The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa scheme offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain a second passport and citizenship in return for an economic investment. This program has been attracting financially strong citizens of many countries across the globe, including Pakistan. Over the years, for Pakistani citizens, investment through real estate has steadily emerged as a go-to option for acquiring a second residence permit.
What are Golden Visas?
A golden visa allows affluent individuals to apply for long-term residence visas (five to ten years), permanent residency or citizenship in a foreign country in exchange for either an economic investment in the real estate market of the international nation or by making a contribution/donation into a particular segment of its economy. The investment options vary from country to country and applicants, along with their family members, can apply for this program should they meet all the requirements.
UAE Golden Visa – benefits
Here are the UAE Golden Visa benefits for your reference.
-With a second passport, Pakistani citizens have better access to international travel around the world. Golden Visa holders don’t have to file numerous visa applications for traveling abroad
-If a Pakistani citizen has a Golden Visa, he or she can apply for a business visa in a foreign country very easily
-Safe and secure environment for all Golden Visa holders
-Opportunity for Pakistani citizens to invest in a thriving economy
-Opportunity to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor, and also access to world-class education and healthcare
-Family members can also be included
-Individuals can have 100 per cent ownership of their business venture on the UAE’s mainland
Who can apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is awarded to individuals who are a part of the below-mentioned groups.
-Investors
-Entrepreneurs
-Talented individuals from diverse sectors including researchers, medical professionals, engineers, coders, those with degrees in artificial intelligence, accomplished persons from the art fraternity and others
-Bright students
UAE Golden Visa- eligibility
The UAE offers two types of Residency Visas to individuals, the eligibility criteria and requirements depend on which one the individual opts for.
UAE Residence Visa (10-year term)
-Individuals need to invest a minimum amount of AED 10 million in the public sector domain of the UAE government. The investment can be in any form – you can put down a minimum amount of 10 million or above in an investment fund inside the country. You can also work in the country establishing a business with a fund of 10 million.
-You are an individual possessing specialized talents and exceptional skills like medical professionals, a person belonging to major scientific research or having promising scientific capabilities, doctors, engineers, media persons, celebrities and others.
UAE Residence Visa (5-year term)
-Applicants need to invest in a real estate property in the UAE
-Business owners who have a minimum capital of AED 500,000
-Accomplished high school students who have obtained 95% or above in public or private secondary school and outstanding students from certain universities who have scored a minimum grade of 3.75 GPA.
In addition to this, individuals need to clear a stringent security test, should not have any criminal record, and showcase enough funds to be able to sustain themselves in the UAE.
UAE Golden Visa – documentation required
While you apply for the UAE Golden Visa, make sure you have the following documents handy.
– A valid passport
-Passport size photographs of the applicant
Moreover, collect these documents as per your purpose of obtaining residency in the UAE.
-A copy of the Trade License of your company
-A copy of partnership agreement
-Identification documents of business partners
-UAE government accreditation proof for specialised talents
-Proof of your patent
-Valid employment contract
With cooperation from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, last year around 73 Pakistani entrepreneurs have already received the UAE Golden Visa out of the 250 applications submitted by the Pakistan Business Council. Besides businessmen, other individuals have also been granted the UAE Golden Visa status. For instance, Fakhr-e-Alam became the first Pakistani celebrity to receive the UAE Golden Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a Golden Visa from Pakistan to UAE?
By meeting the UAE Golden Visa requirements as directed by the UAE government, like the minimum amount of investment in UAE’s economy and the other criteria, one can obtain the Golden Visa for UAE.
What is the UAE Golden Visa price?
For the 10-year long term visa in the UAE, you need to invest a minimum of AED 10 million. In case you want to opt for the 5-year Golden Visa, the minimum investment amounts to AED five million.
How to apply for UAE Golden Visa?
Interested candidates can apply for the Golden Visa scheme through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – ICA official website. Individuals can also choose to apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Which celebrities are under the UAE Golden Visa holders list?
Pakistani celebrities who have been granted the UAE Golden Visa include Sana Javed, Umair Jaswal, Humayun Saeed, Wasim Akram, and Shoaib Malik among others. Ahmed Shaikhani, the president of Pakistan Business Council has also been granted the Golden Visa and has expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor parents?
Yes, the Golden Visa holder can sponsor their parents, spouse, and children, and dependent siblings based on the visa category.
To know all about UAE, you can check out the following articles:
