UAE Golden Visa Program: A Gateway to Long-Term Residency

The Golden Visa offers long-term residency in the UAE for foreign talents, enabling them to live, work, or study with exclusive benefits. Eligible applicants include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. Learn about requirements and benefits.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the “Golden Residency” program, an innovative initiative that offers long-term residency to a broad spectrum of individuals without the need for an in-country sponsor. This program grants a 10-year residence permit and is designed to attract talented individuals, researchers, outstanding students, doctors, specialists, innovators, athletes, entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging companies. Not only does this program benefit these individuals, but it also extends to their family members, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for expatriates.

Golden Visa Residence Scheme

The UAE Cabinet, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, approved executive regulations for the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners in 2022. These regulations aim to enhance the UAE’s appeal as a top destination for living, working, and investing. Key provisions include streamlined entry visas and residence permits to attract global talents and skilled workers, bolstering market competitiveness and job market flexibility.

Significant changes to the UAE Golden Residence Scheme simplify eligibility criteria and expand beneficiary categories. Holders can sponsor family members, including spouse, children of any age, and parents, without restriction on their number. The Golden Residence remains valid regardless of the duration spent outside the UAE. Additionally, family members can continue residency in the UAE in case of the primary holder’s death until the permit expires.

Categories and eligibility requirements

Exceptional talents

1. Culture and art: Applicants need a recommendation or approval from relevant federal or local cultural authorities.
2. Innovators and inventors: Must hold a patent beneficial to the UAE economy and obtain approval from the Ministry of Economy or local authority.
3. Athletes: Require a recommendation or approval from the General Authority of Sports or local sports bodies.
4. Digital technology: Approval from the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain is necessary.
5. Other exceptional talents: Must have a recommendation or approval from relevant government entities or local authorities.

Additionally, applicants and their families must have comprehensive health insurance coverage. A golden residence permit can also be issued to the business manager of the talent owner, limited to three residence permits during the validity period of the talent owner’s golden visa.

Scientists and specialized professionals

1. Scientists and researchers: High achievers with significant influence in their fields can apply with a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
2. Scholars and clergy: Leading figures with high contributions require a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or local authorities.
3. Industry and 4IR specialists: Recommendations from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or local authorities are needed.
4. Health professionals: Must be recommended by the Ministry of Health and Prevention or local authorities.
5. Educational specialists: Require recommendations from the Ministry of Education or local authorities.
6. Skilled labor specialists: Must be at higher professional levels as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, covering various specialized fields including science, engineering, health, education, business, IT, law, sociology, and culture.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can qualify if they:

• Own or are partners in an SME registered in the UAE with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
• Have approval from an accredited business incubator or the Ministry of Economy.
• Founded a previous project sold for at least AED 7 million, subject to approval.

Comprehensive health insurance for the entrepreneur and family members is mandatory when applying.

Entrepreneurs can nominate three employees or partners in the project to obtain the Golden Visa

Real estate investors

Real estate investors must:

• Own properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million.
• Purchase real estate units from approved local companies with a minimum value of AED 2 million.
• Have comprehensive health insurance for themselves and family members.

Public investment investors

Investors in public investments must:

• Deposit at least AED 2 million in an investment fund or national bank.
• Establish or partner in a company with a capital or share of at least AED 2 million.
• Own a company paying at least AED 250,000 in taxes annually.

Invested capital must be wholly owned by the investor, not loaned, with evidence provided. Comprehensive health insurance is also required.

Validity and renewal

The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon meeting the eligibility criteria for each specific category.

Application and further information

Investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, scientists, experts, top graduates, humanitarian workers, and frontline personnel can apply for the Golden Residency Permit. Each category has specific criteria that must be met. For detailed information and application procedures to access relevant digital services, visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security here.

Summary

The UAE Golden Visa program represents a strategic initiative to bolster the country’s talent pool, fostering an environment ripe for innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. By offering a stable and long-term residency option, the UAE aims to attract and retain top global talent, contributing to the nation’s ongoing success and development.

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