UAE Golden Visa

The Golden visa, or golden visa of the UAE (golden visa) is a long—term residence granted to foreigners with outstanding achievements, significant investments or high professional skills. This type of visa opens up new opportunities for living, working and investing in the United Arab Emirates. Unlike standard visas, gold provides a longer stay and fewer restrictions on movement and activities within the country. 

In this article, we will tell you what a golden visa is, what advantages and disadvantages it has, what are the conditions for obtaining it, and how much it will cost to get it.

What does the UAE Golden visa give?

A standard visa is issued under the auspices of sponsorship by UAE citizens or institutions. For example, for a foreign student, the sponsor is an educational institution, and for a migrant worker, a local employer. One of the main advantages of the UAE Golden Visa is not only the absence of the need for a sponsor, but also the ability of the holder to act in such a capacity for his closest relatives. 

Positive

• Long-term accommodation. The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to ten years, with the possibility of extension.
• Work activity. Holders of a Golden visa can obtain a work permit. Holders of a golden visa are not subject to temporary work bans in the UAE.
• Wide availability. Not only investors can get a golden visa, but also outstanding figures of arts, sciences, talented specialists in advanced areas of technological progress and others.
• General equality. An atmosphere of justice and equality is maintained in society, and therefore any discrimination is condemned. For example, a golden visa in Dubai for Russians and any other nationalities is issued according to the same procedure. 

Minuses

• High qualification criteria. The government of the Emirates carefully selects those who will receive a golden UAE visa, so the conditions for obtaining it are quite difficult. This is both a high investment threshold and exceptional academic and professional achievements. 
• Economic dependence. The possibility of extending the golden visa directly depends on the retention of the investment by the holder. This creates the need for a permanent financial presence in the UAE. The withdrawal of funds will result in the loss of the visa. 

Who can get a golden visa in the UAE

In the UAE, not only investors can get a golden visa, but also people who have achieved outstanding success in any field. Scientists who have received international recognition and those whose achievements have been awarded international awards are especially in demand. Conditionally, there are three main categories:

Golden visa for investments

Investing is the main answer to how to get a golden visa in Dubai or any other UAE emirate. It is certain investments in the country’s economy that give an investor the right to apply for a stay and work in the country from 5 to 10 years. There are three main types of attachments:

• Investments in funds. The minimum investment amount of 2 million dirhams ($544,000) in investment funds accredited by the country entitles you to a golden visa for a period of 10 years.
• Real estate investments.Owning one or more properties worth 2 million dirhams ($544,000) entitles you to a 5-year golden visa.  It is important to note that the purchase of real estate with the help of a loan is possible only if it is processed in certain local banks approved by the competent authority of the UAE. You can buy a property with a mortgage, but the initial payment must be at least 2 million dirhams ($544,000). The rest can be borrowed or mortgaged.  
• Entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurs can get a gold visa for 5 years. The condition is ownership of an economic project of a technical or promising nature based on risk and innovation. That is, to include innovative approaches, technologies or ideas that can make significant changes in their field. This may be something completely new to the market or a significant improvement on existing solutions. They may relate to a product, technology, business model, or even management methods. The risk is associated with uncertainty and potential difficulties in the implementation of the project and with ideas that may not have guaranteed success in the market. The risk may also be associated with financial investments necessary for the development and launch of new technologies or products. Its cost should be at least 500 thousand dirhams ($136,100), and the emirate authorities should confirm that the project is important and promising for the country.

Outstanding talents

The Golden Visa program entitles outstanding figures and specialists in their field to live and work in the country for 10 years. At the same time, their achievements must be confirmed by the relevant institution or ministry in the UAE.

Who can get a visa:

• Highly qualified doctors. Permission from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention is required to practice medicine.
• Scientists. The condition is the presence of a letter of recommendation from the Council of Scientists of the Emirates or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal on awarding the medal for scientific achievements.
• Figures in the field of culture and arts. If there is a letter from the Department of Culture and Art of the relevant emirate.
• Inventors. If there is a letter of recommendation from the UAE Ministry of Economy confirming the importance of discoveries, patents or developments for the country’s economy. 
• Executive Directors. Provided that you have a university degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education with a bachelor’s degree or higher. A valid work contract and proof of work experience in a similar position for at least 5 years with a salary of at least 30,000 dirhams ($8,166) per year.
• Athletes. Upon receipt of a letter of recommendation from the General Sports Administration or one of the sports councils.
• Holders of scientific degrees and specialists in the field of science and technology. If you have a work contract and a copy of a bachelor’s or master’s degree certified by the UAE Ministry of Education. The advantage is given to specialists engaged in: epidemiology and virology; development and training of artificial intelligence; analysis of data arrays; creation of computer equipment; electronics manufacturing; software development; electrical engineering; genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Academic success

High school students with high academic scores of at least 95% of the maximum possible can get a visa for five years. For example, if the maximum score for a course or exam is 100, then the student must score at least 95 points. Within the ten-point system, grades must be at least 9.5 points. The visa can be extended if the student is enrolled in a UAE educational institution with a study period of more than five years.

Students are granted a visa for 10 years, subject to high academic performance in an educational institution of class A or B, according to the UAE Ministry of Education. And also at an educational institution that is among the top 100 universities in the world according to a rating system recognized by the same agency. The overall average score should be at least 3.5–3.8, and no more than 2 years should have passed since graduation.

Other

The most interesting category is the pioneers of humanitarian activities. As a rule, these are volunteers engaged in humanitarian activities. They can get a gold visa for 10 years. At the same time, the types of activities are clearly regulated. To be considered a pioneer, you need to meet one of the following criteria:

• To be an outstanding member of an organization engaged in international and regional humanitarian activities. The term of work must be at least five years. Work in civic associations and institutions of public interest is also taken into account.
• Be the recipient of a commendation award from a local, regional, or international humanitarian organization.
• To sponsor humanitarian activities in the amount of at least two million dirhams in equivalent.

Also, on the recommendation of the competent authority, the golden resident visa of the UAE is issued to people who have shown outstanding abilities in crisis situations such as pandemics, natural disasters, man-made disasters. The heroes of the front line include nurses, medical assistants, laboratory assistants, pharmacologists and other employees approved by the Office for Work with the Heroes of the front line.

Spouses and children can be included in the application for a golden visa if the main applicant provides documents confirming the relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates). The applicant’s family must also undergo a medical examination in the UAE.
Domestic workers can also be included in the visa if there is a valid employment contract and the workers have passed a medical examination.

Note. In July 2021, the United Arab Emirates also announced the issuance of 100,000 golden visas for the best programmers in the world. The program is aimed at attracting specialists in the field of software development and artificial intelligence.

Documents for obtaining a golden visa

To apply for a golden visa to the UAE, it is necessary to collect documents and fulfill a number of conditions. The main ones are a copy of the passport with a valid period of at least 6 months; a 45mm by 35mm photo, or a digital photo on a white background; and medical insurance issued by the UAE insurance company. Other requirements differ depending on the grounds for obtaining a visa.

Investors in funds:

• A letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE, or the provision of a valid commercial/industrial license and a founding agreement on the investor’s deposit in the amount of two million dirhams.
• A letter from the Federal Tax Service on the annual payments to the state by the investor of at least 250,000 ($68,000) dirhams.
• Confirmation of full ownership of the invested capital; it should not be borrowed or borrowed.

Real Estate Investors:

• A certificate of ownership or an initial contract for the purchase and sale of real estate in the UAE.
• Documents confirming the minimum investment in real estate in the amount of two million dirhams ($544,000).
• A document from the bank confirming that the minimum amount of two million dirhams is free from encumbrances (not borrowed or mortgaged).

Entrepreneurs:

• Company registration certificate or confirmation of approval from a business incubator accredited in the UAE.
• Documents confirming the active activity of the company.
• Audit results from accredited UAE specialists stating that the cost of the business project is at least 500 thousand dirhams ($136,000). Or confirmation of the minimum authorized capital of the company of at least 500 thousand dirhams.
• A letter from the Emirate authorities stating that the project is technical or promising

Highly qualified specialists and scientists:

• Confirmation of qualifications and achievements (diplomas, awards, etc.).
• Letters of recommendation from recognized institutions or organizations.

Outstanding students:

• Confirmation of academic achievements (certificates, diplomas).
• The presence of a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
• Letters of recommendation from educational institutions.

How much does it cost to apply for a golden visa to Dubai

In addition to investment costs, there are also various kinds of commissions and fees. They should also be taken into account when applying for a visa, however, compared to the size of the investment, they are not so significant.

Real estate investors. In addition to the main investment amount of 2 million dirhams ($544,000), investors pay: 

• Registration fee to the land registry department in the amount of 4% of the value of the property.
• An administrative fee of 580 dirhams ($158).
• Notary services, the fee for which varies depending on the value of the property and ranges from 2000 to 4000 dirhams ($544-1088).
• The commission to the real estate agent is 2% of the value of the property.
• The cost of real estate valuation is approximately 2500 dirhams ($680), but is highly dependent on the appraiser company.
• Property insurance depends on the value of the property and is approximately 1000-2000 dirhams ($272-544) annually.
• Municipal fees for the transfer of ownership range from 4-6% of the value of the property, depending on the Emirate.

Investors in businesses or public funds. The main investment amount of 2 million dirhams is supplemented by the following expenses:

• Company registration costs, including licensing fees (10,000–15,000 dirhams, or $2,722-4083) and company registration fees (7,000-10,000 dirhams, or $1,905-2,722).
• The services of lawyers and consultants — on average 10,000–20,000 dirhams ($2722-5444) — for the support of the registration and paperwork process.
• The fees for opening a bank account depend on the bank and amount to 5000-10,000 dirhams ($1361-2722).
• Office space rent is approximately 15,000–50,000 dirhams ($4,083–$13,600) annually.
• Tax and accounting services in the amount of 10,000–20,000 dirhams ($2,722-5,444) annually.

Entrepreneurs. Businessmen who have contributed at least 500 thousand dirhams ($136,000) to the project must also pay:

• The license fee is 10,000–15,000 dirhams ($2,722-4083) depending on the type of business and jurisdiction.
• The company registration fee, which averages from 7000 to 10,000 dirhams ($1905-2722).
• Office rental fees: 15,000–50,000 dirhams ($4,083–$13,600) annually.
• Visa fees for employees: about 5,000 dirhams ($1,361) per employee, including medical checks and ID cards.
• The audit costs will cost 5000-15,000 dirhams ($1361-4083), depending on the scale of the business and requirements.

Basic commission:

• Application fee: 100 dirhams ($27).
• For the issuance of documents: 100 dirhams ($27) for each year of validity of the visa. That is, 1000 dirhams ($270) for a 10-year visa.
• Online service fee: 150 dirhams ($41).
• A domestic fee of 500 dirhams ($136) if the applicant is already in the UAE.

Here is how much a golden visa in Dubai costs, and specifically all the associated costs for its registration through the Land Department:

• Medical examination: 700 dirhams ($191).
• Fee for issuing a UAE ID card valid for 10 years: 1153 dirhams ($313.85).
• Confirmation of a residence permit for a period of 10 years: 2657 dirhams ($723.24).
• Land Department Commission: 4020 dirhams ($1094.24).
• Administrative fee: 1155 dirhams ($314.39).

Total: 9,685 dirhams ($2,636.26).

A 10-year residence permit for a family or parents will cost 5668.50 dirhams ($1,542.97), plus 320 dirhams ($87.10) for opening a sponsorship opportunity.

Visa fees

The terms of registration and validity of the golden visa

There are two types of golden visa in terms of validity: for 5 and for 10 years. However, recently there has been a tendency to refuse a visa for five years. The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa for investors and outstanding specialists of all types will be issued for 10 years.

Holders of a golden visa must have lived in the UAE for at least 30 years to apply for naturalization. And taking into account the duration of such a visa of 5 and 10 years, the process includes repeated extension of the visa. At the same time, an important condition is compliance with the criteria. For example, it is enough for investors to keep investments for three years, and for specialists — to have a valid employment contract. 

Upon obtaining UAE citizenship, you must renounce your previous citizenship. This can be done by contacting the consulate/embassy of the country of citizenship. And after receiving the appropriate confirmation, you need to submit it to the Department of Citizenship and Residency of the UAE and undergo the naturalization procedure.

How quickly a golden visa is considered:

Real estate in the UAE for obtaining a golden visa

To qualify for a golden visa, it is enough to purchase one or more properties for a certain amount. They can be combined and include both commercial and residential real estate. Real estate from the developer is also offset, but in the case of an installment purchase (which is not uncommon for this type), the minimum required investment amount for a visa must be paid in full.

Types of real estate:

• Residential real estate. It includes villas with private plots and classic detached apartments in apartment buildings. Both options are well suited for both permanent residence and investment in order to make a profit from renting. However, apartments are much cheaper than villas. 
• Commercial real estate. Includes offices of various sizes and classes (from B to A+) in business centers and office towers, as well as retail premises in shopping malls and on main streets. For example, DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is the main financial center for large companies and banks.
• Real estate from the developer (off-plan).The cheapest real estate in the UAE market. It belongs to the primary type of real estate and may be under construction or planning. It is sold directly by the developer, who can offer flexible installment options for initial and subsequent payments.

How to buy a property in the UAE

Special features when registering in Dubai

The Golden visa in Dubai has a number of advantages for real estate investors. In 2024, the minimum initial payment of 1 million dirhams ($272,000) to qualify for a golden visa was abolished. Special conditions were also introduced for new buildings. It is enough for investors to make a 10% down payment on the value of the property, the rest can be taken in installments.

Types of property rights in the UAE

Foreigners claim full ownership of the acquired real estate only in specially designated areas. In the rest of the UAE, they can apply for a long-term lease or right of use from a local landlord, but with certain reservations. 

There are four main types of property rights:

• Freehold (full ownership). Freehold means that the owner has full and absolute right to the property. This is the most common and popular type of property among foreign investors, because it gives the right to own and manage real estate for an unlimited period. 
  This means that after obtaining the necessary permits from the municipal authorities, the owner is free to change the layout and rebuild the property in accordance with local building codes and regulations. Such real estate has no restrictions on sale, resale or inheritance.
• Leasehold (rental property). This is a rental type of ownership of real estate for a limited period (up to 99 years), after which the right is returned to the owner of the land. The owner has the right to use and own real estate, but changes and redevelopments need to be coordinated not only with the municipal authorities, but also with the landlord. The same applies to the transfer of the right of use — this is possible only with the permission of the landlord.
• Usufruct (right of use). Most often, this type of ownership is used for commercial real estate and agricultural land. It gives the right to use and receive income from real estate with a time limit (usually up to 99 years).
  Any changes must be coordinated with the owner of the property and the local authorities, however, the destruction or structural reconstruction of the object is most often prohibited. Otherwise, this is the same Leasehold, where all manipulations with real estate are carried out only with the permission of the owner.
• Commonhold (shared ownership). This type of property implies ownership of an apartment or other real estate object in an apartment building with the right to use common areas. The owner has every right to his apartment and share in the common areas. 
  He can change the interior layout of his apartment, but any changes affecting the common areas must be coordinated with the management company and other owners. It is mainly found in apartment buildings and residential complexes with common areas in the form of swimming pools, gardens, sports fields, etc.

Stages of obtaining a golden UAE visa

Before learning how to get a golden visa to the UAE, it is important to take into account local cultural characteristics, including attitudes towards haste. Residents of the country prefer a more measured and calm approach to life and business. Therefore, applicants are advised to be patient, respect local traditions and plan their time taking into account possible delays.

First of all, if the applicant meets the criteria for obtaining a visa, it is worth starting with collecting documents. After that, they need to be nostrified, that is, translated into English or Arabic and their validity notarized. For investors, it is necessary to prepare financial reports, business plans, recommendations and audit results confirming compliance with financial criteria. Criminal record certificates and medical certificates are also included in the list of required documents.

Application submission. The official application for a visa includes filling out the relevant documents. Registration is allowed in an online format on the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs) website. The process lasts from one to two weeks, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the correctness of the filling.

Consideration of the application. After verification, the application is sent for consideration. The authorities verify the authenticity of the document and the applicant’s compliance with the criteria for obtaining a visa. They may ask for additional documents, references, or recommendations. For example, in the process of background checks, a certificate of non-criminal record in the country of residence is often required. The speed of review directly depends on requests for additional information and documents. The total duration can reach six weeks, but more often varies from two to four weeks.

Interview. In rare cases, immigration officials may schedule an interview. The appointment process can take place within one, less often two weeks.

Obtaining prior approval. If the application has successfully passed all the checks, then within one or two weeks the applicant receives preliminary approval, as well as instructions on further steps in registration.

Final payment of fees and obtaining a visa. The final payment of all remaining government fees is made within one or two weeks. After that, a visit to the migration service or consulate may be required to obtain a visa.

The last stage includes visa activation and relocation to the UAE (if the applicant does not live there). Upon arrival, you need to register with local authorities and get a resident ID.

The total duration of the process of obtaining a Golden UAE Visa is on average from 3 to 6 months, depending on the category of the applicant and the speed of preparation of documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pensioner get a golden visa to the UAE?

Pensioners can apply for a golden visa in the UAE. They usually have to prove that their monthly income is at least 20,000 dirhams ($5,450), or that they have savings of at least 1 million dirhams ($272,000).

Is it possible to apply for a Golden visa to the UAE when buying commercial real estate in Dubai?

Buying a property can be the basis for obtaining a golden visa to the UAE. This requires a minimum investment amount of 2 million dirhams ($545,000). It is important to note that the property must be fully paid for and must be owned by the applicant.

What does a golden visa to Dubai or Abu Dhabi give?

The main advantage of the golden visa is the possibility of a long-term stay in the UAE for a period of five years with the possibility of extension. At the same time, additional visas will not be needed, since a golden resident visa in the UAE gives you the opportunity to work, study and engage in entrepreneurial activity. The sponsor can be someone who has a golden UAE visa. This gives you the opportunity to sponsor a stay in the country for your relatives and housekeepers.

Does a golden visa allow you to obtain citizenship of the United Arab Emirates?

The Golden visa does not automatically grant the right to obtain UAE citizenship. However, it can serve as a basis for long-term residence in the country and obtaining citizenship through naturalization.

Are family members included in the application for a golden visa?

Family members can be included in the application for a golden visa. The main applicant may sponsor a spouse and minor children, and in some cases, adult children if they are financially dependent. This gives family members the same benefits and residence rights in the UAE that the main applicant has.

Author

Mikhail Konon is a copywriter

I write informative articles about real estate, investments, job search and taxes.

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