Dubai has become one of the most popular global immigration destinations in recent years. With its lavish lifestyle, tax-free salaries, and world-class infrastructure, it’s no wonder why so many foreigners are flocking to this glittering Emirate.
One of the fastest and easiest ways for high net-worth individuals from other countries to gain residency in Dubai is through the Golden Visa program. Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa UAE offers a pathway for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, engineers, and other professionals to live, work and study in Dubai without requiring a national sponsor or employer.
Compared to traditional work/family visas which need renewing every 2-3 years, the UAE Golden Visa provides 10 years of residency just for making an eligible real estate purchase, establishing a business, or meeting certain salary or academic criteria. Even better, it offers new residents the chance to sponsor family members and includes benefits like 100% ownership of their business without an Emirati partner.
So if you’re looking to make Dubai your second home, read on to find out everything you need to know about the Golden Visa program – from golden visa requirements to application process. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur or professional, we’ll break down how to get your hands on this 10-year golden ticket to living and working in Dubai.
What Is The Golden Visa UAE?
Introduced by the UAE government in 2019, the Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term resident visa that allows foreigners to live, work and study in Dubai without requiring a UAE national sponsor or employer. It provides successful applicants and families with legal residency for up to 10 years in Dubai and other UAE emirates.
The key advantage of the Golden Visa UAE compared to traditional employer-sponsored work permits is the ability to sponsor family members, flexibility to switch jobs without company approval, owning 100% of your own business, and no restrictions on income sources in the UAE.
It also offers one of the quickest and most straight-forward paths to temporary or permanent residency for investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, scientists and outstanding university graduates.
What Are The UAE Golden Visa Requirements?
The United Arab Emirates has become an attractive destination for expats and investors from all over the world. Dubai specifically has established itself as a global business hub and tourist hotspot with its lavish urban developments and luxury lifestyle offerings.
For individuals looking to gain residency in the UAE, Dubai provides an appealing option through its Golden Visa program. Here are the UAE golden visa requirements:
Real Estate Investors
- Purchase property worth at least 2 million AED (approx. $550,000) in Dubai.
- Property can include commercial, residential, or developers’ projects that are completed or near completion.
Entrepreneurs & Innovators
- If you possess a technical or futuristic economic project, you will be eligible for a five-year Golden Visa.
- Have previous venture capital funding of at least 500,000 AED for your startup.
- Proof of owning at least 51% of your Dubai-based startup share capital if sole founder.
Outstanding Students
- Proof of achieving a minimum high school grade of 95% or university grade of 3.75 GPA.
- Receive STEM degree from UAE-approved universities.
Frontline Heroes
- Doctors, nurses, researchers and other vital frontline workers active in the UAE during the pandemic on certain approved visas.
What Are The Golden Visa UAE Benefits ?
The United Arab Emirates Gold Card system, better known as the Golden Visa, confers long-term UAE residency privileges to highly skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and exceptional talents across various fields.
Compared to traditional employer-sponsored work visas in the UAE which need renewing every 2-3 years, the renewable 5 or 10-year Golden Visa offers greater stability, more control over your status in the country, and excellent benefits for you and your family.
Some of the top golden visa UAE benefits are:
1. No Sponsor or Employer Needed
The Golden Visa does not require a national sponsor, employer or investment partner to support renewals. This gives long-term residents and remote workers more flexibility to live and earn in the UAE independently. You can switch jobs freely or have multiple revenue streams.
2. Sponsor Family Members
Successful Golden Visa holders have the right to sponsor their spouse and children below age 25 regardless of their place of residence or nationality. In certain categories, parents and domestic helpers can be sponsored too. This allows you to easily bring immediate family members to live with you in the UAE.
3. 100% Business Ownership
Investors and entrepreneurs receiving the Golden Visa based on starting a company in the UAE qualify for full (100%) ownership rights over their business without needing an Emirati partner. This incentive helps attract more foreign direct investment into Dubai and the UAE.
4. Limitless Income Sources
Unlike job-based visas, professionals holding the Golden Visa face no restrictions on their source of income in the UAE. So inventors, artists, investors and remote workers can undertake projects, freelance, earn rental income, trade shares or collect business profits without any limitations.
5. Travel Convenience
Golden Visa holders based in the UAE can travel in and out of the country easily while maintaining residency rights. You can re-enter even after 6 months of travel abroad without canceling your Golden Visa. It also grants some eligibility for Emirati entry visas into other countries.
6. Healthcare & Education Access
Residency visa holders get access to high-quality private healthcare and schooling options in the UAE often at subsidized rates. dependents also get residence permits and ID cards giving them access to the same infrastructure as their parents.
7. Tax Benefits
The UAE does not impose personal income, capital gains or corporate taxes (except for oil companies & foreign banks). So residents with the 10-year Golden Visa can benefit from the 0% taxes for over a decade whether living in a property they own or earning through businesses operated out of free zones.
8. Legacy & Security
Unlike entry permits with shorter validity that require ongoing employment under the same sponsor, the Golden Visa enables professionals to continuously reside in the country regardless of job title or employer changes after retirement. It can become a gateway to permanent UAE citizenship one day.
9. Boosts Lifestyle Quality
Thanks to world-class infrastructure and amenities across UAE cities, ultra-low crime rates and cultural diversity – holding the renewable long term Golden Visa catapults your work, family and personal life by letting you legally reside in one of the most progressive and developed nations of the Middle East.
Where To Apply For A Golden Visa UAE?
There are two main options to apply for the coveted 10-year UAE Golden Visa:
1. Apply Online
If you meet the eligibility criteria under one of the approved categories like real estate investment, entrepreneurship, specialized talents etc., you can directly submit your Golden Visa application on the government portal of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA):
- First register your interest on the ICA website under the “Golden Visa – Nomination Request” section.
- Fill details in the online form including personal information and selected visa category.
- You will need scanned copies of your passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), educational/professional credentials, proof of investment/salary/ownership etc. as per your category.
- If approved, proceed to filling the Golden Visa application, uploading documents, paying fees and booking medical/biometrics appointments.
- The entire process may take some weeks including medical tests, awaiting approval and getting a final Dubai/UAE residency visa stamped on your passport.
2. Hire a Professional Consultancy Like ZARA
Since document requirements and eligibility criteria can be complex for Golden Visas, you can hire an experienced company like ZARA as your visa consultant. We offer end-to-end services customized to your profile for streamlined application:
- Initial Consultation
The process begins with an in-depth consultation, where Zara Biz Services assesses the client’s eligibility, goals, and requirements. They provide a clear overview of the Golden Visa process and answer any questions or concerns.
- Document Preparation
Zara Biz Services assists clients in gathering the necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with the UAE’s requirements. They meticulously review and organize the paperwork to minimize delays and increase the chances of a successful application.
- Application Submission
Once all the documents are prepared, Zara Biz Services submits the application to the relevant UAE authorities on behalf of the client. They monitor the progress of the application and provide regular updates to keep the client informed.
- Follow-up and Support
Zara Biz Services diligently follows up with the authorities, addressing any queries or additional requirements promptly. They act as the client’s advocate throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient application review.
- Visa Issuance and Support
Upon successful approval, Zara Biz Services assists with the collection of the Golden Visa and provides further guidance on the next steps, such as residency registration and related services.
FAQs
Who is eligible for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
Real estate investors spending 2+ million AED, entrepreneurs establishing successful startups in UAE, outstanding students, frontline pandemic workers, specialized talents like doctors, engineers, scientists with high salaries or degrees from top 500 universities globally.
How much does a Golden Visa cost in the UAE?
For individuals presently residing in the UAE, the Golden Visa fee ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 3,800. For those applying from outside the UAE, the Golden Visa fee is between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor parents?
Yes, after obtaining the Golden Visa based on property, entrepreneurship, specialized talent or other categories – holders can sponsor immediate family members including parents, children, spouse and domestic help.
