How do you obtain a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates?

Fancy living in Dubai or’investing in the United Arab Emirates ? Find out how to obtain the Golden Visa and enjoy its many benefits!

To obtain a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates, applicants must meet certain criteria relating to investment, talent or entrepreneurship. The application process varies depending on the applicant’s profile.

Since its launch in 2019, the Golden Visa attracts thousands of foreigners keen to move to the Emirates in a fully lawful manner, in the long term. This residence permits valid for 5 to 10 years allows you to live, work or invest freely without a local sponsor. A valuable opportunity, especially in a country as dynamic and attractive as the Emirates.

But how does this visa work? Who is eligible for it? And, most importantly, what are the steps to obtaining it easily?

In this article, you will find out:

• what the Golden Visa is and what it is for,
  
• the various eligible profiles,
  
• the eligibility criteria depending on your circumstances,
  
• the administrative procedures to be followed,
  
• the practical benefits it offers.

Ready to take the plunge? Let’s go.

What is the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa?

The United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa offers a unique opportunity to long-term residence for investors, entrepreneurs and exceptional talent. 

1. Definition and objectives

The Golden Visa offers a long-term residence, for up to 10 years, without the need for a local sponsor. It attracts investors, talent and entrepreneurs, thereby supporting the country’s economy and key sectors.

2. Eligible categories

Here are the main ones Categories eligible for the United Arab Emirates Golden Visa :

• Property investors : You can obtain the Golden Visa by purchasing a property of a certain value in Dubai.
  
• Entrepreneurs : Those who are setting up or running an innovative business may be eligible.
  
• Specialist talent : Doctors, engineers, scientists, artists and inventors are also affected.
  
• High-achieving students : Young people with excellent academic results may also be eligible for this special visa.
  
• Senior executives : Experienced managers in key positions may apply.
  
• Skilled workers : Certain professionals who are in high demand may also be eligible for the Golden Visa.

What are the eligibility criteria for the United Arab Emirates Golden Visa?

The United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa represents an exceptional opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals wishing to settle permanently in a dynamic environment and tax-efficient.

1. Property investors

Here are the conditions for Obtaining the Golden Visa as a property investor in Dubai :

• Minimum value of the property : You must invest at least 2,000,000 AED (around €500,000) in property in Dubai.
  
• Payment method / financing : in Dubai, the property does not need to be paid in full. The purchase with a mortgage or as part of a payment plan is eligible, provided that the the total value of the property is ≥ 2 million AED and that the the bank/developer is approved. In the other emirates, the requirement is to invest 2M AED and for the property to be paid for in full.
  
• Accepted property type : Villas, flats or offices are accepted provided they are ready for use (not under construction).
  
• Private owner : The property must be in the applicant’s name. However, you may purchase it jointly (as a married couple, for example).
  
• Visa validity : The Golden Visa for investors is generally valid for 10 years and is renewable.

2. Entrepreneurs

Here are the Requirements for obtaining the Golden Visa as an entrepreneur in the UAE :

• Setting up an innovative business : Your project must be original, useful and have strong growth potential.
  
• Being a founder or shareholder : You must be the founder of a business or hold a significant stake in it.
  
• Company registered in the Emirates : Your company must be legally registered in the country.
  
• Project supported by an accredited incubator : Your project must be approved by an accredited incubator, such as the Dubai Future Foundation.
  
• Solid financial backing : You must demonstrate that you have the funds to set up and run your business.
  

3. Qualified professionals

Let’s take a look at the Requirements for qualified professionals wishing to obtain the Golden Visa :

• Employment contract in the Emirates : You must be in employment in the Emirates in a skilled occupation.
  
• Priority area : Your profession must be in a key sector such as healthcare, engineering, IT or education.
  
• High level of education : You must hold at least one recognised university degree.
  
• Minimum salary required : Your monthly salary must be at least 30,000 dirhams (approximately €7,500).
  
• Valid work permit : You must hold an official work permit issued by the authorities.

4. Outstanding students

Here are the Requirements for high-achieving students wishing to obtain the Golden Visa in the UAE :

• Excellent academic results : You must have achieved excellent academic results, demonstrating your commitment to your studies.
  
• Accredited institutions : You must be enrolled at a recognised school or university in the Emirates.
  
• University rankings : For university students, the institution must be ranked amongst the best at a local or global level.
  
• Ministry approval : Your application must be approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
  
• Long-term commitment : Students must demonstrate their desire to live in and contribute to the country.
  
  

What are the benefits of the United Arab Emirates Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is much more than just a residence permit. It is a real catalyst for freedom, stability and opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

1. Long-term residence

Here’s what you need to know about the long-term residence with the Golden Visa :

• Valid for 5 or 10 years : The Golden Visa allows you to stay in the UAE for 5 or 10 years without the need for annual renewal.
  
• Automatically renewed : Provided you still meet the requirements, your visa will be renewed without any problems.
  
• No need for a local sponsor : Unlike other visas, you do not need an employer to stay.
  
• The freedom to live in Dubai or elsewhere : You can choose where to live in the Emirates, depending on your lifestyle.
  
• Travelling without having to cancel your visa : You can leave the country for more than 6 months without losing your right of residence.

2. Independence

Here are the benefits in terms of independence thanks to the Golden Visa :

• Professional freedom : You can work, invest or set up a business without a local sponsor.
  
• Complete control over your home : You manage your visa yourself, without relying on an employer or sponsor.
  
• Option to combine several activities : With this visa, you can legally have several sources of income.
  
• No annual renewal requirements : No more stress over short-stay visas. You’ve got 5 or 10 years of peace of mind.
  
• Independence for your family : You can sponsor your loved ones and have them live with you, with complete freedom.

3. Family reunification

Here are the benefits of family reunification under the UAE’s Golden Visa scheme:

• Family sponsorship : You can bring your spouse, children and, in some cases, your parents.
  
• No age limit for children : Unlike other visas, you can even sponsor your adult children.
  
• A visa of the same duration : Your family will be granted a visa for the same duration as yours (5 or 10 years).
  
• Access to education and healthcare : Your family and friends can study, work and receive medical treatment in the Emirates.
  
• A stable and peaceful life together : The Golden Visa enables you to build a proper family life in Dubai.

4. Tax benefits

Here are the tax benefits offered by the Golden Visa in the UAE :

• No income tax : No tax is deducted from your wages or personal income.
  
• No wealth tax : There is no tax on your assets or savings.
  
• No inheritance tax : You can pass on your assets without having to pay inheritance tax.
  
• VAT on consumption only : A VAT rate of 5 % applies only to certain products purchased.
  
• Stable tax environment : The Emirates offer a clear and highly favourable tax regime for investors.

5. Access to services

Here are the benefits in terms of access to services with the Golden Visa :

• Easy to open bank accounts : You can open a personal or business bank account with ease.
  
• Access to credit and loans : Banks are more willing to offer you mortgages or car loans.
  
• Premium healthcare services : You have access to the best hospitals and clinics in the country.
  
• Education for your children : Your children can attend local or international schools.
  
• Access to all public services : With this visa, you can make the most of local life: driving licences, season tickets, mobile phone contracts…

6. Travel flexibility

Here are the benefits of the Golden Visa in terms of travel flexibility :

• Free entry into and exit from the country : You can travel whenever you like, without any visa restrictions.
  
• Authorised extended absence : You can stay away from the Emirates without losing your visa.
  
• Fewer formalities at the borders : Your long-stay visa makes for a quick entry at the airport.
  
• Travelling with your loved ones : Your whole family can travel easily with up-to-date travel documents.
  
• No need to worry about an expired visa : You’re sorted for 5 or 10 years, even if you go away often.
  
  

What are the drawbacks of the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa?

Despite its many advantages, the Golden Visa presents certain challenges.

1. High costs

Let’s now talk about the high costs, one of the drawbacks of the Golden Visa:

• Significant minimum investment : For the property investors, you need at least 2 million dirhams (around €500,000).
  
• Application and issuance fees : The visa costs between €2,000 and €4,000, depending on the applicant’s profile and the services chosen.
  
• Costs associated with translations and certifications : All documents must be translated and certified, which may increase the cost.
  
• Fees for family members : You also have to pay for each dependent (spouse, children, etc.).
  
• No direct financial assistance : No grants or discounts are available to cover the costs of the Golden Visa.

2. Administrative complexity

Here are the drawbacks associated with the the administrative complexity of the Golden Visa :

• Lengthy and detailed procedures : A lot of documents need to be prepared, often translated and legalised.
  
• A number of authorities involved : You will need to deal with several departments: immigration, the justice system, education, etc.
  
• Proceedings in English or Arabic : The procedures are often in a foreign language, which makes things difficult for some people.
  
• Strict controls and checks : Your details are checked thoroughly, which may slow down the process.
  
• Follow-up is required even after the certificate has been obtained : You may sometimes need to update your documents or report significant changes.

3. Limitations

Here are the limitations you need to be aware of, despite the benefits of the Golden Visa :

• No automatic citizenship : Holding a Golden Visa does not lead to Emirati citizenship, even after 10 years.
  
• No right to vote : You cannot take part in the country’s political decision-making.
  
• Certain professions remain restricted : Public sector or highly sensitive roles are reserved for citizens.
  
• Visa subject to cancellation in the event of non-compliance : If you no longer meet the conditions (income, employment, etc.), your visa may be revoked.
  
• Not valid in all Gulf countries : The Golden Visa does not confer any special rights in other Middle Eastern countries.
  
  

What is the application process for the United Arab Emirates Golden Visa?

By understanding the eligibility criteria, the benefits and the Golden Visa application process, you can plan your move to Dubai effectively.

Step 1: Preparing the documents

Here’s what you need to do for the preparation of Golden Visa documents :

• Valid passport : Make sure your passport is still valid, preferably for more than 6 months.
  
• A recent passport-sized photograph : Please provide an official passport-sized photograph against a white background.
  
• Documents required depending on your profile : investor, professional, student, etc. Each category requires specific supporting documents:
  
  • Title deeds for investors
    
  • Qualification or contract for professionals
    
  • Transcripts for students
    
• Medical certificate : You must undergo a medical examination at an approved centre in the Emirates.
  
• No criminal record : A certificate of good conduct is often required (in your country or in the Emirates).
  
• Translation and legalisation : Certain documents must be translated into Arabic or English and legalised.

Step 2: Submission of the application

Here’s how the submission of the application for the Golden Visa :

• Online platform or authorised centre : You can submit your application online or at an official service centre (such as ICP or GDRFA (in Dubai).
  
• Create a user account : On the official website, you need to create a secure account to track your application.
  
• Fill in the form : Please fill in the application form carefully with your personal details.
  
• Download the required documents : Please attach all scanned documents: passport, photo, supporting documents, etc.
  
• Pay the processing fees : A secure online payment is required to start the process.
  
• Receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt : Once submitted, you will receive a tracking number so that you can check the status of your application.

Step 3: Assessment and approval

Here’s how it works the assessment and approval of the Golden Visa application :

• Profile analysis by the authorities : Your application is assessed by government experts according to your category (investor, pro, etc.).
  
• Document verification : Each document is checked for validity and compliance (translations, stamps, etc.).
  
• Safety check : A security check is carried out to ensure that you have no outstanding legal disputes or a criminal record.
  
• Interview possible : In some cases, you may be asked to attend a short interview or to provide further clarification.
  
• Notification of approval : If everything is in order, you will receive an official email or text message confirming approval.
  
• Guidance on issuing visas : We’ll explain how to complete the process (fingerprinting, photo, collecting your visa).

Step 4: Receiving the visa

Here’s how the receipt of the Golden Visa :

• Official notification : You will receive a text message or an email informing you that your visa is ready.
  
• Appointment for dental impressions : You must go to an authorised centre to have your fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken.
  
• Issuing the Emirates ID card : Once approved, you will be issued with your Emirates ID, the official long-term resident card.
  
• Stamping the passport : In some cases, a physical visa is affixed to your passport; otherwise, everything is digital.
  
• Automatic visa activation : Once you have received your card, your Golden Visa is active and you are free to reside and invest as you wish.
  
• Valid for 5 or 10 years : The visa is generally valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable subject to certain conditions.
  
  

What if it were your turn to secure a Golden Visa from the United Arab Emirates?

That brings us to the end of this article. You now know exactly what the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa is, who is eligible for it, and what steps you need to take.

You have found out about the eligible categories, the requirements depending on your circumstances (investor, entrepreneur, high-calibre professional, etc.), as well as the practical benefits offered by this long-stay visa.

As you will have realised: The Golden Visa is much more than just a residence permit. It is a gateway to a stable, secure and prosperous future in the Emirates.

Why not make that dream a reality?

Our agency, Dubai Real Estate, supports you with your property project – a powerful way to secure the Golden Visa.

→ Get in touch with us now and start your new life in Dubai with complete peace of mind!