The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program launched by the United Arab Emirates government to attract high-net-worth individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals to the country. The program allows the recipients of the visa to live, work and study in Dubai for extended periods without the need for a national sponsor.
The Dubai Golden Visa has several categories, each with its own eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and benefits. Here are the main categories of the Dubai Golden Visa:
This category is for individuals who make a significant investment in Dubai. To be eligible for this category, applicants must invest at least AED 10 million ($2.7 million) in any of the following: a company, a real estate investment trust (REIT), a public investment fund, a partnership in a venture capital fund, or a deposit in a UAE bank. The investment must be retained for at least three years.
EntrepreneursThis category is for individuals who own and operate a business in Dubai. To be eligible for this category, applicants must have an existing business with a minimum turnover of AED 500,000 ($136,000) or a minimum funding of AED 500,000 from an accredited business incubator in the UAE. The business must be innovative and have the potential for significant economic impact.
Skilled ProfessionalsThis category is for individuals who are highly skilled in specific fields, such as science, medicine, research, engineering, and art. To be eligible for this category, applicants must have a track record of excellence in their field and hold a degree from a reputable institution. They also need to provide evidence of their contribution to their field and endorsements from relevant entities.
Outstanding StudentsThis category is for exceptional students who have achieved outstanding academic performance in their field of study. To be eligible for this category, applicants must have a minimum grade of 3.75 in their undergraduate studies and be enrolled in a graduate program in the UAE or abroad. They also need to provide evidence of their achievements, such as publications or patents.
Creative IndividualsThis category is for individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of culture, art, and literature. To be eligible for this category, applicants must provide evidence of their contributions, such as awards or recognition from international organizations.
Executive DirectorsThis category is for individuals who hold executive positions in companies operating in Dubai. To be eligible for this category, applicants must hold a senior management position with a salary of at least AED 30,000 ($8,167) per month.
ScientistsThis category is for individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of science. To be eligible for this category, applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline and have at least ten years of experience in their field. They also need to provide evidence of their contributions, such as publications or patents.
Yes, you can apply for the Golden Visa from outside Dubai. However, you will need to provide all the necessary documentation and meet the eligibility criteria for the category you are applying for.
Yes, you can apply for the Dubai Golden Visa even if you already have a residency visa in Dubai. However, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for the category you are applying for.
Yes, you can sponsor your family members, including your spouse, children, and parents, for long-term visas under the Dubai Golden Visa program. The eligibility criteria and requirements vary depending on the category.