Applicants can self-sponsor the UAE Golden Visa, eliminating the need for an employer. This offers greater freedom and independence. The Golden Visa accepts applications through various categories, each with specific requirements.
1. Investor Eligibility
Investors represent a core group for the Golden Visa. The UAE welcomes individuals who contribute significantly to its economy.
- Public Investment: To qualify for a Golden Visa, an applicant must invest at least AED 2 million in accredited UAE investment funds. The investment must be made using personal capital, not a loan. There is no longer a requirement to hold the investment for 3 years; instead, applicants must maintain ownership of the investment.
Mortgages from UAE-approved banks are permitted. Proof of investment can be provided through a letter from the investment fund or a commercial license.
- Real Estate Investment: Real estate investors find a flexible path to the Golden Visa. The applicant must own one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2 million. This property can be mortgaged through an approved UAE bank. Recent data from the Dubai Land Department shows that property transactions have been steadily increasing, with a notable interest from foreign investors, making this a popular route. A letter from the land department or the property purchase agreement serves as proof.
- Business Investors: To qualify, the applicant must establish a company with a capital of at least AED 2 million. Alternatively, the applicant can provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming payment of at least AED 250,000 in annual taxes to the government.
2. Entrepreneur Eligibility
Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and projects are highly in demand. They can secure a Golden Visa by meeting specific criteria focused on their business’s value and potential.
- Project Value: They must own a technical or innovative project in the UAE with a value of at least AED 500,000. This is a five-year visa, with a possibility for renewal. Alternatively, the applicant can qualify as the founder of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold for at least AED 7 million.
- Approval Letters: The applicant must provide specific approval letters from three different authorities:
- An auditor in the UAE must certify the project’s value.
- Relevant emirate authorities must confirm that the project is of a technical or future nature.
- An accredited business incubator in the UAE must provide a letter of approval for the proposed business activity.
- Future-Focused Activities: The business activities should be risk-based and focused on future growth. The UAE government prioritizes projects in key sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy to support its long-term development plans.
Curious about whether you or your business fits into another category? Here’s a simple breakdown of who’s eligible for a Dubai Golden Visa.
3. Outstanding Talent Eligibility
The UAE Golden Visa program attracts and rewards exceptional individuals who demonstrate extraordinary skills and achievements in various fields.
- Scientists and Doctors: A recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Ministry of Health and Prevention is required. Scientists must hold a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in a science or engineering field from one of the top 500 universities globally. Doctors must have a professional license and recognition from the Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH).
- Culture and Arts Professionals: A recommendation letter from the relevant emirate’s arts and culture department is essential. This category includes artists, writers, and cultural producers who have a proven track record of creative work.
- Researchers and Executives: Researchers must have a recommendation from an accredited institution. Executives need an accredited bachelor’s degree or higher, at least five years of experience in the same role, and a monthly salary of AED 50,000 or more.
Applicants must provide official payslips or bank statements for the past six months to show the salary. A valid work contract and health insurance must also be submitted.
- Inventors: The invention must hold a patent recognized as valuable to the UAE economy. A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy is required.
- Engineers and Doctoral Holders: Qualification requires an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in specific engineering fields such as computer, electrical, or software engineering. A doctoral degree from a top university is also acceptable. A relevant work contract in the UAE is required.
- Athletes: A recommendation from a sports council or authority in the UAE is required. This applies to professional athletes with notable achievements and a proven track record.
4. Student Eligibility
High-achieving scholars, both from the UAE and abroad, can receive a Golden Visa for students. This encourages top academic talent to build their careers in the Emirates.
- High School Students: Students must score at least 95% in their high school certificate from a private or public school in the UAE. A recommendation from the Ministry of Education or the Emirates Schools Establishment is also required.
Only students based in the UAE can apply directly for the Golden Visa under this category. International students typically qualify under the “university” category once they meet the necessary academic requirements.
- University Students:
- UAE Universities: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from a UAE university accredited and rated A or B by the Ministry of Education. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities. Graduation must have occurred within the last two years.
- Foreign Universities: The Ministry of Education must recognize the university as one of the top 100 globally. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The degree must be attested, and graduation must have occurred within the last two years. Exceptional performance or academic awards can accelerate the approval process.
5. Humanitarian and Frontline Worker Eligibility
This category acknowledges individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society. The UAE honors its dedication and service with the opportunity for long-term residency.
- Humanitarian Pioneers: Qualification is possible for individuals in the following groups:
- Distinguished members of international or regional organizations.
- Members of public benefit associations with a proven track record of at least five years.
- Recipients of appreciation awards from a local, regional, or international organization focused on humanitarian work.
- Donors who have contributed at least AED 2 million to humanitarian causes.
- Frontline Heroes: This includes medical staff and other professionals who demonstrated exceptional effort during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A nomination from a competent authority is required.
6. Executive Director’s Eligibility
Executive directors play a critical role in the UAE’s corporate landscape. This category is for senior professionals who meet high standards of education and experience.
Requirements: Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree or higher and have at least five years of experience in the same executive position. Applicants must earn a monthly salary of AED 50,000 or more, proven through a valid work contract and six months of bank statements. Health insurance must also be provided.
7. Universal Requirements
All applicants, regardless of their category, must satisfy a few universal requirements to secure a Golden Visa. Here are some of them:
- Personal and Health Documents: A valid passport, proof of a clean criminal record, and a medical fitness test result from a government-approved health center.
- Health Insurance: Approved private health insurance must be provided, covering the applicant and family for the duration of the stay in the UAE.
- Financial Capability: Applicants must prove their ability to financially support themselves and their family while living in the UAE.
- Application Process: All applications are subject to nomination procedures, rigorous background checks, and final approval by the relevant government authorities.
