Golden Visa

Golden Visa

GET A UAE GOLDEN VISA THROUGH AN EASY APPLICATION PROCESS

Our team can help you get the benefits of a UAE Golden Visa, like long-term residency and owning your company completely.

The UAE Golden Visa started in 2019 to bring in and keep professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and top students from around the world. We'll guide you through a smooth application process for a Golden Visa so you can enjoy its perks, including long-term residency, full company ownership in the UAE, and the chance to live, work, and study there.

Another unique offering is the easy access to more than 2 billion consumers in multiple markets, all located within a 4-hour flight. Dubai’s enviable location also results in an international and vastly multicultural workforce.

WHAT TO KNOW

The application usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on extra requirements.

OUR GOLDEN VISA SERVICES

Assessing Clients

We’ll check your profile to see if you qualify for the Visa programs. Then, we’ll guide you through the process and what’s needed.

Getting documents ready

We'll help you gather and prepare all the documents needed, such as:

Standard documents

  • Copies of your passport, visa, and EID card
  • Your UAE job contract
  • Proof of income
  • Education certificates, fully legalized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • 6 months of personal bank statements
  • If you own property in the UAE, you’ll need the title deed
  • A reference letter from your employer or someone important, talking about your impact on your industry or the UAE economy
  • Your CV or LinkedIn profile
  • Any articles or write-ups about you, your business, or your contribution to the UAE economy

For existing UAE residents with non-Dubai visas

  • AED 2 million fixed deposit for 2 years in a local bank; if withdrawn, the visa might be canceled
  • For existing UAE residents with Dubai visas (business owners/investors)
  • Bank statements showing about AED 2 to 3 million worth of transactions in bank accounts
  • All company documents (license, share certificate, etc.)
  • If you’re a CEO, you must have been in that role for over 3 years; if you’re an executive, it’s over 5 years
  • Your office lease or Ejari
  • Audited financial statements
WHAT TO KNOW

The UAE Golden Visa: What You Need to Know

Imagine starting your dream business in a luxurious city with year-round sun and beautiful beaches.

Sounds amazing, right?

Imagine not having to pay taxes in that city.

Even better!

Guess what? You don’t have to imagine. That’s what you get in the United Arab Emirates. The only catch? You need a UAE Golden Visa to stay there long-term.

What’s a UAE Golden Visa?

We’ve made this guide to answer all your questions about the prestigious UAE Golden Visa. Keep reading to find out how you can make your dream life a reality.

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

Unlike other visa programs, the UAE’s Golden Visa lets eligible people stay permanently with a 10-year visa. And it comes with perks that regular visas don’t offer.

Started in 2019, the Golden Visa aims to attract and keep foreign talent for permanent residency in a tax-free place. It also wants to boost business to grow the UAE’s economy.

It’s working.

By the end of 2021, 44,000 Dubai residents had gotten long-term residency through the Golden Visa. The program might’ve even helped the UAE during the pandemic. And it’s definitely made the UAE a top place to live, work, and start businesses.

The Golden Visa targets entrepreneurs, investors, and talented folks in specific fields. Even high-achieving students can apply.

The visa lasts 10 years. And sometimes, it gets renewed automatically, which is great for those tired of dealing with endless paperwork. It shows the UAE government wants the visa process to be easy. Anyone who’s applied for a foreign visa knows how hard it can be.

Benefits of a UAE Golden Visa

As the name suggests, the Golden Visa is the best residency visa out there. The UAE government has made sure it’s packed with perks to attract the best from around the world. Plus, the sunny weather, modern buildings, and stunning beaches don’t hurt.

1) No Need for a Local Sponsor

Golden Visa holders don’t need a local sponsor to live, study, and work in the UAE.

If you’re not familiar with getting a residency visa, this might not sound like a big deal. But those who’ve tried know how hard it can be to find a sponsor, especially if you’re not employed by a local company or don’t know anyone from the country.

Not needing a sponsor for a Golden Visa makes getting residency in the UAE a lot easier. Another reason to apply!

2) Own Your Business Completely

With the Golden Visa, you can own 100% of a business in the UAE.

This is huge.

Before the Golden Visa, foreigners starting a business in the UAE had to partner with a local, who owned part of the company. There were exceptions, but not many.

The Golden Visa lets eligible foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors skip these complications.

3) Add People to Your Visa

If you get a Golden Visa, you can add family members and business partners to it, under certain conditions.

If you’re moving to the UAE with family, this can save you a lot of paperwork and keep your family together.

4) Travel Freely to and from the UAE

Golden Visa holders can travel to and from the UAE as much as they want. It’s like being a UAE citizen. Visit family, and have business meetings – there’s no limit!

Extra Benefits for Golden Visa Holders in Different Emirates

Golden Visa programs in different emirates offer different perks to you and your family across various sectors. When you’re thinking about getting residency, consider all the visa options.

In Dubai:

Depending on your category, you might get an Esaad privilege card for free

If you have a driver’s license from a certain countries, you can get a UAE license without extra lessons

Exceptional foreign students might get 10-year residency visas and discounts at international universities in Dubai

In Abu Dhabi:

Golden Visa holders get discounts on real estate, health, hospitality, cars, insurance, and banking services

Some banks offer reduced interest rates on mortgages and savings accounts for Golden Visa holders

You can get discounts on gym memberships, spa visits, and hotel stays

You can also get priority bookings and special offers on cars

Plus, reduced premiums on health insurance for families and individuals

Am I Eligible for a UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE government has made the Golden Visa program more accessible to people worldwide. But it still wants to attract specific folks to boost the economy and build a skilled workforce. So, the criteria for the Golden Visa are still strict.

If you don’t fit any of the categories or can’t meet the conditions, your Golden Visa application might not get approved.

Here are the main groups who can apply:

  • Investors
  • People with special talents and researchers
  • High-level executives
  • Athletes
  • Engineers and scientists
  • Creative folks and art lovers
  • Inventors
  • Outstanding students with promising futures

Each group has different requirements. Let’s talk about some of them.

Applying for a Golden Visa in UAE

The application process varies based on your profession and category. But the basic steps are:

  1. Figure out your category and get the application form and documents ready
  2. Submit everything and pay the fees
  3. Wait up to 30 days for a response
  4. If you’re approved and have a current UAE visa, cancel it
  5. Submit your passport for your new visa

Who Can Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

How do you know if you’re eligible? Let’s look at the requirements for each professional category.

Investors

Investors in an investment fund (commercial investor)

Requirements:

  • Company audit report
  • License copy and partners’ list
  • Residence photo
  • Company bank statements for the last 3 months

Note: Only Dubai licenses are accepted (commercial or industrial)

For investors in an investment fund (deposit)

Requirements:

  • A bank letter about the deposit in Arabic
  • A rental lease
  • Occupation: not specified
  • For investors in an investment fund (tax return)

Requirements:

  • A letter from the Federal Tax Authority
  • A license copy and partners’ list
  • Residence photo
  • Occupation: not specified
  • Profession: investor

Owners of special talents and researchers

Doctors

Certificate of practicing from the Health Authority

A labor card copy or certified contract from the Ministry of Human Resources or free zones

  • Residence photo
  • Occupation: as per the license
  • Profession: as per the license

Scientists

Recommendation letter from the Emirates Scientists Council or Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award

  • Passport copy
  • Occupation: not specified

Creative folks and art lovers

Recommendation letter from the Culture and Arts Authority

  • Passport copy
  • Occupation: not specified
  • Profession: as per the letter

Inventors

  • Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy
  • Passport copy
  • Occupation: not specified
  • Profession: as per the letter

High-level Executives (General Manager, Executive Director, Chairman)

Company NOC letter for the Golden Visa

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Salary certificate of AED 30,000 or more

Work contract

  • Personal bank statements for 6 months
  • Occupation: General Manager, Executive Director, Chairman
  • Profession: Executive Director

Athletes

Recommendation letter from sports councils

  • Passport copy
  • Occupation: not specified
  • Profession: as per the letter

Engineers and Scientists

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Residence copy

Employment contract in a specialized field

  • Occupation: according to the major
  • Profession: specialized

Outstanding Students

  • Recommendation from the Ministry of Education
  • Residence copy
  • Passport copy
  • Occupation: not specified
  • Profession: Outstanding Student
  • University graduates with a GPA of 3.8 or higher from approved universities
  • University degree and transcript
  • Residence copy
  • Passport copy
  • Occupation: not specified
  • Profession: Outstanding Student

Start Your New Life With a Golden Visa in the UAE

Want to enjoy the UAE’s sunshine, luxury, and business opportunities? With 10-year visa options, a Golden Visa in the UAE might be your ticket!

If you think you qualify for a UAE Golden Visa, it’s time to explore the idea. Get in touch with one of our company formation experts in Dubai. We’ll show you how to get a Golden Visa and set up a business in the UAE with our Think Biz process.