Education accredits the graduation certificate

Those who have completed their studies are eligible for the extended grace period of six months.

UAE Golden Visa For Humanitarian Pioneers

Golden visas are granted to humanitarian pioneers for a period of ten years. To qualify as a humanitarian pioneer, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Members and outstanding employees of international and regional organizations
• Outstanding employees and members of civil associations and institutions of public interest with a minimum of five years’ experience
• Those who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international humanitarian organization
• Funders of humanitarian work provided that the value of the support did not fall below two million UAE dirhams.

UAE Golden Visa For Doctors And Nurses

Doctors and nurses, the first line of defence, have been granted long-term residency in the UAE.

Those who demonstrated extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can also apply for the Golden visa with a recommendation from a competent authority. Nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other cadres approved by the Frontline Heroes Office are among the frontline heroes. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has established seven centers throughout the Emirates for doctors and nurses to apply for visas in person.

To practice medicine in the UAE, doctors need an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Golden Visa For Exceptional Coders 

A UAE strategy to grant 100,000 golden visas to exceptional computer programmers has been announced. Various tech powerhouses such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon have partnered with the Emirates to train 100,000 youngsters in computer programming. The National Programme for Coders has begun accepting applications. Eligible applicants include:

• Coding experts and talents who have achieved success in a variety of areas
• Those who work for pioneering international technology companies
• Computer scientists, hardware engineers, software engineers, artificial intelligence specialists, data scientists, big data analysts, and electrical engineers.

Golden Visa Expanded Categories For Abu Dhabi

Golden Visa eligibility has been expanded in Abu Dhabi by the emirate. To be eligible, all categories must meet the following criteria.

• The applicant must work in the UAE
• Role must be classified by MoHRE’s occupational classification system
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement
• Salary of at least 30,000 AED per month
• Hold a valid UAE licence if required (such as a physician, pharmacist, teacher, etc.).
• An employer salary certificate with a bank statement for the last 6 months showing a salary of at least AED 30,000 per month

Here are the new categories and their requirements.

Senior scholars and clerics

Letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or a competent local authority.

Industrial and 4th Industrial Revolution specialists

A letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or a competent local authority.

Specialists in health fields

Ministry of Health or Abu Dhabi Department of Health recommendation letter.

Education specialists

The Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge should provide a recommendation letter.

Skilled professionals

• UAE-approved employment contract
• The applicant holds a position classified as level 1 or 2 by MOHRE
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent attested by the university.
• Licence to practice in the UAE or emirate if required by the profession
• Certificate of employment

UAE Golden Visa Salary Requirement

Golden Visas grant long-term residency (10 years) to people who earn over AED 30,000 per month, make investments of AED 2 million or more, or own off-plan properties valued at AED 2 million or more.

UAE Golden Visa Processing Time

A Golden Visa may take between 2-4 weeks to process. It depends on how many applications are being processed. It is recommended that you keep the maximum processing time of 30 days in mind.

UAE Golden Visa Price

Visa categories may affect the price of Golden Visa UAE. Visas in the UAE cost between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800. Those applying from outside the UAE will pay between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800, including an AED 150 application fee and an AED 1000 medical examination fee.

Additionally, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has revised the entry permit fees for applicants for the 10-year Golden Visa UAE.

The six-month entry permit now costs AED 1,250. AED 1,250 includes an issuance fee of AED 1,000, an application fee of AED 100, a smart services fee of AED 100, an electronic services fee of AED 28 and an ICP fee of AED 22.

Golden Visa UAE Validity

For those looking to live and work in the UAE, the UAE government has increased the validity of all Golden Visa categories from 5 years to 10 years. In addition, Golden Visa holders are entitled to a multiple-entry visa for a period of six months.

It is also possible for them to stay outside of the UAE for longer than 6 months. As a result, expats now have six months to amend their status and obtain another residence visa or leave the country.

Golden visa holders and their family members now have a grace period of six months after their visa expires or is canceled. Therefore, expats have 6 months to amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country.

During the grace period, fines are not applicable. In the event that the Golden visa holder fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependents, the dependents may be liable for an overstay fine.

UAE Golden Visa Extension

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (ICP) has confirmed that you can now extend or cancel your entry permit online. To finalize their residency visa, foreign nationals enter the UAE with this document.

This new policy applies to:

1. Normal visas or green residency visas take two months to process
2. Golden visa applications can be submitted multiple times in six months

UAE Golden Visa Insurance

Depending on several factors such as age, health, hospitals/clinics covered, etc., Golden Visa holders can apply for comprehensive insurance coverage that ranges from AED 2,000 – 50,000. National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has launched health insurance packages for Golden Visa holders that are valid for a year and can be renewed annually. All insurance plans have different premiums based on the plan option and age.

UAE Golden Visa Latest News And Rules

During the renewal process, property owners with portfolios worth at least Dh2 million will soon be able to benefit from automatic Golden Visas. This innovative approach was shared at the UAE Innovates exhibition, where the land departments of each emirate will be linked to the ICP portal, streamlining visa issuance. As part of the government’s effort to enhance the Golden Visa process, this marks a significant step.

UAE Golden Visa For Pakistani

If a Pakistani purchases a property worth at least AED 2 million, he or she can apply for a Golden Visa. If Pakistanis invest at least AED 5 million in a public project in the UAE, they can apply for a Golden Visa.

UAE Golden Visa For Indian

The UAE Golden Visa program is designed specifically for Indian citizens by the United Arab Emirates government. Individuals and their families can live, work, and study in the UAE for an extended period of time through long-term residency permits.

UAE Golden Visa Benefits And Advantages

UAE Golden Visa benefits include:

• Upon issuance of residency permits, an entry visa for six months with multiple entries will be issued
• A long-term, renewable residence visa
• Self-sponsored visas
• Staying outside of the UAE for any period of time without voiding their visa
• Families, including spouses and children, regardless of age, can be sponsored
• Sponsoring their parents for a 10-year residency without additional deposits
• Sponsoring an unlimited number of domestic workers
• Providing family members with the right to stay in the UAE until the expiration of their permit in the event of the death of the primary holder of the Golden Visa

Additionally, each emirate has its own Golden Visa benefits.

Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Golden Visa holders can take advantage of discounts and offers on cars, property, health care, hospitality, health insurance, and banking services. To offer the incentives, the resident’s office has partnered with companies across a variety of industries.
• The Abu Dhabi Residents Office has partnered with developer Imkan Properties to offer discounts to Abu Dhabi golden visa holders.
• Banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, will offer real estate golden visa investors reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates and attractive savings account rates.
• Holders will also benefit from reduced premiums on annual health insurance plans for families and individuals, with diverse network coverage and a bundle of benefits.
• Car prices will also be reduced for Golden Visa holders. In addition to priority booking for new releases, they will also have access to special payment facilities, maintenance offers, and licensing services.
• Selected hotels will offer special offers on dining, spa treatments, and gym memberships.

Dubai

Foreign residents in Dubai with a golden visa and a foreign driving license can now take the UAE driver’s test without taking any additional lessons, according to the authorities.

Golden visa holders will also automatically qualify for an UAE license if they hold a license from one of 32 approved countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Qatar, Kuwait, and Ireland.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that outstanding expatriate students and their families will be granted a 10-year residency Golden Visa. Dubai-based international universities will also offer discounts to students wishing to pursue higher education.

Esaad Privilege Card

The Esaad privilege card will be given to Golden Visa holders in Dubai. Dubai Golden Visa holders will receive the card free of charge.

Esaad cards will be issued to certain categories of Golden Visa holders in Dubai. Categories such as these include

• Public investment fund investors
• Investors in real estate
• Business owners
• Scientists, doctors, specialists, inventors, and others with specialized talents and knowledge
• Culture and art creatives
• Directors
• Academic specialists
• Professional athletes
• Engineers and scientists with PhD degrees, humanitarian aid workers
• Graduates from top universities and high schools

Please refer to our dedicated article below for more details on the Esaad Card benefits.

UAE Golden Visa Disadvantages

UAE Golden Visa disadvantages include:

1. Financial Requirements: Golden Visas typically require a significant financial commitment, such as a real estate or business investment. Individuals who need more financial resources may be disadvantaged by this.
2. Investment Risks: As with any investment, investing in real estate or a business in the UAE comes with inherent risks. Asset values can fluctuate, and profits are not guaranteed.
3. Economic Dependence: Your eligibility for the Golden Visa may depend on your investment or business activities in the UAE. Your visa status could be affected if your investment or business encounters financial difficulties.
4. Renewal Requirements: The validity period of a Golden Visa is typically limited (e.g., 5 or 10 years). Renewal of your visa may be subject to certain conditions, such as maintaining your investment or business activity. To avoid visa cancellation, please do so.
5. Limited Career Mobility: Work in the UAE may not provide the same career opportunities or mobility as other countries, especially if your visa is tied to a specific job.
6. Differences in culture and lifestyle: Moving to a new country, especially one with a different culture and way of life, can be challenging for some individuals and their families. Adapting to a new culture and environment may take time.
7. Geopolitical Considerations: Political and economic conditions in the UAE and the region are subject to change. Economic conditions and stability can be impacted by geopolitical events.
8. Family Separation: There may be challenges associated with family separation if you have family members who are not eligible for the Golden Visa or do not meet the program’s requirements.
9. Tax Considerations:It is important to remember that although there is no personal income tax in the UAE, you may still have to pay taxes in your home country. You should consider the tax implications of your UAE financial activities.

Golden Visa ‘One Touch’ Service

Golden visa ‘One touch’ service simplifies the application and renewal process for Golden residence visas, saving applicants’ time and effort.

It will assist applicants with their visa applications, issuance of other visas, regularization of status, issuance of residency and identity documents, and renewing them all at once.

FAQs About UAE Golden Visa

Who can get golden visa in UAE?

Golden visa are available to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. You can find digital services to apply for the Golden visa, as well as information about its requirements and benefits.

What is the minimum salary for UAE golden visa?

Golden Visas grant long-term residency (10 years) to people who earn over AED 30,000 per month, make investments of AED 2 million or more, or own off-plan properties valued at AED 2 million or more.

Is it difficult to get UAE Golden visa?

Essentially, it’s your ticket to a long-term residency in Dubai – and it’s not as hard as you might think. It was initially granted to residents who made outstanding contributions to the country, were highly skilled in certain fields, or worked in key industries.

Conclusion 

UAE Golden Visa offers unique opportunities for individuals and their families to secure long-term residency in the UAE. With expanded eligibility categories and streamlined application processes, Golden Visas have become more accessible.

Whether through investment, exceptional talent, humanitarian contributions, or academic excellence, individuals can unlock a host of benefits.

These benefits include residency, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to sponsor family members. As Golden Visa continues to rise, the UAE remains a beacon of opportunity for those seeking a new chapter in their lives.