Patricia Casaburi
Pakistani citizens are among the top beneficiaries of the UAE Golden Visa, thanks to expanded eligibility and reduced investment thresholds. As the second-largest foreign community in the UAE, understanding the UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani citizens is essential for securing long-term residency, business ownership, and family sponsorship in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
In this guide you will learn about:
What is the UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani citizens?
The UAE Golden Visa, also known as the Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign nationals to reside in the UAE for five to ten years. The program is specifically designed for foreign investors, exceptional talents, and academics to further the UAE economy of future innovation.
There is no specific UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani citizens. The program invites all nationalities to apply. However, Pakistani citizens are the second largest foreign community in the UAE after Indians.
The UAE is a very popular option for Pakistani citizens looking for business opportunities, economic stability, and fantastic quality of life, so understanding what is required and the various pathways is essential.
Read Our UAE Golden Visa Guide
UAE Golden Visa benefits for Pakistani Citizens
There are a range of benefits for Pakistani citizens looking to apply for the Golden Visa UAE, including:
- Business opportunities: One of the biggest benefits to the program is that investors and entrepreneurs can benefit from the strategic location of the UAE. Situated between Asia and Europe, the business potential is endless for Pakistani investors.
- Safety: The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world. There are strict laws, deterring serious and petty crime. This is one of the main draws for Pakistani citizens who want to live in the UAE.
- Economic stability: The UAE economy is known globally for being extremely stable. This makes the country very appealing for Pakistani investors. Additionally, with options like the the Golden Visa, investing in the country is becoming easier and more accessible.
- Family sponsorships: Pakistani applicants are welcome to include their immediate family members. This grants spouses, children, and dependents parents the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic healthcare, education, and high quality of life in the country. As family is such an integral part of Pakistani life, this is an important consideration for the Golden Visa.
- World class infrastructure: Applicants can enjoy the incredible healthcare and education systems in the UAE. There are exceptional international schools and private healthcare facilities, inviting Pakistani nationals to savor the very best of UAE living.
Important note: The UAE Golden Visa does not grant UAE citizenship. Additionally, each residency category has its own set of eligibility requirements, so it is crucial to understand the specific criteria for your application before applying. However, there are no specific Dubai Golden Visa requirements for Pakistani citizens.
How Pakistani Citizens Can Obtain the Golden Visa in UAE
Here is a breakdown of pathways for Pakistani citizens to get the Golden Visa UAE
- Real estate investment: The Golden Visa is open to Pakistani citizens who want to invest in UAE real estate. To qualify, real estate investors must purchase a property valued at AED 2 million (PKR 151,456,580).
- Public investment: Pakistani investors can obtain a Golden Visa through a public investment in either a company or an investment fund. Options include depositing funds into a UAE bank, submitting a Federal Tax Authority letter, holding shares in a UAE company, or investing in UAE government-approved funds.
- The entrepreneur visa: A sub-category of the Golden Visa program, the entrepreneur visa is available to founders, owners, partners, and executives of innovative startup projects.
- Outstanding talents: The UAE offers residency opportunities for exceptional Pakistani talents across various fields. This includes inventors, innovators, and specialists in culture, art, sports, and digital technology, with eligibility based on skills rather than qualifications or salary. Scientists and professionals with advanced degrees or highly skilled workers earning at least AED 30,000 per month may also qualify. Outstanding students from top universities or high-achieving high school graduates can apply with recommendations from relevant authorities. Additionally, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes with significant contributions to society may be eligible.
Important to note: To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa, Pakistani citizens need to ensure they meet all requirements set out by the relevant UAE ministry, including the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
UAE Golden Visa Document Requirements
There are various document requirements depending on the chosen investment route for the UAE Golden Visa, including:
- A recent color passport-sized photograph.
- A valid passport copy with at least six months of remaining validity.
- Proof of family relationships, such as marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children.
- Valid UAE health insurance for the main applicant and any accompanying family members.
- A copy of an Emirates ID card (if applicable).
- A copy of a current UAE residence visa (if applicable).
Step by Step Process for Pakistani Citizens to Get the Golden Visa
Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa as a Pakistani citizen requires a step-by-step process to ensure you have everything in order before applying.
- Step One: Ensure eligibility: Ensure you meet all the requirements, including criminal checks, investment funding, medical insurance etc.
- Step two: Select the investment option: It’s best to speak with an immigration specialist at this stage to ensure you are selecting the correct option for your needs.
- Step three: Gather required documents: Ensure that you have all the required documents on hand.
- Step four: Make the investment: Send in your application along with proof of your investment. Ensure you pay the relevant fees and send through the completed application forms.
- Step five: Submit biometrics and medical fitness tests: You need to submit biometric information and attend all medical fitness tests.
- Step six: Obtain approval: Once all the above criteria have been met you may receive your Golden Visa approval.
Fees and Prices
Charges for the UAE Golden Visa depend on the residency pathway. For instance, the fees for a 10-year visa will differ from those for a 5-year visa.
Generally, the visa application is about AED 2,656.75 (20,223,9 PKR), While the Emirate ID will set you back around AED 1,153 (877,69 PKR). The family residence permit fee is about AED 5,668 (431,465 PKR) per dependent.
There are some other charges, including medical examinations, administrative processing, and consular legislation that varies depending on where you apply.
Processing Time for the UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani Citizens
The processing time for the UAE Golden Visa can vary. For example, if you are using an immigration specialist or lawyer the time may be reduced as they will ensure the application is completed in full, with the in-depth knowledge of what is required. Generally, the Dubai Golden Visa can be processed in about seven to ten working days.
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 UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani Citizens
What is the UAE Golden Visa for Pakistani citizens?
The UAE Golden Visa program allows Pakistani investors, skilled professionals, and students to obtain long-term residency in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor.
How can Pakistani citizens apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Pakistani citizens can apply for the Golden Visa UAE by ensuring that they meet the criteria for their chosen pathway. Once they fulfill the requirements, pay the investment and fees, and submit a complete application they await approval
What investment options are available for Pakistani citizens to obtain the UAE Golden Visa?
There are a range of investment options available for Pakistani citizens to obtain the Golden Visa UAE including real estate, public investment, and startups.
What makes the UAE Golden Visa program attractive for Pakistani digital nomads?
The UAE Golden Visa program is ideal for Pakistani digital nomads seeking long-term regional stability. It allows independent professionals to live and work in the UAE without employer sponsorship, offering unmatched flexibility.
Can Pakistani families be included in the UAE Golden Visa application?
Yes, UAE Golden Visa holders can include their families (dependents) on their application.
Can Pakistani professionals with specialized skills apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Absolutely, Pakistani citizens that fall within the specialized skills category of the Dubai Golden Visa are free to apply. This can include skilled professionals in medicine, technology, engineering, and other sought-after fields.
Are Pakistani celebrities or artists eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, artists from Pakistan may be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa provided that they meet the eligibility criteria and have had a profound impact within their field.
What documents do Pakistani citizens need for the UAE Golden Visa application?
- Recent passport-sized photo with a white background
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Proof of family relationships (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
- Valid UAE health insurance for the applicant and family
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Current UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
What is the Dubai Golden Visa requirements for Pakistani citizens?
Pakistani citizens can apply for the Dubai Golden Visa if they meet specific criteria, such as investing in the UAE, holding a high-level job with a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000, or having exceptional talent in fields like technology, healthcare, or the arts. They must provide necessary documentation like proof of investment, employment, or qualifications. The visa is valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable based on continued Golden Visa UAE eligibility.
What is the Dubai Golden Visa price in Pakistan?
The Golden Visa Dubai price in Pakistan depends on factors such as the investment route, visa duration, number of dependents, and any additional support needed. Typically, the application and administrative fees range from AED 7,000 (PKR 530,098) to AED 15,000 (PKR 113,592,4).
Can Pakistani content creators apply for the golden visa UAE under creative industry criteria?
Yes, content creators from Pakistan with a strong digital presence or portfolio recognized by UAE cultural authorities are eligible for the golden visa UAE, especially if endorsed by approved media or cultural bodies.
Are there any UAE golden visa application centers in Pakistan?
While the UAE Golden Visa application must be processed through UAE-based authorities, Pakistani applicants can consult with authorized visa consultancies in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi for document preparation and eligibility guidance.
Can Pakistani citizens apply for the UAE Golden Visa program while on a tourist visa?
Yes, Pakistani nationals already in the UAE on a tourist visa can initiate their UAE Golden Visa program application, but must switch to the proper residency permit before the tourist visa expires.
Is the golden visa Dubai a pathway to UAE citizenship for Pakistani nationals?
No, the golden visa Dubai provides long-term residency but not UAE citizenship. However, it offers security, investment access, and the ability to live and work indefinitely under renewable terms.
