24 Apr Dubai Long-Term Visa: Complete Guide
Golden Visa Dubai: This article will tackle all the ins and outs of getting long-term Dubai visas. As regulations are subject to change, please always verify current regulations with local authorities.
Living in a new country can be challenging, and it can take time to adjust to the culture and customs of the new place. However, long-term golden residence allows expats to integrate more into the local community and better understand the culture.
Having long-term residence allows expats to establish roots in Dubai and create a sense of stability. Planning for the long term can be challenging without a sense of permanence. In addition, the long-term residence provides a sense of belonging which can benefit mental and emotional well-being.
For expats with families, long-term residence can be vital. It can provide a sense of belonging for children who struggle to adjust to frequent moves. It can also allow families to build connections and relationships within the local community.
Golden Visa Dubai
The “ Golden Visa ” is a UAE residency visa allowing foreign talents to live, work, or study in Dubai . It provides several exclusive benefits, such as a long-term and renewable UAE residence visa that is valid for 5 or 10 years, and the ability to stay outside of Dubai for more than six months to maintain the validity of the golden residency visa. The privilege of the Dubai Golden Visa is not requiring a sponsor, the capability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children of any age, and the ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers. The requirements to obtain a Dubai Golden Visa differ based on the type of residence, such as investor, talent, or entrepreneur.
UAE Investment Visa
For investors in public investments, a Golden visa may be granted for ten years without a sponsor if they invest in an investment fund and provide a letter from the accredited fund confirming a deposit of AED two million, a valid commercial or industrial license, and memorandum of association demonstrating capital of no less than AED two million, and a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating annual payment of no less than AED 250,000. Additionally, the investor must fully own the invested capital and provide proof of medical insurance for themselves and their family.
Dubai Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
For a real estate investor, a Golden visa may be granted for five years if they own one or more properties valued at not less than 2 million dirhams and purchase a property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.
Dubai Visa for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs , a Golden visa may be granted for five years if they own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk and innovation and provide an approval letter from an auditor in Dubai stating a project value of not less than 500,000 dirhams, the authorities in the emirate stating the project is of a technical or future nature, and an accredited business incubator in Dubai to establish the proposed activity in the country.
Ten-Year Golden Visa
If you are an outstanding professional in the following sectors, you can get a ten-year Golden Visa UAE:
- software engineering
- electrical engineering
- genetics and biotechnology engineering
- epidemiology and viruses
- artificial intelligence
- big data
- computer engineering
- electronic engineering
Golden Visa for Students
Exceptional students can also apply for a Golden visa in the UAE. High school students who are national-level toppers with a minimum of 95% in public or private secondary school may be granted a Golden visa for five years without a sponsor, provided they submit a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). The duration of the Golden visa for students is five years and may be extended if they are enrolled in a major or college in the country that requires a study period of more than five years.
Outstanding university students may be granted a Golden visa for ten years without a sponsor if their university is rated A or B class by the UAE Ministry of Education, and they can provide a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or academic record stating a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities, provided it has not been more than two years since graduation.
Furthermore, exceptional foreign university graduates may be granted a Golden visa for ten years without a sponsor if their university is rated among the top 100 universities globally according to the rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education, their cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5, and the Ministry of Education accredits their graduation certificate, provided it has not been more than two years since graduation
If you have contributed significantly to humanitarian work, you may be eligible for a 10-year Golden visa. To qualify as a pioneer of humanitarian work, you must fall into one of the following categories:
- Members and exceptional employees who have served international and regional organizations for at least five years
- Members and exceptional employees who have served civil associations and public interest institutions for at least five years
- Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization focused on humanitarian work
- Funders of humanitarian work provided the support value is not less than two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.
Frontline heroes who have shown extraordinary effort during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may also qualify for the Golden visa with a recommendation from a competent authority. Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and other approved cadres by the Frontline Heroes Office.
Long-term Residence Visa for the Retired
Individuals over 55 and who have retired may apply for a long term residence visa valid for five years. The golden visa applicant must meet specific requirements to be eligible for this retirement visa. For example, they must have worked for at least 15 years inside or outside the UAE or be 55 or older at retirement. Additionally, the applicant must own property/properties that are worth no less than AED 1 million, have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million, or have a monthly income of AED 20,000 (or AED 15,000 per month for Dubai), and must provide bank statements for the last six months. If the eligibility criteria are met, the visa will be valid for five years with the possibility of renewal.
Green Visas
Individuals who work as freelancers or are self-employed can apply for a Green visa valid for five years. They must provide certain documentation , including a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and proof of a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma. Additionally, they must show evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years that amounts to at least AED 360,000 or proof of financial stability for their stay in the UAE.
If you are a skilled employee seeking to apply for a Green visa that lasts five years, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Possess a valid employment contract
- Be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Have a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency in the UAE for a period of 5 to 10 years, which is renewable. This provides stability and security for individuals and families, enabling them to establish roots and plan their futures in the country, whether they choose to reside in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any of the other emirates.
The UAE Golden Visa program offers a range of attractive benefits to its recipients, including foreign investors and talented individuals. Golden Visa holders enjoy the freedom to work and study in the UAE without the need for a separate employment or student visa. This flexibility allows them to explore various career and educational opportunities within the country’s dynamic and diverse economy.
Furthermore, a UAE Golden Visa holder has access to world-class healthcare and education facilities, ensuring a high quality of life for themselves and their families. They also have the ability to sponsor their family members, enabling them to bring their loved ones to the UAE and maintain a stable family unit.
Additionally, the Golden Visa program offers tax advantages and incentives, making it an attractive option for individuals and businesses seeking to minimize their tax burdens while enjoying the benefits of residing in a thriving economic hub.
How to apply Dubai golden visa?
To obtain the UAE Golden Visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide the required documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO). The UAE Golden Visa requirement varies based on categories like investor visa, talent, and achievement. The golden visa application process involves submitting the necessary paperwork, along with any applicable fees, to the concerned authorities.
Eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the category, but generally include requirements such as minimum investment thresholds, exceptional academic achievements (for outstanding student), or outstanding professional credentials and contributions to specialized fields.
The processing time for UAE Golden Visa applications can vary, but the UAE government has streamlined the process to ensure efficiency. Once approved, the Golden Visa is issued, granting the recipient the privileges and benefits associated with this prestigious program, including the issuance of an Emirates ID and an Esaad Privilege Card.
Impact on the UAE’s Economy and Society
The UAE Golden Visa program has far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and society. By attracting foreign investment and talent, the program supports the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond the traditional oil and gas sectors. It fosters an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging the establishment of new businesses and the creation of job opportunities.
Moreover, the influx of UAE Golden Visa holders from diverse backgrounds contributes to the cultural richness and inclusiveness of the UAE’s society. This diversity not only enhances the country’s global appeal but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and the exchange of ideas.
Is UAE Citizenship a Possibility for Foreign Nationals?
Foreigners married to an Emirati national can petition for citizenship after residency in the UAE of seven to thirty years. The foreign national must speak fluent Arabic and renounce all other citizenship. The Emirati government can also confer citizenship based on outstanding merit. However, the number of foreign residents granted Emirati citizenship is extremely small, so it is not considered a viable option for most.
Can I Get Help With Applying for a Long-term Visa?
As the UAE Golden Visa program continues to evolve, it will be crucial for authorities to address the concerns raised, ensure transparency, and maintain a fair and balanced approach that benefits both UAE Golden Visa holders and the local community.
The UAE Golden Visa program represents a strategic initiative by the UAE government to attract and retain exceptional talent, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world. By offering long-term residency, freedom to work and study, access to world-class facilities, and tax advantages, the program aims to further solidify the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation, business, and economic growth.
Long term residency visas are given in small quantities and are scrutinized more than your average visa application. However, our specialists have helped many applicants with challenging cases get the visa they deserve. Please get in touch with us for a free consultation.
Tip: You can use our Cost Calculator to see how much it will cost to start your company in Dubai.
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