The Golden visa in UAE is a long-term residency visa provided by the Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship and Customs and Ports Security. It allows international talent to live, work, and study in the UAE while receiving special benefits. The Golden Visa has a wide range of eligibility requirements. It includes entrepreneurs, real estate investors, public and private sector investors, outstanding scientists, artists, and athletes. High-achieving schoolchildren, top university graduates, and executive professionals are also included. Under certain circumstances, retirees with adequate financial support and those working in the tech and gaming sectors may potentially be eligible.
Investors in Public Investment
Applicants must provide proof of a business plan or a legally registered company in the United Arab Emirates to be eligible to take part in public investments. They must either have a commercial or industrial enterprise with a minimum capital of two million dirhams or show that they have a 2-million-dirham deposit in an investment fund that has been approved by UAE authorities. This venture cannot be financed by loans. Possessing two million dirhams’ worth of stock in an already-existing company or proving to the Federal Tax Authority that the company pays at least 250,000 dirhams in taxes annually are two other ways to be eligible.
Real Estate Investors
Investors in real estate can apply for the Golden Visa by presenting proof of ownership of at least two million dirhams’ worth of property from the Real Estate Registration Department in their home emirate. The home needs to be completely paid for and mortgage-free. The applicant must also present documentation, such as a property deed or tenancy agreement, attesting to their residency in the UAE.
Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders
To be eligible for the Golden Visa, entrepreneurs must show that their initiative is worth at least 500,000 dirhams, as verified by a UAE-based qualified auditor. The project needs to be technological or forward-thinking, and the relevant municipal authorities need to approve it. Additionally, a letter of support from a nationally recognised business incubator. Candidates must provide proof of residency in the United Arab Emirates, a valid passport, and health insurance that is good for at least a year and may be renewed. Applications must be submitted through authorised portals, such as HUB71 in Abu Dhabi and AREA 2071 in Dubai.
Talented Professionals and Specialized Fields
The UAE Golden Visa program also recognises talented individuals and specialists in a variety of disciplines, including healthcare, research, academics, innovation, culture, sports, and executive leadership. To be eligible, candidates must satisfy particular requirements about their profession, as well as receive approval to be received by the bodies or councils.
Physicians and scientists need to present a letter of approval from the Ministry of Health or a recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists to practice medicine. Scholars may also apply for recognition from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence Secretariat. While inventors need a letter from the Ministry of Economy, creatives and innovators in the cultural and artistic domains need an official letter from the appropriate department in their emirate.
A university degree, at least five years of work experience, a current employment contract, and a minimum monthly remuneration of 50,000 dirhams are requirements for executive directors. A recognised degree, a job contract in their profession, and current health insurance are requirements for specialists in scientific and engineering domains such as artificial intelligence, big data, biotechnology, computer engineering, software, and electrical engineering.
A recommendation from the General Sports Authority or an official sports council is required of athletes. Applicants must have a valid passport and proof of health insurance for each of the aforementioned groups.
Doctoral Degree Holders and Engineering Specialists
A verified copy of their degree from the Ministry of Education is required for applicants with a PhD in a priority field, such as biotechnology or artificial intelligence. A job offer or employment contract must also be included in the corresponding field. The same degree of documentation is required of those with undergraduate degrees in specialised science or engineering fields, in addition to evidence of employment in their field of study.
Outstanding Students
If the Ministry of Education recommends it, high school students who have excelled academically may apply for a five-year Golden Visa. The visa may be extended if the student is enrolled in a university program that takes more than five years to finish, like medicine. Subject to qualifying requirements, these students may also sponsor their parents and siblings.
A ten-year Golden Visa is available to university students who have a GPA of 3.8 or above. Additionally, they can sponsor their parents, siblings, and, if they have the financial means, their spouse and children. All student candidates must present valid identification documents and proof of residency.
How GPA Accounting LLC Can Help You
At GPA Accounting LLC, we specialise in guiding individuals and organisations through the complex Golden Visa process. Our team of experts ensures that your application complies with the latest rules and is thorough and compliant. To free you up to concentrate on what truly matters—growth and opportunity—we also offer strategic advice on business creation, tax optimisation, real estate investments, and ongoing regulatory compliance.
GPA is here to assist you at every stage of your path to permanent residency in the United Arab Emirates, regardless of your status as an investor, business owner, executive, or student.
Contact GPA Accounting LLC to start the Golden Visa application process right now.
