The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency option offering expats a chance to live, work, and study in the country without the need for a sponsor or employer. With a validity of up to 10 years, it is renewable and provides unique benefits, making it one of the most attractive permits for residents, investors, and professionals. Read the detailed guide by Khaleej Times below.

Who can apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

The visa is open to several categories of people, including investors in public or real estate, entrepreneurs, inventors, creative professionals in culture and arts, executive directors, athletes, and specialists in engineering and science. Outstanding students, pioneers in humanitarian work, and frontline heroes are also eligible.

Recently, Dubai expanded the eligibility criteria by including exceptional gamers, content creators, and standout students. Similarly, Ras Al Khaimah started offering the visa to outstanding teachers, and in 2024, Abu Dhabi made superyacht owners eligible for the coveted permit.

What are the requirements?

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the category. For professionals, a minimum monthly salary of Dh30,000 is required. Real estate investors must own properties valued at no less than Dh2 million, with proof from the Real Estate Registration Department and documentation showing the property is not under a loan. Alternatively, applicants can invest Dh2 million in an investment fund.

How to apply for the Golden Visa?

Applicants must confirm their eligibility and prepare the necessary documents based on their category. For example, real estate investors need proof of housing ownership or a rental contract. Applications are processed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. These can be submitted via dedicated centres or online through the ICP portal.

What are the costs?

In 2023, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security revised the cost of the Golden Visa to Dh1,250.

What are the benefits of the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa offers several advantages, including the ability to renew it every 5 or 10 years based on the application category. Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without their visa becoming invalid, unlike other residency permits.

Additionally, Golden Visa holders can sponsor immediate family members, including sons regardless of their age. They are also eligible to work without the need for a sponsor, provided their employer issues a separate work permit.

How does the UAE Golden Visa differ from other residency options?

The Golden Visa stands out due to its 10-year validity, the longest among UAE residency permits. It also allows residents to live in the country without requiring employment, as long as they meet the investment or income criteria.

Why could an application get rejected?

There are various reasons for a Golden Visa application to be declined. These include incorrect job titles, lack of a legalised degree for senior roles, or a designation that does not reflect the required seniority, like executive-level positions or specialised roles such as doctors or engineers.

For those looking for stability and numerous benefits, the UAE Golden Visa is an excellent option for long-term residency in the country.