Introducing the UAE's Golden Visa: Benefits and Eligibility
The United Arab Emirates' Golden Visa program is your gateway to long-term residency in this thriving nation. While previously reserved for individuals making significant contributions or demonstrating exceptional skills, the program has now expanded its eligibility criteria. In this article, we'll delve into the Golden Visa, the incredible benefits it offers, and the diverse range of candidates who can now apply.
Understanding the UAE Golden Visa
With the Golden Visa, you can secure residency for an impressive 5 to 10 years. What sets it apart is that it's a standalone visa, meaning you won't be tied to any specific employer, and you won't need to go through the standard visa renewal process every two to three years.
This visa provides expatriates with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Additionally, it allows residents to fully own and operate a business on the UAE's mainland, eliminating the requirement for a local sponsor in business endeavors.
Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa?
Recent updates to the UAE's Residence and Entry Scheme have made the Golden Visa accessible to a wider range of individuals, including:
Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs meeting specific criteria are eligible for a UAE Golden Visa. These criteria include owning a start-up company registered as a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) within the UAE, generating an annual revenue of no less than 1 million Dirhams, founding a project sold for over 7 million Dirhams, or obtaining approval from an official business incubator.
Investors: Individuals who own property or invest at least 2 million Dirhams in UAE real estate qualify for a Golden Visa.
Exceptional Talents: Those with exceptional talents in fields such as art, culture, sports, and digital technology can apply for the Golden Visa. This category doesn't require specific work experience, salary, or educational qualifications, but it does require a recommendation or approval from a government entity.
Scientists: Scientists and researchers who've achieved success in their careers can secure a Golden Visa with a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. This category typically requires a Ph.D. or Master's degree from a top global university and significant research achievements.
Professionals: Highly skilled employees with exceptional educational qualifications and work experience can apply. Criteria include holding a UAE employment contract, classification as a first or second occupational level, and earning a minimum monthly salary of 30,000 Dirhams or more with at least a bachelor's degree.
Students and Graduates: High-achieving students in the UAE's secondary school system, outstanding graduates from UAE universities, or top graduates from the world's best 100 universities are eligible. Criteria include academic performance, cumulative grade average, year of graduation, and university classification. High-achieving students worldwide can also apply with a GPA of 3.8 or above.
Frontline Heroes: Healthcare staff and other frontline workers, who played a crucial role during the pandemic (COVID-19), are eligible for the UAE Golden Visa.
Humanitarian Pioneers: Distinguished members of international charitable organizations, award recipients in the humanitarian and charitable sectors, and recognized volunteers who've contributed to humanitarian, crises, and charitable efforts can apply for the Golden Visa.
How to Apply for the Golden Visa
If you fall into any of the above categories, you may be eligible for a UAE Golden Visa. Reach out to us, and we'll guide you through the application process.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Apart from the long-term residency it offers, the Golden Visa provides various benefits. You and your family can be self-sponsored, eliminating the need for an employer sponsor. This allows Golden Visa holders to work, study, and remain in the UAE on their terms, independently.
The Golden Visa allows you to sponsor family members, regardless of their age. If the main visa holder passes away, their family members can continue residing in the UAE until the visa's conclusion.
You can also employ and support an unlimited number of domestic helpers, and recent developments have made Golden Visa holders eligible for special healthcare and health insurance packages, covering claims of up to 20,000,000 Dirhams.
Moreover, you can apply for an Essad card, offering discounts at various stores, universities, restaurants, theme parks, and more.
Duration and Renewal of the UAE Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is valid for up to 10 years, and it can be renewed if you continue to meet the initial eligibility requirements.
In your journey to secure a Golden Visa and unlock the countless opportunities it offers; our legal consulting team is here to assist you at every step. Contact us for personalized guidance and support.
Note: The content provided here should not be considered legal advice. If you have any legal concerns or require further information, our team at HLC is pleased to offer you a free 30-minute legal consultation session to address your specific queries.