How to obtain a UAE golden visa: All you need to know
Guidelines clarified after UAE's denial of lifetime golden visa for certain nationalities
In recent days, several local and international media outlets, websites, and social media platforms have circulated false and misleading information about alleged changes in the procedures for granting lifelong UAE Golden Visas to certain nationalities.
In response, the official authorities responsible for issuing such visas released a clarification, outlining the official laws, procedures, and steps that eligible individuals must follow to apply for and obtain the Golden Visa.
They emphasized that all relevant guidelines, instructions, and legal provisions are published on the official websites of the concerned authority and the official UAE Government Portal.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), issued a statement on Tuesday evening, firmly denying the rumours that the UAE grants lifetime Golden Visas to select nationalities.
Clarified that all Golden Visa applications are processed exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and no internal or external consultancy firm is authorized to manage or submit applications on behalf of others.
The statement followed media reports from a consultancy firm based abroad, which falsely claimed it could facilitate lifetime Golden Visa applications for all categories of foreign nationals under simplified conditions, bypassing UAE legal procedures and official entities.
What is the Golden Visa?
According to the UAE Government’s official portal and electronic official WebSites, the Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables selected categories of foreign nationals to live, work, invest, and study in the UAE without a local sponsor, while enjoying exclusive benefits.
Golden Visas are issued for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category, and are automatically renewable.
Key Benefits:
A six-month multiple-entry visa to complete Golden Visa procedures.
Residency for 5 or 10 years, renewable.
No restriction on time spent outside the UAE to maintain visa validity.
No need for a local sponsor.
Sponsorship of family members, including spouse and children.
Unlimited support service workers can be sponsored.
In the event of the sponsor’s death, family members may remain in the UAE until the visa expires.
Eligibility categories & requirements
Investors in Public Investments
Eligible for a 10-year visa without a sponsor, upon meeting conditions such as:
• Proof of AED 2 million deposit in an accredited UAE investment fund.
• Valid commercial/industrial license and Memorandum of Association proving invested capital of AED 2 million.
• Tax certificate confirming an annual tax contribution of at least AED 250,000.
• Ownership of capital (not loaned) and proof of health insurance for self and dependents.
Real Estate Investors
Eligible for a 5-year renewable visa if:
• Property or properties worth at least AED 2 million (not under mortgage), confirmed by the respective emirate’s Land Department.
• Proof of residence in the UAE (owned or rented).
Entrepreneurs
Eligible for a 5-year visa with:
• Audited financial statement showing a project value of at least AED 500,000.
• Endorsement from the relevant emirate confirming the project is tech-based or future-oriented.
• Letter from an approved business incubator validating the project’s innovation and entrepreneurship.
Exceptional Talents & Specialists
Includes:
• Doctors, scientists, creatives, inventors, executives, athletes, and PhD holders in priority fields such as:
• Epidemiology & Virology
• AI, Big Data, Computer & Software Engineering
• Electrical & Genetic Engineering
• Biotechnology
Sample Requirements by Profession:
• Doctors/Scientists: MOH license or recommendation from Emirates Scientists Council or Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Medal.
• Inventors: Recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.
• Artists/Cultural Figures: Endorsement from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or relevant emirate.
• Executives: University degree (bachelor’s or higher), 5+ years of experience, AED 50,000+ salary, and valid contract.
• Athletes: Recommendation from General Sports Authority or relevant council.
• Engineers/PhD Holders: Attested PhD in key scientific fields.
Outstanding Students
• High School Students: Top-ranking with at least 95% grade, and a recommendation from the Ministry of Education. Visa renewable if university studies continue beyond 5 years.
• UAE University Students: Eligible for a 10-year visa if:
• University is rated A or B by the Ministry of Education.
• GPA ≥ 3.5 (A-rated) or ≥ 3.8 (B-rated).
• Graduation was within the last 2 years.
• Foreign University Graduates: Eligible for a 10-year visa if:
• Alma mater ranks in global top 100 universities.
• GPA ≥ 3.5
• Graduation was within the last 2 years.
• Degree attested by UAE Ministry of Education.
Humanitarian Pioneers
Eligible for a 10-year visa if part of:
• International or regional organizations with 5+ years of service.
• Public-benefit associations with 5+ years of outstanding contributions.
• Recipients of awards in humanitarian fields.
• Volunteers with 500+ hours or 5+ years of service.
• Financial donors contributing AED 2 million+ to humanitarian causes.
Frontline Heroes
Healthcare and emergency personnel (e.g., nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, lab technicians) with exceptional service during crises like COVID-19, may be nominated for Golden Visa by the relevant authority.
ICP is committed to providing a transparent environment.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), reiterated its commitment to providing a transparent, safe environment for applicants and continues to enhance and update its services solely through official digital platforms.
It also warned that legal action will be taken against entities found spreading such misinformation or exploiting individuals’ hopes of living in the UAE for personal gain, particularly by accepting payments or personal documents under false pretenses.
The Authority urged all individuals interested in visiting, residing, or investing in the UAE to disregard inaccurate claims and fake news aimed at fast profit, and to avoid making any payments or submitting personal documents to unauthorized parties. It strongly advised the public to verify all application procedures through the Authority’s official website or contact the 24/7 call center at 600 522222 before taking any action.
For full details and verified application procedures, visit the official UAE Government portal:
https://u.ae/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa Or contact the 24/7 call center: 600 522222
Summary
The Golden Visa in the UAE is a special type of long-term residence permit that allows holders to live, work, and study in the country without the need for a sponsor. It is typically granted for a period of 5 or 10 years, depending on the eligibility category, and can be renewed as long as the conditions continue to be met.
Types of Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is available to a range of categories, including:
Investors
Eligible through investment in real estate, companies, or investment funds.
Entrepreneurs:
Granted to those who establish innovative or technology-based ventures.
Scientists and Specialists:
Available to scientists, researchers, and experts in specific fields based on their achievements and expertise.
Top Graduates:
Offered to outstanding graduates from prestigious international universities.
Exceptional Talents:
Granted to individuals with exceptional talent in various fields, based on nominations from relevant authorities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Requirements vary by category, but generally include:
Submitting a formal application for the Golden Visa.
Meeting the specific criteria for the chosen category.
Providing all required documentation.
Paying the applicable fees.
Receiving approval from the relevant government authorities.
Benefits of the Golden Visa:
Long-Term Residency
Allows holders to reside in the UAE for extended periods without a local sponsor.
Renewable Permit:
The visa can be renewed as long as the eligibility criteria are maintained.
Freedom to Work and Invest:
Enables the holder to work and invest freely within the UAE.
Family Sponsorship:
Holders can sponsor family members to reside with them in the UAE.
Important Notes:
No Lifetime Golden Visa:
There is currently no system in place for lifetime Golden Visas in the UAE.
Verify Information:
Always refer to official sources such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for accurate and updated information.
Regulations May Change:
Golden Visa rules and criteria are subject to change, so it’s important to stay informed through official channels.
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