Golden Visa UAE – Are You Eligible for the Much-Coveted Residency Visa?

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated April 2024

Since its implementation, the UAE Golden Visa system has generated quite a buzz among certain groups of expatriates with plans of securing permanent residency in the United Arab Emirates.

With expanded categories and eligibility, the Golden Visa is expected to further boost the UAE’s position as one of the world’s foremost hubs for global business and investment.   

With Wego here is everything you need to know about Golden Visa UAE, the current requirements, benefits, the application process and more.

What is the Golden Visa UAE?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign talents to live and work or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This golden residency scheme is renewable and reserved for certain categories ranging from investors to individuals with exceptional talents.

The Golden Visa program is designed to attract foreign investment and expertise to the UAE. It offers a number of benefits to holders, including the ability to live and work in the country, access to top-quality education and healthcare, and the ability to sponsor family members for residence visas. The length of the Golden Visa is 10 years, after which it can be renewed.

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Golden Visa UAE latest news and rules 

In the latest news, property owners with a portfolio valued at Dh2 million or more might soon enjoy the convenience of automatic Golden Visas during the renewal process. Officials at the UAE Innovates exhibition shared this innovative approach, where the land departments of each emirate will be linked to the ICP portal, streamlining the visa issuance for eligible residents. This marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to enhance the Golden Visa process, making it more accessible for qualifying property owners.

Golden Visa UAE benefits and advantages

Some of the benefits of the Golden Visa in the UAE are as follows:

• an entry visa for six months with multiple entries followed by the issuance of residency permits
• a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 10 years
• a self-sponsored visa
• ability to stay outside of the UAE for any amount of time without having their visa nullified 
• sponsoring their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages
• sponsoring their parents for a 10-year residency without the need to pay additional deposits
• sponsoring an unlimited number of domestic helpers
• allowing family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration in the event the primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away

Additionally, there are Golden Visa benefits specific to individual emirates as follows.

Abu Dhabi

• Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi will be entitled to discounts and offers on cars, property, health care, hospitality, health insurance and banking services. The Resident’s office has teamed up with companies across various industries to offer the incentives.
• under the Abu Dhabi Residents Office’s commercial partnerships, Abu Dhabi golden visa holders will be entitled to discounts on selected properties from developer Imkan Properties.
• banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, will offer real estate golden visa investors reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates and non-real estate investors attractive rates on savings accounts.
• the holders will also be entitled to reduced premiums on annual health insurance plans for families and individuals, with diverse network coverage and a bundle of benefits both inside and outside the UAE.
• Golden Visa holders will also be eligible for price reductions on cars. They will receive priority booking for new releases, in addition to special payment facilities, maintenance offers and licensing services.
• they will receive special offers for dining, spa treatments, gyms and stays at selected hospitality.

Dubai

As stated by the authorities, foreign residents in Dubai who have a golden visa and a driving license from their home country can now take a UAE driver’s test without needing extra lessons.

Additionally, if the golden visa holders have a license 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 be eligible for a UAE driver’s license.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced that a 10-year residency Golden Visa will be granted to outstanding expatriate students and their families in Dubai. They will also be given discounts to pursue their higher education in international university branches in Dubai.

Esaad privilege card

Golden Visa holders in Dubai will be gifted the coveted Esaad privilege card. The card will be provided free of charge to holders of 5-year and 10-year Golden Visas in Dubai.

Select categories of Golden Visa holders in Dubai will receive the Esaad card. These categories include

• investors in public investment funds
• real estate investors
• entrepreneurs
• people with specialised talents and researchers in science and knowledge, such as scientists, doctors, specialists, inventors
• creative people in culture and art
• executive directors
• specialised academics
• professional sportspeople
• Ph.D. degree holders specialising in engineering or science, humanitarian aid workers
• outstanding university and high-school graduates

For details on what the benefits of the Esaad Card actually entail, please refer to our dedicated article below.

Golden Visa insurance

Golden Visa holders can apply for comprehensive insurance coverage that could range between AED 2,000 – 50,000 depending on several factors such as age, health, hospitals/clinics covered etc. The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has introduced health insurance packages for Golden Visa holders valid for 1 year and can be renewed on a yearly basis. Premiums for all insurance plans will vary according to age and the plan option chosen.

 

Golden Visa UAE application

Application through ICA

All interested individuals who would like to apply for the Golden Visa may do so by applying for the visa online at the ICP smart services platform. The process is quite straightforward, with candidates required to submit the necessary documents and be willing to relocate to the UAE in accordance with their business venture.

Application through GDRFA

 Eligible applicants can apply for the Golden Visa using the GDRFA website by following the steps given below:

• visit the GDRFA Dubai website.
• select your desired Golden Visa service
• fill out the visa application form
• attach the required documents, and pay the required fees
• submit the visa application

Apart from this, eligible applicants can also apply for the Golden Visa using the GDRFA Dubai Smart Application by following the steps given below:

• download the GDRFA-Dubai application (iOS, Android)
• applicants who do not have a registered account must register a new user account
• select the required service
• attach the required documents, and pay the required fees
• submit the Visa request

Please note that eligible candidates can also apply for UAE’s Golden Visa through AMER Center.

Golden Visa UAE requirements

Currently, the categories of eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa have been expanded. Among the latest additions specific to Abu Dhabi are senior scholars and clerics, elite specialists in the industry and the 4th industrial revolution, specialists in health fields, and specialists in education.

As per the latest development, those eligible for the Golden Visa UAE are as follows:

Golden Visa for preachers and religious researchers

Golden Visa UAE for real estate investors

Real estate investors may obtain the Golden Visa if they fulfil one of the following conditions: 

• purchase a property worth no less than AED 2 million, 
• purchase a property with a loan from specified local banks, or
• purchase one or more completed or off-plan properties of no less than AED 2 million from a list of approved local real estate companies

The registration documents issued by the real estate authorities in the Emirate are the primary documents needed to submit for applying to the Golden Visa in this category.

Please note that the residence visa expiry or cancellation in the UAE for expats has been extended from 90 days for property owners. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country. Fines do not apply during the grace period.

If you own a property or a group of properties, you may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 5 years, renewable on the same conditions and without a sponsor, subject to the:

• provision of a letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating that he owns one or more properties whose value is not less than AED 2 million
• purchase of a property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.

Golden Visa UAE for public investors

Applicants might be granted a Golden Visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor if they are investing in an investment fund. The following conditions have to be taken in account for the same.

• Provide a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming an AED two million deposit by the investor or,
• Providing a valid commercial or industrial license along with a memorandum of association indicating an investor capital of at least AED two million.
• Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming an annual payment of no less than AED 250,000 to the government. Furthermore, it is essential that the invested capital is owned outright and not obtained through a loan. Additionally, furnishing evidence of medical insurance coverage for both the investor and their family, if applicable, is required.
• Furthermore, it is essential that the invested capital is owned outright and not obtained through a loan.
  5. Additionally, furnishing evidence of medical insurance coverage for both the investor and their family, if applicable, is required.

Golden Visa UAE for entrepreneurs and startup owners

Startup investors may now obtain a Golden Visa, provided their company is registered within the UAE. It should fall under the small and medium enterprises (SME) category with annual revenues of AED 1 million or above. Furthermore, the Golden Residence for Entrepreneurs can also be obtained if:

• the person is a founder or one of the founders of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold with a total value of not less than AED 7 million (USD 19,05,850)
• the approval of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities is required for projects or ideas

If you are an entrepreneur, you may get a Golden visa if you own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation. In addition, you must have an approval letter from each of the following:

• an auditor in the UAE stating that the project value is not less than 500,000 dirhams
• the authorities in the emirate stating that the project is of a technical or future nature
• an accredited business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.

Golden Visa UAE for exceptional talents

Under the category of exceptionally talented individuals, talented individuals in the fields of art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, law and others are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa scheme. Some outstanding specialised talents include:

• creative people of culture and art
  • an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate.
• inventors
• athletes
  • a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils
• doctoral degree holders

Moreover, the 10-year visa will be awarded solely based on the individual’s talent. It will not depend on educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional status. However, the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity will be required.

Golden Visa UAE for executives

Requirements include:

• a copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor’s degree
• a letter of experience of no less than 5 years holding the same position
• a salary certificate with a salary of AED 50,000, at least
• a valid work contract. 

Golden Visa UAE for specialists in engineering and science

The requirement includes a copy of a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree certified by the Ministry of Education and a work contract.

Subjects relating to engineering and science include:

• epidemiology and viruses
• artificial intelligence
• big data
• computer engineering
• electronic engineering
• software engineering
• electrical engineering
• genetics and biotechnology engineering.

Golden Visa UAE for scientists

The Golden Visa will now be granted to scientists and researchers who meet the following conditions:

• have a PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from the world’s best universities.
• must have a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council to avail of this Visa or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence stating that the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.

Golden Visa UAE for skilled professionals

A major expansion to the Golden Visa eligibility category, the Golden Visa for skilled professionals applies to all fields and disciplines, including but not limited to education, law, science and engineering, information technology, social sciences, and numerous others.

Skilled professionals can qualify for the Golden Visa scheme, provided:

• they hold a valid contract of employment in the UAE
• the job must fall under the occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation.
• the minimum monthly salary is not less than AED 30,000
• the skilled worker must have a bachelor’s degree as well.

Please note that skilled professionals (classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification) are eligible for an extended 6-month grace period.

Golden Visa UAE for students

Students with exceptional academic excellence, having obtained high scores either in UAE secondary schools or universities, are also eligible to apply for the 10-year Visa or the Golden Visa scheme.

If you are a high school student and a national-level topper (with a minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school), you may be granted a Golden visa without a sponsor, subject to submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). 

Furthermore, talented students who have studied at the world’s best universities are also eligible to apply for the Golden Visa scheme. Criteria include academic performance/cumulative average, year of graduation and university classification.

If you are an outstanding university student, you may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided that:

• the university must be rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education
• a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities is submitted.
• it has not been more than 2 years since you graduated.

Outstanding students of foreign universities may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided that:

• the university is rated among the best 100 universities globally according to the rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education
• the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5
• it has not been more than 2 years since you graduated
• the graduation certificate is accredited by the Ministry of Education

Please note that students who have completed their studies are eligible for the extended 6-month grace period.

Golden Visa UAE for humanitarian pioneers

If you are a pioneer of humanitarian work, you may get a Golden visa for 10 years. You must be one of the following categories to qualify as a pioneer of humanitarian work:

• members and outstanding employees who have worked for international and regional organisations for a minimum of five years
• members and outstanding employees who have worked for civil associations and institutions of public interest for a minimum of five years
• individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional or international organisation that focuses on humanitarian work
• funders of humanitarian work provided that the value of the support does not fall below two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.

Golden Visa UAE for Volunteers

Individuals who have made substantial contributions to volunteerism, either through dedicated service hours or significant financial support, now have the opportunity to apply for the prestigious UAE Golden Visa. This visa permits residency for up to 10 years and offers a pathway for long-term residence in the country. The eligibility criteria, as specified by the ICP, include several categories:

• members of international and regional organisations or distinguished workers within them, with a minimum service period of five years
• members of public benefit associations and institutions or distinguished workers within them, with a minimum service period of five years
• recipients of appreciation awards from local, regional, or international institutions specialised in humanitarian work
• distinguished volunteers in the field of humanitarian work, with a service period of not less than five years or a minimum of 500 volunteer hours
• financial supporters of humanitarian work with a contribution value of no less than AED 2,000,000 or its equivalent

Golden Visa UAE for doctors and nurses

The UAE has been granting doctors and nurses, the first line of defence, a long-term residency in “recognition of their efforts and sacrifices”.

Frontline heroes who displayed extraordinary effort in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, also may get the Golden visa with a recommendation from a competent authority. Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists and other cadres approved by the Frontline Heroes Office. Seven centres affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship have been established across the Emirates for doctors and nurses who wish to apply for visas in person.

Doctors will need to provide an approval Letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice the profession of medicine.

Golden Visa for exceptional coders 

Golden Visa expanded categories for Abu Dhabi

The emirate of Abu Dhabi has recently announced an expansion to the eligible categories for the Golden Visa. Please note that the following criteria apply to all categories to be eligible.

• must be employed in the UAE
• must hold a role classified by MoHRE’s occupational classification scheme
• the minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or equivalent
• hold a valid practising licence in the UAE if required (such as a physician, pharmacist, teacher, etc.)
• salary certificate issued by the employer with a bank statement for the last 6 months showing a monthly salary of an amount no less than AED 30,000

The new categories, along with their respective requirements, are as follows.

Senior scholars and clerics

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or a competent local authority.

Specialists in industry and the 4th industrial revolution

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or a competent local authority.

Specialists in health fields

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.

Specialists in education

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.

Skilled professionals

• an employment contract approved in the UAE
• evidence that the applicant holds a position classified as level 1 or 2 by MOHRE’s occupational classification scheme
• attested bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• a valid practising licence in the emirate or UAE for professions that require this
• employment certificate

Golden Visa UAE price

The price of Golden Visa UAE may vary based on the category of the visa. If you apply for a visa from the UAE, it will cost between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800. Meanwhile, if you apply from outside the UAE, the cost will be between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800, with an AED 150 application fee and about AED 1,000 for a medical examination of the Emirates ID.

Furthermore, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has now revised the entry permit fees for those applying for the 10-year Golden Visa UAE.

The price for the six-month entry permit has now been updated to AED 1,250. The AED 1,250 charge includes an AED 1,000 issuance fee, AED 100 application fee, AED 100 smart services fee, AED 28 electronic services fee, and AED 22 for ICP.

Golden Visa UAE validity

The UAE government has increased the validity of all categories of the Golden Visa from 5 years to 10 years, making it an even more attractive option for those looking to live and work in the UAE. Moreover, Golden Visa holders are entitled to a multiple-entry visa for a period of 6 months to complete the Golden Visa procedures.

They are also allowed to stay outside of the UAE for more than 6 months. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country.

 

The grace period after visa expiry or cancellation has been extended from 30 days to 6 months for Golden visa holders and their family members. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country.

Fines do not apply during the grace period. However, if the Golden visa holder fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependents, the dependents could be liable to pay an overstay fine.

Golden Visa UAE extension

As confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (ICP), you can now extend or cancel your entry permit online via a personal account. This refers to the document issued to foreign nationals entering the UAE to finalize their residency visa. 

The new policy is valid for the following:

1. two months for normal visas or green residency visa applications
2. six months with multiple entries for golden visa applications