Golden Visa UAE | Long-Term Residence Permit
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa Program is simply an immigration program offered by many countries around the world. The Golden Visa grants access to citizenship, and residency in a particular country without the need to spend years upon years in said country. From Europe to the Middle East, people from all over the world can take advantage of the program.
It is a long-term residency visa to attract foreign talents to live, work, study, and enjoy exclusive benefits. If you are an Investor, entrepreneur, professional, CEO, executive, scientist, outstanding talent, student and graduate, humanitarian pioneer, and frontline hero.
Sounds interesting? Well, here’s the catch. You have got to make an investment in order to get your hands on the program. The program offers wealthy individuals a chance to invest in another country. The investment then leads to citizenship. The investment required for the golden visa range from country to country. However, the minimum required amount is at least $200,000.
Once you have invested and completed your application process, you and your immediate family become legal residents. The program has helped thousands of families acquire residency in foreign countries such as UAE, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ireland, Malta, the United States of America, and Greece without the hassle that comes with the entire immigration program.
What Is The UAE Golden Visa?
By introducing this law, the UAE aims to enhance its position as an ideal destination for living, working, and investing. Abu Dhabi has announced new types of entry visas and residency permits by expanding its long-term residency scheme called UAE golden visas in 2019.
You have to get an extendable entry permit for the period of 6 months to complete the procedure to get golden residency.
Following foreign talent can get this opportunity to obtain long-term residency.
- Investors (real estate / public investment)
- Exceptional talent (scientists/doctors)
- Entrepreneurs
- Specialists in the field of science and engineering (Epidemiology and viruses / Artificial
- Intelligence / Big Data / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Program
- Engineering, Genetics, Electrical, and Biotechnology)
- Outstanding students
- Inventors
- Creative in art and culture
The UAE golden visa means long-term residency with more benefits and perks. Some of the benefits include enjoying the gleaming land of opportunities, unparalleled lifestyle, rich culture, diverse community, and living life to the fullest. Dubai is also a preferred investment destination for investors.
Types Of Golden Card Of UAE
There are two categories for this Golden Card UAE.
- 10-year residency permit
- 5-year residency permit
UAE Golden Visa benefits and advantages
Living and working in Dubai is advantageous, offering a high quality of life and good health.
Here are some advantages:
- Renewable residency visa valid for 5 to 10 years.
- You don’t need a privileged sponsor.
- The permit for sponsoring family members, spouses, and children. The sponsored members can stay in the UAE until the end of their visa period, even if the primary holder passes away.
- Stay in the world’s 2nd-ranked safest country with stability and security. And avail the best education and infrastructure.
- Ease of doing business and tax-free income.
- An extended period of living after the expiry or cancellation to six months.
- Esaad card discount scheme for Dubai golden visa holders.
Moreover, there are many other benefits and advantages specific to individual emirate states.
They are as followed:
Dubai
● Foreign nationals having a driving license from their own country.
● They have the access to take the UAE driver’s assessments without learning extra lessons.
● The visa holder will be eligible for a UAE driver’s license from the 32 approved countries.
● Health insurance is mandatory in UAE, to avail of most benefits on annual charges.
● Holders can easily access driving licenses and relaxation in other assessments.
Abu Dhabi
● The UAE provides discounts and offers to expatriates when they buy properties, cars, banking
services, health insurance, and hotels.
● Visa holders will have access to the deduction on selected properties.
● Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank offer fixed interest rates
● Discount on purchasing or booking four vehicles with priority bases.
● They will entertain special offers in hotels and spas.
Esaad Golden Visa
In UAE if you are Golden Visa, Green Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa holder which is a long residency visa then you’re eligible to get Esaad Card. Previously, only selected government employees had access to this service.
The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a smart identity card called the Esaad Card on March 13, 2017. It is an initiative that is part of the country’s efforts to improve security and provide residents and citizens with safe and effective ways to identify themselves. It also offers special discounts on both basic and luxury goods, allowing them to save money on both aspects of their lives.
An electronic chip in the Esaad Card stores residents’ personal and biometric information, such as their name, photograph, date of birth, and fingerprints. Additionally, it has an electronic signature feature that can be utilized for digital document signing and authentication.
The card serves as an official form of identification in a variety of public and private establishments, including hospitals, banks, and airports. It is required for all UAE citizens and residents. Within the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, the Esaad Card is also a valid travel document, allowing citizens to travel without needing travel documents.
The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA), which is in charge of registering individuals and issuing identity cards in the United Arab Emirates, is the organization that issues the Esaad Card. An application form must be submitted, biometric information like a photograph and fingerprints must be provided, and a fee must be paid for the Esaad Card.
The Esaad Card not only gives you a safe way to identify yourself, but it also gives you access to e-government services and discounts on stores, public services, and facilities. Additionally, it is connected to the UAE’s national health insurance program, ensuring that UAE residents and citizens have access to high-quality medical care.
Overall, the Esaad Card is a crucial component of the UAE’s identity management system. It gives residents and citizens of the country a safe and effective way to identify themselves, increases the security of the nation, and makes everyday activities like discounts and access to many stores easier.
The Esaad privileged card encourages long-term residents to contribute to the economy. The Esaad cards are currently accepted in 7,237 businesses and brands in the UAE and across 92 countries.
Discounted outlets are as under:
Fashion and Beauty Stores. (55-75% Discount)
- Mahalati Jewelers.
- Citizen watches.
- Gulf Optics.
- Joder House of Diamonds
Entertainment. (25-80% Discount)
- Dubai Underwater and Aquarium.
- Dolphinariums in Dubai.
- Ekart Zabeel.
- Byky Sport.
- Digit.
- Leisure Equipment.
Education Institute. (30-70% Discount)
- The Fifth Dimension Elementary School.
- Woodlem Park School.
- Jumeirah University.
- Canadian University of Dubai.
- British University in UAE.
Healthcare points. (20-50% Discount)
- Canadian Hospital.
- Hellenic Dentist Hospital.
- Glamour Care Clinic.
- Adam Vital.
- Dr. Jasnas Ayurveda.
Airlines (15-25% Discount)
- Etihad Airways.
- Fly Dubai.
- Flynas.
- Air France.
Hotels and Resorts (20-25%)
- Dubai hotel and Suits.
- Avani Palm View.
- Mandarin Jumeirah
Eligibility and Requirements
Dubai Golden Visa eligibility and application requirements depend upon the type of residency. Whether investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, CEOs, or executives. Scientists, Engineers, outstanding students, graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
Business or Real Estate Investors
A business investor is welcome to invest in the country and avail opportunity to get investors Visa for contributing to the country to grow the economy and growth rate. Are you one of the property owners, who qualify for the terms and conditions as under?
- Do you have an investment of 2 million dirhams fund licensed in the country?
- Are you an owner of a company with a capital of 2 million dirhams?
- Have a stake in the company with a value of 2 million dirhams?
- Partnership in a company that pays tax with a value of 0.25 million dirhams.
- Do you have a property whose value is 2 million dirhams and isn’t subject to mortgage?
- Have you done a successful project in previous years in the country with a capital of 5 million
dirhams?
Professionals, CEOs, and Executives
The UAE also offers a Golden Visa to professionals in all fields and disciplines. The company’s
CEO and executives must have bachelor’s degrees and earn monthly 50,000 dirhams and have at
least five years of experience in Dubai.
Ministry-classified as first, second, and third occupational levels. Do you have a valid
employment contract in Abu Dhabi? One of the above requirements is mandatory to avail UAE
visa in this category.
Startup businesses and Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs and startup owners can also get the golden visa if:
Previous entrepreneurial project owners or partnerships spend a total value of 7 million dirhams.
A Startup and registered company under the small and medium enterprises category spends a total value of 1 million dirhams. The Ministry of Economy or local authorities will approve any idea or project.
Outstanding Talent
Around the world outstanding talents, specialized include:
- Field of engineering (computer, electronic, software, genetics, and biotechnology engineering)
- Specialist in the field of science (epidemiology and viruses)
- Inventors in any field
- Athletes and Executives
- Creative individual
- Doctoral Degree people
- Scientist
- Doctors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science or big data.
Doctors and Nurses
Competent doctors and nurses are eligible as they are the first-line healthcare heroes. Doctors holding licenses from the health regulatory authority of the UAE are eligible through the ICA’s Golden Residency service.
After the pandemic of COVID-19, nurses and para-medical staff also got recognition. UAE Health Authorities are also offering visas to them. The Federal Authority has established seven centers for Citizenship and Identity. Across the UAE for doctors, para-medical staff, and nurses.
Engineers
The Soil of UAE has a lot of scope for exceptional talent in engineering fields, specializing in
computer, electronics, software, genetics, and biotechnology engineering. So officials considered
them eligible for 10 years of residency without a sponsor.
Required documents are as followed:
- Employment contract in the engineering field
- Photocopy of sponsored residency
- Academic Graduation or higher degree
- Letter from the Ministry of Education
Scientists
Researchers and scientists have a lot of respect and recognition around the world. The researchers and scientists are contributing services as per their specialties. So, scientists are also qualified for their Research base work and services.
Terms and conditions are as mentioned:
Ph.D. in Scientific Fields from the best universities in the world.
Recommendation letter from the Emirates Scientists Counsel.
Students and Graduates
A national level toppers secured 95 percent in private or public schools. He may be applicable for a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor, subject to a recommendation letter from the Emirates schools establishment.
Requirements:
Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or more
Graduation certificate stamped by the Ministry of Education.
Humanitarian Pioneers
The people eligible as humanitarian pioneers are:
- International and regional organizations’ outstanding employees.
- Civil association institution worker who worked for five years.
- Individuals whose work focused on humanitarian.
- Individuals who have received awards from local, regional, and international authorities.
- Volunteers of humanitarian work or support provided
Frontline Heroes
The extraordinary effort of frontline heroes in a critical situation like COVID-19 is admirable in
the entire world. UAE’s competent authority granted Golden Visa consideration for frontline
heroes.
Retired Foreigner
Retired foreigners can get a residency for 5 years.
Requirements:
Real estate ownership of one million AED.
Income of 15,000 AED.
UAE Golden Visa holders
During the period between 2019 and 2022, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs issued over 151,600 Golden Visas. Hollywood and Indian celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt also got their golden permit. Sports stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Mialem Pjanic are also included in the list of approved applicants.
UAE Golden Visa Price And Validity
The application fee is between 2800 AED to 3800 AED for Individuals applying from Dubai. An individual from outside Dubai will cost approximately 3800 AED to 4800 AED.
Key Notes
The United Arab Emirates is trying to reduce its dependence upon oil, that’s why creating new corridors for future growth and development. Golden and Green Visa is a new long-term residency to attract and retain foreign talents. This will help the country in economic and developmental growth in different government and public sectors.
UAE is a favorite destination for high net-worth people worldwide, mainly Pakistani and Indians. Despite Australia and Canada emerging as alternative options to UK and US for students, South Asia, particularly India, they have been trying to tighten immigration.
If the UAE can successfully manage the new visa system, many foreign countries like the UK and USA will no longer be able to take things for granted in the long run. New rules and regulations boost the demand for residency permits for foreign talent in Abu Dhabi.
Golden Visa Program; A Comparison Of All Countries
| Country | Min. Investment | Investment Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| Switzerland | CHF200,000 | -lump sum tax. -New swiss company. -New swiss company. | -Legal adult. -Belonging to a non-EU country. -Swiss Health insurance. -No history of criminal activities. -Proof of source of income rent/own a property in the country. | -No residency requirement for Golden Visa. -Citizenship after 12 years of living. -Dual citizenship is allowed by the Swiss government. |
| Portugal | €250,000 | -Real estate. -Investment fund units. -Capital transfer. -Donation. -New business. | -Over 18 years of age. -Non-EU or non-Swiss applicant. -Make a qualifying investment. -No prior criminal record. -Must spend a minimum of seven days in the country. -Must be financially able to assist yourself and/or family members that come with you to spend the minimum number of days in the country. | -Only need to stay for seven to fourteen days per year in the country. -Eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years. -Freedom to travel visa-free to the EU/Schengen zones. Tax is applicable only if you live in the country for 183 days. -Work permit issued. -Free healthcare in public hospitals. |
| Spain | €500,000 | -Real estate. -Spanish public debt. -Bank deposit. -New business investment. | -+18 years of age. -No history of criminal records. -Health insurance in Spain. | -No minimum stay requirement. -Allowed to work and live Family members can get Visa-free travel to Schengen states and Access to healthcare and education. -Permission to buy more properties in Spain. -Permanent residence after 6 years of Citizenship after 10 years of PR. |
| Turkey | $400,000 | -Real estate. -Government bonds. –New Company. -Capital transfer. -Bank deposit. -Real estate. -investment fund. | -Legal adult. -No criminal record -Never stayed in Turkey illegally. -Completed the investment. | -Access to business opportunities in EEC. -Eligible to apply for a US E2 investment visa. -You’ll be granted a -Turkish passport in less than six months. -Permanent residency as soon as you get the visa. -Visa-free travel to 110 EU and other countries. |
| Greece | €300,000 | -Real estate. -Capital transfer. -Investment bonds. -Company investment. -Bank deposit. | -+18 years of age. -No history of criminal records. -Health insurance from a certified company in Greece. | -No residency requirement. -Citizenship after 7 years of residency. -Visa-free travel to Schengen states. -Low investment options for the visa. |
| Ireland | €1 million | -Enterprise investment. -Investment Funds. -Real Estate. -Investment Fund. -Endowments | -+18 years of age. -Clear criminal record. -Proof of net worth (minimum net worth of €2 million). -Character certificate from authorities. | -Irish citizenship after living in the country for five years. -Visa-free travel to the EU and other countries worldwide. -Access to healthcare and education minimum stay requirement of only one visit per year. |
| Malta | €98,000 | -Real Estate | -A legal adult (18 years old). -No prior criminal record. -Must be able to show proof of investment. -The investment must be through your own money. -Must be able to support family members in Malta. | -Permit to live and work freely in Malta. -Access to healthcare and education. -Visa-free travel to almost 140 countries. -Your citizenship will be passed on to the children. |
| United Arab Emirates | 500,000 dirhams | -Real estate. -Business. -Investment fund. | -Over 18 years old. -No prior criminal record. -Must be able to show proof of income. -Must be able to show proof of investment. -Valid commercial or industrial license. -Medical insurance. | -Quick path to citizenship. -A long-term visa is valid for 10 years. -Permission to sponsor spouses and children. -Access to healthcare and education. -Several discounts on property, healthcare, schools, and banking. |
| United States Of America | -New U.S.-based company. -Investment in the regional center. | -Legal adult. -Clear criminal record. -Must fulfill the minimum investment requirement. -10 new jobs if creating a new enterprise. -Proof of source of investment. | -Visa-free travel to 183 countries. -Citizenship after 8 years. -Minimum 3 visits in five years. -Permit to live and work freely. -Access to health care and education. -Access to the Green Card which can be renewed. |
How to apply
The process is very simple to process an application as under:
- Submit the application through the official online portal, Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
- Fill in the requested information.
- Attach the required documents and review them.
- Pay the fee to complete the process.
The GDRFA-Dubai portal is also available to apply for Golden Visa Dubai.
- Go to the GDRFA official web.
- Click the required services.
- Fill out the application.
- You can download apps of GDRFA-Dubai (Android, iOS)
- Register as a new user account.
- Click on the required service.
- Attach documents and pay the fee.
- Submit the Visa form.
How To Check The Visa Status.
- Go to the ICP Smart Services portal
- Fill in the required information
- Attachment the required documents and slips.
- Pay the fees.
- Service Rate
- Receive the Service by Email.
Track Visa Application
After the submission of the application note down your application and reference number. Track your application to know the status and validity (if you already have a visa on the passport).
Log in to the official website of the Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, and security-ICP.
Put your application number and reference number. Or put your passport number and check validity.
You can check visa applications for Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah through the following portals or centers.
- ICA echannels Portal
- ICA channels on App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android) For Dubai, you can apply through the Amer Center in Dubai or GDRFA.
- Check your application status through the General Director of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
- The DubaiNow app is also available to check your visa status or application.
In case of any urgency about visa type, issuance, and validity:
● reach out at the ICP feedback platform or tool-free contact number 600522222.
● Dubai visa Access contacts Amer Center tool free 800 5111.
● For Outside the UAE dial +9714-313-9999 to check your application and visa status.
