What is Dubai Golden visa?
The Golden Visa in the UAE is a long-term residence visa offered to foreigners who fulfil specific requirements. One of the most appealing features of this visa is that you do not need to renew it for 5-10 years.
The Golden Visa in Dubai comes with a number of exclusive benefits, and the process to obtain one is not too complex. The UAE government offers various visa programs, which we will discuss in detail later.
Who can apply for a Golden Visa in UAE?
As stated earlier, the Golden Visa is only given to individuals who meet certain criteria reserved by the UAE government. People who make outstanding contributions to the country, are highly skilled, or work in specific sectors are only considered eligible.
In May 2024, changes were made in the Article 17 of Cabinet Resolution 65-2022. As per the latest update, the minimum basic salary must be AED 30,000 monthly for an applicant to become eligible for a UAE Golden Visa on a salary basis.
Golden Visa Requirements in Dubai, UAE
To apply for the Dubai Golden Visa, you must fulfil certain requirements based on the visa program you are applying for. Here we take a look at the Golden visa requirements for all types of visa applicants:
Investors
For the 10-year visa, investors with at least AED 2 million worth of public investment can apply. You must submit a letter showing you have invested AED 2 million in an approved UAE investment fund.
Or, you can submit a valid company licence and memo of association showing an investment of at least AED 2 million in the company’s capital.
You can also submit a letter proving you paid at least AED 250,000 to the Federal Tax Authority.
The investor must:
- Fully own the invested money – no loans
- Have health insurance for them and their families
Property Investors
Real estate investors can get a 5-year renewable Golden visa If they own property worth at least AED 2 million.
They must provide:
- Letter from the land department proving at least AED 2 million property value
- Purchase the property through loans from approved local banks only
P.S. Property owners were required to make a down payment of at least AED 1 million before. The UAE government has removed this requirement. You can apply for a 10-year residency visa now, regardless of the down payment amount.
Entrepreneurs
- If you own a project that is innovative, technical, or future-focused, you can get a 5-year Golden visa by providing:
- Auditor letter showing project value of at least AED 500,000
- Approval letter from Emirate authorities calling it a technical/innovative project
- Letter from an accredited UAE business incubator agreeing to host your project
What are the Benefits of Golden Visa Dubai, UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa has quickly gained popularity among expats as it offers unique benefits that are not available or are limited with other visas. A Golden Visa holder enjoys long-term residence in Dubai. Other Golden Visa benefits also include travelling and sponsorship privileges.
Overall, a Golden Visa in Dubai provides more flexibility in terms of personal as well as professional life.
- Ten years of validity: The UAE Golden Visa can be valid for up to a decade after the first application. The validity period makes the Golden Visa a long-term residency option with significant flexibility
- UAE work authorization: The Golden Visa grants foreigners legal work authorization in theUAE. Visa holders can engage in advantageous business opportunities throughout the country, including in Dubai
- No employer sponsor required: Unlike most work visas, the UAE Golden Visa does not require a sponsor. Qualified individuals can apply independently without needing a job in the UAE or a sponsoring company
- Tax benefits: Golden visa holders reap significant tax benefits living in the UAE. The UAE has no personal income tax and several other tax benefits for residents
- Residency for spouses and children: An approved UAE golden visa grants residency for the visa holder and their spouse and children, regardless of age
- Sponsorship for domestic helpers: UAE golden visa holders can sponsor visas for an unlimited number of domestic helpers like butlers, nannies, drivers, and other household staff
- Free Esaad privilege card: In 2022, the UAE started issuing the Esaad privilege card to all golden visa holders. Formerly only available to government employees, the cart grants discounts at over 7,000 businesses throughout the UAE and in 92 countries
- Access to UAE healthcare: UAE residents and their families get access to the UAE’s excellent healthcare system. With the Esaad privilege card, golden visa holders are eligible for significant discounts at certain healthcare providers
- Easy travel: Golden visa holders can easily travel in and out of the UAE. The Golden Visa is a multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to reenter several times without applying for a new visa
- Opportunity for visa renewal: After the initial five or ten-year validity period, UAE golden visa holders can apply for visa renewal. Overall, the golden visa offers a range of benefits to professionals and their families