How to Apply for Golden Visa in UAE: Eligibility & Procedure

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The UAE Golden Visa has been making waves recently, especially after Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt became one of the first mainstream actors to receive this prestigious visa. If you’re wondering what the Golden Visa is all about and how you can apply for it, this comprehensive guide will provide all the details you need.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

Introduced in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that offers foreigners the unique privilege to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor. Additionally, Golden Visa holders can enjoy 100% ownership of their businesses in UAE’s mainland. These visas are available for 5 or 10 years and renew automatically, making them an attractive option for expatriates and investors.

Who Can Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa caters to various categories of individuals, including:

Entrepreneurs
Investors
Researchers and Scientists
Specialized Talents (such as artists and innovators)
Outstanding Students

As part of this initiative, the UAE also offers a Business Visa, which allows both foreigners and permanent residents to secure long-term visas for themselves and their families. Dependents, including parents, can be added based on conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

If you’re eager to secure a UAE Golden Visa, give us a call at +971 4321 6631. Our team will handle the application process for you from start to finish!

Note: Approval of the nomination merely means that you have qualified for a Golden Visa. It is no guarantee of visa issuance.

Eligibility for a 5-Year Golden Visa

Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria for a 5-year Golden Visa:

Property Investors

To qualify, you must:

Invest in a property worth at least AED 5 million.
Retain ownership of the property for a minimum of three years.
Ensure the property is free of loans or financial liabilities.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs must meet either of the following conditions:

Own an ongoing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
Obtain approval from a UAE-accredited business incubator.

Entrepreneurs are issued a multi-entry 6-month visa, which can be renewed for an additional 6 months. This visa also covers their spouse, children, a partner, and up to three executives.

Outstanding Students

Students who meet these criteria can apply:

High school students with at least 95% in public or private schools.
University graduates (within or outside the UAE) with a GPA of 3.75 or above.

The visa extends to include the student’s family members as well.

Eligibility for a 10-Year Golden Visa

For those seeking a 10-year Golden Visa, you must fall under one of the following categories:

Property Investors

Property investors need to meet these requirements:

Make a public investment of at least AED 10 million.
Ensure at least 60% of the investment is in non-real estate sectors.

Investment options include:

Establishing a company with a capital of at least AED 10 million.
Depositing AED 10 million in an investment fund.
Becoming a partner in an enterprise with a share value of at least AED 10 million.

Conditions for Investors

To qualify, you must:

Prove the investment is not a loan.
Show financial solvency of up to AED 10 million.
Retain the investment for a minimum of three years.

The visa can also include business partners (if each contributes AED 10 million) and dependents such as the applicant’s spouse, children, one advisor, and one executive director.

Investors outside the UAE can apply for a multiple-entry 6-month visa.

Specialized Talents

This category is designed for researchers, scientists, doctors, and individuals excelling in arts and culture. The visa also extends to their families. To qualify, applicants must meet these conditions:

Scientists: Must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or hold the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
Inventors: Must hold a patent approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy that adds value to the UAE economy.
Creative Individuals: Must be accredited by the UAE Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development.

For professionals in other fields, applicants must satisfy at least two of the following:

Membership in a relevant professional organization.
A Ph.D. from a top 500 global university, along with 10+ years of professional experience.
Recognition with awards or certificates in their respective field.
Publications in esteemed journals or books.

Why Apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa offers unmatched benefits, including long-term residency, complete business ownership, and the ability to bring your family along. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or a high-achieving student, the Golden Visa opens the doors to a promising future in the UAE.

Need Help?

If you are dreaming of starting your own company and carrying it forward with a team of employees under your wing, then consider that dream accomplished. We, Cross Link International, will start your company for you, so you don’t have to!

Cross Link International is one of the best business setup consultants in Dubai and will assist you in company formation, PRO Services, Visa Services, Business License renewal, Trade Licenses, free zone company formation, LLC company formation and many more services that entail business formation. Reach out to us through + 971 4321 6631 / + 971 55 744 6445 or fill-in this form to get a free consultation from us.