The UAE’s Golden Visa program aims to attract and retain talented professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs by providing a pathway to long-term residency, tax-free income, and a high standard of living.

Benefits of the Golden Visa:

Holders of the Golden Visa enjoy various advantages, including multiple entry permits, extended residency, and the ability to sponsor dependents. They can live and work in the UAE without needing a local sponsor or employer, making the visa particularly appealing for business activities and investments.

Eligibility for Professionals:

Skilled workers and professionals can qualify for a Golden Visa if they meet specific criteria. This includes having a valid employment contract in the UAE for jobs classified under occupational levels 1 or 2 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE):

Level 1: Managers and Business Executives Level 2: Professionals in fields such as Sciences, Engineering, Health, Education, Business, Management, Information Technology, Law, Sociology, and Culture Applicants must also hold a bachelor’s degree and meet a minimum salary requirement of AED 30,000.

Application Requirements:

For expatriates working at a mainland company, a Ministry of Labour contract showing a salary of AED 30,000 or above is necessary. Those employed by free zone companies need a salary certificate from the relevant authority confirming the same salary.

According to some immigration experts, the minimum salary requirement excludes allowances, which could lead to application rejections for some residents.

Applicants must provide bank statements for the last six months, demonstrating monthly salary deposits. If salaries are withdrawn immediately after deposit, a second bank statement showing the transfer is required.

An attested degree certificate (bachelor’s or higher) is needed, along with university degree equivalency. This degree must be verified by the UAE embassy in the applicant’s home country and the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer is also required, allowing the employee to hold Golden Residency. This document should be signed by an authorized signatory and include the company stamp.

Additionally, applicants must obtain a nomination letter from specific ministries to support their application. They must also have comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their family members when applying for the Golden Visa. Finally, applicants need to provide their passport with the visa page and a personal passport-sized photo.

Apply for the UAE Golden Visa

To apply for a UAE Golden Residency Visa, you must meet specific requirements. There are two primary application methods based on your location within the country.

You can apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) using their smart application or the official website here. Alternatively, you can visit GDRFA-approved typing or visa processing centers for assistance with filling out the necessary forms and submitting required documents.

If you’re located in other emirates, you will need to apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA). This authority manages residency and citizenship matters throughout the UAE. You can access ICA’s online services or visit an ICA-approved typing center for help.

Golden Visa Nomination Process and Requirements

To initiate the Golden Visa application, you must first receive a nomination. This involves submitting your information for approval. After your nomination is granted, you will be directed to complete your application with either the GDRFA or ICP.

The requirements are as follows:

• Cultural and Artistic Professionals: A nomination letter from the Dubai Culture Authority or the Ministry of Culture.
• Innovators and Inventors: A letter from the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authority.
• Athletes: A letter from the General Sports Authority or the Dubai Sports Council.
• Digital Talent: A letter from the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions.
• Exceptional Talent in Other Fields: A letter from the Dubai Future Authority.

After receiving your nomination, you will complete any additional requirements and submit your application for final review and approval.

Application Steps

• Using Digital Channels:

1. Log in to the smart services system using UAE Pass or your username.
2. Search for the relevant service.
3. Fill out the application form as needed.
4. Pay the applicable service fees: The fees include AED 1,100 for the residence permit, AED 10 for the knowledge fee, AED 10 for the innovation fee, AED 500 for the in-country fee, and AED 20 for delivery. Please note that the issuance fee increases by AED 100 annually after two years.

• At a Customer Happiness Centre:

1. Visit the nearest center.
2. Take a ticket and wait.
3. Submit your application and documents to the customer service representative.
4. Pay the service fee

• At an Amer Service Centre:

1. Go to the nearest Amer service center.
2. Take a ticket and wait.
3. Submit your application and documents to the customer service representative.
4. Pay the service fee.

• Applying Through ICP (Federal)

1. Visit the ICP website.
2. Scroll down to “services” on the homepage.
3. Select “Golden Visa” as the last option and choose your application category.
4. Create an account.
5. Once your account is verified, log in and apply for nomination.
6. Submit your completed application through your preferred channel—online, via the mobile app, or in person at a registration center.

Golden Visa for other categories

The Golden Visa program aims to attract investors willing to financially contribute to the country, as well as entrepreneurs seeking to start and manage economic projects. It also targets talented individuals and leaders in various sectors, including science, knowledge, and sports.

Outstanding students are a key focus, especially those who have graduated from high schools or accredited universities in the UAE with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The program is also open to all PhD holders, doctors, and engineers in critical fields such as computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity, and biotechnology. Additionally, it encompasses individuals with specialized degrees in artificial intelligence, big data, or epidemiology and viruses, highlighting the country’s commitment to attracting top talent.

Furthermore, Dubai provides a 10-year Gaming Visa to entice leading gamers, content creators, and industry professionals from around the world, establishing the city as a major hub for gaming innovation.

Private sector educators in Dubai are also eligible to apply for Golden Visas. This initiative acknowledges exceptional teachers who have shown excellence, innovation, and a strong dedication to shaping the future of education in Dubai.

There is increasing interest among foreigners in the UAE’s Golden Visa program—discover five ways to secure a 10-year residency without a job and learn about the four types of residency visas that permit expats to work.