Several important amendments have been introduced to the Golden Visa scheme, aimed at simplifying eligibility criteria and broadening the categories of applicants.
This updated framework now allows investors, scientists, academics, frontline workers, and entrepreneurs to apply for this long-term visa.
In accordance with the amendments, those who fall under the Golden Visa categories UAE can acquire their visa, and will be allowed to sponsor their spouses and children, regardless of their age, and sponsor support services (domestic help) without restrictions.
Additionally, Golden Residency does not limit the duration of stay outside the UAE.
Upon the death of a primary holder of a UAE Golden Visa, family members have the right to stay in the country until the expiration of that permit.
Golden Visa Categories UAE
According to the UAE Cabinet, the eligibility criteria for Golden Visa in Dubai, UAE have been expanded to include the following:
Golden Visa for Scientists
In accordance with the recommendations of the Emirates Scientists Council, this residence is offered to scientists and researchers with high achievement and influence under the following conditions:
- Graduates from the top universities in engineering, technology, life sciences, and natural sciences
- Should hold a Ph.D. or master’s degree,
- Substantial research achievements
Golden Visa for Exceptional Talents
This visa may be granted to talented individuals in various fields.
Individuals are judged solely on their skill, regardless of their education, employment status, monthly salary, or level of expertise.
A federal or local government entity must recommend or approve individuals with talent in culture, sport, design, digital technology, invention, and other vital fields.
Golden Visa For Athletes
For persons excelling in various sports activities, a recommendation letter from the UAE Golden Visa authority is required.
Golden Visa For Holders of Doctoral degrees
Those must provide a certified copy of a doctoral degree from the Ministry of Education with doctorates and valid work contracts.
Golden Visa For Doctors
A wide range of specializations is available in this field. Veterinary doctors are included in this category.
Those who apply for a Golden Visa for doctors must have a letter certifying their medical practice from the Health Authority or Ministry of Health of their country.
Golden Visa For Inventors
As a mandatory document for inventors, the Ministry of Economy must verify patents add value to the country’s economy.
Golden Visa For Executive Directors
Professionals in top company positions like General Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Executive Directors, CEOs, Chairmen of Board of Directors, or any position where a salary certificate of AED 50,000 can be provided & have held that position for at least five years are considered eligible to apply through this category.
Golden Visa For Engineers & Specialists in Science
Professionals applying for a Golden Visa for engineers and as specialists in Science must fulfill certain criteria.
An attested bachelor’s degree and a valid work contract mentioning the specialization are required for the following specializations: Epidemiology and Virology, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering & Big Data, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology Engineering.
Golden Visa For Dubai Cultural Visa
The ministry recently introduced an innovative 10-year cultural visa.
Culture and creativity include music, fine arts, photography, film, video production, video game production, fashion, graphic design, product design, landscape design, architectural services, advertising services, and information technology and software development.
Golden Visa for Professionals
There is a growing need for professionals with knowledge and expertise in various fields, such as medicine, science, engineering, IT, business, law, and culture.
Professionals are eligible for Golden Residence based on the following criteria:
- Applicants must have a valid employment contract in the UAE.
- They should be classified in the first or second level under ISCO by the International Labour Organization, as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization classification.
- An monthly salary of not less than Dhs30,000 is required.
- Applicants must also have a minimum level of education.
Golden Visa For Real Estate Investors
Investing in property worth more than AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528.80) will qualify investors for a Golden Visa in Dubai.
Additionally, according to the new amendments, investors who setup a business in Dubai or any other Emirate can get the Golden Residence if they purchase properties with loans from specific local banks.
Moreover, investors can obtain the residence by purchasing one or more off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies for no less than AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528.80).
Golden Visa For Entrepreneurs
The Golden Visa is available to entrepreneurs who meet flexible requirements by administrative regulations.
As the minimum requirement :
- Startups in the SME category must be registered in the country and have annual revenue of at least AED 1 million.
- An official business incubator must approve the startup idea and the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authorities to qualify for a Golden Visa.
- Should be a founder (or one of the founders) of an entrepreneurial project that sold for not less than AED 7 million.
- Must be approved by the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authority for any project or idea.
Golden Visa for Outstanding Students and Graduates
High achieving students from secondary schools and universities (ranking top 100 worldwide) may qualify for the visa depending on specific criteria, including academic performance, year of graduation, and university ranking.
Golden Visa for Humanitarian Pioneers
You can apply for the newly amended golden visa if you are a distinguished member of an international or regional organization, an outstanding member of an association that serves the public good, a recipient of humanitarian awards, or a distinguished volunteer sponsoring humanitarian efforts.
Golden Visa for Frontline Workers
In crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, frontline workers may also be granted Golden Visas.
UAE Golden Visa Benefits
There are a number of benefits associated with the Golden Visa in the UAE, including:
- The issuance of a residency permit after the issuance of an entry visa for six months with multiple entries.
- The ten-year residence visa is long-term and renewable
- Self-sponsored visas
- Having the right to stay outside of the UAE without having their visa nullified for any period of time
- Families, including spouses and children, can be sponsored, regardless of age.
- When a primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away, family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permit period.
Benefits for Abu Dhabi Residents
- Discounts and offers will be available to Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi on cars, property, health care, hospitality, health insurance, and banking services. In addition, the Resident’s office has partnered with companies from multiple industries to offer incentives.
- As a result of commercial partnerships between the Abu Dhabi Residents Office and the developer Imkan Properties, Abu Dhabi golden visa holders will receive discounts on selected properties.
- There will be reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates for real estate golden visa investors and attractive savings rates for non-real estate investors at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
- A bundle of benefits will be available to holders inside and outside the UAE, including annual health insurance premiums reductions.
- As well as receiving special payment facilities, maintenance offers, and licensing services, golden visa holders will receive price reductions on cars and priority booking for new releases.
- Hotel stays and spa treatments will be included in special offers for guests.
Benefits for Dubai Residents
- Residents with golden visas in Dubai and home country licenses can take a UAE driver’s test without additional instruction.
- If the golden visa holders are from one of 32 approved countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Qatar, Kuwait, and Ireland, they will automatically qualify for a UAE driving license.
- To attract outstanding expatriate students and their families to Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced a 10-year Golden Visa program for outstanding expatriate students and their families.
- Additionally, they will receive discounts at Dubai’s international university branches for higher education.
