Since the new visa rules came into effect on October 3, you should know that you can obtain a golden visa in the UAE through various channels, some of which are the government of the UAE, agencies, or employers, but the cost differs depending on the channel itself. However, a 5-year Golden Visa averagely costs AED 2250 for residency and AED 575 for ID, while the 10-year Golden Visa averagely costs AED 2790 for residency and AED 1070 for ID.
The new rules will allow Golden Visa holders to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their age. In addition, the restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid has been removed. Family members of the golden visa holder can now stay in the UAE in the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence until the end of their permit duration.
- Applying for the UAE Golden Visa through the Government channels:
- All eligible candidates for the Golden Visa can apply through AMER Center, by taking the following steps:
- Visit one of Amer Center’s service branches.
- Select the required service at the receptionist.
- Submit all the required documents to the service employee.
- Check your documents.
- Pay the fees due for the service.
- Submit your application.
- Eligible candidates can also apply for the UAE Golden Visa through GDRFA-Dubai Smart Application by taking the following steps:
- Download the GDRFA-Dubai application through Apple Store or Play Store.
- Select the required service.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the fees due for the service.
- Submit your request.
Applying for the UAE Golden Visa through real-estate developers
You can obtain a golden visa in the UAE by investment, as DAMAC Properties provides assistance to secure a 10-year golden visa for you when you purchase a property with the developer. Real estate also investors can also apply for a golden visa through Dubai Land Department; all they have to do is to visit one of the services centers, then they submit the required documents, and pay the due fees.
After that, the medical examination will be conducted in the center itself, then the visa stamping on the passport. Applicants need to have their passport, the availability of an electronic copy of the title deed certificate, a personal photo, valid health insurance, and original Emirates ID. As for the service terms, they vary depending on the visa type.
Applying for the UAE Golden Visa through agencies
The Company Formation specialists help you to obtain your Golden Visa and charge you a success fee of AED 19.990. As for the standard requirements, applicants must have copies of their passports, visas, and Emirate ID. They also must have a UAE labor contract, salary certificate or income confirmation letter, an attested education certificate, a 6-month personal bank statement, a title deed if they own property in the country, a reference letter from their employer or a person of influence regarding their contribution to their industry or the UAE economy, in addition to copies from their CVs or LinkedIn profiles and published articles and write-ups about them, their business, or their contribution to the UAE economy.
Moreover, eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Residence Scheme have been simplified and the categories of people eligible to apply for the long-term 10-year visa have been expanded under a new set of executive regulations. The UAE Golden Visa will now grant 10-year residence to those who fall under the following categories:
- Scientists: The UAE Golden Visa will be granted to scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. The candidate must have a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements.
- Professionals: The UAE Cabinet has revealed a significant expansion in this category to attract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences.
- Exceptional talents: The UAE Golden visa will be granted to top talents in vital fields. It will be awarded based on talent regardless of educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level. It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors, and innovators in other vital fields.
- Real estate investors: Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property worth no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million). As per the new amendments, 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 Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million) from approved local real estate companies.
- Outstanding students and graduates: This long-term, the 10-year visa will also target high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities, as well as from the best 100 universities worldwide, according to specific criteria that include their academic performance (cumulative average), the year of graduation, and the university classification.
- Humanitarian pioneers: As per the UAE government, humanitarian pioneers are also eligible under the new Golden Visa rules. Such as distinguished members of international and regional organizations, outstanding members of associations of public benefit, recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields, and distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts.
- Frontline heroes: Frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic can also get the Golden visa under the new rules issued by the UAE government.
- Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners: The new executive regulations have also set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence.
As for entrepreneurs and startup owners, there are some additional eligibility criteria. Entrepreneurs should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category, and the registered startup must generate annual revenues of not less than $272,250 (AED 1 million). Entrepreneurs or startup owners who obtain approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator, from the Ministry of Economy, or from competent local authority will be deemed eligible to obtain the Golden Residence in this category. Entrepreneurs who are founders – or one of the founders – of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) that was sold for a total of not less than $1.9 million (AED 7 million) will be entitled to the UAE Golden visa. For this category, the approval of the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities will be required for projects or ideas.
Professionals also have to meet some additional criteria to obtain the UAE Golden Visa. Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE. Applicants 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. They must have a minimum educational level and must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. They also should have a monthly salary of not less than $8,167 (AED 30,000).
