Golden Visa UAE 2023 – Do You Qualify for the Highly Sought-after Residency Visa?
Ever since its introduction, the UAE Golden Visa program has stirred significant interest among expatriates aspiring for permanent residency in the UAE.
With its widened criteria and inclusiveness, the Golden Visa is poised to amplify the UAE’s prominence as a global epicenter for business and investment. Discover a comprehensive guide on the Golden Visa UAE, encompassing prerequisites, advantages, the application journey, and beyond.
What Does the Golden Visa UAE Entail?
The Golden Visa constitutes a prolonged residency permit that grants foreign individuals the privilege of residing, working, or studying in the UAE for a span of up to a decade. This exclusive residency initiative is extendable and caters to specific categories, spanning from investors to those with extraordinary skills.
Devised to entice foreign investment and expertise, the Golden Visa initiative proffers an array of advantages to recipients, encompassing the freedom to dwell and labor within the nation, access to premier education and healthcare facilities, and the capacity to sponsor family members for residency visas. The validity of the Golden Visa spans a decade, with the option of renewal following its expiration.
Latest Updates and Regulations on UAE’s Golden Visa.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has recently announced that graduates from accredited international universities are now eligible to apply for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa. This allows them to live and work in the UAE without a sponsor, facilitating employment, investment, business setup, and permanent settlement.
To avail of this, there are specific conditions and a fee of AED 350, as detailed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). Applicants must possess a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months (without being present in the UAE), have graduated from a university ranked among the world’s top 100, maintain a cumulative average of at least 3.5 for bachelor’s degrees, graduate within the last 2 years, and receive certificate approval from the Ministry of Education.
The application can be completed through multiple channels, available 24/7, including the UAECIP website or smart application, through UAE digital identity or username, attaching necessary documents, paying fees, and undergoing evaluation. Rejected applications are refunded, and visa validity can be extended for 60 days in case of an entry delay.
Advantages and Privileges of UAE’s Golden Visa The UAE’s Golden Visa offers a range of benefits, including:
- A six-month entry visa with multiple entries, followed by renewable residency permits.
- A 10-year long-term renewable residence visa.
- Self-sponsorship options.
- The ability to remain outside the UAE without visa nullification.
- Family sponsorship, including spouses and children of all ages.
- Parent sponsorship for 10-year residency without additional deposits.
- Sponsorship for an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
- Continuous family stays in the UAE even if the primary Golden Visa holder passes away.
Unique Golden Visa Benefits by Emirate
Abu Dhabi Golden Visa
Beneficiaries in Abu Dhabi can enjoy exclusive advantages such as discounts and deals on automobiles, real estate, healthcare, hospitality, banking, and health insurance. Partnering with various sectors, the Resident’s Office introduces these incentives. Abu Dhabi’s golden visa holders can access property discounts from Imkan Properties through the Resident’s Office commercial collaborations.
Major banks like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank offer reduced fixed interest rates for real estate investors and attractive savings account rates for non-real estate investors. The perks extend to reduced premiums on family and individual health insurance plans, including comprehensive network coverage and additional benefits both within and beyond the UAE.
Furthermore, Golden Visa holders can avail themselves of price reductions on vehicles, priority bookings for new models, special payment options, maintenance deals, and licensing services. Dining, spa treatments, fitness centers, and stays at select hospitality establishments also come with exclusive offers for these holders.
Dubai
As per official announcements, expatriates holding a golden visa and possessing a driving license from their home country can now undergo a UAE driver’s test without the necessity of additional lessons.
Furthermore, individuals with a golden visa and licenses from 32 approved nations, including the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Qatar, Kuwait, and Ireland, will automatically qualify for a UAE driver’s license.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has revealed that exceptional foreign students and their families in Dubai will receive a 10-year Golden Visa, alongside special discounts for pursuing higher education at international university branches in the city.
Esaad Privilege Card The esteemed Esaad privilege card will be bestowed upon Golden Visa holders in Dubai as a complimentary offering. This card will be extended to both 5-year and 10-year Golden Visa holders in Dubai.
Golden Visa holders falling under specific categories will receive the Esaad card. These categories encompass:
- Investors in public investment funds
- Real estate investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals possessing specialized talents and contributing to scientific and knowledge fields, such as scientists, doctors, specialists, and inventors
- Creative individuals in the realm of culture and art
- Executive directors
- Proficient academics
- Professional athletes
- Holders of Ph.D. degrees specializing in engineering or science, as well as humanitarian aid workers
- Outstanding graduates from universities and high schools
For comprehensive insights into the benefits of the Esaad Card, please consult our dedicated article below.
Insurance for Golden Visa
Comprehensive insurance coverage is available for Golden Visa holders, with costs varying from AED 2,000 to 50,000, influenced by factors like age, health condition, and covered medical facilities. The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) now presents health insurance packages exclusively designed for Golden Visa holders, offering a 1-year validity that’s renewable annually. Premiums for these insurance plans are determined by age and the chosen plan option.
Applying for the UAE Golden Visa
Applying through ICA Individuals interested in obtaining the Golden Visa can easily apply online via the ICP smart services platform. The application process is uncomplicated, involving document submission and a willingness to relocate to the UAE in alignment with their business endeavor.
Applying via GDRFA Eligible candidates can initiate their Golden Visa application through the GDRFA Dubai website with the following process:
- Visit the GDRFA Dubai website.
- Choose the desired Golden Visa service.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Attach the necessary documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Submit the visa application.
In addition, eligible applicants can also utilize the GDRFA Dubai Smart Application using these steps:
- Download the GDRFA-Dubai application (iOS, Android).
- If not already registered, create a new user account.
- Select the needed service.
- Attach the necessary documents and pay the required fees.
- Submit the Visa request.
Remember, eligible candidates can also apply for the UAE’s Golden Visa through the AMER Center.
UAE Golden Visa Eligibility
The scope of eligible categories for the UAE Golden Visa has recently broadened. Noteworthy inclusions for Abu Dhabi consist of senior scholars and clerics, industry experts in the 4th industrial revolution, healthcare professionals, and educational specialists.
In light of the latest updates, the following individuals are eligible for the UAE Golden Visa:
Golden Visa for Religious Leaders in UAE Dubai has unveiled a significant announcement ahead of Eid Al-Fitr, introducing Golden Visas for mosque imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have dedicated two decades of service to the country. This recognition honors their invaluable contributions to the community’s well-being and includes a symbolic cash reward on Eid to express gratitude for their unwavering commitment.
UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors Real estate investors can secure a Golden Visa through one of the following criteria:
- Purchasing a property worth at least AED 2 million.
- Purchasing property with a loan from specified local banks.
- Acquiring completed or off-plan properties totaling at least AED 2 million from approved local real estate companies. The essential documents for Golden Visa application in this category include the registration documents from the Emirate’s real estate authorities.
Notably, expatriates’ residence visa expiry or cancellation in the UAE has been extended to 6 months for property owners, providing ample time for status adjustments or departure without incurring fines.
Property Owners’ Golden Visa Property or property group owners can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa, subject to conditions such as owning properties valued at a minimum of AED 2 million or purchasing property through specific local banks approved by competent local entities. This visa can be renewed without a sponsor.
Golden Visa UAE for Investment in Public Funds
Investors in an accredited investment fund are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without sponsorship. This requires:
- A letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming an AED 2 million deposit.
- A valid commercial or industrial license with an association memorandum evidencing an AED 2 million capital.
- A letter from the Federal Tax Authority affirming an annual payment of at least AED 250,000 to the government. Furthermore, the investor must fully own the capital (not a loan) and provide medical insurance for themselves and their family.
Golden Visa UAE for Entrepreneurs and Startup Owners Startup investors can attain a Golden Visa if their UAE-registered company falls under the SME category with annual revenues of AED 1 million or more. Additional eligibility includes:
- Founders of a prior entrepreneurial project sold for at least AED 7 million.
- Projects requiring Ministry of Economy or competent local authority approval. Entrepreneurs with technical or innovative projects must possess an auditor’s letter verifying a project value exceeding AED 500,000, an emirate authority’s endorsement of the project’s technical or future nature, and accreditation from a UAE business incubator for establishing the proposed activity.
Golden Visa UAE for Exceptional Talents
The Golden Visa category for exceptional talents encompasses individuals of remarkable expertise in fields like art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, and law. Notable specialized talents include creative cultural and artistic personalities, requiring an approval letter from the respective emirate’s Department of Culture and Arts, as well as inventors, athletes (with a recommendation from the General Sports Authority or relevant sports council), and doctoral degree holders. This 10-year visa is solely based on talent, bypassing requirements such as educational qualification, employment status, salary, or professional standing, although a federal or local government entity’s recommendation or approval is necessary.
Golden Visa UAE for Executives Eligibility criteria encompass:
- A Ministry of Education-accredited university degree of at least a bachelor’s level.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the same position.
- A salary certificate reflecting a minimum salary of AED 50,000.
- A valid work contract.
Golden Visa UAE for Engineering and Science Specialists
This category necessitates a certified copy of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from the Ministry of Education and a valid work contract. Engineering and science disciplines encompass topics like 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 scope now extends to scientists and researchers who meet the following criteria:
- Possess a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from globally recognized universities.
- Obtain a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, indicating the Medal of Scientific Excellence award.
Golden Visa UAE for Skilled Professionals This enhanced Golden Visa category is inclusive of all fields such as education, law, science and engineering, information technology, and social sciences, among others. Eligibility prerequisites entail:
- Holding a valid employment contract in the UAE.
- Employment falling within occupational levels one or two, as designated by the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation.
- Monthly salary exceeding AED 30,000 and possession of a bachelor’s degree. Please be aware that skilled professionals, categorized under the first or second occupational level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, enjoy an extended grace period of 6 months.
Golden Visa UAE for Exceptional Students
Students displaying exceptional academic excellence through high scores in UAE secondary schools or universities are eligible for the 10-year Visa, known as the Golden Visa scheme.
High school students achieving national-level top scores (with a minimum grade of 95 percent in public or private secondary school) can qualify for a Golden visa without a sponsor, upon submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
Moreover, students who have excelled at the world’s premier universities can also apply for the Golden Visa scheme. Criteria encompass academic performance, cumulative average, year of graduation, and university ranking.
Outstanding university students can secure a 10-year Golden visa without a sponsor, provided:
- The university is rated as class A or B by the Ministry of Education.
- A recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or academic record confirming a cumulative GPA of 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 graduation.
Distinguished graduates from foreign universities can attain a 10-year Golden visa without a sponsor, contingent upon:
- The university ranking among the top 100 globally, according to the Ministry of Education’s recognized rating system.
- A cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5.
- Graduation not exceeding 2 years.
- Accredited graduation certificate by the Ministry of Education.
Please note that graduates are eligible for an extended 6-month grace period.
Golden Visa UAE for Humanitarian Pioneers Humanitarian pioneers can secure a 10-year Golden visa. Qualifying categories for humanitarian pioneers include:
- Members and exceptional employees with a minimum five-year service period in international and regional organizations.
- Members and exceptional employees with a minimum five-year service period in civil associations and institutions of public interest.
- Individuals receive an appreciation award from local, regional, or international humanitarian organizations.
- Humanitarian funders, with a support value not less than two million UAE dirhams or equivalent.
Golden Visa UAE for Medical Professionals
In recognition of their dedication and sacrifices, the UAE is granting long-term residency to doctors and nurses, the frontline heroes. Doctors and nurses who have demonstrated exceptional efforts, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, may also be eligible for the Golden Visa, with a recommendation from a recognized authority. This category encompasses nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved cadres under the Frontline Heroes Office. Seven designated centers under the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship across the Emirates cater to doctors and nurses applying for visas in person. Medical doctors need an approval letter from the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice their profession.
Golden Visa for Exceptional Coders The UAE has unveiled its strategy to grant 100,000 golden visas to extraordinary computer programmers worldwide. Collaborating with tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon, the Emirates aims to train 100,000 young individuals in computer programming through the National Programme for Coders. Eligibility covers distinguished coding experts, talents achieving success in various coding domains, those employed by leading international tech firms, and graduates in software engineering, computer sciences, hardware engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, data science, big data, and electrical engineering.
Golden Visa Expanded Categories for Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi recently broadened the range of eligible categories for Golden Visa. The following criteria apply universally to all categories:
- Employment within the UAE
- Role classification aligning with MoHRE’s occupational scheme
- Minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or equivalent
- Valid UAE practicing license, if required (e.g., physician, pharmacist, teacher)
- Employer-issued salary certificate and 6-month bank statement reflecting a monthly income of at least AED 30,000.
The expanded categories and their respective requirements are as follows:
- Senior scholars and clerics: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or a competent local authority.
- Specialists in industry and the 4th industrial revolution: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or competent local authority.
- Specialists in health fields: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
- Specialists in education: Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
- Skilled professionals: Approved employment contract in the UAE, position classification as per MOHRE’s scheme, attested bachelor’s degree or equivalent, valid practicing license if required, and employment certificate.
Golden Visa UAE
Cost The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has recently revised the entry permit fees for applicants seeking the 10-year Golden Visa UAE.
The cost for the six-month entry permit has been updated to AED 1,250, encompassing 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 Duration The UAE government has extended the validity of all Golden Visa categories from 5 to 10 years, enhancing its appeal for individuals aiming to reside and work in the UAE. Additionally, Golden Visa holders are granted a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, facilitating the completion of Golden Visa formalities.
Furthermore, these visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months, affording them the opportunity to either adjust their status and obtain another residence visa or depart the country.
Extension of Grace Period for Golden Visa Holders
The grace period following the expiration or cancellation of a visa has been prolonged from 30 days to 6 months for both Golden visa holders and their family members. This affords expatriates a 6-month window to either adjust their status and acquire another residence visa or depart the country.
During this grace period, fines will not be imposed. However, in the event that the Golden visa holder neglects to renew or cancel the visa for their dependents, these dependents might become subject to overstay penalties.
Extension of Golden Visa UAE As officially confirmed by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), it is now possible to extend or cancel your entry permit through an online personal account. This applies to the document issued to foreign individuals upon entry to the UAE for the purpose of finalizing their residency visa.
This new policy is applicable as follows: Two months for regular visas or green residency visa applications. Six months with multiple entries for applications related to the golden visa.
Also, find out how salaried class employees who are earning more than AED 30k monthly can avail UAE Golden Visa.
