If you’re looking to live and work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an extended period, you may be interested in the UAE Golden Visa. This visa provides long-term residency to individuals who meet specific criteria, such as investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students. The UAE Golden Visa is a relatively new program introduced in 2019, but it has already generated much interest among those seeking permanent citizenship in the UAE.
The benefits of the UAE Golden Visa include the ability to live and work in the UAE for an extended period and sponsor family members for residency. Additionally, the visa provides a path to permanent citizenship in the UAE for those who meet specific criteria.
Golden Visa Requirements
The following are the requirements for obtaining a long-term residency visa:
- Investment: You must invest significantly in a UAE-based company or real estate. The price varies according to the type of investment and the location.
- Talent: You must have exceptional science, art, or culture talent. This talent must be accredited by relevant authorities in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurship: If you are an entrepreneur, you must have successfully established and managed a business.
- Employment: If you are an employee, you must have a valid employment contract and a university degree.
- Frontline Workers: Frontline workers and humanitarian pioneers are also eligible for the Golden Visa.
- Outstanding Students: Outstanding students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher are eligible for the Golden Visa.
- Family Members: Family members of Golden Visa holders, including spouses and children, are also eligible for the long-term residency visa.
To obtain a Golden Visa, you must first submit the application to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The application process typically involves submitting your personal and financial information and supporting documentation such as a recommendation letter, medical certificate, and police clearance certificate.
You will have a long-term residency visa valid for up to 10 years if your application is approved. The Golden Visa provides many benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a sponsor or employer. You can also invest in the UAE’s public investments and investment funds and purchase off-plan properties.
Overall, the Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to exploit the UAE’s stable economy and investment opportunities.
Prices
The UAE Golden Visa comes with a fee of Dhs1,250, which covers a Dhs1,000 issuance fee, a Dhs100 application fee, Dhs100 for smart services, Dhs28 for electronic services, and a Dhs22 fee that goes directly to the ICP. This fee is in addition to the employment criteria already in place.
For investment funds and real estate investors, the Golden Visa offers long-term residence and access to global markets, making it an attractive option. The visa benefits extend to local and regional investors, providing them with a secure and stable environment to invest in.
Capital investors can also benefit from the Golden Visa, which allows them to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The visa provides a pathway to citizenship, allowing investors to become permanent country residents.
Real estate investors can also benefit from Golden Visa, which offers long-term residency and access to the country’s real estate market. This can be a significant advantage for investing in the UAE’s booming real estate industry.
Validity
Once you obtain your UAE Golden Visa, you will have a long-term, renewable residency visa valid for 5 or 10 years. This means that you will not have to worry about renewing your visa every few months or years, which can be a significant advantage for those who plan to stay in the UAE for an extended period.
It is important to note that the validity of your UAE Golden Visa is subject to certain conditions. For example, your visa may become invalid if you leave the UAE for more than six consecutive months. However, you can apply for an entry permit to return to the UAE and reactivate your visa.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic highly impacted the validity of visas in the UAE. The Ministry of Education has announced that students who cannot enter the UAE due to the pandemic will not lose their residency visas. However, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with any changes to the law or executive regulations that may affect the validity of your visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages and benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for family members?
The UAE Golden Visa program offers several benefits for family members of the primary visa holder. The eligible family members for the visa include spouses, children, and parents. The advantages include the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE, access to healthcare and education, and the capacity to sponsor their dependents for visas.
What is the salary threshold to be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
There is no specific salary threshold for eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa. However, the visa is typically granted to individuals who contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy, such as investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals.
How much does obtaining a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE cost?
The cost of obtaining a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE varies depending on the visa category. For example, a 10-year visa for investors costs AED 1,500, while a 10-year visa for entrepreneurs is AED 7,500. It is important to note that the visa cost is subject to change, and applicants should check the latest fees before applying.
What are the pros and cons of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa offers several benefits, such as the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE for an extended period, access to healthcare and education, and sponsorship to families for visas. However, there are potential drawbacks, such as the visa cost, the need to maintain a certain level of economic activity, and the requirement to renew the visa periodically.
How can I sponsor my family with a UAE Golden Visa?
You can sponsor your family members for visas if you hold a UAE Golden Visa. The family members eligible for sponsorship include spouses, children, and parents. The process for sponsoring family members varies depending on the visa category and the applicant’s individual circumstances. Applicants should check with the relevant authorities for the latest information on the sponsorship process.
