As someone who is interested in living, working, or studying in the UAE for an extended period, you may have heard of the “Golden Visa”. The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign talents to stay in the UAE for up to 5 or 10 years. The visa offers exclusive benefits that include multiple entries and a renewable residence visa, among others.
The Golden Visa program was launched by the UAE government in 2019, and it aims to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to the country. The visa is available to individuals who meet certain criteria, such as owning a property in the UAE, having a high income, or being a skilled professional in a priority sector. The Golden Visa is a game-changer for those who want to make the UAE their home for a longer period.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. It was launched in 2019 as part of the UAE’s vision to attract and retain top talents, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals who can contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
The Golden Visa is offered to individuals who fall under specific categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. Eligible applicants can obtain a residency visa for up to 10 years, depending on the category they belong to.
The UAE Golden Visa is a game-changer for those who wish to establish a long-term presence in the UAE. It provides them with a stable and secure environment to grow their businesses, pursue their careers, and enjoy a high standard of living. Moreover, it offers them access to world-class healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities, making the UAE an ideal place to live and work.
Eligibility Requirements
General Eligibility Requirements
A golden visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The eligibility requirements for the golden visa vary depending on the category of the applicant. In general, the applicant must be of good conduct and have a valid passport. The applicant must also have a clear criminal record and pass a medical fitness test.
The golden visa is available to individuals who have made significant contributions to the UAE in their respective fields. This includes investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, frontline heroes, doctors, and specialists.
Specialized Talents
Specialized talents include individuals who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields. This includes scientists, researchers, inventors, and other professionals who have made significant contributions to their field. Specialized talents must have a valid employment contract in the UAE and a minimum of five years of work experience in their respective field.
Investors and Entrepreneurs
Investors and entrepreneurs are eligible for the golden visa if they meet certain investment requirements. To be eligible, investors must have invested a minimum of AED 10 million in the UAE. Entrepreneurs must have a successful business track record and must have a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
Outstanding Students and Researchers
Outstanding students and graduates are eligible for the golden visa if they have achieved academic excellence in their respective fields. This includes students who have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.8 in their undergraduate studies or a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their postgraduate studies. Researchers who have made significant contributions to their field are also eligible for the golden visa.
Art and Culture
Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of art and culture are eligible for the golden visa. This includes artists, authors, and other creative professionals who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields.
Doctors and Specialists
Doctors and specialists who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields are eligible for the golden visa. This includes doctors who have published research papers or have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Specialists who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields are also eligible for the golden visa.
Application Process
Applying for a UAE Golden Visa is a straightforward process that involves two main steps: obtaining an entry permit and then applying for a renewable residence visa.
Entry Permit
The first step in the application process is to obtain an entry permit. This permit is valid for six months and allows you to enter the UAE and proceed with the residence issuance process. To obtain an entry permit, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A copy of your passport
- A passport-size photograph
- A completed application form
- Proof of health insurance
- A security deposit
Once you have submitted these documents, you can expect to receive your entry permit within a few days.
Renewable Residence Visa
The second step in the application process is to apply for a renewable residence visa. This visa is valid for either 5 or 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. To apply for a renewable residence visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid entry permit
- Be able to prove that you have a minimum level of income
- Have a clean criminal record
- Pass a medical examination
Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for a renewable residence visa by submitting the following documents:
- A completed application form
- A copy of your passport
- A passport-size photograph
- Proof of income
- A clean criminal record certificate
- A medical examination report
After submitting these documents, you can expect to receive your renewable residence visa within a few weeks.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Public Investment
The UAE Golden Visa program offers a unique opportunity for investors seeking to expand their business in the country. As a golden visa holder, I can invest in public companies and sectors, such as real estate, energy, and infrastructure. This investment not only benefits me but also contributes to the growth and development of the UAE economy.
Tax and Property Ownership
One of the significant benefits of the UAE Golden Visa is the tax exemption. As a golden visa holder, I am not subject to personal income tax, capital gains tax, or value-added tax (VAT). This exemption provides me with a significant financial advantage and allows me to invest more in my business or personal ventures.
Another advantage of the UAE Golden Visa is the ability to own property. As a golden visa holder, I can purchase and own property in the UAE, which can be a great investment opportunity. Additionally, owning property provides me with a stable and secure place to reside in the UAE.
Family Sponsorship
The UAE Golden Visa also offers family sponsorship, allowing me to sponsor my family members to live with me in the UAE. This sponsorship includes my spouse, children, and parents. This benefit provides me with the opportunity to keep my family close and provides them with the chance to experience the unique culture and opportunities of the UAE.
In conclusion, the UAE Golden Visa program provides a range of benefits for investors seeking to expand their business and personal ventures in the UAE. Tax exemption, property ownership, and family sponsorship benefits are just a few of the advantages that make the UAE Golden Visa an attractive option for investors.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Exceptional Talents and Humanitarian Pioneers
As I mentioned earlier, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is granted to foreign talents who are looking to live, work, or study in the UAE. However, there are some exceptions and special cases for individuals who have exceptional talents or are humanitarian pioneers. These individuals can apply for the Golden Visa regardless of their employment status. The UAE government has identified several fields that are considered exceptional talents, including science, medicine, and research.
International and Regional Organisations
The UAE Golden Visa is also available for individuals who work for international or regional organizations that have offices in the UAE. These organizations must be recognized by the UAE government, and the individuals must hold senior positions within the organization. The Golden Visa allows these individuals to work and live in the UAE for an extended period.
Frontline Heroes
The UAE government has recognized the contributions of frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, are eligible for the Golden Visa. This visa allows them to live and work in the UAE for an extended period, providing them with more job security and stability.
Dependents
The UAE Golden Visa is not only limited to individuals but also extends to their family members. Dependents of Golden Visa holders, including spouses and children, are eligible for the visa as well. This allows families to stay together and provides them with the opportunity to build a life in the UAE. In conclusion, the UAE Golden Visa is a unique opportunity for individuals who are looking to live, work, or study in the UAE. The visa provides a long-term solution for those who are seeking stability and security in the region. The exceptions and special cases that I have mentioned in this section provide additional opportunities for individuals with exceptional talents, humanitarian pioneers, frontline heroes, and their dependents to benefit from the Golden Visa.
Conclusion
After researching and analyzing the UAE Golden Visa, I have come to the conclusion that it is a great opportunity for foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The visa provides holders with a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, as well as an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance.
One of the most significant benefits of the UAE Golden Visa is the privilege of not requiring a sponsor or employer to apply for the visa. This allows individuals to have more freedom and flexibility in their career paths and business ventures. Additionally, the visa holders can stay in any of the Emirates as residents for up to ten years, which is a considerable amount of time to establish roots in the country and make it their home.
Another advantage of the UAE Golden Visa is that the limitation period to stay outside the UAE does not apply for visa holders. This means that individuals can travel freely without having to worry about losing their residency status. Additionally, the visa provides holders with access to various services and benefits, such as education, healthcare, and banking.
Overall, the UAE Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for foreign talents who wish to establish themselves in the UAE and enjoy the many benefits that the country has to offer. With its long-term, renewable residence visa, lack of sponsor or employer requirement, and various services and benefits, the UAE Golden Visa is a great choice for individuals looking to enhance their career and lifestyle opportunities.
