Your Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a 10-Year Golden Visa in the UAE (Updated 2023)

How to get a 10 Year Golden Visa in UAE?

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency to people who are highly talented and have a high net worth. They must belong to specified groups; investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, medical professionals, educators, and bright students. The UAE Government launched the golden visa with the purpose to retain talented people in the country. By eliminating the restriction of needing sponsor, individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can now apply easily.The government is committed to providing some extra benefits to the UAE Golden Visa holders willing to permanently reside in UAE.

Golden visa is designed to enable foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland. These visas are issued for 10 years and as long as the recipient continues to meet the conditions of the visa, they can renew for a further decade when it is due to expire

The new Entry and Residence scheme different types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits.The new system of entry and residence aims at attracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers from all over the world, boosting the competitive and flexibility of the job market and fostering a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.

According to amendments to the Golden Residence Scheme, here are the beneficiaries of the long-term 10 year residence permit . The category you are eligible for, the requirement criteria is different for each. Therefore, if an individual wants to apply for a Golden Residence they must fulfil the following requirements.

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Who qualifies for Golden Visa UAE & What are the Requirements for getting Golden Visa UAE?

The categories covered under the Golden Residence permit have been expanded. According to amendments to the Golden Residence Scheme, following categories are granted Golden Residence visa for 10 years in order to attract talents and highly skilled workers and professionals and boost the investment environment and foster business success and growth.

• Investors–
  • Public investment
  • Real estate investment
  • Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property that worth no less than AED 2 million.
  • Investors are also entitled to obtain the Golden Visa when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks.
  • Investors can also obtain Golden Visa when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than Dh2 million from approved local real estate companies.

• Entrepreneurs–
  • Owner of a registered successful startup,
  • approved idea of a startup,
  • Previous founder of a successful startup that was sold inside or outside the UAE.
  • An entrepreneurs should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the country in small and medium enterprise category and generates annual revenues of not less than AED 1 million.

• Exceptional Talents–
  • Culture & Art
  • Inventors & Innovators
  • Sports
  • Digital technology
  • Other Vital Fields.
  • It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity.
  • It is awarded based on talent only regardless of the educational qualification employment status, monthly salary or professional level.

• Scientist and Professionals–
  • Scientist
  • Chief Executive and Senior Professionals
  • Science Professionals
  • Engineering Professionals
  • Health Professionals
  • Education Professionals
  • Business and Administrative Professionals
  • Information Technology Professionals,
  • Legal, Social and Cultural Professionals. 
  • Scientist: The candidate should be a PhD or master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences form the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements. They must be recommended by the Emirates Scientists Council. 
  • Professionals: The applicants should have a valid employment contracts in the UAE and should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification, which is aligned with the International Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO by the International Labour Organisation. The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and the monthly salary should not be less than AED 30000.

• Outstanding students and graduates–
  • Best performing students in secondary schools
  • Best graduates from UAE Universities
  • Graduates of the best 100 universities worldwide.

• Humanitarian Pioneers–
  • Distinguished members of international and regional organisations,
  • Outstanding members of associations of public benefit,
  • Recipients of recognitions awards in humanitarian fields, Distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts.

• Frontline Heroes–
  • Frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crisis like Covid- 19 Pandemic

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What are the benefits of UAE Golden Visa?

Here are the benefits of having a Golden Visa in the UAE:

1. With a Golden Visa, you can live in the UAE for 10 years, and you can renew it as long as you meet the requirements.
2. Unlike most visas, you don’t need a company or a family member to sponsor you. This makes it easier to change jobs if you’re a worker.
3. 100% ownership of businesses in the UAE’s mainland.
4. You can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing your visa, which is usually a problem for other visas.
5. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their male children up to age 25, and there’s no need to renew it frequently. Even if the visa holder passes away, the family’s permits stay valid.
6. You can sponsor as many domestic helpers as you need.
7. If you don’t have a Golden Visa yet and are abroad, you can get a six-month, multiple entry visit visa to come to the UAE and complete your Golden Visa application.
8. Golden Visa holders in Dubai with a valid home country driving license can apply for a UAE license without taking driving classes.
9. Employees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Golden Visas get health insurance from their employers. Others need to buy their own health insurance, with special packages available starting at low costs.

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How much does UAE Golden visa cost?

The cost of the UAE Golden Visa is completely depends on the type of service ,visa category and the validity of the visa. However the approximate cost would be AED 3,000/- in addition to the Emirates ID and Medical Test required for processing of Visa.

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What are the documents required for UAE Golden Visa?

When applying for a UAE long-term residence visa, you must have several documents which support your purpose of application.

When you apply for the entry permit, you need documents such as:

• Copy of your passport
• Passport-size pictures
• Bank Statement for the past 6 months
• Any additional documents related to your purpose:
  • Company Trade License Copy
  • Copy of Partnership Contract (if applicable)
  • ID of other partners (if applicable)
  • A copy of the Memorandum of Association (for LLC)
  • Proof of accreditation by the relevant UAE authority (for specialized talents)
  • Proof of patent (for investors)

When applying for the long-term residence visa once you’re in the UAE, you need the following documents:

• Your entry permit
• Medical test
• Passport
• Pictures
• Immigration Establishment Card
• Any documents related to your purpose of travel

You are also allowed to bring your family members (spouse and children) under your sponsorship. If you have an investor visa you also can also sponsor one executive director and one advisor if required.

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How to apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

To obtain the UAE Golden Visa you must follow a straightforward process. The process is very easy, but you have to make sure to have your documents ready since you have to submit them too. In addition, even if you meet the eligibility criteria, you must comply with the requirements.

The process is quite straightforward with candidates required to submit the necessary documents and be willing to relocate to the UAE in accordance with their business venture.

1. Applicants need to register their interest on the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website.
2. Apply for a nomination: If you are from one of the eligible categories, but have not yet been nominated, then you should apply via the box labelled “Visa – Golden Visa – Nomination Request For Golden Residence – New Request”. There is an online form which requests your personal details, plus the category under which you believe you can be nominated. The UAE Authorities have 30 days to review your application
3. Once your nomination has been approved, you will receive an emailed link to upload the required documents for the visa.
4. If your nomination gets approved, you’ll receive a link by email where you have to upload the documents
5. Within weeks of uploading your documents, your application will be verified by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and you will receive your Golden visa.

If you are currently residing within the UAE, you will be given a temporary one-month visa, and will be required to convert your temporary visa into the residency permit during this period.

If you currently reside outside of the UAE, you will be given a six-month visa to enter the country, explore its opportunities, and settle.

You can now submit the Golden Visa application through the offices of Amer. Amer is a semi-government typing center that helps applying for UAE residency visas and other governmental services.

1. Choose the category you want to apply for 
2. Prepare set of documents required by government ( https://amer247.com/now-apply-for-golden-visa-in-the-uae-through-amer247/)
3. Submit the application through Amer office
4. Pay the fees
5. Wait for the approval (from 72 hours to 30 days)
6. Cancel your current resident visa
7. Submit application for golden visa
8. Get your UAE golden visa in your passport

For further clarifications related to this matter, you may contact the ICP and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

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How to Apply for Health Insurance for Golden Visa Holder?

If you are already a UAE Golden residence visa holder and would need to apply for health insurance you may just follow simple steps as mentioned below:

Step 1: Get the below documents ready in hand.

• Passport
• Visa
• Emirates ID
• If you are renewing your insurance, you will also need a proof of your previous insurance.

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Step 2: Approach the insurance company or insurance brokers in UAE through their website. There are approximately 62 insurance companies and 160 brokers.

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Step 3: Provide the basic information like your name, gender and age.

In case if you are planning to apply for a family member or a dependent, you will need to specify your relationship. You might also be asked to fill a health declaration form or medical underwriting form to declare any pre-existing conditions. This is compulsory in the comprehensive plan because the premium depends on your age and previous conditions.

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Step 4: Ask for quotation.

You will have the option to choose basic policies (Covering all your adequate medical needs) or comprehensive policies (health plan that provides broad coverage of a wide range of healthcare services)

The processing time for a basic insurance policy would be one working day provided you have submitted all the documents required by the insurance company and for the comprehensive plans three to five working days considering you have any pre-existing conditions.

Note: Employed staff transferring to a Golden Visa will continue to be covered by their employer’s health insurance policy. Freelancers and individuals residing abroad must have health insurance valid in the UAE while in the country or cover full medical costs if needed.

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How to Apply for a Golden Visa for High School Students in UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)?

How to apply for a Golden Visa for High School Students in Dubai?

According to GDRFA, a high school student with outstanding academic performance can now apply for a ‘Golden Visa for Outstanding students’ through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. For this a high student must reside in Dubai and should have a valid UAE residence visa.

To qualify for the five-year Golden Visa, a high school graduate should have completed taking their final examinations and scored 95 per cent and above in a public or private secondary school. The visa may be extended after five years if the student is enrolled in one of the major colleges in the country, and the course requires a study period of over five years.

It is also mentioned that in this scheme they can also sponsor their family member for the same duration of their stay in the UAE.

You can apply for a ‘Golden Visa for Outstanding students in Dubai through :

• the the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai by visiting their website – www.gdrfa.gov.ae
• GDRFA customer service centre – Amer.

While applying for ‘Golden Visa for Outstanding students, in Dubai, a hight school student must submit the below documents:

• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.
• Copy of the sponsored residency visa (Dubai residents only).
• Copy of the sponsored passport.

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How to apply for a Golden Visa for High School Students in Abu Dhabi?

As per Abu Dhabi’s official online government services portal – tamm.abudhabi – students who have graduated from the 2020 academic year onwards are eligible to apply. Students are also required to have a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (in case of public schools) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) if they have studied in a private school. Abu Dhabi offers a five-year visa for students who have achieved at least 95 per cent marks in the final examination.

High school graduates are eligible if they fulfil the below criteria:

• Achieved high grades from a high school in Abu Dhabi
• High School Graduation certificate from an Abu Dhabi secondary school.
• Recommendation letter from MOE, if the student was enrolled in a public school.
• Recommendation from Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) if the student was enrolled in a private school.

Along with having a recommendation letter and graduation certificate verifying your academic performance, you must also provide the following identification documents:

• Emirates ID
• Passport copy valid not less than six months

You can apply for a ‘Golden Visa for Outstanding students in Abu Dhbai through :

1. Visit the TAMM: https://www.tamm.abudhabi/services/business/ded/login?redirectUrl=https://www.tamm.abudhabi/services/business/ded/request-for-golden-visa-nomination?lang=en
2. Create a UAE Pass Account
3. Nominate yourself by filling out an application form which is available through the online service ‘Request for Golden Visa Nomination’, :https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/aspects-of-life/visaemiratesid/entryresidencypermits/VisaRequirements/RequestforGoldenVisaNomination

You will be then required to answer certain questions as part of its qualification assessment.

Once you reach the category for outstanding student, you will be required to fill in the application form and upload the necessary documents and submit for the approval of Abu Dhabi Residents Office and to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which is the authority that issues the Golden Visa.

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Attaining a Golden Visa via Salary Eligibility for Skilled Professionals

Can You get a Golden visa Based on Your salary?

If you’re a skilled worker in the UAE and you want to get a special long-term visa called the Golden Visa, here’s what you need to know:

1. Salary Requirements:
   • If you’re applying as a professional, you need a salary certificate showing you earn at least Dh30,000 per month.
   • If you’re applying as an executive director, your salary should be at least Dh50,000 per month.
2. Professional Category (Dh30,000 Salary):
   • You should have a proper job contract in the UAE.
   • Your job should be ranked as first or second level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
   • You need at least a bachelor’s degree or similar education.
   • Your monthly salary must be at least Dh30,000.
3. Executive Director Category (Dh50,000 Salary):
   • You need a university degree approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE). It should be at least a bachelor’s degree.
   • You should have five years of experience in the same job position.
   • Your salary certificate must show that you earn at least Dh50,000 per month.
   • You should also have a valid work contract.
4. Documents Needed:
   • Copies of your passport, visa, and Emirates ID.
   • A small passport-sized photo of yourself.
   • Your rental agreement.
   • Your IBAN number (bank account number).
   • Your medical insurance card.
   • A certificate proving you’re medically fit.
   • Any documents related to your job or profession, like a labor card, contract, or educational certificates.
5. If Your Salary is Too Low:
   • If you don’t meet the salary requirements for the professional or executive director category and you don’t own property or a business, you might still qualify based on your profession.
   • For instance, doctors and engineers with the right qualifications can apply. Also, if you’ve done great work in fields like art or helping people, you might qualify too.

So, if you’re a skilled worker, have the right salary, and meet the other conditions, you could apply for the Golden Visa and live and work in the UAE for a long time.

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Three ways to get the Golden Visa through non-real-estate investments in UAE

If you want to get a golden visa in the UAE because you’re planning to invest there, there are choices beyond buying property. The UAE offers different categories for investors to apply for Golden Visa like “non-real-estate investors” and “public investments.”

Here are the three options:

1. Bank Deposit: You need to show that you have deposited AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited investment fund.
2. Company Investor: If you invest in a company, you’ll need a valid commercial or industrial license and a document called a memorandum of association, which says your capital is at least AED 2 million.
3. Proof of Tax Payment: You must provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that you pay at least AED 250,000 in taxes to the government each year. You need to prove this for two years before applying. For example, if you own 25% of a company that pays AED 1 million in taxes, you should show that you personally pay AED 250,000 annually.

To apply for a Golden Visa under any of these categories, you should own the invested money yourself (no loans) and have medical insurance for you and your family.

As for where to apply for the Golden Visa, there are four options:

1. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP): If you’re in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, or Fujairah, you can apply online at smartservices.icp.gov.ae or use the “UAEICP” app.
2. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai: In Dubai, you can apply through the GDRFA Dubai website at gdrfad.gov.ae.
3. Amer Centre: If you’re in Dubai and want to sponsor family members or get a long-term multiple entry permit, visit an Amer Centre with the required documents. Find the nearest Amer Centre here.
4. Typing Centres: You can also use authorized typing centers to process visa applications. Just visit one with the necessary documents, pay the visa fee, and they will handle the application process for you. Keep in mind, there might be additional service charges for this option. You can find the list of authorized typing offices here.

If you meet the investment criteria for the Golden Visa, you can fill out the application form and ensure you have all the required documents. If you’re outside the UAE, you’ll need to apply for a six-month multiple-entry visa to complete the medical fitness test and obtain an Emirates ID. If you’re already a UAE resident, you get a one-month temporary visa to complete the Golden Visa procedures.

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Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on Golden Visa UAE