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UAE Golden Visa

What is the UAE Golden Visa?The UAE Golden Visa Dubai program, introduced in 2019, provides up to 10 years of residency for various groups including investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and other specialized talents. This visa enables them to live, work, and study in the UAE independently and own their businesses on the mainland without a local sponsor.Since October 2022, the UAE Resident Scheme has been updated to simplify access to Dubai’s Golden Residence Visa for more professionals. The program now includes experts, specialists, and those with exceptional skills.

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UAE Golden Visa Eligibility

Basic Eligibility Criteria and Visa Tenure By Category

CategoryVisa TenureBasic Eligibility Criteria 

Public Sector Investors  »10 yearsInvest at least AED 2 million in accredited funds or own a commercial/industrial license with the same capital

Real Estate Investors »10 yearsOwn property worth at least AED 2 million; mortgage financing is possible

Entrepreneurs »5 yearsOwn a technical/innovative project valued at least AED 500,000; requires local endorsements

Doctors and Scientists »10 yearsMust have relevant approvals or recognitions from UAE health/science authorities

Inventors »10 yearsNeed a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy for the patent

Artists »10 yearsRequire approval from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate

Executive Directors »10 yearsUniversity degree accredited by Ministry of Education, 5+ years in role, minimum salary of AED 50,000

Athletes »10 yearsRecommendations needed from the General Sports Authority or local sports council

Engineers and Other Specialists »10 yearsRelevant degree and an approved work contract by the UAE Ministry of Education

High School Students »5 yearsTop national student with a minimum grade of 95%

University Students »10 yearsGraduated from a top-rated university with a high GPA, within two years of graduation

Humanitarian Pioneers »10 yearsWorked in recognized humanitarian organizations for at least 5 years or significant humanitarian funding

Frontline Heroes »10 yearsRecognized for exceptional services during crises with appropriate endorsements

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UAE Golden Visa Requirements

As per UAE Govt Portal, the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa, including necessary documents and eligibility criteria, differ depending on the applicant’s category:

Investors

The UAE offers a unique renewable residency program for investors seeking a stable, long-term base without a local sponsor. It requires meeting specific financial thresholds to show significant investment and commitment to the UAE’s economy.

Public Sector Investors:

Investing in a UAE-accredited investment fund can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Submit a letter from the investment fund showing a deposit of at least AED two million, or

  • Provide a commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association confirming your capital is at least AED two million,

  • Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority verifying annual payments to the government of at least AED 250,000.

  • Fully own the invested capital, which cannot be financed through a loan.

  • Show proof of medical insurance for yourself and any family members.

 

Real Estate Investors:

Investing in real estate within the UAE may qualify you for a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same terms.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Provide a letter from the land department of the respective emirate, confirming ownership of one or more properties with a total value of no less than AED two million, or

  • Purchase property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local authority

 

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs leading innovative and future-oriented economic projects can obtain a renewable 5-year residency.

Requirements For Entrepreneurs​

  • Approval from emirate authorities verifying the project’s technical or futuristic nature.

  • Endorsement from a UAE-accredited business incubator for the proposed activity.

Specialized Talent

A 10-year visa is available to individuals with outstanding specialized talents in fields such as medicine, science, culture, art, invention, executive leadership, athletics, and various scientific and engineering disciplines. Eligible engineering and science fields include epidemiology, virology, artificial intelligence, big data, and various branches of engineering like computer, electronic, software, electrical, and genetic biotechnology. Applicants must meet specific criteria for each category to qualify.

 

Requirements For Skilled Professionals

Doctors and Scientists:

Doctors: An approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine.

Scientists: A recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence confirming you have received the Medal of Scientific Excellence.

Inventors:

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy confirming that your patent adds value to the country’s economy.

Artists:

Approval from the respective emirate’s Department of Culture and Arts.

Executive Directors:

  • An accredited university degree (minimum bachelor’s level) from the Ministry of Education.

  • A letter of experience showing at least 5 years in the same position.

  • A salary certificate showing a minimum salary of AED 50,000.

  • A valid work contract.

Athletes

A recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or a sports council.

Engineers and Other Specialists:

A certified copy of your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from the Ministry of Education and a work

 

Humanitarian Pioneers

If you lead in humanitarian efforts, you could qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. This includes frontline heroes like nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, and pharmacologists who showed exceptional dedication during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Requirements For Humanitarians

  • Members and outstanding employees with at least five years of service in international and regional organizations.

  • Members and outstanding employees with at least five years at civil associations and institutions of public interest.

  • Individuals who have received an appreciation award from organizations focusing on humanitarian work.

  • Funders of humanitarian work who have contributed a minimum of two million UAE dirhams.

  • Frontline Heroes requires a recommendation from a competent authority.

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Outstanding Students

High school students who are national-level toppers with a minimum of 95% in secondary school can get a 5-year residency. Outstanding university students may qualify for a 10-year residency, 

 

Requirements For Students

High School Students:

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).

University Students:

  • Their university is rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education.

  • They submit a recommendation letter from the university, an accredited graduation certificate, or an academic record showing a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 for A class or 3.8 for B class universities.

  • They graduated no more than 2 years ago.

Students from foreign universities in the global top 100, as recognized by the Ministry of Education, also qualify for a 10-year visa if:

  • Their cumulative GPA is at least 3.5.

  • They graduated within the last two years.

  • They provide a graduation certificate accredited by the Ministry of Education.

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