In 2019, The Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) launched the

Golden Visa initiative to provide foreign nationals the opportunity to secure long term UAE residency, ranging from 5 to 10 Years. Golden Visa holders will be able to sponsor their spouses and children with residency visas of the same duration.

Who is eligible for Golden Visa?

1. Scientists, PhD holders and data experts

2. Chief executives

3. Medical doctors

4. Outstanding students (their family can apply to)

5. University graduates with a 3.8 GPA score or equivalent

6. Investors

7. Real estate investors

8. Entrepreneurs

What are the requirements for a 10-Year UAE Visa?

As part of the ICA’s requirements, applicant should be able to provide proof of public investments which are no less than AED 10 million.

1. Minimum AED 10 million should be invested into a UAE Fund.

2. Owning a UAE Company – Capital should be no less than AED 10 million.

3. Partnering in an existing or a new company with a share value of not less than AED10 million.

4. Total Investment should not be less than AED 10 million.

What are the type of public investment qualifying for a 10-Year Investor Visa?

1. Proof a deposit into an investment fund

2. Providing a Trade Licence registered company in the UAE with a minimum capital of no less than AED 10 million

3. Acquiring shares in an existing company as a partner, with shares no less than 10 million

Notes:

The investments made must be maintained for a minimum of 3-Years. In addition, the money which has been invested, cannot be loaned.

What are the requirements for 10-Year UAE Visa for individuals with special Talents?

In cases where applicants are applying under the specialised talent, there are specific conditions wherein individuals must be able to provide the relevant credentials and documentation to their talent.

Scientists: Applicants who are applying under the Scientist Talent, should be able to provide proof of accreditation, issued by the Emirates Scientists Council or hold a Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.

Artists: Applicants applying for the Artists Talent, should be able to provide proof of accreditation from the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Inventors: Applicants applying under the Investors Talent, should be able to present a patent of value in the UAE. The patent, must accredited by the Ministry of Economy.

Doctors & Other Specialists: Applicants applying under the Doctors and other specialists talents should be able to identify and show proof of one of the following qualifications or certificates.

1. A PhD degree – issued by one of the top 500 universities in the world

2. A PhD degree and 10-year professional experience in your field

3. An award or certificate of appreciation related to your field

4. Proof of membership which associates you as part of a group or organization – relevant to your field of expertise

5. Proof of published articles or books – relevant to your field of expertise

6. You can identify and provide the supporting documents and proof that you acquire special talent which is needed in the UAE. 

Executives: Applicant must be able to show proof that your position is Head of a specific department in a local or international company, or evidence of minimum of 5 years of experience in an Executive Role or a current salary that is not less than AED 50,000.

Other Exceptional Talents: In cases where applicants cannot provide the above, the UAE has provided alternative routes to securing a 10-Year Visa, wherein the you can provide scientific research that’s been published in a world-class journal or you must have a patent.

What are the requirements for a 5-Year UAE Visa?

1. Property Owners – Provide proof of ownership of a property no less than AED 5 million.

2. Property Owners The invested amount should not be on a loan basis.

3. Property ownership should be maintained for at least three years.

4. Entrepreneurs –  proof an existing project which has a minimum capital of AED 500,000

5. Outstanding Students – Must be able to show a minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school or a GPA of at least 3.75 in a University.