Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility

The Dubai Golden Visa is an exclusive opportunity extended by the UAE government, granting eligible individuals the privilege to reside and work in Dubai for an extended period. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, student, or retiree, this program is akin to holding a golden ticket. It liberates you from the need for local sponsorship, a significant advantage for those looking to settle in this vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis.

In this article, we delve into the process of applying for the Golden Visa and explore its myriad benefits. Additionally, you can find comprehensive information about Dubai and UAE visas in our Dubai Visa Guide.

The Dubai Golden Visa is open to foreign nationals who wish to invest in Dubai, either through the purchase of a property or through the formation of a new business. To be eligible for the Golden Visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

Age: The applicant must be over the age of 18.
Nationality: The applicant must be a foreign national, not a citizen of the UAE.
Investment: The applicant must make an investment in Dubai of at least AED 1 million ($270,000), either through purchasing a property or forming a new business.
Health: The applicant must be in good health and pass a medical examination.
Criminal record: The applicant must have a clean criminal record and not have been convicted of any crimes in their home country or abroad.

How to apply for a Golden visa

The Dubai Golden Visa application process is simple and straightforward. The following steps must be followed in order to apply:

Choose an approved property or business: If you plan to invest in a property, you must choose a property approved by the Dubai Land Department. If you plan to start a business, it must be a new company approved by the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
Submit the application: Once you have chosen your investment, you must complete and submit the Golden Visa application form, along with all required documents, to the Dubai Immigration and Citizenship Department.
Pay the fees: The fees for the Golden Visa vary depending on the type of investment made and the number of dependents who will be included on the visa. These fees must be paid in advance as part of the application process.
Wait for approval: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the approval. Depending on the volume of applications received, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Collect the visa: Once your application has been approved, you will be notified and asked to collect your Golden Visa. This visa is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed every five years, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements.

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Requirements

In order to obtain and renew the Dubai Golden Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Investment: The investment must be maintained for the duration of the visa.
Residence: The applicant must spend at least 180 days per year in Dubai in order to maintain the validity of the visa.
Health insurance: The applicant must have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay in Dubai.
Criminal record: The applicant must continue to have a clean criminal record and not have been convicted of any crimes in their home country or abroad.
Renewal: The Dubai Golden Visa must be renewed every five years, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements.

Can I apply for the Dubai golden visa online?

Yes, you can apply for the Dubai Golden Visa online through the Dubai government’s official website or through authorized visa processing centers. It is advisable to check the requirements and process for obtaining a Golden Visa before submitting your application.

You can apply for Dubai’s Golden Visa through the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, which is https://smartservices.gdrfa.ae/

Alternatively, you can also apply through authorized visa processing centers, which the GDRFA authorizes to process visa applications on their behalf. It is recommended to check the requirements and process for obtaining a Golden Visa before submitting your application.

Can a normal person get Dubai golden visa?

Yes, a normal person can get a Dubai Golden Visa if they meet the Dubai government’s criteria and requirements. The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa granted to foreign nationals who invest significantly in Dubai’s real estate or financial market.

The specific requirements for obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa can vary depending on the investment made and the individual’s circumstances.

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Dubai golden visa renewal

The visa is renewable annually, subject to certain conditions, such as proof of residency, financial stability, and good conduct. To renew the visa, applicants must submit a renewal application along with supporting documents, such as passport, residency permit, and proof of financial stability.

The process of renewing a Dubai Golden Visa typically involves the following steps:

Gather required documents: This typically includes your passport, residency permit, proof of financial stability (such as bank statements or salary certificates), and any other supporting documents as required by the Dubai immigration authorities.
Submit the renewal application: Applications can be submitted in person at a Dubai immigration office or through an authorized visa agent.
Pay the renewal fee: The fee for renewing a Dubai Golden Visa may vary and is subject to change. It’s best to check the latest fee schedule with the Dubai immigration authorities.
Wait for processing: Once the renewal application and fee have been submitted, the processing time for a Dubai Golden Visa renewal can take several weeks to several months.
Receive the renewed visa: If your application is approved, you will receive a new residency permit and will be able to continue living and working in Dubai.

Who owns Dubai Golden visa?

The Dubai Golden Visa is owned and administered by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visa is part of the larger UAE residency program, which is designed to attract foreign investment and talent to the country. The visa allows individuals and their families to live and work in Dubai for a specified period of time, subject to certain conditions and requirements.

Benefits of the UA

The UAE Golden Visa offers a plethora of benefits to eligible individuals who are granted this coveted long-term residency permit. While the specific advantages may vary depending on the category under which the Golden visa is obtained, here are some key benefits:

Long-term Residency: Holders of the Golden visa can reside in the UAE for an extended period, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years, providing stability and security.
Work Privileges: Golden visa holders are entitled to work in the UAE without the need for a separate work permit or employment contract, offering flexibility and freedom in professional pursuits.
No Sponsorship Required: Unlike traditional UAE residency visas, the Golden visa does not mandate an Emirati sponsor or local employer, granting individuals greater autonomy and independence in both personal and professional endeavors.
Access to Services: Golden visa holders and their families can avail themselves of various government services, including healthcare, education, and utilities, on par with UAE citizens, ensuring a high quality of life.
Business Opportunities: For investors and entrepreneurs, the Golden visa opens doors to establishing and expanding businesses in the UAE, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the country.
Tax Benefits: The UAE’s favorable tax environment, characterized by no personal income tax or capital gains tax, offers significant financial advantages to Golden visa holders, resulting in potential savings.
Real Estate Investment: The Golden visa attracts real estate investors by enabling them to invest in Dubai’s property market and other sectors, facilitating capital growth and rental income opportunities.
Education Opportunities: Golden visa holders can enroll their children in UAE schools and universities, accessing high-quality education institutions for their family’s development.
Residency for Dependents: The Golden visa extends to the spouse and dependent children of the primary visa holder, facilitating family reunification and cohesion.
Retirement: Retirees find the Golden visa to be an appealing option, offering a retirement haven in the vibrant and diverse landscape of the UAE.
Global Mobility: UAE residents, including Golden visa holders, benefit from excellent international flight connections through major airports in the UAE, enhancing travel convenience and facilitating business networking on a global scale.

Who can apply for the UAE Golden visa

The UAE Golden visa offers exclusive privileges for individuals looking to live, work, and study in the UAE, including a business visa option for entrepreneurs. This visa allows for a six-month multiple-entry visit or a long-term renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, with the option to sponsor family members.

Eligibility for the UAE Golden visa is based on talent, residency type, and occupation. Here’s who can apply:

Investors: Investors who deposit AED two million in an investment fund accredited in the UAE or hold a valid industrial/commercial license with a minimum capital of AED two million. They must also pay at least AED 250,000 in government fees annually and possess complete ownership of the invested capital.
Entrepreneurs: Individuals with an economic project of technical or future nature valued at no less than AED 500,000, as declared by a UAE auditor.
Skilled Professionals: Professionals with specialized expertise contributing to Dubai’s development in fields like science, technology, art, and culture.
Outstanding Students: Exceptional students accepted by recognized universities or educational institutions in Dubai.
Retirees: Retired individuals meeting specific financial criteria demonstrating financial stability.
Real Estate Investors: Investors owning properties valued at least AED 2 million, with a letter from the land department or proof of property ownership.
Outstanding Specialized Talent: Individuals recognized by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE and awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence by the Emirates Council of Scientists. They receive a 10-year Golden visa.

Applicants must fulfill the respective criteria and provide necessary documentation as outlined for each category to qualify for the Golden visa.

Conclusion

The Dubai Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to live, work, and invest in Dubai without the need for a local sponsor. The eligibility requirements, application process, and requirements are straightforward and easy to understand. With its world-class infrastructure, tax-free environment, and high standard of living,