Golden Visa in the UAE

Many expatriates are interested in how to obtain a Golden Visa in the UAE. The UAE Golden Visa is a special program launched by the government of the United Arab Emirates to attract talented individuals and investments into the country. It provides special privileges and opportunities for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and scholars. For those in need of long-term residency in the UAE, the Golden Visa becomes an optimal option.

Recipients of the UAE Golden Visa

A stable economy, high level of security, and modern infrastructure make the United Arab Emirates an ideal place for those seeking new opportunities for development and growth.

The Golden Visa is a special type of long-term residency permit in the UAE that allows:

• living, studying, working, and doing business in the region;
• obtaining a long-term residency visa and driver's license;
• entering and leaving the country multiple times without the need for additional documentation.

Holders of the UAE Golden Visa can also reside in the country for five or ten years and conduct business without the need for a sponsor, which is a mandatory requirement for most foreign companies. Moreover, holders of this residency visa can sponsor their family members, including spouses and children of any age.

One of the benefits of obtaining the UAE Golden Visa is tax optimization. Residents do not pay tax on salary, dividends, capital gains, inheritance, and real estate purchases. Additionally, the UAE has one of the lowest corporate tax rates.

Golden Visa holders also gain access to state education and healthcare systems, can open accounts in foreign currency, or take advantage of regional programs, such as joining Dubai's privileged discount program, Essad.

Visas can be obtained by:

• investors investing in UAE real estate (investment volume should not be less than 2 million dirhams);
• entrepreneurs, company managers with a share capital of no less than 500,000 dirhams;
• doctors, scholars, PhD holders;
• data processing experts, engineers (in the fields of electronics, biotechnology, computer science);
• students with high GPAs.

The program does not set age or nationality restrictions.

Scholars applying for the UAE Golden Visa (ten years) must be accredited by the UAE Council of Scientists. An exception is made only for individuals awarded the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Achievements. Representatives of creative professions must also be accredited by the UAE Ministry of Culture.

Golden visas are granted to doctors with at least 20 years of experience, as well as teachers who have worked in one of the five hundred universities on the list approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.

Types of UAE Golden Visa

There are three types of Golden Visas:

• For property owners (ten years).
• For entrepreneurs (five years).
• For investors and entrepreneurs (ten years).

To obtain a UAE Golden Visa for five years, one must be a company owner with a share capital of at least 500,000 dirhams. Visa issuance is also possible for owners of companies approved by business incubators accredited in the UAE.

Residents can obtain ten-year residency permits if they meet the following conditions:

• The value of the real estate (non-mortgaged) is at least 2 million dirhams.
• The property must be completed, handed over, and Title Deed obtained (not at the excavation stage).
• The property must be owned for at least three years.

Family members of the property owner can also obtain residency visas.

Investors and entrepreneurs can obtain ten-year Golden Visas with investments of at least 2 million dirhams (in funds or the country's economy) or by establishing companies with the same share capital.

How to Obtain UAE Golden Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

To apply for the Golden Visa, for example in Dubai, the following steps should be taken:

• Choose one of the three programs.

Most potential residents opt for the UAE Golden Visa for property owners, valid for ten years.

• Complete the transaction.

Select a completed property in Dubai worth at least 2 million dirhams and execute a sales agreement.

• Collect the document package.

The Level Consulting has been assisting with business registration and support in the UAE since 2011. The company's employees will provide all the necessary assistance in preparing documents and demonstrate that the visa application process can be simple and efficient.

• Undergo a medical examination.

This can be done at certified medical centers. Typically, the examination includes blood tests and chest X-rays.

• Register with government agencies.

The prospective resident must provide fingerprints, undergo biometric photography, and submit the original passport. They must also collect and submit documents to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

• Obtain a temporary visa.

This is a residency permit valid for up to six months, allowing entry into the country and settling in.

• Apply for the UAE Golden Visa.

During the six-month validity period of the temporary permit, the process of obtaining the UAE Golden Visa must begin. Upon completion of the procedure, the resident receives the visa itself (the document is affixed to their passport) and an identification card.

All document processing is handled by UAE government agencies: the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

The Golden Visa can be obtained not only by wealthy individuals but also by members of the scientific community, talented engineers, programmers, IT specialists, and even students with high potential. The main thing is to familiarize yourself with the program requirements in advance. If necessary, you can always consult with The Level Consulting staff.