UAE Golden Visa: Requirements, Benefits, and Application – Novus

UAE Golden Visa: What is it? How to apply?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government in 2019. It allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor.

The key benefits of the Golden Visa include:

• Permission to stay in the UAE for 5 or 10 years (renewable)
• No requirement for a sponsor or employer
• Ability to sponsor family members for residency
• Access to educational and healthcare services like UAE nationals
• Ability to own property and conduct business without restrictions

Obtaining the Golden Visa is a multi-step process that involves meeting eligibility criteria, submitting an application, providing supporting documents, undergoing medical tests, and paying fees. The eligibility criteria differ based on category – investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and innovators.

This guide will walk through the end-to-end process for getting a UAE Golden Visa in each category. We’ll cover the eligibility requirements, documents needed, application process, visa fees, and renewal procedures. Whether you want to start a business as a foreigner or study in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, this article will help you understand how to get a Golden Visa.

Eligibility Requirements For UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa has eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to qualify. The main categories are:

Investors

To qualify as an investor, you must:

– Invest at least 10 million AED in property or establish a company in Dubai.

– Have recommendations from relevant Dubai authorities like the Department of Economic Development.

– Provide proof of your investment. This can include property title deeds, company registration paperwork, etc.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs must:

– Own or partner in an operating company in Dubai with a capital of 5 million AED or more.

– Obtain approval from Dubai’s Department of Economic Development.

– Submit proof of business ownership and capital investment.

Professionals

Professionals in various fields like medicine, sciences, engineering, law, etc. can qualify if:

– They have a valid employment contract in Dubai.

– They have a minimum salary of 30,000 AED per month.

– Their employer will sponsor the Golden Visa application.

Students

Students are eligible if they:

– Are from a top 500 university as per specific rankings.

– Maintain high academic performance.

– Have proof of enrollment and transcripts from their university.

Innovators

Innovators including tech entrepreneurs can qualify if:

– They obtain approval and endorsement from relevant Dubai authorities.

– They have patents or intellectual property registered with the Ministry of Economy.

– They exhibit high potential to contribute to Dubai’s development.

UAE Golden Visa Application Process

To apply for the UAE Golden Visa, you will need to follow these steps:

Determine eligibility

The first step is to make sure you meet one of the eligibility categories (investor, entrepreneur, professional, student, etc). Each category has specific requirements.

Choose a processing center

Several approved service centers can process your Golden Visa application. Pick one that is convenient for you.

Prepare required documents

The specific documents needed will vary based on your eligibility category. However, some general requirements include a passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), proof of eligibility, passport photos, and more.

Fill out the application form

The service center will provide the application form to fill out. Make sure all information is accurate.

Pay fees

Fees are paid to the service center and will depend on your eligibility route. Fees start from AED 15,000.

Submit biometrics

You will need to provide fingerprints and facial scans. This can be done at the service center.

Wait for approval

Processing time is normally 2-3 weeks. The service center will contact you once approved.

Get your Golden Visa

Once approved, you will get your official 10-year Golden Visa added to your passport.

Overall the application process is fairly straightforward. The key is making sure you prepare all needed documents, fill out the application accurately, pay the fees, and provide your biometrics. Processing times can vary but approval typically takes 2-3 weeks if all requirements are met. Contact an approved service center to begin your Dubai Golden Visa application.

UAE Golden Visa For Investors

The Dubai Golden Visa is available to investors who make certain minimum investments in the country. The main options are:

• Real estate investment of at least AED 2 million (around USD 545,000). This can be through the purchase of a property or properties adding up to AED 2 million. The property needs to be retained for at least 3 years.
• Investment of at least AED 10 million (around USD 2.7 million) into an existing or new business setup in Dubai.
• Direct or indirect investment of at least AED 10 million in a Deposit Investor Program approved by Dubai Economy.

So the minimum real estate investment is lower than the business or financial investment options. Purchasing property worth AED 2 million qualifies for the Golden Visa.

The real estate option is popular among investors seeking residency rights in Dubai. It offers an easier path than setting up or investing in an active business in Dubai. The property needs to be retained for 3 years, after which it can be sold if desired. Investors could also opt for the higher business or deposit investment options.

UAE Golden Visa For Entrepreneurs

The UAE offers a long-term residence visa for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their business in the Emirates. To be eligible, you must:

• Have an innovative idea and a feasible startup or business plan you intend to launch in the UAE. Your business should contribute value to the economy.
• Obtain approval from an official UAE business incubator program. There are over 30 government-supported incubators to choose from.
• Provide proof of sufficient financial capital to start your venture. There is no set minimum, but enough to convince immigration authorities of your serious intent.
• Be proficient in English or Arabic.

As an entrepreneur, you can get a 5-year visa, with the possibility to renew for another 5 years. Your spouse and children can also get residence visas tied to yours.

A key requirement is to demonstrate that your business will generate job opportunities and economic growth for the UAE. There is a strong emphasis on hiring Emirati citizens. Your application will need to detail plans to employ locals, provide training, and partner with educational institutions.

The UAE offers an attractive environment for entrepreneurs with pro-business regulations, tax incentives, funding sources, and world-class infrastructure. The visa allows you to establish your startup in Dubai and grow within a stable, opportunity-rich economy.

UAE Golden Visa For Professionals

Professionals in various fields such as medicine, sciences, arts, and engineering can qualify for a 5 or 10-year Dubai golden visa. The eligibility criteria vary based on your profession:

Doctors and Specialists

– Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in medicine along with a valid medical license.
– Have at least 10 years of professional experience with reputed hospitals or medical institutions.
– Currently employed by an approved hospital, clinic or medical center in the UAE.

Engineers and Scientists

– Hold a Ph.D. in engineering or sciences along with membership in a relevant professional association.
– Have at least 10 years of experience with well-known international companies or research centers.
– Currently employed by an approved academic institution or company in the UAE.

Innovators and Researchers

Hold a Ph.D. and have a proven track record of inventions, innovations or research published in renowned journals.
Completed research or innovations that brought significant value to your industry or field.
Currently employed by an approved academic or research institution in the UAE.

Artists and Creative Professionals

• Have won prestigious international awards and accolades for your work.
• Achieved excellence in fields like art, music, film, culture, or sports.
• Currently engaged by an approved organization or entity based in the UAE.

The eligibility criteria ensure only accomplished professionals who add significant value get the long-term Dubai golden visa. Doctors, engineers, and researchers with Ph.D.s, substantial experience, and employment in the UAE get priority. Acclaimed artists and creative talents also qualify based on their awards and achievements.

UAE Golden Visa For Students

The UAE offers a 5-year renewable visa for university students. To be eligible, you must be:

• Enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program at an approved university in the UAE
  A student in good academic standing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  Studying in certain priority fields identified as important to the UAE’s economic development, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence

To apply, you will need:

• Proof of enrollment and transcripts from your university showing your program, grades, and academic progress
• A valid passport
• Recent passport-size photos
• Any other documents required by the university, immigration authorities, or other relevant government entities

The visa application is typically processed through the university, which will submit all required documents on the student’s behalf. Approval time can range from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Once approved, the visa is valid for 5 years and renewable for an additional 5 years after graduation. It allows students to live and study anywhere in the UAE, rather than being tied to one institution. Family members may also be sponsored for residency.

The golden visa offers students the stability and flexibility to complete their degrees in the UAE without stress over renewals. It also enables them to gain valuable work experience through internships and summer jobs throughout their studies.

UAE Golden Visa For Innovators

The Dubai Golden Visa is available to inventors and innovators who meet certain criteria. To qualify, you must:

• Have a valid patent or an ownership stake in a startup registered in Dubai. Both the patent and startup should be related to an innovative idea in the fields of technology, design, energy, space, medicine, transportation, engineering, education, art, culture, and sports.
• Provide documents as evidence, such as a patent certificate or proof of ownership in an innovative startup registered in Dubai.
• Pass background screening checks conducted by appropriate Dubai authorities. You must have a clean criminal record with no previous convictions.
• Meet the application eligibility criteria like minimum age, valid passport, health insurance, etc.

Some key pointers for inventors and innovators:

– Your innovative idea, product, or startup must be registered in Dubai. Ideas patented or startups registered in another country do not directly qualify.

– Keep comprehensive records of your patents, ownership documents, and other evidence to submit with your application.

– Be prepared to explain how your innovation contributes to Dubai’s development in your field of expertise. Focus on the uniqueness and value you add.

– Besides inventors and startup founders, executives and directors in innovation-focused companies can also qualify in some cases.

– The evaluation process considers both your innovation and your profile. So showcase your experience, achievements, and credibility as an inventor or innovator.

Overall, the Dubai Golden Visa aims to attract exceptional talent who can drive innovation and add long-term strategic value to Dubai’s knowledge economy.

UAE Golden Visa Renewal Process

To renew your Dubai Golden Visa, you must apply to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) around 1-2 months before your current visa expires.

How to Renew UAE Golden Visa?

– Download the visa renewal application form from the GDRFA website or get it from any Amer or Tas’heel service center.

– Fill out the application form with your personal details, current visa number, expiration date, and new requested validity period. You can renew your visa for another 5 or 10 years.

– Gather the required documents:

– Original passport

– Previous Dubai visa page

– Emirates ID card

– 2 recent passport-size photographs

– Proof of health insurance coverage in the UAE

– Bank statement showing sufficient funds

– Submit the renewal application at an Amer or Tas’heel center along with the documents and fees.

A biometric scan will be taken during submission.

– Wait approximately 5-10 working days to receive your passport back with the new visa.

UAE Golden Visa Renewal Costs

– 5-year renewal: AED 7,000

– 10 year renewal: AED 14,000

– A Dh50 knowledge fee and Dh50 innovation fee is also applied per person.

– Fees can be paid in cash at Amer centers or by credit card online.

 Documents Needed for UAE Golden Visa

– Passport valid for more than 6 months

– Previous Dubai visa

– Valid Emirates ID

– Passport photos

– Proof of health insurance

– Bank statement

By submitting the renewal application on time with all the required documents and fees, you can easily renew your Dubai Golden Visa for an additional 5 or 10 years.

How Novus Facilitates Your UAE Golden Visa Journey

Conclusion

The UAE Golden Visa offers significant benefits and opportunities for those who obtain it. Here’s a summary of the key points covered in this article:

• The Golden Visa allows holders to live, work, and study in Dubai without requiring a national sponsor. It is valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable.
• There are several eligibility categories – investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, scientists & researchers, outstanding students, and more. Each has specific requirements.
• The application process involves submitting the required documents, paying fees, and undergoing medical tests and biometrics. It can be done directly or via specialized agencies.
• Once issued, the Golden Visa offers lucrative advantages like owning real estate in Dubai, unlimited trips in/out of the UAE, family sponsorship, the ability to sponsor house help, and much more.
• Visa holders can work flexibly, establish or expand businesses more easily, enroll children in schools conveniently, and overall enjoy an enhanced quality of life in Dubai.

The Dubai Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for certain categories of people to live and work seamlessly in one of the world’s most progressive, futuristic, and dynamic cities. For applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, obtaining it can be truly rewarding and beneficial.

Partnering with Novus streamlines and enhances your path to acquiring a UAE Golden Visa. Their expertise, tailored strategies, and comprehensive support ensure a smoother and more efficient application process, bringing you closer to your goal of securing long-term residency in the UAE.

Ready to embark on your journey to long-term residency in the UAE? Contact Novus today to begin your seamless Golden Visa application process!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Dubai Golden Visa?

Eligibility for the Dubai Golden Visa includes investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, professionals, and retirees who meet certain criteria. These may include investors in real estate, business owners, exceptional talents in various fields, professionals with high academic qualifications, and retirees with financial stability.

How much does UAE Golden Visa cost?

The cost of a UAE Golden Visa can vary based on the category of the visa and the application process. Costs could involve fees for application processing, medical examinations, and residency permits. Specific fees are subject to change and should be checked with relevant authorities.

How can I get Golden Visa from UAE to Pakistan?

The Golden Visa is specific to the UAE, and obtaining it involves meeting the eligibility criteria set by the UAE government. There isn’t a direct pathway from the UAE Golden Visa to Pakistan citizenship or residency, but certain visas may facilitate travel between the UAE and Pakistan.

What is the salary range for Golden Visa in UAE?

There isn’t a fixed salary range for the Golden Visa in the UAE. Eligibility is based on various criteria beyond salary, such as investments, professional qualifications, entrepreneurial ventures, and exceptional talents.

Is UAE Golden Visa worth it?

For those seeking long-term residency and investment opportunities in the UAE, the Golden Visa can offer stability, access to world-class amenities, business opportunities, and a high standard of living. Whether it’s worth it depends on individual circumstances and goals.

How much money is required for Golden Visa in Dubai?

The required investment amount for a Golden Visa in Dubai can vary based on the type of investment, such as real estate, business ventures, or financial investments. Specific investment thresholds are determined by the government and are subject to change.

Can I get Golden Visa if I buy property in Dubai?

Yes, investing in property in Dubai meeting certain criteria can make you eligible for the Golden Visa. The property investment must meet specific value requirements set by the authorities.

Who has the cheapest Golden Visa?

The cost of a Golden Visa can vary across different countries offering similar programs. The cost factor might depend on the country’s investment thresholds, processing fees, and additional expenses related to the application.

What are the benefits of UAE Golden Visa?

Benefits include long-term residency, access to world-class healthcare and education, business opportunities, investor rights, and the ability to sponsor family members, among others.

What is the age limit for Golden Visa in Dubai?

There isn’t a specified age limit for the Golden Visa in Dubai. Eligibility is determined based on various criteria beyond age.

Who all can Golden Visa holders sponsor?

Golden Visa holders in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses and children, for residency in the UAE.

How to apply for golden residency in Dubai?

The application process involves meeting the specific eligibility criteria, preparing the necessary documents, and applying through the designated channels, which may involve government entities or specific departments handling residency and immigration affairs.