What Makes the UAE Golden Visa So Unique?

The UAE Golden Visa: A Unique Long-Term Residency Opportunity

Introduced in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa offers a distinctive pathway for expatriates to secure long-term residency, extending up to 10 years. This differs significantly from standard visas. The Golden Visa is available to individuals across various categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and those with specialized talents.

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Golden Visa vs. Standard Visa in the UAE

Validity

Sponsorship

Sponsoring Dependents

Staying Outside the UAE

Standard Visa

Validity

✅ Usually valid for 1, 2, or 3 years.

Sponsorship

✅ Requires an employer, parent, or a spouse to sponsor.

Sponsoring Dependents

✅ Certain conditions related to salary and income need to be fulfilled.

Staying Outside the UAE

✅ Expires if the visa holder remains outside the UAE for more than 6 months.

Golden Visa


🟡 Available for 5-year and 10-year durations.


🟡 Requires no sponsor as it is self-sponsored.


🟡 No restrictions to sponsor dependents.


🟡 Remains valid even after the visa holder remains outside the UAE for more than 6 months.

Categories for UAE Golden Visa

Real Estate Investors

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify, investors must own one or more properties with a total value of at least 2 Million Dirhams. Proof of ownership is required through a letter from the land department of the relevant Emirate. Additionally, passports must have at least 6 months of remaining validity.Required Documents:

Property Documentation:

  • Title Deed displaying property value
  • Statement of account from the developer (if the property is developer-mortgaged)
  • No Objection Certificate from the bank, detailing paid and outstanding amounts (for bank-mortgaged properties)

Personal Identification:

  • Passport copy
  • Digital photograph
  • Health insurance policy
  • Home-country national ID (may be required for citizens of countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan)
  • Copy of an old Emirates ID (if applicable)

Additional Documents (as applicable):

MOFA attested marriage certificate with Arabic translation (for properties jointly owned by couples)

Entrepreneurs

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible, your business project must meet the following criteria:

  • Technical or Futuristic Nature: The project must demonstrate a technical or futuristic nature, verified by the relevant authorities in your Emirate.
  • Minimum Value: The venture’s value must be at least AED 500,000.

Additionally, you must obtain approval letters from the following:

  • Auditor: An auditor must confirm the business is worth at least AED 500,000.
  • Relevant Authorities: Confirmation of the technical or futuristic nature of the business must be secured from the relevant authorities.
  • Business Incubator: A recognized business incubator must provide approval to establish the business activity in the Emirate.

Required Documents:

  • Passport copy
  • Health insurance policy copy
  • Medical test result copy
  • Colored photograph
  • Copy of UAE entry permit

Managers and Executives

Eligibility Requirements**:

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a senior-level position (General Manager, Director, CEO, or equivalent).
  • Possess a minimum of 5-10 years of experience as a senior-level executive.
  • Have a salary of at least AED 30,000.

Document Requirements**:

  • Offer letter (minimum salary of AED 30,000)
  • Last 6 months’ bank statements
  • Equivalency certificate
  • Educational certificates
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
  • Work contract copy
  • Photograph
  • Emirates ID copy
  • Salary certificate
  • Work experience certificate