The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa Programme was founded in 2019 is a long-term residency programme allowing foreign talents, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, to live, work, or study in the UAE with exclusive benefits.
Elevate your lifestyle in a thriving hub of innovation, luxury, and cultural diversity. This Golden Visa Programme is notable for its efficiency and offers a renewable visa for sustained long-term residence across all seven emirates.
The UAE’s robust economy is driven by its strategic location. Substantial financial reserves, sovereign wealth fund, consistent infrastructure spending, progressive economic policies, and increased foreign direct investment, further enhances the appeal of the Golden Visa Programme.
United Arab Emirates Golden Visa Investment Options
Obtaining citizenship through the UAE Golden Visa Programme does not follow a standardised process.
The sole avenue is discretionary citizenship granted under the Nationality Act, requiring approval from the rulers of the UAE.
There are four investment options that investors can select from:
Public Investments
Investors in public investments can secure a ten-year Golden Visa without a sponsor by meeting specific criteria.
This criterion includes providing a letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming a deposit of AED 2 million.
Alternatively, submitting a valid commercial or industrial license along with a memorandum of association affirming the investor’s capital is at least AED 2 million.
Furthermore, a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating an annual payment of no less than AED 250,000 to the government is required.
Essential conditions include full ownership of the invested capital, which must not be a loan, and the provision of medical insurance for the investor and their family.
Real Estate
Real estate investors can obtain a renewable Golden Visa for five years, free of sponsorship, by meeting certain requirements.
Including presenting a letter from the land department of the relevant emirate confirming ownership of one or more properties valued at a minimum of AED 2 million.
Alternatively, acquiring a property with a loan from specific local banks, approved by the competent local entity, also qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa Programme.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs can secure a five-year Golden Visa if they own an innovative economic project with a technical or future-oriented focus.
To qualify, they need approval letters from three sources:
- An auditor in the UAE confirming a project value of at least AED 500,000;
- Authorities in the respective emirate affirming the project’s technical or future-oriented nature, and;
- An accredited business incubator in the UAE supporting the establishment of the proposed activity in the country.
Specialised Talents
Individuals with exceptional specialised talents, such as doctors, scientists, creative professionals in culture and art, inventors, executives, scientific specialists, athletes, doctoral degree holders, and experts in engineering and science, are eligible for a ten-year Golden Visa.
Benefits of Holding an UAE Golden Visa
Residential Flexibility
Enjoy the right to reside in any of the seven emirates of the UAE.
Entry Visa Privileges
Receive a six-month multiple-entry visa, facilitating the process for residence issuance.
Long-term Residence
Obtain a renewable residence visa valid for either five or ten years.
No Sponsorship Requirement
Benefit from the Golden Visa Programme without the need for sponsorship.
Minimal Residency Obligation
Experience a minimal residency requirement.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor family members, including spouses and children of any age.
Domestic Helper Sponsorship
Could sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
Family Stay Privilege
If the primary Golden Visa holder passes away, family members may continue to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration.
