Golden Visa UAE: Your Complete Guide to an Exceptional Opportunity

Envision launching your dream business in a luxurious foreign city, surrounded by perpetual sunshine and pristine beaches.

Sounds appealing, right?

Now, imagine a tax-free haven in that foreign city.

Even more enticing!

But here’s the exciting reality: you don’t have to imagine it; you can experience it in the United Arab Emirates. The only requirement is a UAE Golden Visa for extended residency.

Unlocking the UAE’s Golden Visa:
This comprehensive guide is your key to unraveling the mysteries of the esteemed UAE Golden Visa. Continue reading to transform your dreams into tangible reality.

Understanding the UAE’s Golden Visa:
Unlike many other global visa programs, the UAE’s distinctive Golden Visa program grants eligible individuals permanent residency with a ten-year visa. Yet, it doesn’t stop there – it offers an array of exceptional privileges that set it apart from conventional residence visas.

Introduced in 2019, the renowned Golden Visa initiative aimed to attract and retain international talent for permanent residency in a tax-friendly environment. It also sought to fuel business growth, driving the UAE’s economy to new heights.

And it succeeded.

By late 2021, an astonishing 44,000 Dubai residents had embraced long-term residency through the Golden Visa, contributing to the UAE’s resilience during the pandemic. This program undoubtedly solidified the UAE’s global reputation as an alluring destination for living, working, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Tailored to attract emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals, the Golden Visa program extends to a diverse range of individuals. Whether you’re a medical professional, an engineer, a researcher, or a top-performing university student, you might qualify for this exceptional opportunity.

With a ten-year validity, the Golden Visa Residency offers the convenience of automatic renewal in specific circumstances, sparing applicants the often tiresome visa renewal process. This user-friendly approach reflects the UAE government’s commitment to streamlining the visa application process, a refreshing departure from the complexities associated with visas in other countries.

Advantages of the UAE Golden Visa:
True to its name, the Golden Visa program sets the standard for enduring residency visas. The UAE government has meticulously crafted this program to attract top-tier talent from around the world, all set against the backdrop of year-round sunshine, cutting-edge infrastructure, and pristine beaches.

1) No Need for Local Sponsors:
Golden Visa holders can reside, study, and work in the UAE without the requirement of a local sponsor.

To those unfamiliar with global residency processes, this might not seem significant. But for those in the know, the complexities and time-consuming nature of securing a local sponsor are evident. This is particularly true if you aren’t employed by a local company or lack connections within the country you’re applying in.

The absence of the need for a national sponsor simplifies the UAE residency application process, making it even more enticing to pursue this opportunity.

2) Full Ownership of Your Business:
Another standout feature of the Golden Visa is that holders can have full ownership of businesses established in the UAE.

This is a game-changer.

Before the advent of the Golden Visa, foreign individuals aspiring to launch a business in the UAE were required to partner with an Emirati national who would own a percentage of the company. Some exceptions existed for specific industries within designated zones.

The Golden Visa eradicates these logistical hurdles for eligible foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors.

3) Inclusion of Family Members and Associates:
For those obtaining a visa through the Golden Visa program, the process of securing separate visas for family members or important business associates is eliminated. If you’re granted a Golden Visa, your family members can be added. This includes immediate family, business partners, or associates, subject to specific conditions.

This feature can significantly reduce paperwork when relocating with your spouse or children, and it can prevent the possibility of being separated from your loved ones.

4) Unrestricted Travel In and Out of the UAE:
Golden Visa holders have the freedom to travel to and from the UAE as often as they desire. In essence, possessing a Golden Visa equates to having the privileges of a UAE citizen. Whether you want to visit family and friends abroad or schedule numerous international business meetings, the opportunities are limitless. Your mobility knows no bounds.

Additional Benefits for Golden Visa Holders in Different Emirates:
Golden Visa programs across different Emirates offer an array of advantages for you and your family members in various sectors. When considering your citizenship options, it’s essential to explore all available visa pathways.

Dubai:
Golden Visa holders in Dubai might qualify for an Esaad privilege card based on their category. This card, provided at no cost, grants privileges to Golden Visa holders in Dubai.
Foreign residents in Dubai with driving licenses from specified countries and holding a Golden Visa can undertake a UAE driver’s license test without needing UAE-specific lessons.
For Golden Visa holders with licenses from 32 approved countries, a UAE driver’s license can be obtained automatically.
Exceptional foreign students in Dubai could be granted a 10-year residency visa and may also qualify for discounts at international universities throughout Dubai.
Abu Dhabi:
In Abu Dhabi, Golden Visa residents enjoy exclusive offers and discounts in sectors spanning real estate, healthcare, hospitality, automobiles, insurance, and banking services. These benefits arise from partnerships between the Resident’s Office and various industries.
Thanks to commercial partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Resident’s Office, Golden Visa holders can access discounts on select properties from real estate developer Imkan Properties.
Prominent banks like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank extend reductions in fixed-interest rates on mortgages to Golden Visa investors in real estate. Non-real estate investors also receive attractive interest rates on savings accounts.
Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi receive special deals for gyms, spas, and stays at designated hospitality establishments.
These holders are also eligible for automobile discounts, priority booking for new releases, special payment options, maintenance incentives, and licensing services.
Moreover, Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi can enjoy reduced premiums on annual health insurance packages for both individuals and families.

Qualifying for a UAE Golden Visa:
The UAE government has recently expanded the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa, making it more accessible to a diverse range of global individuals.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize that the Golden Visa program’s primary aim is to stimulate business development. The UAE government seeks individuals of extraordinary caliber to invigorate the economy and cultivate a skilled workforce. As a result, the Golden Visa criteria remain specific.

If you don’t fall within the specified categories or cannot meet the designated conditions for your particular category, your Golden Visa application might not receive approval.

The primary groups eligible to apply for UAE residency under the Golden Visa program are as follows:

Investors
Individuals possessing specialized talents and researchers in various scientific fields
High-ranking executives
Athletes
Experts in engineering and scientific disciplines
Individuals in creative and cultural fields
Inventors
Outstanding students with exceptional scientific aptitude
Each category’s eligibility comes with distinct conditions and criteria for success. The next section delves into some of these requirements.

Initiating Your Golden Visa Application in the UAE:
The process of applying for a Golden Visa depends on your profession and the category you fall under. The upcoming sections outline specific prerequisites for each professional grouping. However, the fundamental steps for applying for a UAE Golden Visa are as follows:

Identify the relevant category for your application and gather the application form and necessary documents.
Submit the documents and pay the applicable fees.
Await communication regarding the outcome of your application, which may take up to 30 days.
If your application is successful and you currently hold a UAE visa, cancel it.
Submit

your passport and Golden Visa application. Your new visa will subsequently be added to your passport.

Determining Eligibility for a UAE Golden Visa:
How can you ascertain your eligibility for a UAE Golden Visa? The ensuing sections elucidate the distinct prerequisites that individuals from each professional category must fulfill to acquire one.

Investors:
Investors in commercial investment funds:
Requirements:

Company audit (financial report for the prior year)
License copy and partner list (commercial-industrial)
Residence photograph
Company account statement for the preceding three months (VAT returns)
Note:

Only licenses from Dubai Emirate (commercial or industrial) are accepted.
For licenses from free zones or special development zones, a “To Whom It May Concern Certificate” from the relevant free zone authorities is obligatory.
Investors in investment funds (deposit):
Requirements:

A letter from the bank indicating the deposit in Arabic. This letter must affirm that the deposit won’t be withdrawn for two years. In the event of withdrawal, the deposit will be reported to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.
Residence photograph
Rental lease
Occupation during application – unspecified
Investors in investment funds (tax return investor):
Requirements:

A letter from the Federal Tax Authority
A copy of the license and partner list
Residence photograph
Occupation during application – unspecified
Given profession – investor
Individuals with specialized talents and researchers in various scientific fields:
Doctors:
Certificate verifying the practice of a profession in Arabic from the Health Authority – Ministry of Health – Dubai Healthcare City
Copy of labor card from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or a certified work contract from bodies under The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and free zones
Residence photograph
Occupation during application – as per license certificate
Granted profession – as per the license
Scientists:
Recommendation letter from the Emirates Scientists Council or a letter from the Secretariat of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence as a recipient of the Medal of Scientific Excellence
Passport copy
Occupation during application – unspecified
Creative individuals and cultural and artistic talents:
Requirements:

Recommendation letter from the Culture and Arts Authority
Passport copy
Occupation during application – unspecified
Profession awarded – as per recommendation letter
Inventors:
Requirements:

Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy
Passport copy
Occupation during application – unspecified
Profession awarded – as per recommendation letter
High-ranking Executives (General Manager – Executive Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors):
Requirements:

Company NOC letter for the Golden Visa, specifying a 5-year term as a general manager, executive director, or chairman of the board of directors
Bachelor’s degree or higher (Ministry of Education-certified certificate)
Monthly salary certificate of AED 30,000 or more
Employment contract reflecting the same profession and salary
Personal account statement for six months
Occupation during application – General Manager – Executive Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors
Profession awarded – Executive Director
Athletes:
Recommendation letter from a sports council or the General Authority for Sports
Passport copy
Occupation during application – unspecified
Profession awarded – as per recommendation letter
Specialists in engineering and scientific fields:
Bachelor’s degree or higher, certified or with a degree equivalency letter from the Ministry of Education (for certificates from abroad)
Residence copy
Employment contract for a specialization in Epidemiology Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering
Occupation during application – as per approved major, higher
Profession awarded – according to specialization
Exceptional students with promising scientific aptitude (2019 – 2020 and beyond graduates):
Recommendation from the Ministry of Education (confirmation via text message)
Residence permit copy (Dubai Emirate)
Passport copy
Occupation during application – unspecified
Profession awarded – Outstanding Student
University graduates with a GPA of 3.8 or higher from approved state universities (Bachelor’s or Master’s):
Certified university degree and academic transcript
Residence permit copy (Dubai Emirate)
Passport copy
Occupation during application – unspecified
Profession awarded – Outstanding Student
Embark on a New Chapter with a UAE Golden Visa:
If you’re captivated by the UAE’s sun-soaked landscapes, lavish lifestyle, and promising business prospects, contemplate the ten-year visa possibilities furnished by the UAE’s Golden Visa. It could be your passport to a transformative journey!

Should you believe that you satisfy the requisites for a UAE Golden Visa, seize the moment to explore this alluring avenue. Connect with our Dubai-based business establishment experts, who stand ready to showcase how effortlessly you can attain a Golden Visa and establish your enterprise in the UAE using our streamlined process at Multi Solution.