UAE Golden Visa – What are its Requirements and Benefits?
Secure Your Travel for Just AED 33*
4.6/5
24,098
ReviewsInsurance Partners
Trusted Customers
Policies Sold
For people wanting to study or work in the UAE, a great option is available in the form of the Golden Visa of UAE. This is a long-term visa that allows you to stay in the UAE for a long duration and fulfil your purpose without worrying about the duration of the stay. The list doesn’t end here, as several more benefits exist in the form of renewability, sponsor requirements, and more.
Before you apply for a Golden Visa, however, you must check the Golden Visa UAE requirements laid down by the Government of UAE so that your application for the same is processed smoothly. These UAE Golden Visa requirements and benefits will be discussed in much more depth in the article below.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is simply a residence visa issued by the UAE that allows a long-term stay for talented and distinguished foreign individuals along with numerous special benefits.
As per the guidelines established by the UAE Government, graduates and students with exceptional performance, distinguished doctors, frontline workers, and scientists, investors, and entrepreneurs can apply for this visa and continue their practice, work, or studies here.
The primary purpose of the Golden Visa is to attract talent and skilled workforce to the UAE, which can contribute to the enhancement of the country’s economy and other sectors.
Benefits of a Golden Visa
As mentioned before, there are several benefits of getting a Golden Visa.
Some of the major benefits of a Golden Visa are as follows –
- Ten Years of Renewable Residence: Once your Golden Visa expires, you can get it renewed and extend your residence in the country for another 5 or 10 years.
- No Sponsor Requirements: Unlike other long-term visas, the Golden Visa frees you from the requirement of a sponsor or an employer to stay in the country.
- Freedom to Travel Outside the UAE: Your Golden Visa will remain valid even if you are not in the UAE for more than six months, as even such prolonged travelling to other countries does not nullify your right to residence in the UAE with the Golden Visa.
- Inclusion of Family Members: A Golden Visa allows you to sponsor the residency of your spouse and children in the UAE
- Death benefits: If a Golden Visa holder passes away, their family can stay in the UAE till the deceased’s residence permit expires
- Validity: As the entry visa is valid for up to six months, you can travel back and forth to the country to complete the Golden Visa formalities
Golden Visa UAE Requirements
The UAE has a set of pre-decided visa requirements for the Golden Visa. However, different sets of eligibility criteria are applicable for different categories of applicants. Let’s have a look at the major UAE Golden Visa requirements for all the major types of applicants –
Golden Visa for Professionals
Professionals from across various disciplines can apply for a Golden Visa. However, you must have a contract of employment with an employer in the UAE before applying as a professional. Moreover, as per the Ministry of Human Resources, you should come under the first or second occupational level.
As per the guidelines, level 1 includes individuals who are either legislators, managers, or business executives. Level 2, on the other hand, includes professionals involved in scientific, human, and technical fields.
Additionally, you should be a graduate with an income of at least AED 30,000 per month.
Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
Even real estate agents and realtors travelling to the region must meet the UAE golden visa requirements. As a real estate investor, you must purchase a property worth AED 2 million or more or have a property bought using a loan from any authorised local bank.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
If a start-up, categorised as a small and medium enterprise (SEM), is registered in the UAE, its founder will be eligible for a Golden Visa. However, the company must have annual revenue of at least AED 1 million. Similarly, if you are a founder of an organisation or company that has been sold off for more than AED 7 million in the UAE, you would be able to apply for this visa as well.
Golden Visa for Exceptional Talent
People who have gained recognition in art, science, literature, sports, medicine, and so forth are clubbed under this category. These individuals can receive a 10-year visa.
However, the Federal Government of the individual’s home country must provide a statement approving the talent.
Golden Visa for Scientists and Researchers
As per a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council, researchers and scientists with significant achievements and impact in their field can be eligible for the Golden Visa.
If you fall under this category, keep in mind that you would be required to have a bachelor’s or an equivalent degree and a copy of the sponsored residency. You would also be required to provide an employment contract in any discipline related to science and technology and proof of your achievements as well
Golden Visa for Frontline Workers
If you are a frontline worker and served amidst the COVID-19 pandemic or other such crisis, you can also receive a UAE Golden Visa provided that you have the recommendation of a relevant authority.
Frontline workers can belong to any of the following categories – nurses, pharmacologists, lab technicians, medical assistants, and so on.
Wrapping Up
If you belong to any of the categories of individuals discussed above (student, scientist, real estate investor, frontline worker, professional, and more), you can easily stay in the UAE with a Golden Visa and avail of various benefits.
Before applying for this visa, however, you should check the requirements for your specific category. Similarly, you should also be aware of the cost of the visa, which will depend on your visa category and where you are applying from. The price of the Golden Visa, for those submitting applications from the UAE, ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 3,800. On the other hand, an amount in the range of AED 3,800 and AED 4,800 will be applicable for those applying from outside the nation.
