GOLDEN VISA
UAE
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The UAE Golden Visa initiative was introduced in 2019 to attract and retain professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional students from across the globe. Our team will support you in ensuring a smooth application process for the Golden Visa, enabling you to fully reap its advantages. These benefits encompass long-term residency in the UAE, complete ownership of your company in the mainland, and the privilege to live, work, and study in the country.
OUR GOLDEN VISA UAE SERVICES
Client assessment:
Our team will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the Visa programs and guide you through the entire process, including all associated prerequisites.
Documentation:
We will aid you in the collection, preparation, and submission of the necessary documents, including but not limited to the following:
Standard requirements:
- UAE labour contract
- Duplicate copies of your passport, visa, and Emirates ID (EID) card.
- Education certificate that has been fully attested and legalized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Salary certificate/income confirmation letter
- 6 months of personal bank statements
- Title deed, if you own property in the UAE
- A reference letter from your employer or a prominent figure endorsing your contributions to your industry or the UAE economy.
- Published articles and written features about you, your business, or your impact on the UAE economy.
- Copy of your CV or LinkedIn profile
Existing UAE residents on a non-Dubai visa:
- A non-breakable AED 2 million fixed deposit maintained in a local bank for a duration of 2 years, with a requisite bank confirmation letter.
- Should the deposit be withdrawn or encashed, the visa will become invalid and no longer accessible.
Existing UAE residents on a Dubai visa:
- Bank statements illustrating transactions totaling around AED 2 to 3 million in bank accounts.
- Copies of all corporate documents, including the license, share certificate, etc.
- For individuals holding the CEO position, a tenure of over 3 years in this role is required.
- Office lease or Ejari
- For company executives, a minimum of 5 years in this position is mandatory.
- Audit firm’s licence copy
- Audited financial statements
Comprehensive Guide to the UAE Golden Visa.
Envision launching your dream business in an exotic, sun-soaked city with stunning beaches all year round.
Sound good?
And the best part? There’s no need for imagination. That’s precisely what the United Arab Emirates is offering. The only requirement is obtaining a UAE Golden Visa if you plan to stay in the country for an extended period.
What Does a UAE Golden Visa Entail?
We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to address all your queries regarding the coveted UAE Golden Visa. Keep reading to discover how you can turn your dream into reality.
Unlike numerous international visa programs, the United Arab Emirates’ exceptional Golden Visa initiative provides eligible individuals with permanent residence through a 10-year visa. What sets it apart is the array of enticing privileges that go beyond the offerings of most standard residence visa programs.
Launched in 2019, the famous Golden Visa program functioned as a bid to attract and retain foreign talent with permanent residence in a tax-friendly environment. The program also aimed to foster business development to boost the UAE’s economy.
As of late 2021, the UAE had granted long-term residency to 44,000 Dubai residents via the Golden Visa program. This initiative could have contributed to the UAE’s impressive handling of the pandemic. Undoubtedly, the program has further solidified the UAE’s international reputation as a desirable destination for living, working, and launching new businesses.
The Golden Visa program is specially designed to draw in aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and exceptional individuals within targeted fields. Eligibility extends to medical professionals, engineers, researchers, and even high-achieving university students.
Golden Visa Residency is granted for a ten-year duration, and in certain circumstances, visas can be renewed automatically—an advantageous convenience for those averse to bureaucratic red tape. Such features underscore the UAE government’s commitment to streamlining the visa application procedure, which is often recognized as a cumbersome process for anyone who has ever applied for a foreign visa.
Advantages of Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa.
True to its name, the Golden Visa program represents the pinnacle of long-term residence visas. The UAE government has put considerable effort into providing this program with a wealth of incentives to entice top talents from across the world. Of course, the year-round sunshine, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and breathtaking beaches certainly add to its allure.
No Requirement for a Local Sponsor.
- Golden Visa holders are exempt from the requirement of securing a local sponsor to reside, study, and work in the UAE. While this may not appear significant to those unacquainted with global residency procedures, those with knowledge understand the time-consuming and intricate nature of obtaining a local sponsor. This intricacy can be further compounded if you are not employed by a local firm or do not have acquaintances who are nationals of the country where you seek a residence visa.
- The absence of a requirement for a national sponsor significantly simplifies the process of applying for residency in the UAE, making it even more appealing to potential applicants!
You Have Full Ownership of Your Business.
- One of the key advantages of the Golden Visa is that visa holders are entitled to full ownership of businesses operating within the UAE.
- Prior to the launch of the Golden Visa program, foreign entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in the UAE had to collaborate with Emirati nationals who would own a portion of the company. Certain industries located in specific zones were granted exceptions. The Golden Visa eliminates these logistical challenges for eligible foreign entrepreneurs, business proprietors, and investors.
You Can Include Additional Individuals on Your Visa.
When you acquire a visa through the UAE’s Golden Visa program, you are spared the arduous process of obtaining separate visas for your family members or essential business associates. With a Golden Visa, you have the option to include your family members, as well as business partners or associates, with certain conditions to be met. This feature can be particularly advantageous if you are traveling to the UAE with your partner or children, simplifying paperwork and preventing potential family separation.
Freedom to Travel to and from the UAE
Golden Visa holders enjoy unrestricted travel to and from the UAE, akin to UAE citizens. Whether visiting friends and family in your home country or organizing numerous international business meetings, there are no restrictions – you have the freedom to travel as you please!
Supplementary Advantages for Golden Visa Holders Across Various Emirates.
Golden Visa programs in different Emirates present a range of advantages for both you and your family members across diverse domains. When contemplating citizenship application, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate all available visa alternatives.
Dubai.
- Depending on their category, Golden Visa holders in Dubai may receive an Esaad privilege card, which is provided at no cost to individuals with Golden Visas in Dubai.
- Foreign residents in Dubai who possess a driving license from another country and are Golden Visa holders can undertake a UAE driver’s license test without the necessity for UAE-specific driving lessons.
- Golden Visa holders with licenses from one of the 32 approved countries are eligible for an automatic UAE driver’s license.
- Outstanding foreign students in Dubai, along with their families, may be eligible for a 10-year residency visa. Expatriate students meeting these criteria may also receive discounts for international universities in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi.
- Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi can access a variety of perks such as discounts on real estate, healthcare, hospitality, automobiles, insurance, and banking services. These benefits result from partnerships between the Resident’s Office and various sectors.
- Thanks to the commercial alliances of the Abu Dhabi Resident’s Office, Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi can avail discounts on designated properties offered by the real estate developer Imkan Properties.
- Several banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, extend special benefits to Golden Visa real estate investors, such as reduced fixed-interest rates on mortgages. Additionally, they offer non-real estate investors appealing interest rates on savings accounts.
- Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi will get special deals on Gymnasiums, spas and stays at selected hospitality
- Golden Visa holders are entitled to car discounts, priority reservations for new vehicle releases, exclusive payment options, maintenance deals, and licensing services.
- One of the significant advantages available to Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi includes reduced premiums on annual health insurance packages for both individuals and families.
Do I Qualify for a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE government has recently broadened the eligibility requirements for the Golden Visa, enhancing its accessibility to individuals from diverse backgrounds worldwide. Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand that the primary aim of the Golden Visa program is to stimulate business growth. The UAE government aims to attract individuals of a specific caliber to bolster the economy and cultivate a proficient workforce. Consequently, the criteria for the Golden Visa remain highly specific.
If you don’t belong to any of the designated categories or can’t fulfill the specified criteria for your respective category, it’s improbable that your Golden Visa application will be accepted.
The following are the primary groups eligible to seek residency in the UAE through the Golden Visa program:
- Individuals possessing specialized talents and researchers in various scientific and knowledge fields
- Top-tier executives
- Investors
- Athletes
- Inventors
- Experts in engineering and scientific disciplines
- Exceptional students with promising scientific aptitude
Applicants seeking the Golden Visa within each of these categories must satisfy distinct conditions and criteria for a successful application. The following section will elaborate on some of these requirements.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE
The Golden Visa application procedure differs based on your occupation and the category you are applying under. In the following section, we will outline the specific prerequisites for each professional category. Nonetheless, the fundamental steps to apply for a UAE Golden Visa are as follows:
- Determine the category under which you intend to apply and compile the application form along with the necessary documents.
- Submit the documentation and make the requisite payments.
- Await communication regarding the status of your application, which may take up to 30 days to process.
- If your application is approved and you already possess a current UAE visa, make sure to cancel it
- After submitting your Golden Visa application and passport, your new visa will be stamped into your passport.
Eligibility for a UAE Golden Visa
Determining Eligibility for a UAE Golden Visa: Requirements for Each Professional Category.
Investor (commercial investor) :
Requirements
- Company audit (financial report for the previous year)
- Company Account Statement for the Last 3 Months (Including VAT Returns)
- Residence photo
- License Copy and List of Partners (Commercial-Industrial)
Investor in an investment fund (Deposit):
Requirements
- Residence photo
- Occupation when applying
- Bank Letter in Arabic with Deposit Confirmation and Non-Breakable Notice for Two Years, Reporting of Deposit to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai if Broken
- Rental lease
Investor in an investment fund (tax return investor):
Requirements
- License Copy and Partners’ List
- Residence photo
- A letter from the Federal Tax Authority
- Occupation when applying
- Given profession – investor
Talented Specialists and Researchers Across Multiple Science and Knowledge Disciplines
Doctors:
- A photo of the residence
- Copy of Labor Card from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or Certified Employment Contract from a Relevant Authority under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or Free Zones
- Arabic Certificate of Professional Practice from Health Authority – Ministry of Health – Dubai Healthcare City
- The profession granted – as per the licence
- Occupation when applying – according to the licence certificate
Scientists:
- Occupation when applying
- Recommendation Letter from the Emirates Scientists Council or Letter from the Secretariat of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence Confirming Receipt of the Medal of Scientific Excellence
- A copy of the passport.
Individuals in the Arts and Cultural Fields, Including Creative Professionals:
- Recommendation Letter from the Culture and Arts Authority.
- Profession Granted as per the Recommendation Letter
- A copy of the passport
- Occupation when applying
Inventors:
- Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Economy
- Profession Granted as per the Recommendation Letter
- A copy of the passport
- Occupation when applying
Senior Executives and Top-Level Management Professionals (General Manager – Executive Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors):
- Company No Objection Certificate (NOC) Letter Confirming Eligibility for the Golden Visa, Stating a 5-Year Term of Service as General Manager, Executive Director, or Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (Certificate Authenticated by The Ministry of Education)
- Employment Contract with Consistent Profession and Salary
- Monthly Salary Certificate of AED 30,000 or Higher
- Personal account statement for 6 months
- Profession awarded – Executive Director
- Occupation upon application – General Manager – Executive Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Athletes
- A copy of the passport
- Recommendation Letter from Sports Council or General Authority for Sports
- Occupation upon application
- Profession Awarded, the profession is defined as per the letter of recommendation.
- Profession Awarded – As Defined in Recommendation Letter.
Specialists in Engineering and Science Fields
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Certification from Ministry of Education or Degree Equivalency Letter.
- A copy of the residence
- Employment Contract for Specialized Professions: Epidemiology, Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering
- Awarded Profession – The profession is determined by specialisation.
- Profession when applying
Exceptional Students with Promising Scientific Abilities (Graduates of 2019 – 2020 and Beyond)
- A copy of the passport.
- Profession awarded – Outstanding Student
- A Recommendation from the Ministry of Education (Confirmation of Receipt of Text Message)
- Occupation upon application
- A copy of the residence permit (Emirate of Dubai)
University Graduate with GPA of 3.8 or Above from Approved State Universities (Bachelor's and Master's)
- Certified University Degree and Academic Transcript
- A copy of the passport
- A copy of the residence permit (Emirate of Dubai)
- Profession Granted – Outstanding Student
- Occupation when applying
Kickstart Your New Life With a Golden Visa in the UAE.
Looking to enjoy the UAE’s sunny weather, luxurious lifestyle, and attractive business opportunities? A 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE could be your ticket to success!
If you think you might be eligible for a UAE Golden Visa, now is the time to make your move and begin exploring the idea. Get in touch with one of our company formation experts in Dubai. We’ll show you how easy it can be to obtain a Golden Visa and establish a business in the UAE with our Easy Access process.