Golden Visa Guide

Dubai is a dazzling city of skyscrapers, where every corner boasts world-class attractions and experiences. At the heart of its iconic skyline stands the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, offering breathtaking panoramic view of the city. For a taste of culture, the Al Fahidi Historic District offers a glimpse into Dubai's past while the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial palm-shaped island, is a marvel of engineering and home to luxurious resorts. With so many marvels to sigh at, you’d of course want to be a part of the Kingdom of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). So, why not apply for the Dubai Golden visa?

The Golden visa for Dubai is a special opportunity offered by the UAE government. It allows eligible people to live and work in Dubai for a long time. Whether you're an investor, business owner, skilled worker, student, or retiree, this programme is like a golden ticket. It means you don't need someone from Dubai to support you, which is a big deal for those planning to live in this dynamic and cosmopolitan city.

In this article, we will be talking about how to apply for the Golden visa and benefits of the Golden visa Dubai. You can also read about Dubai visa/UAE visa from our Dubai visa guide.

Before applying for Dubai Golden visa, make sure you check your eligibility. Based on the information you provide, there’s a list of categories you can apply for.

• Visit the official website and select services option on the page
• On the drop menu, click eChannels Residency and Citizenship
• You will be taken to ‘Browse Smart Service’ page
• Click on the Golden Residency option
• Scroll down and select the type of Golden visa service you want to apply for
• Click start service and begin your Dubai Golden visa application process

The application process has several parts, you will need to fill out each box with correct information.

• Fill in your personal information
• Attach your documents
• Review your visa application
• And finally, pay the application fees

Note: You can also visit the ICP Smart Services and check your eligibility for the UAE Golden visa.

Once you have submitted your Golden visa Dubai application, you can track your application by visiting the website.

The processing time for UAE Golden visa may take a few weeks to a month.

The UAE Golden visa is a long-term residency programme designed to offer eligible individuals the opportunity to live, work, and invest in the UAE without the need for a traditional employment-based or sponsorship-based visa. The Golden visa is typically granted for 10 years and can be renewed as long as the visa holder meets the specified conditions.

The Dubai Golden visa benefits eligible individuals who are granted this long-term residency permit. The specific advantages vary depending on the category under which the Golden visa is obtained, but here are some of the key benefits:

• Long-term residency: The Golden visa allows individuals to reside in the UAE for an extended period, typically for 5 or 10 years.
• Work privileges: Golden visa holders have the right to work in the UAE without the need for a separate work permit or employment contract. This flexibility is particularly attractive to professionals and entrepreneurs.
• No sponsorship required: Unlike traditional UAE residency visas, the Golden visa does not require an Emirati sponsor or local employer. This means that individuals have more autonomy and independence in their professional and personal lives.
• Access to services: Golden visa holders and their families can access various government services, including healthcare, education, and utilities, on par with UAE citizens.
• Business opportunities: For investors and entrepreneurs, the Golden visa provides opportunities to establish and expand businesses in the UAE. It also supports entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.
• Tax benefits: The UAE is known for its favourable tax environment. There is no personal income tax or capital gains tax in the UAE. Golden visa holders can benefit from these advantages, potentially resulting in significant financial savings.
• Real estate investment: The Golden visa has attracted real estate investors, as it allows them to invest in Dubai's property market and other sectors, opening up avenues for capital growth and rental income.
• Education opportunities: Golden visa holders can enrol their children in UAE schools and universities, offering access to high-quality education institutions.
• Residency for dependents: The Golden visa extends to the spouse and dependent children of the primary visa holder, providing family reunification benefits.
• Retirement: For retirees, the Golden visa offers a retirement option in this vibrant and diverse country.
• Global mobility: UAE residents, including Golden visa holders, enjoy excellent international flight connections through major airports in the UAE, making travel and business networking more convenient.

Here is a general list of documents that applicants may need to prepare when applying for a Dubai Golden visa:

• Clear copies of your passport, including all pages with stamps and visas
• Copies of previous UAE visas (if applicable)
• Recent passport-sized colour photographs with a white background
• Proof of eligibility. Based on the category you choose, you need to provide relevant documents
• Bank statements or financial statements showing your financial stability and ability to support yourself in UAE
• Health insurance
• If you are already residing in Dubai, you may need to provide documents to verify your current residence status
• A police clearance certificate from your home country or any other country where you have lived in the past few years.
• Depending on your specific circumstances and category, there may be additional documents requested by the UAE authorities

The UAE Golden visa has exclusive benefits that enable individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE. The business visa also comes under the Golden visa system for business owners. By obtaining the visa, you can enter Dubai for a period of six months on a multiple entry basis or a long-term renewable residence visa that is valid for 5 or 10 years. Further, an individual can sponsor their family members.

The UAE Golden visa is provided based on your talent, type of residency, and occupation. Those who are eligible for the Golden visa UAE include the following:

Investors:

• You will be granted a Golden visa for 10 years without a sponsor if you invest in an investment fund. 
• You will need to submit a letter from the investment fund accredited in the UAE. You will need to state that the investor has deposited AED two million. Or, you can submit a valid industrial/commercial licence and a memorandum of association. You need to state that the investor’s capital is not below AED two million.
• You will need to submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority. Herein, you need to state that the investor pays no less than AED 250,000 to the government annually. 
• Additionally, an individual must own the invested capital completely (not loan) and provide proof of medical insurance.

Entrepreneurs:

• You will get a Golden visa for 5 years if you have an economic project of a technical or future nature based.
• The auditor in the UAE should declare that the project value is not below AED 500,000
• Your project is of technical or future nature, based on risk and innovation, as declared by relevant authorities. 

Skilled professionals:

• This includes professionals with specialised expertise or contributions that benefit Dubai's development.
• Highly skilled and talented individuals in various fields, including science, technology, art, and culture.

Outstanding students:

• Exceptional students who have been accepted by recognised universities or educational institutions in Dubai.

Retirees:

• Retired individuals with a certain level of financial stability.
• Retirees must meet specific financial criteria to be eligible for the Golden Visa.

Real estate investors:

• Golden visa for real estate investors will be granted for 5 years. 
• For this, you will need to provide a letter from the land department stating that you own one or more properties. The value must not be less than AED 2 million. 
• If you bought the property with a loan from a bank, approved by a competent local entity.

Outstanding specialised talent:

• You will receive the Golden visa for 10 years if you meet the following requirements:
  • An approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE.
  • A recommendation letter from Emirates Council of Scientists, which must state that the applicant is awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.