Dubai Golden Visa: A Comprehensive Guide, How to get it

The Dubai Golden Visa is a coveted residency program introduced by the UAE government. It aims to attract talented individuals, investors, and professionals to live and contribute to the country’s economic and social growth. With benefits like long-term residency and a hassle-free application process, the Dubai Golden Visa has gained immense popularity among expatriates worldwide.

In this blog, we will discuss the Dubai Golden Visa, its variants, requirements, application steps, fees, terms and conditions, and conclude with why it’s a valuable opportunity for eligible applicants.

What is the Dubai Golden Visa?

The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit designed to encourage skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and outstanding students to live and work in the UAE. The visa is valid for either 5 or 10 years and can be renewed automatically.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision to foster innovation and attract global talent. With exclusive benefits such as no need for a local sponsor and the ability to sponsor family members, the Dubai Golden Visa is a gateway to stability and success in the UAE.

Variants of the Dubai Golden Visa

The Dubai Golden Visa caters to different categories of individuals, ensuring inclusivity and tailored benefits. Here are the key variants:

1. Investor Visa

• Targeted at individuals who invest at least AED 2 million in real estate or businesses.
• Offers a 10-year residency option.

2. Entrepreneur Visa

• Designed for those who own or manage a successful startup or innovative business valued at AED 500,000 or more.

3. Professional Visa

• For specialists in fields such as medicine, engineering, and IT.
• Applicants must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 and hold advanced qualifications.

4. Exceptional Talent Visa

• Awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent in art, culture, science, or sports.
• Requires endorsement from a recognized UAE authority.

5. Outstanding Student Visa

• Offered to exceptional students with top academic records in the UAE or abroad.
• High-performing graduates from prestigious universities can also apply.

6. Humanitarian Visa

• For individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian efforts.

7. Exceptional First Line of Defense Performer

• To those who put forth exceptional efforts to safeguard the UAE community in times of need, including public officials who serve as the first line of defence, such as (nurses, paramedics, medical assistants, laboratory technicians, and pharmacists technicians). 

Requirements or Eligibility for the Dubai Golden Visa

Eligibility depends on the category you apply for. Below are the main requirements for each variant:

Investors

• Investor/Partner:
  1. Passport & Visa of the Applicant
  2. Emirates ID copy of the Applicant
  3. A Digital Photo of the Applicant
  4. Auditor’s professional license copy
  5. Auditor company Trade License
  6. Audit report for the previous financial year
  7. Last 3-month bank statement copy
  8. Trade license copy + establishment card copy + memorandum
  9. ** Applicant Should be inside country for the complete process
• Deposit Investor:
  1. A copy of the passport.
  2. Bring proof of ownership of a financial deposit of not less than (2,000,000) two million dirhams in a bank in the country. It may be in the form of investment bonds or sukuk.
  3. Proof of residence in the Emirate of Dubai.
• Real estate investor:
  1. A copy of the passport.
  2. Ownership of one or more properties with a value not less than (2,000,000) two million dirhams.
• Tax collection investor:
  1. A copy of the passport.
  2. A letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that he is a partner in one or several establishments and pays the tax to the government, and his contribution to the tax is not less than 250 thousand dirhams annually.
  3. The trade license with the partners appendix.

2- Entrepreneurs

• Ownership of a startup or business valued at AED 500,000 or higher.
• Business must operate in an industry that contributes to UAE’s economy.
• A copy of the sponsor’s passport.
• A nomination letter from Dubai Future Authority.

3- Professionals

• Scientists and researchers who have achievements :
  1. A copy of the sponsored person’s passport.
  2. Nomination/ Recommendation letter from the Emirates Scholars Council.
  3. Scientist license certificate.
• Senior Religious Scholars and Religious men:
  1. A copy of the sponsored person’s passport.
  2. Nomination/ Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or from the competent local authorities.
• Elite Health Fields:
  1. A copy of the sponsored person’s passport.
  2. Passport & Visa of the Applicant
  3. Emirates ID copy of the Applicant
  4. A Digital Photo of the Applicant
  5. DHA professional license copy
  6. Latest 6 months bank statement with bank stamp reflecting salary of AED 30,000 in the last 6 months (1 page per month showing salary credited in your account)
  7. Arabic Salary certificate (For Free Zone – Issued by Free zone Authority/ Govt – Salary should be AED 30,000 or above)
  8. Labor contract (For Private Sector – Salary should be AED 30,000 or above)
  9. Company NOC letter for your Golden Visa
  10. ** Profession should be same on Visa and Labor contract/Salary Certificate
  11. ** Applicant Should be inside country for the complete process
• Elite Educational Fields:
  1. A copy of the sponsored person’s passport.
  2. Nomination / Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education or the competent local authorities.
• Science Specialists: (Specialist in engineering, Education, Business & Management, IT, Law, Sociology, Culture)
  1. Passport & Visa of the Applicant
  2. Emirates ID copy of the Applicant
  3. A Digital Photo of the Applicant
  4. certificate should be attested from MOFA UAE (if Immigration requested for further clarification you need to provide Equivalency Certificate from Ministry of Education.)
  5. Latest 6 months bank statement with bank stamp reflecting salary of AED 30,000 in the last 6 months (1 page per month showing salary credited in your account)
  6. Arabic Salary certificate (For Free Zone – Issued by Free zone Authority/ Govt – Salary should be AED 30,000 or above)
  7. Labor contract (For Private Sector – Salary should be AED 30,000 or above)
  8. Company NOC letter for your Golden Visa
  9. Equivalency Certificate Issued from MOE (Mandatory)
  10. Applicant Basic Salary Should be AED 30,000 or more
  11. ** Profession should be same on Visa and Labor contract/Salary Certificate
  12. ** Applicant Should be inside country for the complete process
  13. ** Fees – AED Your Price Here (Additional AED 100 for Each Dependent to hold their visa)

4- Outstanding Students

• A copy of the passport.
• A copy of the residence permit (issuing authority, Dubai).
• A general secondary school certificate from a public or private school with a score of not less than (95%). (Top students)
• A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, provided that the university’s classification is not less than the best 100 universities in the world according to the international classification approved by the Ministry of Education. (Top graduates of UAE universities)
• 2. A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a university licensed by the Ministry of Education. (Top graduates of international universities)
• 4. Transcripts, provided that the GPA is not less than 3.5 degrees, and that no two years have passed since graduation. (Top graduates of international universities)

5- Exceptional Talent

1. Proof of achievements in fields like art, science, or sports.
2. Endorsements from UAE authorities are mandatory.
3. Passport & Visa of the Applicant
4. Emirates ID copy of the Applicant
5. A Digital Photo of the Applicant
6. Recommendation letter from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
7. Latest Resume
8. ** Applicant Should be inside country for the complete process
   • People of culture and art – A nomination letter from the Dubai Culture Authority or the Ministry of Culture.
   • Innovators and Inventors – A nomination letter from the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authority.
   • Sports / Games – A nomination letter from the General Sports Authority or the Dubai Sports Council.
   • Digital talent – A nomination letter from the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions.
   • Exceptional talent in other areas of interest – A nomination letter from Dubai Future Authority.

6- Pioneers of humanitarian workers

1. Copy of passport.
2. A recommendation by the Ministry of Community Development.
3. University qualification.
4. Copy of residence permit (issuing authority, Dubai).

Performer – first line of defense

1. Copy of passport.
2. Recommendation from the concerned government authority.
3. Copy of residence permit (issuing authority, Dubai).

Service Steps: How to Apply for the Dubai Golden Visa

The application process for the Dubai Golden Visa is simple and efficient. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa category.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather the required documents, such as:

• Valid passport
• Proof of investment, business ownership, or academic achievements
• Medical fitness certificate
• Police clearance certificate

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Visit the official portals of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Create an account and fill out the application form.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Complete your application by paying the required fees (details below).

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Your application will be reviewed, and upon approval, you will receive your Golden Visa and Emirates ID.

Fees for the Dubai Golden Visa

The fees for the Dubai Golden Visa vary depending on the visa type and processing time. Here’s an estimate:

Residence permit fee: AED1100
Extra charge :
Knowledge dirham: AED10
Innovation dirham: AED10
Fee inside the country: AED500
Delivery: AED20

Note: The issuance fee increases by AED100 annually whenever the residency is over two years.

Additional Costs: Medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and visa stamping fees.

It’s important to verify the exact fee for your category on the official website or at an authorized service center.

Service Centers for Dubai Golden Visa

The UAE provides dedicated service centers to assist applicants with their Golden Visa applications.

Key Service Centers:

1. Amer Centers
   • Located across Dubai, Amer Centers assist with visa applications, document submission, and follow-ups.
2. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
   • Offers guidance on visa types and supports application processing.
3. ICP Service Centers
   • Federal centers that help process applications for various visa categories, including the Golden Visa.
4. Tasheel Centers
   • Provide comprehensive assistance with visa documentation and other government-related services.

Applicants can visit these centers for in-person support or use their online portals for a seamless application process.

Terms and Conditions

1. Continuous Residence
   • Golden Visa holders must maintain continuous residence in the UAE. Leaving for extended periods without valid reasons may lead to visa cancellation.
2. Family Sponsorship
   • Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents under specific conditions.
3. Renewal
   • The visa is renewable upon meeting the eligibility criteria again.
4. Compliance with UAE Laws
   • All Golden Visa holders must comply with UAE’s legal and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

The Dubai Golden Visa is a game-changer for those seeking long-term stability, professional growth, and unparalleled opportunities in the UAE. With its exclusive benefits and a straightforward application process, this residency program is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students.

If you’re ready to take your career or lifestyle to the next level, start your Dubai Golden Visa application today. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the outlined steps, you can secure a prosperous future in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Credit to GDRFAD official Website