How to Get a Golden Visa in Dubai

Dubai’s reputation precedes it as an exceptional place to do business and enjoy a luxury lifestyle. In terms of the former, the Emirate stands out as a world-class business hub. Beyond its strategic location that straddles the East and the West, Dubai boasts hyper-modern infrastructure, exceptional transportation links, a highly diversified economy, a world-class financial centre and easy business set-up, all of which attract the greatest entrepreneurs and investors in the world.

Outside of the office, residents enjoy the irresistible Dubai lifestyle. With an urbanscape of soaring skyscrapers set against the backdrop of boundless desert and dreamy beaches, the Emirate offers everything you could possibly desire and more. The shopping here is the best in the world – particularly at The Dubai Mall – as are the countless dining options, and exceptional arts and cultural events. And to top it all off, you can bask in warm sunshine all year round.

Given all these advantages, it's no wonder that the world’s best are keen to relocate to Dubai for the long term. To meet this demand, in 2019 the Emirati Government introduced a permanent visa scheme known as the Golden Visa. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the provisions of the visa and the requirements for obtaining one. 

What is the Golden Visa in Dubai?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence scheme that enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE. Available for 5 or 10 years, and automatically renewing thereafter, the programme provides security and peace of mind to expats that want to settle permanently in the nation. There are many benefits of the Golden Visa in Dubai. Not only do visa holders not need a sponsor, they can stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months while keeping their visa valid, sponsor family members and children no matter their age, and sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.

The requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa vary depending on the type of residence you are seeking. There are three general categories – investors, entrepreneurs and talents – which we will examine below. 

Investors

Investors in public investments may be granted a 10-year Golden Visa, without a sponsor, subject to:

• The submission of a letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE declaring the deposit of AED 2 million or.
• The submission of a valid commercial licence or industrial licence plus a memorandum of association stating the capital is a minimum of AED 2 million.
• The submission of a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that the investor pays the government a minimum of AED 250,000 a year.

Applicants must also:

• Own the invested capital completely (it cannot be a loan).
• Provide proof of medical insurance for themself and their family.

Investors in real estate are eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor subject to the provision of a letter from the land department stating they own one or more properties with a total minimum value of AED 2 million and the purchase of a property with a loan from local banks approved by the competent local entity.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa if they own a technical or future project based on innovation. Additionally, they will require approval letters from: an auditor in the UAE stating that the project is worth a minimum of AED 500,000; the local authorities stating that the project is of a technical or future nature; and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.

Talents

Outstanding specialised talents include doctors, scientists, creative people of culture and art, inventors, executives, specialists in scientific fields, athletes, doctoral degree holders and specialists in the fields of engineering and science. Talents can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa, granted they meet the application criteria. These vary depending on the category of talent.

Dubai Golden Visa process

When you turn to the experts at Europe Emirates Group, the application process for a Golden Visa in Dubai is smooth and simple. Our UAE residency service team will be by your side from start to finish, taking care of the paperwork to make the experience stress and hassle-free. Get in touch today to get the ball rolling.