Dubai Golden Visa Benefits, Eligibility Requirements, and Application Process

Anjali
3 days ago
6 min read

Dubai is known as an appealing destination for professionals, investors, students, and families alike. In order to make living and work possible, the government introduced the Dubai Golden Visa. This long-term visa has many additional benefits; thus, it is a desirable choice for expat life.

This blog will provide you with all the essential information about Dubai Golden Visa eligibility, the necessary requirements, the advantages, who is eligible to apply, and how to obtain a golden visa in the UAE.

What is the Golden Visa Dubai?

The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa provided by the UAE government. Unlike standard visas, which are typically valid for 2-3 years, the Golden Visa offers a validity of up to 10 years, depending on the category. This visa can be renewed and enables foreigners to work, study, or reside in Dubai without requiring a local sponsor.

The Golden Visa aims to draw in talented individuals, entrepreneurs, investors, skilled professionals, and gifted students to support the UAE's growth.

Advantages of the Dubai Golden Visa

The Dubai Golden Visa offers numerous benefits that make it more appealing compared to standard residency visas. Here are some key UAE Golden Visa benefits:

Long-Term Residency - With a Golden Visa, individuals can reside in Dubai for up to 10 years without the need for renewal every 2-3 years, unlike regular visas.
No Local Sponsor Required - You can fully own your company without needing a local Emirati sponsor, allowing you to establish a business in the UAE independently.
Family Sponsorship - The UAE permits you to sponsor your family members, including your spouse, children, and parents, granting them the same visa validity as yours.
Security of Stay - In the unfortunate event of the main visa holder's death, your family can remain in the UAE until the visa's expiration.
Business Ownership - Foreigners can establish businesses in Dubai's mainland or free zones and enjoy full ownership.
Access to Opportunities - Golden Visa holders benefit from financial incentives, property ownership options, and access to world-class facilities.
Education Benefits - Children of Golden Visa holders have access to top schools and universities in Dubai.
Global Lifestyle - Dubai provides advanced healthcare, infrastructure, and a secure environment for long-term living.

Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa UAE offers exclusive benefits that enable individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE. The business visa also falls under the Golden Visa system for business owners. By obtaining the visa, you can enter Dubai for a period of six months on a multiple-entry basis or obtain a long-term renewable residence visa that is valid for 5 or 10 years. Furthermore, an individual can sponsor their family members.

The UAE Golden Visa is provided based on your talent, type of residency, and occupation. Refer below to know some common points of Dubai Golden Visa eligibility:

Investors:

You will be granted a Golden Visa for 10 years without a sponsor if you invest in an investment fund.
You will need to submit a letter from the investment fund accredited in the UAE. You will need to state that the investor has deposited AED two million. Alternatively, you can submit a valid industrial/commercial license and a memorandum of association. You need to state that the investor’s capital is not below AED two million.
You will need to submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority. Herein, you need to state that the investor pays no less than AED 250,000 to the government annually.
Additionally, an individual must own the invested capital completely (not a loan) and provide proof of medical insurance.

Entrepreneurs:

You will get a Golden Visa for 10 years if you have an economic project of a technical or future-based nature.
The auditor in the UAE should declare that the project value is not below AED 500,000.
Your project is of a technical or future-based nature, based on risk and innovation, as declared by relevant authorities.

Skilled professionals:

With respect to the growth and development of Dubai, the city welcomes international and local experts who bring their unique, high-caliber contributions to the table.
Highly skilled and talented professionals in fields such as science, technology, art, and culture, who offer specialty skills that aid the country's progress, have played a big role in its growth.

Outstanding students:

Exceptional students who have been accepted by recognized universities or educational institutions in Dubai.

Retirees:

Retired individuals with a certain level of financial stability.
Retirees must meet specific financial criteria to be eligible for the Golden Visa.

Real estate investors:

A Golden Visa for real estate investors will be granted for 5 years.
For this, you will need to provide a letter from the land department stating that you own one or more properties. The value must not be less than AED 2 million.
If you bought the property with a loan from a bank, it must be approved by a competent local entity.

Excellent specialised talent:

A 10-year Golden visa will be granted to an individual if the following requirements are met:

Letter of recommendation issued by the Emirates Council of Scientists, including the mention that the applicant is a recipient of the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
A permission letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE.

Dubai Golden Visa Requirements

It will depend on what category you fall under. Below are some common Dubai Golden Visa requirements:

For Investors:

Dubai has a minimum investment in property of AED 2 million.
Or investment in a firm having certain capital needs accepted by authorities.

For Entrepreneurs:

Own or have a business stake in a startup.
Recognition by accepted UAE business incubators or government.

For Skilled Professionals:

Sound employment agreement in UAE.
Monthly wages in the form of AED 30,000 or higher (depending on the category).
Degree qualification in a major.

For Students:

Good grades (according to the UAE standards) or GPA.
School/university recommendation.

For Scientists and Talents:

Acceptance by the applicable government of the UAE.
Evidence of service to respective areas.

Application to the Dubai Golden Visa

The application for the Golden Visa is simple in case you apply. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Determine your group and ensure whether you fit the requirements (investment, profession, or academic).

Step 2: Document Collection

Prepare essential documents such as:

Passport copy
Passport-size photos
Emirates ID (if applicable)
Evidence of investment, education, or employment.
Police clearance certificate.
Medical fitness test

Step 3: Submit Application

Apply through:

Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) -ica.gov.ae.
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) -gdrfad.gov.ae.

Applications can also be submitted through authorized typing centers or smart service portals.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Prices vary depending on the visa type and the option of validity (5 or 10 years).

Step 5: Wait for Approval

It normally takes 2 to 4 weeks to process. Once all is well, an electronic Golden Visa will be issued.

Why Dubai Golden Visa is important to expats

The reasons behind why the Golden Visa Dubai is significant to expats.

The Dubai Golden Visa is not only a residency card. It brings stability, security, and opportunities. To investors, it gives an opportunity for property ownership and business expansion. To professionals, this represents identification and career prospects in the long run. To students, it guarantees their bright future in one of the fastest developing economies in the world.

Conclusion

The Golden Visa Dubai is an effective tool for those who want to consider spending a long time in Dubai. It is one of the most rewarding residency programs in the world with such benefits as long-term residency, family sponsorship, 100 percent business ownership, as well as the assurance of stay.

The Golden Visa offers unprecedented opportunities in the UAE whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, professional, or student. When you fit the eligibility and requirements, you can start your first step towards a successful future in Dubai by applying for the Golden Visa.

If you are planning to get a Golden Visa, Catnyx Consultant can guide you with business setup, legal advice, and smooth company formation.