How to Apply for a Golden Visa in UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide
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In 2019, UAE introduced the Golden Visa, a novel visa system designed for long-term visa holders. With the Golden Visa, foreign nationals gain the privilege to reside, work, and pursue studies within the United Arab Emirates. This 2019 revision aims to attract fresh expatriates, particularly to Dubai.
Why to Apply for a Golden Visa in UAE ?
The Dubai Golden Visa program is designed to attract and retain individuals with exceptional talents, investors, and executives, offering them the opportunity for long-term residency in the UAE. This system has significantly enhanced the UAE's reputation as a premier global hub for both business and lifestyle, drawing people from all corners of the world to the UAE.
The Golden Visa provides a 10-year residency option to individuals meeting specific criteria, including a monthly salary exceeding AED 30,000, investments of AED 2 million or more, or ownership of off-plan property valued at AED 2 million or higher, with a minimum initial payment of AED 1 million already made. Smart Zones® UAE guides you through every stage of your application, ensuring that all requirements are fulfilled and your profile is approved.
Types of Golden Visa in UAE and Who is Eligible
Golden Visa for Professionals
Professionals and skilled workers can qualify for the Golden Visa by meeting specific criteria. This includes having a valid employment contract within the UAE for a job classified under occupational level 1 or 2 as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Additionally, applicants should hold a bachelor's degree and earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more.
Golden Visa for Real Estate Owners
Individuals who have purchased real estate valued at AED 2 million or more or own off-plan property with a value of AED 2 million or higher, with an initial payment of at least AED 1 million already made, from a list of approved local real estate companies, are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa.
Golden Visa for Investors
To be eligible for this category, individuals must possess a minimum public investment of AED 2 million, which can be in the form of an organization or an investment fund. Additionally, at least 60% of the total investment should not be obtained as a loan and should not be tied to real estate. For other types of assets, investors should expect to have full ownership.
Benefits of Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa in Dubai
There are a number of benefits and features that aren’t currently available to holders of the standard UAE residency visa.
- Gain the ability to work, reside, travel, and invest in the UAE.
- Obtain a long-term renewable visa valid for 10 years.
- Sponsor yourself and family members, regardless of their ages.
- Sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
- Benefit from multiple entries followed by the issuance of residency permits.
- Stay outside of the UAE for any duration without nullifying your Golden Visa.
- Allow your family to remain in the UAE until the end of the Golden Visa's duration, even in the event of the primary visa holder's passing.
- Golden Visa holders with a driving license from their home country can take the driver’s test without additional lessons.
- Furthermore, if Golden Visa holders possess a license from one of the 32 approved countries, such as the US, UK, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, Qatar, Kuwait, and Ireland, they automatically qualify for a UAE driver’s license.
- Enjoy 100% ownership of any business started and operated in the UAE.
- All Golden Visa holders will receive the coveted Esaad Privilege Card for FREE.
Requirements for UAE Golden Visa Application
Professional Golden Visa Requirements
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the company, permitting the employee to hold a golden residency. The NOC should specify a service period of not less than 1 year in the role of a general manager, executive, director, or chairman of the board of directors.
- An authenticated degree certificate (bachelor's degree or higher) along with university degree equivalency. The degree must be authenticated by the UAE embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.
- A salary certificate demonstrating earnings of no less than 30,000 DHS per month.
- A labor contract that matches the profession and salary mentioned in the salary certificate.
- Bank statements covering the last 6 months, illustrating monthly salary deposits. The salary should be clearly visible in the statements and not withdrawn on the following day. If the salary is transferred to another account on the second day, a second bank statement demonstrating the same is required.
- Copies of the passport and visa.
- A valid Dubai visa is necessary.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
Golden Visa Requirements for Real Estate Owners
- To qualify for a Golden Visa, you must own a Title Deed Property valued at AED 2 million or an off-plan property with a value of AED 2 million or more, with an initial payment of at least AED 1 million already made.
- You need to provide a copy of your visa or passport.
- Submission of your Emirates ID is required.
- You must be physically present in the UAE.
- You are also required to have both international and local health insurance coverage.
Golden Visa Application for Real Estate Owners
- Include a copy of your passport in your application.
- Provide evidence of ownership of a financial deposit of at least two million dirhams (AED 2,000,000) in a bank in the country. This may take the form of investment bonds or sukuk.
- You should also furnish proof of your residence in the Emirate of Dubai.
Steps to get your UAE Golden Visa
- 1. Arrange Travel Plan
- 2. Undergo Medical Examination
- 3. Submit Visa Application
- 4. Receive Golden Visa Approval and Visa Stamping
- 5. Complete Biometrics for Emirates ID Application
- 6. Obtain Emirates ID Card
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The Golden Visa in the UAE, introduced in 2019, is a long-term residency program designed to attract and retain individuals with exceptional talents, investors, and executives. It allows foreign nationals to reside, work, and pursue studies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Applying for a Golden Visa provides the opportunity for long-term residency in the UAE, enhancing the country's reputation as a global hub for business and lifestyle, particularly in Dubai.
There are three main categories for the Golden Visa: one for professionals, one for real estate owners, and another for investors. Professionals, including skilled workers, must meet specific criteria such as having a valid employment contract, a bachelor's degree, and a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more. Real estate owners qualify by purchasing properties valued at AED 2 million or more. Investors must have a minimum public investment of AED 2 million, and at least 60% of the investment should not be obtained as a loan or tied to real estate.
Obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai comes with numerous benefits. Holders can work, reside, travel, and invest in the UAE, enjoying a long-term renewable visa valid for 10 years. They can sponsor family members, domestic helpers, and even maintain their family's presence in the UAE in the event of the primary visa holder's passing. Golden Visa holders also have the privilege of taking the driver’s test without additional lessons if they possess a license from one of the approved countries. Moreover, they can enjoy 100% ownership of any business started and operated in the UAE and receive the Esaad Privilege Card for free.
Professionals applying for the Golden Visa need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the company, an authenticated degree certificate, a salary certificate demonstrating earnings of at least 30,000 DHS per month, a matching labor contract, and six months of bank statements illustrating monthly salary deposits. Additionally, they need copies of the passport and visa, a valid Dubai visa, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Real estate owners applying for the Golden Visa must own a Title Deed Property valued at AED 2 million or an off-plan property with a value of AED 2 million or more, with an initial payment of at least AED 1 million already made. They also need to provide a copy of their visa or passport, submission of their Emirates ID, and have both international and local health insurance coverage.
The process to obtain a UAE Golden Visa involves arranging a travel plan, undergoing a medical examination, submitting the visa application, receiving Golden Visa approval and visa stamping, completing biometrics for Emirates ID application, and finally obtaining the Emirates ID card. Each step is crucial in ensuring a smooth and successful Golden Visa application process.
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