The UAE Golden Visa is a true game-changer for foreign nationals seeking a life of boundless possibilities in world-renowned cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Golden Visa UAE was introduced to attract a diverse range of people, from successful entrepreneurs and real estate investors to award-winning scientists and talented executives.
This exclusive immigration program opens doors to individuals ready to build their reputation and net worth further, granting them the privilege of long-term residency and a gateway to unparalleled potential as UAE residents.
This article will explore every facet of the Golden Visa UAE program. We’ll discuss the advantages of obtaining a UAE residence permit, as well as the Dubai Golden Visa requirements and application process.
What is the Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is a golden residence program providing long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates. Eligible applicants, including talented individuals, real estate investors, and business owners, can live, work, or study in the UAE and enjoy benefits, including:
- A five to ten-year renewable residence permit
- No requirement to obtain a resident or national sponsor
- A reduced minimum stay requirement compared to alternative visa options
- The ability to sponsor family members as well as domestic helpers in the application
- Zero personal income taxes
Requirements to Obtain UAE Golden Visa
The requirements for the UAE Golden Visa system depend on the applicant’s professional background. However, there are several minimum requirements that all prospective applicants must meet, which are:
- Be over 18
- Provide a notarized copy of their passport
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be clear of all socially dangerous illnesses
- Have valid health insurance
Requirements for real estate investors
Foreign nationals who own real estate in the United Arab Emirates may be granted a renewable residence visa valid for ten years. The requirement to get a UAE Golden Visa as a real estate investor is that:
- The applicant can present the provision of a letter from the Department of Land and Property of the respective emirate national stating that they own one or more properties in the UAE to the value of no less than two million UAE Dirhams (about $545,000)
- A permission letter from the Dubai land department or other emirate where the property is located
A property can be purchased with a loan of no more than 50 percent of the property’s value from specific local banks approved by a competent local entity, such as the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. A Dubai Golden Visa for real estate investors provides a ten-year residency visa.
Requirements for investors
Foreign investors have three types of investments besides real estate eligible under the Golden UAE residence visa program–investor (partner), bank deposit, and tax collection. The requirements to obtain a residence visa under one of these options are as follows:
Investor (partner)
- The trade permit with the partner’s appendix
- The financial report of the establishment/s for the last tax year
- A verified certificate from the free zone (business jurisdiction) that includes all the investor’s financial information
- A financial statement of the establishment for the last six months
- The registration document from the Federal Tax Authority in the UAE stating that the company’s transactions amount to no less than AED 100,000 (about $27,000) annually
- Proof of property ownership (if applicable)
Bank deposit
- Present documentation proving an AED two million deposit in a UAE bank account such as First Abu Dhabi Bank and prove that the investor owns the invested capital completely. It may be a UAE-accredited investment fund by the Ministry of Finance or Sukuk.
- Proof of residence in the emirate of Dubai
Tax collection
- Documentation from the Federal Tax Authority confirming partnership in one or several establishments and proof of taxes paid to the UAE government; Annual tax contributions must be no less than AED 250,000 (about $68,000).
- A valid commercial license with the partner’s appendix
Requirements for entrepreneurs
Foreign entrepreneurs who own a business or startup project of a technical or future nature may be granted a Golden Visa UAE, valid for five years. In addition, you must obtain a letter of approval from each of the following:
- A certified auditor in the UAE confirming that the project value is equal to or exceeds AED 500,000 (about $136,000)
- The federal authority in the respective emirate affirming that the project is of a technical or future nature
- An accredited business incubator in the UAE supporting the establishment of the intended operation in the nation
Requirements for outstanding specialized talents
Outstanding specialized talents under the UAE’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai Golden Visa program include:
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Inventors
- Creative people of culture and art
- Executives
- Specialists in scientific and engineering fields
- Doctoral degree holders
- Athletes
The UAE enables foreign talents who possess outstanding specialized talent to apply for a ten-year Golden Visa, provided they satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined below in their respective areas of expertise:
UAE Golden Visa for doctors and scientists
- An approval Letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the United Arab Emirates to engage in the practice of medicine in the UAE (for doctors)
- A letter of recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists stating that the applicant has been awarded the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinguishments (for scientists)
UAE Golden Visa for Inventors
- A letter of endorsement from the Ministry of Economy affirming that the patent has contributed significant value to the country’s economy
UAE Golden Visa for creative people of culture and art
- An approval letter issued by the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate
UAE Golden Visa for Executives
- A copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) with a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree or higher
- A formal letter proving at least five years of experience in the same position
- A salary certificate from an employer stating a minimum salary of AED 50,000 (about $13,600)
- A valid work contract
UAE Golden Visa for specialists in scientific and engineering fields
Eligible areas related to engineering and science include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Epidemiology and viruses
- Big data
- Electronic engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Software engineering
- Genetics and biotechnology engineering
Scientific and engineering specialists must have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education and possess a legitimate job contract.
Other eligible candidates for UAE Golden Visas
The program for the Golden Visa UAE has expanded eligibility criteria for individuals such as outstanding students and humanitarians.
Outstanding students
Outstanding students at the national level achieving a minimum grade of 95 percent in a public or private secondary school may be eligible for a five-year Golden Visa. Acceptance is subject to submitting a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
The Golden Visa may be renewed if the high school student enrolls in one of the prominent colleges in the country with a major that requires a study period of more than five years.
Outstanding university students
As an outstanding university student of a university in the UAE, you may be eligible for a ten-year Golden Visa, provided that:
- The university is rated either an A or B-class university by the Ministry of Education
- A letter of recommendation is submitted from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the cumulative GPA is at least 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities
- It has not been more than two years since graduation
Outstanding university students of foreign universities may be eligible for a UAE Abu Dhabi or Dubai Golden Visa valid for ten years, provided that:
- The foreign university is rated among the top 100 universities globally according to the rating system acknowledged by the Ministry of Education
- The university student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.5
- It has not been more than two years since graduation
- The graduation certificate has been accredited by the Ministry of Education
Pioneering humanitarians and frontline heroes
A pioneering humanitarian may be eligible for a ten-year Golden Visa, provided they fulfill one of the four following categories:
- An outstanding employee who has worked for international and regional organizations for at least five years.
- An outstanding employee who has worked for civil associations and institutions of public interest for at least five years.
- A humanitarian who has received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization focused on humanitarian work.
- A financier of humanitarian work, provided that the value of the support does not fall below AED 2 million or the equivalent in a foreign currency.
Frontline heroes who displayed exceptional efforts in crises, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, may also be eligible for a UAE Golden Visa by presenting a recommendation from a competent local government entity. Frontline heroes include nurses, lab technicians, pharmacologists, medical assistants, and other approved professions by the Frontline Heroes Office.
Expanded categories for the UAE Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
The emirate of Abu Dhabi has recently announced an expansion to the eligible categories for a UAE residence visa. The following conditions are mandatory for all eligible categories:
- The applicant must have a valid employment contract in the UAE.
- The applicant must possess a role classified as a professional level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) (occupational classification program).
- The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
- The applicant must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 ($8,200) or the equivalent.
- The applicant must possess a valid practicing license in the UAE (if necessary).
- The applicant must present a salary certificate issued by the employer along with a bank statement for the last six months proving a monthly salary amounting to no less than AED 30,000.
The additional categories, along with their corresponding prerequisites, are as follows:
Senior scholars and clerics
Requires a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or another competent local governing body.
Specialists in industry and the 4th Industrial Revolution
Requires a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or another competent local governing body.
Specialists in health fields
Requires a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
Specialists in education
Requires a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
Skilled professionals
Skilled professionals require:
- A valid employment contract authorized in the UAE
- Documentation proving the applicant holds a position classified as level one or two by MoHRE’S occupational classification program
- Duly attested bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
- A valid practicing license in the specific emirate or UAE for occupations that require licensing
- A valid employment certificate
The Benefits of a UAE Long-term Residence Visa
1. Life in the UAE
The UAE Golden Visa provides a safe haven for holders and their families. The country is wealthy, developed, and ranked 24th out of 197 countries on the Global Passport Index. It has a lower cost of living than the United States and offers a welcoming, liberated environment that blends Islamic values with Western culture.
2. No residency requirements
Unlike most Golden Visas, residing in the UAE to maintain residence permits is optional. Successful UAE Golden Visa applicants who possess a residency permit are typically only required to visit the UAE once or twice a year to maintain the validity of their status. This allows long-term visa holders to maintain residence visas in other countries while simultaneously holding valid UAE residence visas.
3. Tax optimization
The UAE is an attractive option for long-term and temporary visa holders, as it has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax. The absence of corporate tax also encourages business growth and attracts international companies. However, the UAE introduced a corporate tax as of 1 June 2023, with a rate of nine percent of profits exceeding a certain threshold. This still makes it a favorable tax environment for businesses compared to many Western nations.
4. Banking in the UAE
Those granted a Golden Visa in the UAE have access to the UAE’s banking sector, known for its stability and comprehensive regulatory framework. The Central Bank of the UAE ensures strict oversight and risk management, instilling confidence in customers and protecting their assets. The UAE has gained a strong reputation as a center for wealth management and private banking services. Banks in the UAE cater to various clientele, providing tailored services, including investment advisory, asset protection, and estate planning.
5. Obtaining a driver’s license
While the UAE requires foreign nationals to obtain a UAE driver’s license to drive a car there, usually involving several administrative procedures, passing an eye test and drivers exam, UAE’s Golden Visa holders from countries like the US, Germany, the UK, Australia, Spain, and Turkey, have the option to convert their license to a UAE license without the necessity of undertaking additional exams.
6. Access to UAE healthcare
Holders of UAE residency permits have access to one of the world’s most advanced and no-expense-spared healthcare systems. The United Arab Emirates healthcare system provides numerous benefits, such as:
- Healthcare facilities in the UAE are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. The hospitals and clinics in the UAE maintain high standards of healthcare services, ensuring quality medical care.
- The UAE attracts accomplished and knowledgeable medical practitioners from across the globe. The UAE’s physicians, specialists, and healthcare personnel boast exceptional training and expertise in their specific domains, ensuring top-notch medical care across a wide range of disciplines.
- The UAE prioritizes promoting health and well-being within its population. The government takes proactive measures to support initiatives and campaigns to raise awareness of preventive healthcare, foster healthy lifestyles, and prevent disease.
7. UAE educational systems
The UAE is known for its exceptional education system, which is attributed to state-of-the-art facilities and diverse curricula provided by renowned international schools and universities. The country emphasizes multicultural learning environments, technology integration, STEM education, and research. Additionally, scholarships and financial support programs are available to ensure education accessibility to a broader range of students.
8. Visas for the whole family
The family members of UAE Golden Visa holders have the right to obtain residence visas in the UAE and enjoy the same benefits as the primary applicant. It is possible to sponsor immediate family members and domestic helpers for a long-term residence visa.
Parents of the principal applicant are also eligible to obtain a one-year residency visa. Children of residence visa holders can attend some of the UAE’s top international schools and universities, like Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, and Dunecrest American School.
If the primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away, their family members maintain the right to continue residence in the UAE until the Golden Visa expires.
9. An Esaad Privilege Card
The Esaad Privilege Card is exclusively available to UAE long-term residency visa holders. It provides access to a range of discounts and offers across various sectors, including dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, family and health services, real estate, and automotive.
Cardholders can enjoy special deals and savings at partner establishments, with additional features such as fast-track services at airports, priority access to facilities, and dedicated customer support. The card also offers a loyalty program that grants access to exclusive events, promotions, and personalized services, providing a convenient and enhanced lifestyle for UAE Golden Visa holders.
10. The opportunity to obtain UAE citizenship
The UAE has approved amendments to allow certain eligible holders of a Golden Visa UAE to obtain Emirati nationality by naturalization. Eligible nominees include investors, specialized professionals, scientists, innovators, and award-winning intellectuals and creatives. Families of successful applicants can also obtain UAE citizenship. Emirate nationals can get a UAE passport, providing visa-free access to 179 countries worldwide.
Application Fee and Costs to Obtain a UAE Golden Visa
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security of the UAE (ICP) has recently updated the fees for investors applying for the ten-year Golden Visa UAE.
In addition to the Golden Visa UAE price beyond the required investment in real estate, investment funds, or a business in the UAE, investors must pay the following fees:
- Registration fee of AED 160,000 (about $44,000)
- State fees for issuing visas and identity cards of AED 3,860 (about $1,050) per person
- Medical exam fee of about $220 per person
- Private medical insurance of about $400 per person
- Translation of legal documents, notarization, and consular fees of about $1,000 per person
Applicants from countries who require a visa to enter the UAE must also pay the following fees to the Federal Authority For Identity (ICP) for a multi-entry permit before they can obtain a residence visa:
- Six-month entry permit of about AED 1,250
- Issuance fee of AED 1,000
- Application fee of AED 100
- Smart services fee of about AED 100
- Electronic services fee of AED 28
- ICP fee of AED 22
Step-by-Step Guide for Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa through Investment
Step 1. Obtain your UAE entry visa
To apply for a UAE Golden Visa, you need to obtain a permit that allows multiple entries if your country requires a visa. Apply for the visa online through the relevant authority’s website. If approved, you’ll get a multiple-entry visa valid for six months.
Step 2. Fulfill your investment
Complete your real estate investment, deposit to an investment fund or bank account, or any other investment eligible, providing eligibility to apply for a UAE Golden Visa, along with all the necessary supporting documentation for a golden residency in the UAE.
Step 3. Prepare your documents
All documents utilized for legal purposes in the UAE must be in Arabic. You must have your documents notarized and obtain an officially certified translation before traveling to the UAE to continue the application process.
Step 4. Undergo a medical checkup
After obtaining your visa (if required) and legalizing your documents, you and any family members included in the application must travel to the UAE to undergo a medical checkup to screen for socially dangerous illnesses before submitting your application.
Step 5. Start your Golden Visa application
After finalizing your investment and passing the medical exam, you can submit your Golden Visa application online through designated portals on the ABUDHABI or GDRFA website. You’ll receive an SMS and email notification of the application status. If any documents are missing, you’ll have 30 days to submit them. Once approved, the application will be emailed to you.
UAE Golden Visa Processing Time
To obtain a UAE Golden Visa, an investor and their family members must first apply for a multi-entry permit, which is usually issued within seven days. The processing time for the Golden Visa application is around 30 days, but it may vary depending on the nature of the investment.
A large economic project may require a more extensive evaluation, potentially leading to a longer processing time, while a real estate investor or software engineering expert may experience a shorter processing time.
Obtaining an Emirates ID card
Once you’ve completed your Golden Visa application and received notification of your approved residence visa from the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, you must apply for an Emirates ID card. Here are the steps to do so:
- Apply through the ICP website or visit an ICP Service Center (Customer Happiness Center) to submit your ID application
- Visit an ICP Service Center and submit the following:
- A copy of your passport
- A passport-size photo
- Proof of residency
- Fingerprint biometrics
- Pay the necessary admin fees
- Await application processing and notification to collect.
- After receiving the notification to collect, collect your Emirates ID card from an Emirates card collection center
Ensure that you always carry your Emirates ID card with you, as it serves as a legal identification document within the United Arab Emirates.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Visa UAE
Who is eligible for a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa has a wide range of eligible individuals. Eligible individuals for a UAE Golden Visa include:
- A real estate investor
- An investor who makes a bank deposit, owns an Emirate business, contributes to an investment fund, or pays tax in the UAE
- An entrepreneur
- A specialized talent, such as a doctor, scientist, investor, or creative person
- An outstanding student, pioneering humanitarian, or frontline hero
How much does a Golden Visa cost in the UAE?
A Golden Visa UAE can be obtained by making a real estate investment of at least AED 2 million or by paying annual tax contributions of no less than AED 250,000.
In addition to this, you’ll need to pay for application fees, health insurance packages, and a medical exam; which in total amounts to about $46,000.
What are the benefits of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE’s Golden Visa scheme offers benefits like residency, work permit, education, healthcare, and family sponsorship to foreign investors, specialists, and students.
How many years is a Golden Visa in UAE valid?
A UAE Golden Visa is valid for five to ten years.
Is it easy to get a Golden Visa in Dubai?
Obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai is straightforward, provided you satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- You have a clean criminal record
- You are clear of socially dangerous illnesses
- You have valid health insurance
- You fulfill one of the eligible categories for the UAE Golden Visa scheme. Eligible categories include a real estate purchase or bank deposit of at least AED 2 million (about $545,000), or owning a startup business with a project value equal to or exceeding AED 500,000 (about $136,000).
Will a UAE Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
The Golden Visa UAE doesn’t lead to citizenship directly, but eligible holders who have rendered exceptional services to the country can acquire Emirati nationality by naturalization.
Eligible nominees include real estate investors, doctors, scientists, innovators, and award-winning intellectuals. The UAE government decides who can be granted citizenship on a case-by-case basis.
Can I live in Dubai permanently?
You can live in Dubai permanently by acquiring a Golden Visa UAE. A UAE Golden Visa is valid for five to ten years. As long as you continue to fulfill the visa requirements, you can renew it before it expires.
Do I get residency in Dubai if I buy a property?
You can obtain residency in Dubai through the UAE Golden Visa by purchasing a property.
The Dubai Golden Visa requirements include a real estate purchase valued at least AED 2 million (about $545,000). Foreign residents are limited to owning properties in specific designated areas of the city.
Is the UAE Golden Visa permanent?
The UAE Golden Visa grants a renewable temporary residence permit. The permit duration is five to ten years, depending on the category chosen and the permit granted by UAE authorities.
