UAE Golden Visa Requirements Guide – Cost and Benefits

Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs issued 158,000 Golden Visas in 2023, against 79,617 in 2022. And the reason? Low taxes, luxurious lifestyle, safety, and more. Are you also planning to move to the UAE? The UAE Golden Visa is an option you can look for. And how to obtain it? Let us guide you.  

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a residency program. It offers five or ten-year renewable visas to eligible individuals. The purpose? To attract and retain exceptional talent, strengthen the UAE’s economy, and promote innovation.  

Who Qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa?

Categories eligible for the UAE Golden Visa include:  

• Investors: Those committed to substantial financial contributions.  
• Entrepreneurs: Visionaries who create and sustain successful businesses.  
• Specialized Talents: Professionals in science, culture, technology, and more.  
• Outstanding Students and Graduates: High achievers in academics.  
• Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes: Recognized contributors in their fields.  

Requirements for Each Category

These are the requirements to qualify in each category:

Investors  

Investors must meet one of these criteria to qualify:  

• Deposit AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited investment fund.  
• Own a company with a capital of at least AED 2 million.  
• Pay annual taxes to the UAE government totaling at least AED 250,000.  
• Own a property worth AED 2 million. 

Entrepreneurs  

Entrepreneurs must indicate success through:  

• Ownership of a project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000.  
• Approval from an accredited UAE business incubator.  

Specialized Talents  

Specialized talents are assessed by their achievements:  

• Scientists: Must have a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or hold the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.  
• Creatives in Culture and Art: Approval required from the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth.  
• Inventors: Must provide proof of a valuable patent endorsed by the Ministry of Economy.  
• Executive Directors: Must present proven experience and hold a high-salary position.  

Outstanding Students and Graduates  

This category requires exceptional academic performance:  

• High school students with a minimum grade of 95%.  
• University students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher from a UAE university.  

Also, read UAE Golden Visa Eligibility for Bright Students and Ph.D. Holders

Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes  

Candidates in this category must receive official recognition:  

• Contributions in humanitarian fields endorsed by the relevant UAE authority.  
• Frontline workers, such as nurses and medical staff. Must be designated as heroes by a competent authority.  

Costs for the UAE Golden Visa

The costs for obtaining a UAE Golden Visa depend on the category and visa duration:  

Application Fees

10-Year Golden Visa

• Residency Permit Fee: Approximately AED 2,657. 
• Emirates ID Fee: Around AED 1,153. 

5-Year Golden Visa

• Residency Permit Fee: Approximately AED 2,280. 
• Emirates ID Fee: Around AED 575. 

Dubai Land Department (DLD) Fees

Applicable for property investors applying for the UAE Golden Visa — AED 4,020. Separate from other fees.

Family Residence Permit for 10 Years

Holders can sponsor their family members. That includes spouses and children for up to 10 years. The cost is approximately AED 5,668.50. An additional fee of AED 100 is applied for each individual. 

Additional Fees

Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. The cost is typically AED 700. It depends on the medical facility. 

Health Insurance: Mandatory for all residents. Premiums vary based on coverage and provider. Basic plans start at approximately AED 900 annually. 

Other Potential Costs

Application Processing Fees: May include charges for smart services and electronic services, totaling around AED 1,155. 

Translation and Attestation: Documents may need translation and legal attestation. Costs vary based on the number of documents and service provider rates.

Points to Consider

Employer-Sponsored Applicants: If employed, your employer typically covers health insurance costs. 

Fee Variations: Charges can differ based on the applicant’s category, emirate of application, and any additional services required.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers these benefits:

Long-Term Residency  

The UAE Golden Visa provides 5 or 10-year renewable residency. You don’t need a local sponsor. You can stay outside the UAE for over six months without losing your visa status.  

Family Sponsorship  

Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members, including spouses and children of any age. Family members can stay in the UAE until the visa expires, even if the primary holder dies.  

Business and Work Flexibility  

The visa allows you to work, run a business, or invest freely in the UAE. You enjoy full ownership of your business. You don’t need a local partner.  

Additional Privileges  

You can sponsor unlimited domestic helpers after getting a Golden Visa. You also gain access to UAE banking services and financial facilities.  

Real Estate Ownership

It gives you eligibility to purchase and own property in designated areas. They offer high investment potential. 

Tax Benefits

There is no income tax on individual earnings in UAE. Also, for entrepreneurs and investors, a business-friendly tax environment is there.

Summing Up

The UAE golden visa cost makes it worth it as it offers family sponsorship, tax benefits, luxury lifestyle, safety, and many other benefits. Also, you get into a thriving global hub. Sounds like enough reason to shift to the UAE? Start planning today for a smooth process!

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FAQs

Who is eligible for a UAE golden visa?

Investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, specialized talent, PhD holders, and outstanding students and graduates are eligible to apply for a UAE golden visa if they meet the conditions for eligibility. 

What is the salary requirement for a UAE golden visa?

The minimum monthly salary for professionals in UAE must be AED 30,000 to be eligible for a UAE golden visa. 

How much investment is required for a UAE golden visa?

The minimum investment requirement for a UAE golden visa is AED 2 million for properties.

What is the 10-year golden visa in the UAE?

The golden visa, offered by the Federal Authority in UAE, allows eligible individuals to apply for long-term residency for five to ten years.