Global عربي
KSA عربي
Global عربي
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is establishing itself as a hub of opportunities, long-term stability, and innovation. This area is also a popular choice among entrepreneurs, experienced professionals, and investors worldwide.
Smart investors, faced with the challenges of global finance, find permanent residency status in a leading global economy with the Golden Visa. It is made for those who are involved in developments through capital, skills, or new ideas and welcomes them to participate in the UAE's growth.
The Golden Visa was introduced in 2019, and it is a long-term residency program set up to lure and support investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talent, researchers, and excellent students who help the country develop.
Recipients of a Golden Visa avoid needing a national sponsor and can live in the UAE for 5 or 10 years, able to work and study freely.
Unlike regular residency permits, the Golden Visa allows permit holders to be abroad for as long as two years without losing their residency rights.
This flexibility answers the needs of current global mobile specialists and successful individuals. Besides allowing you to enter the country, it is essential for any wealth and mobility plan, giving you enduring security, flexibility in business, and a way to fit into Singapore's progressive economy.
Based on information from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, the Golden Visa is designed to boost the UAE's involvement in global activities, foster a strong, educated economy, and attract money, new ideas, and professional expertise to vital areas.
Eligibility covers a range of different people.
Applicants must have at least AED 2 million worth of property in the UAE to apply. If the home is mortgaged, the letter must prove the payment of AED 2 million.
Whether or not the property is built can be considered a good investment. Holding a property worth AED 1 million can allow those over 55 to get a 5-year visa. This is still among the main choices for acquiring a Golden Visa.
You are eligible if you either invest AED 2 million in a public fund or own a company with AED 2 million in capital.
Another way for entrepreneurs to qualify is by showing they hold shares worth AED 2 million. An alternative arrangement is open to businesses with annual taxes above AED 250,000, according to the Federal Tax Authority.
The project presented by an entrepreneur must be auditor-certified at AED 500,000 or get backing from UAE business incubators or emirate authorities for innovative businesses. Those who have started a company that sold for more than AED 7 million or who have annual revenues of AED 1 million or higher can apply.
Among them are doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, athletes and executives. All subcategories require approval from UAE officials. Doctors must get clearance from the Ministry of Health,
while inventors look for a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy. Executive directors should be paid at least AED 50,000 and have a bachelor's or higher degree along with 5 years of relevant experience.
A professional working in AI, biotech, IT, or similar fields is eligible if the Ministry of Human Resources places them at level 1 or 2. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and earn a monthly income greater than AED 30,000.
This is part of the UAE's effort to contribute to high-quality science and technology.
Any academic or researcher who produces knowledge in strategic sectors is invited. Registering successes that fit with the nation's main innovation priorities can help you obtain program benefits.
Most career websites require you to show your research outcomes or academic achievements.
The Ministry of Education recommends that outstanding UAE school students receive 5-year visas. Students of universities with a GPA of 3.8 or higher, as well as graduates from the top 100 global institutions (GPA: 3.5 or higher, within 2 years of graduation), may be eligible for 10-year visas.
Those considered eligible have given five years of humanitarian help, won awards for this work, or provided AED 2 million or more for humanitarian causes.
The government says the people who were on the front lines during a crisis like COVID-19 might also meet the eligibility requirements.
| Category | Key Requirements | Visa Duration |
| Investors in Real Estate | If the property value is AED 2M or more, no loan is needed, and AED 2M is required if there is a loan. | For seniors ages 55+ with AED 1 million property, the time reduces to 5 years. |
| Public Investors & Business Owners | You can meet the criteria by depositing over AED 2M in an approved fund, capitalizing your company with over AED 2M or paying at least AED 250K in annual tax. | 10 Years |
| Entrepreneurs & Innovators | - If the total project cost is more than AED 500K, the project needs approval from the auditor or the Emirates Authority/incubator. - If the yearly revenue surpasses AED 1M, you can get approval from any of these sources. |
5 or 10 Years |
| Skilled Professionals | You must have a valid job offer in the UAE, be classified by MoHRE as Level 1 or 2, have a Bachelor’s degree, and earn at least AED 30K a month. | 10 Years |
| Specialized Talents & Professionals | Concrete approvals or recommendations made by the MoH, Emirates Council of Scientists, the Department of Culture & Arts, the General Sports Authority, and MoEcon. | 10 Years |
| Researchers & Academics | A university degree with a certificate, 5 or more years of professional experience and a salary of at least 50K AED, along with a legal work contract. | 10 Years |
| Spectacular Students & Graduates | For MoE, high school graduates require a recommendation; for University UAE, GPA must be 3.8 or above; for top 100 universities overseas, the graduate must have a GPA of 3.5 and the course must have been completed within two years. | 5 or 10 Years |
| Humanitarian Pioneers & Frontline Heroes | You must have spent 5 years in organizations, won an award for humanitarian work or raised and transferred ≥ AED 2 million for humanitarian causes. | 10 Years |
Please note that this table only covers the main points and is not exhaustive.
Golden Visa holders can take many benefits.
With the Golden Visa, you receive a 5- or 10-year residency that can be renewed as needed, so you won't have to renew it every year.
People with this status may live more than half of the year outside Canada without risking their status, which is perfect for investors handling assets internationally.
Unlike old UAE visas, the Golden Visa allows applicants to avoid finding a local sponsor. It will enable you to manage all your decisions in all areas of life and career.
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age (if unmarried), parents, and unlimited domestic workers.
Those with a Golden Visa can also apply to sponsor parents, spouses, children who are not married at the time, and a limitless number of domestic workers.
Visa holders own 100% of businesses on the mainland and in free zones, meaning they need no local partner. Therefore, entrepreneurs who want to manage their businesses themselves can take advantage of this.
As a result, people in the UAE do not have to pay taxes on their earnings, properties sold, or capital. In addition, with more than 130 double tax treaties, residents can enjoy great wealth security and tax avoidance.
With a Golden Visa, you can travel abroad whenever you like while keeping your residency the same. You are welcome to book any duration, which often matters for business executives and international travelers.
Holders receive high-quality healthcare, popular international education, and readily accessible government help. They also have the right to get a UAE driver's license and an Easad Card for many savings.
1- Determine Eligibility: Your education and background should help you decide whether you qualify for the investor, professional, or student Golden Visa.
2- Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents (see below), including proof of investment, identity, housing, and health coverage.
3- Submit Application: You can submit your application through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portals.
4- Medical Examination: All expats must have a health check at a recognized center in the UAE before being allowed entry.
5- Biometric Verification: Biometric data is to be provided inside the UAE to check identity.
6- Approval and Visa Issuance: As soon as you get approval for your Golden Visa, it will be given to you electronically or at government service centers.
1- Passport: An ID passport that still has at least six months remaining.
2- Photograph: The photo must be recent, and the size must follow the UAE's requirements.
3- Proof of Eligibility: When you apply, you also need to produce your Eligibility List information, which includes confirmation of your investment, records for your property, your professional licenses, or your academic certificates.
4- Medical Fitness Certificate: A health center authorized in the UAE gives a certificate certifying fitness.
5- Health Insurance: You need health insurance from the UAE, which is valid for at least one year.
6- Proof of Housing: In the UAE, homeowners must present either the documents related to the property or an officially notarized rental agreement.
7- Background Check: You are required to provide a clean criminal record certificate to ensure the applicant's trustworthiness.
You can complete the application online at:
- Online Portals: You can submit your documents using the ICP website or ICP UAE's Smart App.
- GDRFA Portal: Those in Dubai have access to apply through the GDRFA portal or go to one of the Amer centers.
- In-Person Submissions: If you don't use digital forms, you can find help with your application at authorized centers, such as Amer or ICP offices.
- Special Submission Routes: Entrepreneurs can apply through business incubators such as AREA 2071 (Dubai) and HUB71 (Abu Dhabi).
- Processing Fees: Processing fees amount to AED 2,800 to AED 4,500, and the whole process costs AED 9,684.75 for 10 years.
- Visa & ID Issuance: Getting a visa and Emirates ID in Dubai costs between AED 1,000 and AED 1,043. The Emirates ID itself costs AED 1,150 for 10 years.
- Family Sponsorship: You'll pay AED 3,000–5,000 for each sponsored family member, and each residence permit costs about AED 5,668.50.
- 5-Year Visa Fees: It costs AED 2,280 to obtain residency, AED 150 to apply, AED 500 to obtain the residency card, and AED 575 to get an Emirates ID.
- Health Insurance: The cost of annual health insurance depends on several factors and can be as low as AED 800 or as high as AED 2,500.
- Medical Examination: Applicants should expect to pay between AED 800 and AED 1,000 for mandatory health checks.
- Legal and Documentation fees: The total time required to process translation, notarization, and document attestation can be AED 500 to AED 1,500+.
- Cancellation Fee: You need to pay around AED 500 to replace an existing visa.
- Real Estate Route: You need to invest a minimum of AED 2 million in one or more properties, and mortgaged assets should be proven to have been fully paid.
- Public funds or Business investments: You can also earn a visa if you put AED 2 million into an approved fund or an established business in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs: Projects worth AED 500,000 or start-ups that earn no less than AED 1 million are eligible.
- Real Estate Registration Fee: When registering and transferring a property, the owner is required to pay roughly $21,800+ one time.
Note:
The costs shown are just illustrations and can change as new policies are introduced, government services are altered, providers are involved, or application details are revised. You should turn to official web resources or attorneys for the latest and accurate statistics on immigration.
Depending on who applies and what they meet, a golden visa can be valid for 5 or 10 years in the UAE. As long as professionals and investors are eligible, this visa can be extended, bringing security and added opportunities to the UAE.
- It is most often offered to real estate investors, promising students who achieve academic excellence, and businesspeople with special business plans.
- It helps you with savings that you won't touch for 3 to 5 years and is perfect for both young and older people.
Investors, researchers, talented professionals, and graduates who attended the top universities tend to receive it.
Offers persons living and working in Canada the security of staying for another 10 years.
- Golden Visa holders do not depend on a local sponsor in the United Arab Emirates.
- Holders of these visas can live outside the UAE for up to six months without changing their residence status.
- A family can apply for a visa to support spouses and children since their age is irrelevant.
- Holders of a Golden Visa can get an Esaad Privilege Card, which allows them to receive discounts and benefits all over the country.
Recent Updates:
By May 2025, the UAE introduced five new groups as part of the Golden Visa program: health, education, creating digital content, e-sports, and owning a luxury yacht. The government is looking to recruit many experts to benefit the UAE globally and make it a top location for working professionals.
With a Golden Visa, you are eligible to sponsor your family;
- Spouse and Children: No matter how old they are.
- Parents: For one-year renewable residencies, parents are required.
Family members must apply by using the following details:
- Valid Passport: Every person in your family must have a valid passport.
- Photographs: You must have your picture taken to be passport-sized, and you will need to re-do them if they are expired.
- Proof of Relationship: Either a marriage certificate or a birth certificate will do.
- Medical Fitness Certificates: For those applying who are over 18, a medical fitness certificate is required.
- Health Insurance: Only UAE health insurance policies are accepted.
The timeline for processing is explained as follows:
- Initial Approval: It takes 48 hours on average to get Initial Approval.
- Complete Processing: The acceptance of the application can take 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the verification of the applicant's information.
- Final Approval: Eligible migrants will receive final approval about three to five days after their medical examination and after fulfilling the required needs.
- Residency: With Golden Visas, holders can stay in the country for 5 or 10 years without needing a local supporter, which allows for both independence and calmness for everyone involved.
- Employment: Since they have the option to work for anyone or start their own business, how they work can easily change.
- Business Ownership: Those with Golden Visas can manage and run both mainland and free zone companies entirely without needing an Emirati business partner.
- Education and Healthcare: The area gives adults and children outstanding educational opportunities and numerous healthcare services.
- Family Sponsorship: They are allowed to help their spouse, children of any age who have not married, parents, and any number of domestic helpers remain in the country as long as they do.
- Esaad Privilege Card: The special discounts from the Esaad Card are available to eligible customers, improving their lives and helping them save money in the UAE.
- Compliance with UAE Laws: Holders are obliged to obey the country's legal and regulatory standards. These include civil, commercial, immigration, and laws about public conduct.
- Timely Renewal: Make sure to keep your visa and all related documents from the Emirates—Emirates ID, health insurance, and similar—updated in time.
- Maintain Eligibility Status: Holders should still fulfill the requirements to keep the visa, such as keeping their investments, finding employment, or attending school.
- Financial Transparency: Although personal income is not taxed in the UAE, all residents must still comply with tax regulations from their home countries, including the US, Subject to FATCA and OECD CRS regulations if necessary.
- Public Conduct & Contribution: People living in the UAE under a golden visa are required to act ethically, take responsibility, and help the country's society and image.
The UAE keeps the Golden Visa strict to uphold the program's reputation and to ensure it goes only to the right holders. The main reasons applications are denied are mentioned below:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Many times, applications are turned away because the papers submitted are incomplete or have errors. This might occur when data is missing, unexpected forms are missing, or important documents like a medical report or rental contract are missing.
2. Ineligible Job Titles
Only specific sectors, such as AI, healthcare, and engineering, have professional categories available to them within the UAE's economic vision. Just because a job is general or unusual does not necessarily mean the applicant will be allowed, even if properly qualified, elsewhere.
3. Insufficient Experience
Experienced professionals and executives usually must show at least two continuous years of work in their field. Applications without work history are typically rejected.
4. Salary below Threshold
Among the Golden Visa categories, those for skilled professionals require employees to have a monthly wage of often AED 30,000 or more. Reaching this minimum income is necessary, or the application may still be rejected.
5. Unattested Academic Credentials
You must have both your degrees and certificates attested by the issuing country's government and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Not having your qualifications officially accepted will usually mean being denied the job.
6. Immigration or Visa Violations
Those who have previously stayed in the UAE beyond their visa, come in illegally, or broken immigration laws are not eligible for the program.
7. Lack of Financial Stability:
Prospective passengers have to show that their finances remain constant; monthly income, positive bank balances, and a lack of major debts are important. Unknown or unclear financial data can make anyone uncertain about a company's ability to endure in the future.
8. Criminal Record or Security Concerns:
Minor crimes or misdemeanors can be enough to reject a visa application. Since the UAE conducts extensive security checks, those on the list are almost always stopped for reasons of national interest.
I'll go into more detail about each step next.
- Understand the Reason
Take some time to review the notice given when your application is denied. Usually, it answers why your application was not accepted. If you know the mistake you made, you can correct it when you reapply.
- Rectify Issues
Once you realize why your application was rejected, fix that problem. You may be required to correct issues in your application, finish with papers that are still missing, provide new details if your information is old, or attest your documents officially.
- Seek Professional Advice
In other cases, the reason why denial takes place may not be obvious. If this happens, it can be useful to get guidance from an immigration lawyer, career advisor, or professional consultant who'll explain the issue and how you can address it.
- Reapply
When all the problems are handled, and you have the right documents, you can apply and submit your application one more time. Make sure all your documents are complete and right according to the rules.
Whether you apply for five or ten years, your golden UAE visa has an end date. The type of renewable changes, so holders need to bring their visa for renewal at the correct time, depending on their original issuance.
Step 1: Eligibility Verification
Before starting the renewal, check if you qualify under the required criteria, such as investment, employment, or study goals.
Step 2: Document Preparation
The following should be added or linked after filling in the header:
- Valid passport.
- A picture taken just recently.
- A recent Emirates ID.
- Medical fitness certificate (valid within 90 days).
- Legal health insurance for the UAE
- Proof of continued eligibility, such as active business license, real estate title deed, salary certificate, etc.
Step 3: Submission
Applications for renewal are possible through one of the following channel
- ICP Portal (https://icp.gov.ae)
- GDRFA Portal (https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae)
- Amer Centre’s in the UAE are there to help in person.
Step 4: Medical and Biometric Procedures
Visit the medical center for your medical test and fingerprint update if told to do so.
Step 5: Approval and Issuance:
With everything correctly in place, renewal usually takes 5 to 7 working days. As long as the individual meets the criteria, the validity of their new visa will match their previous one, again for 5 or 10 years.
Additional Tips:
- Sort out your renewal early so you don't risk penalties or lose your residency status.
- Register your email and phone numbers to get notifications on your application.
- Ensure all your supporting paperwork is up to date, readable, and understandable.
1. What Documents Are Needed for Golden Visa Family Sponsorship?
If you want to include family members under your Golden Visa program, you will need;
- Please give us a copy of each person's passport and some recent passport-size pictures.
- You need a legally authorized marriage certificate. Some people also need legal clearance to enter multiple marriages.
- Ensure you submit a birth certificate for your child to link you to the parent sponsoring you.
- Every dependent is required to have active health insurance in the UAE.
- Don't forget to attach copies of the Emirates IDs of family members who have already lived in the UAE.
- You must also submit evidence of accommodation in the UAE (an Ejari or similar document).
- No document can be used in the UAE unless it is translated into Arabic and attested by UAE authorities.
2. How Does the Golden Visa Affect Tax Residency?
- Workers in the UAE do not pay income tax. However, getting a Golden Visa might make you change your tax residence in your home country. You should;
- Getting a UAE Golden Visa doesn't mean you are now a tax resident in the UAE.
- You are recognized as a UAE tax resident if you have lived there for exactly 183 days or more and have also set up a permanent home address.
- If you are a TRC member, you won't face double taxation on your income under treaties with foreign nations.
- In the UAE, residents do not have to pay personal income tax, capital gains tax, or tax on income from overseas investments.
- Because the UAE does not tax inheritances or gifts, it is more attractive to people who want to settle there.
- Companies making profits greater than AED 375,000 must pay a 9% federal corporate tax, although Free Zone businesses may not have to pay at all.
- Although the US and UAE have an Information Exchange Agreement, not a full treaty, US expats living in the UAE are still taxed on their total income.
- Getting a Golden Visa may make your home country view you as a resident; find out about the rules for dual residents.
- Ask a qualified advisor in international tax to plan your money and explain the taxes related to international activities.
3. Is There a Limit to the Number of Family Members I Can Sponsor Under the Golden Visa?
No, There isn't a limited number of family members allowed under the Golden Visa. However:
- You must prove that you will be able to afford to live with all dependents.
- Every dependent is subject to medical capability and insurance standards.
4. Can I Switch from a Different Visa to a Golden Visa?
Yes. Residents and jobholders in the UAE can upgrade to a Golden Visa due to the following steps;
- Applying using one of the available categories.
- Applying for the Golden Visa requires canceling the previous visa.
- Those who receive the Golden Visa can request a new Emirates ID.
Note: When you're transitioning, take time to ensure your visas and residence status do not become invalid simultaneously.
5. Can Freelancers Apply for the Golden Visa?
Yes, Freelancers are allowed to apply if they satisfy these conditions;
- Needs to possess a proper freelance permit issued by locations authorized by the UAE, such as Dubai Media City and RAKEZ.
- You should show you have earned at least AED 360,000 every year for the past two years.
- You usually need either a related bachelor's degree or a specialized diploma.
- You're allowed to work as a freelancer only in sectors such as digital marketing, media, IT, education, design, or consultancy.
- It is required to share copied contracts, select samples from the designer's portfolio, and letters of recommendation from client organizations.
- When freelance activities require special supervision, freelancers may need to get a freelance work permit from MOHRE.Permitted to stay on a residence visa, covered for healthcare and access to banking, able to own land, and free to live, get a job, and travel.
References:
https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/golden-residency/
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa
Disclamer:
This post is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to take any financial action. It should not be relied upon when making investment or financing decisions.
