UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a residency program that allows foreign nationals to gain permanent residence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on a significant investment in the country. The program offers a wide range of benefits, including an exemption from income tax, free movement throughout the GCC countries, and access to top-notch healthcare facilities. In addition, the program provides a fast and simple application process. The requirements for the UAE Golden Visa vary by category, with investors required to invest a minimum of AED 5 million, while entrepreneur visa holders must create an economic project that can be patented and add value to the economy.
Those with specialized talents are eligible to receive 10-year visas, subject to meeting certain conditions. For example, scientists are required to be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or have been awarded the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence. Creative individuals must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development. Athletes must also be accredited by the UAE’s General Sports Authority or sports councils. Inventors must submit a letter from the Ministry of Economy that validates their patents’ added value to the country’s economy.
A retired person who has a high net worth and assets exceeding AED 10 million can apply for a long-term UAE Golden Visa. This visa includes the holder’s spouse and children irrespective of age, sponsorship of domestic support services staff without restrictions on the number of employees, one executive director, and one advisor.
Who Is Eligible For the UAE Golden Visa?
Individuals with a PhD in science or engineering from a UAE university can obtain a UAE Golden Visa. However, they must be sponsored by a UAE government-approved university or research institution. Exceptional coders can also apply for the UAE Golden Visa, provided they meet certain criteria, such as having a distinguished track record of professional achievement and a solid educational background.
Frontline heroes who performed exceptional work during a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can also apply for the UAE Golden Visa. Frontline heroes can include nurses, lab technicians, pharmacologists, and medical assistants.
The process to obtain a UAE Golden Visa varies by category, but most applicants must first complete an online assessment and submit all required documents. Then, they must wait for a response. In some cases, an applicant may be required to interview with a UAE immigration official.
Once an individual is approved for a UAE Golden Visa, he or she can start the residency process through ICA’s eChannel or the GDRFA website. The eChannel is designed to simplify the process and reduce the time required. It allows individuals to track the progress of their applications and make payments. It also allows applicants to avoid delays by submitting documents electronically and paying fees online. Moreover, it is also possible for holders of the UAE Golden Visa to stay outside the country for up to three months and still maintain their residence permits. This is an advantage not found in most other countries with Golden Visas.