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

Want to live in Dubai orinvest in the United Arab Emirates? Find out how to obtain the Golden Visa and benefit from its many advantages!

To obtain a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates, you need to meet certain conditions relating to investment, talent or entrepreneurship. Procedures vary according to the applicant's profile.

Since its launch in 2019, the Golden Visa has attracted thousands of foreigners wishing to settle in the Emirates legally, on a long-term basis. This 5 to 10-year residence permit enables people 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? And above all, what are the steps involved in obtaining it?

In this article, you will discover :

• what Golden Visa is and what it's for,
  
• the different eligible profiles,
  
• the conditions for obtaining it, depending on your situation,
  
• the administrative procedures to follow,
  
• the concrete benefits it offers.

Ready to take the plunge? Let's get started.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa offers a unique opportunity for long-term residency for exceptional investors, entrepreneurs and talent.

1. Definition and objectives

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

2. Eligible categories

Here are the main categories eligible for the UAE Golden Visa:

• Real estate investors: You can obtain the Golden Visa by purchasing a property of a certain value in Dubai.
  
• Entrepreneurs: Anyone starting up or running an innovative business is eligible.
  
• Specialized talents: Doctors, engineers, scientists, artists or inventors are also concerned.
  
• Bright students: Young people with excellent results can also receive this special visa.
  
• High-level executives: Experienced managers in key positions can apply.
  
• Skilled workers: Certain highly sought-after professionals are also eligible for the Golden Visa.

What are the eligibility requirements for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa represents an exceptional opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals wishing to establish a long-term presence in a dynamic, tax-advantaged environment.

1. Real estate investors

Here are the requirements for obtaining the Golden Visa as a real estate investor in Dubai:

• Minimum property value: You must invest at least AED 2,000,000 (around €500,000) in Dubai real estate.
  
• Method of payment / financing: in Dubai, the property does not need to be paid for in full. Purchase with mortgage or payment plan is eligible, provided the total value of the property reaches ≥ 2M AED and the bank/developer is approved. In other emirates, the requirement is to invest AED 2M and for the property to be paid in full.
  
• Type of property accepted: Villas, apartments or offices are accepted if they are ready for use (not under construction).
  
• Individual owner: The property must be in the applicant's name. You can, however, buy as a couple (e.g. husband and wife).
  
• Visa duration: The Golden Visa for investors is generally valid for 10 years, renewable.

2. Contractors

Here are the conditions for obtaining the Golden Visa as an entrepreneur in the Emirates:

• Creating an innovative company: Your project must be original, useful and have strong growth potential.
  
• Being a founder or shareholder: You must be the creator or own a significant stake in a company.
  
• Company registered in the Emirates: Your company must be legally registered in the country.
  
• Project supported by an accredited incubator: Your project must be validated by an accredited incubator, such as the Dubai Future Foundation.
  
• Solid financial backing: You need to prove that you have the funds to develop 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 have a job in the Emirates in a qualified field.
  
• Priority sector: Your profession must belong to a key sector such as healthcare, engineering, IT or education.
  
• High level of education: You must have at least a recognized university degree.
  
• Minimum salary: Your monthly salary must be at least 30,000 dirhams (about €7,500).
  
• Valid work permit: You must have an official work permit issued by the authorities.

4. Exceptional students

Here are the conditions for exceptional students wishing to obtain the Golden Visa in the Emirates:

• Very good academic results: You must have achieved excellent academic results, demonstrating your academic commitment.
  
• Recognized institutions: You must be enrolled in a recognized school or university in the Emirates.
  
• University ranking: For university students, the institution must rank among the best locally or worldwide.
  
• Ministry approval: Your application must be approved by the Emirates Ministry of Education.
  
• Long-term commitment: The student must show a willingness to live and contribute to the country.
  
  

What are the advantages of the UAE Golden Visa?

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

1. Long-term residence

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

• Valid for 5 or 10 years: The Golden Visa allows you to stay in the Emirates for 5 or 10 years without annual renewal.
  
• Automatically renewable : If you still meet the conditions, the visa is renewed without a hitch.
  
• No need for a local sponsor : Unlike other visas, you don't need an employer to stay.
  
• Freedom to live in Dubai or elsewhere: You can choose where to live in the Emirates, depending on your lifestyle.
  
• Travel without visa cancellation: You can leave the country for more than 6 months without losing your residency.

2. Independence

Here are the advantages of Golden Visa independence:

• Professional freedom: You can work, invest or set up a business without a local sponsor.
  
• Total control over your residence: You manage your visa yourself, without depending on an employer or sponsor.
  
• Possibility of combining several activities: With this visa, you can legally have several sources of income.
  
• No annual renewal constraints : No more stress about short visas. You have 5 or 10 years' peace of mind.
  
• Autonomy for your family: You can sponsor your loved ones and let them live with you, in complete freedom.

3. Family reunification

Here are the advantages of family reunification with the Golden Visa in the Emirates:

• Family sponsorship: You can bring your spouse, children, and sometimes parents.
  
• No age limit for children: Unlike other visas, you can sponsor even your adult children.
  
• Same duration visa: Your family obtains a visa as long as yours (5 or 10 years).
  
• Access to education and healthcare: Your loved ones can study, work and receive medical care in the Emirates.
  
• A stable, peaceful life together: The Golden Visa lets you build a real family life in Dubai.

4. Tax benefits

Here are the tax advantages offered by the Golden Visa in the Emirates:

• No income tax: No tax is deducted from your salary or personal income.
  
• No wealth tax: There's no tax on your assets or savings.
  
• No inheritance tax: You can pass on your assets free of inheritance tax.
  
• VAT on consumption only: Only 5% VAT applies to certain products purchased.
  
• Stable tax environment: The Emirates offer a clear and highly advantageous tax framework for investors.

5. Service access

Here are the advantages of accessing services with the Golden Visa:

• Easy bank account opening: You can open a personal or business bank account with ease.
  
• Access to credit and loans: Banks are more likely to offer you mortgages or car loans.
  
• High-quality health 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 take full advantage of local life: permits, subscriptions, telephony...

6. Travel flexibility

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

• Free entry and exit of the country: You can travel whenever you like, without visa restrictions.
  
• Authorized extended absence: You can stay outside the Emirates for more than 6 months without losing your visa.
  
• Fewer border formalities: Your long-stay visa facilitates rapid entry at the airport.
  
• Travel with your loved ones: Your whole family can travel easily with up-to-date documents.
  
• No need to worry about expired visas: you're safe for 5 or 10 years, even if you go away a lot.
  
  

What are the disadvantages of the UAE Golden Visa?

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

1. High costs

Now let's talk about high costs, one of the drawbacks of the Golden Visa:

• High minimum investment: For real estate investors, a minimum of 2 million dirhams (around €500,000) is required.
  
• Application and issuing fees: The visa costs between €2,000 and €4,000, depending on the profile and services chosen.
  
• Translation and certification costs : All documents need to be translated and certified, which can add to the bill.
  
• Expenses for family members: You must also pay for each sponsored person (spouse, children, etc.).
  
• No direct financial assistance: No subsidies or discounts are offered to cover the cost of the Golden Visa.

2. Administrative complexity

Here are the disadvantages linked to the administrative complexity of the Golden Visa :

• Long, detailed procedures: You need to prepare a lot of documents, often translated and legalized.
  
• Multiple authorities involved: You have to go through several departments: immigration, justice, education, etc.
  
• Procedures in English or Arabic: The procedures are often in a foreign language, which makes it difficult for some people.
  
• Strict controls and checks: Your information is checked in detail, which can slow down the process.
  
• Follow-up required even after you've obtained your license: You may need to update your documents or report important changes.

3. Limitations

Here are the limitations to be aware of despite the advantages of the Golden Visa:

• No automatic citizenship: Having a Golden Visa does not lead to Emirati nationality, even after 10 years.
  
• No right to vote: You can't take part in the country's political decisions.
  
• Certain professions remain reserved: Public or highly sensitive professions are reserved for citizens.
  
• Visa can be cancelled in the event of non-compliance: If you no longer meet the conditions (income, activity, etc.), the visa can be withdrawn.
  
• Not valid for all Gulf countries: The Golden Visa does not grant special rights in other Middle Eastern countries.
  
  

What is the application process for the UAE Golden Visa?

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

Step 1: Document preparation

Here's what you need to do to prepare your Golden Visa documents:

• Valid passport: Make sure your passport is still valid, preferably more than 6 months.
  
• Recent passport photo: Prepare an official passport-size photo with a white background.
  
• Documents required according to your profile : investor, professional, student, etc. Each category requires specific supporting documents:
  
  • Title deeds for investors
    
  • Diploma or contract for professionals
    
  • Transcripts for students
    
• Medical certificate : You must undergo a medical examination at an approved center in the Emirates.
  
• Clean criminal record: A certificate of good conduct is often required (in your country or in the Emirates).
  
• Translation and legalization: Certain documents must be translated into Arabic or English and legalized.

Step 2: Submitting your application

Here's how to apply for the Golden Visa :

• Online platform or approved center: You can submit your application online or at an official service center (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 request.
  
• Fill in the form: Carefully fill in the application form with your personal details.
  
• Upload required documents: Attach all scanned documents: passport, photo, proof, etc.
  
• Pay processing fees: A secure online payment is required to start the process.
  
• Receive an acknowledgement of receipt: Once submitted, you will receive a tracking number to check the status of your request.

Step 3: Evaluation and approval

Here's how the Golden Visa application is assessed and approved:

• Profile analysis by the authorities: Your file is studied by government experts according to your category(investor, pro, etc.).
  
• Document verification: Each paper is checked for validity and conformity (translations, stamps, etc.).
  
• Security check: A security check is carried out to ensure that you have no previous claims or disputes.
  
• Possible interview: In some cases, you may be called in for a short interview or clarification.
  
• Notification of approval: If all goes well, you'll receive an official e-mail or SMS confirming approval.
  
• Visa issuance instructions: We explain how to finalize the procedure (fingerprinting, photo, visa collection).

Step 4: Receipt of visa

Here's how to receive your Golden Visa:

• Official notification: You receive a message or email informing you that your visa is ready.
  
• Fingerprint appointment: You must go to an approved center to scan your fingerprints and take a photo.
  
• Delivery of the Emirates ID card: Once validated, you will receive your Emirates ID, the official long-term resident card.
  
• Affixing a visa to your passport: In some cases, a physical visa is affixed to your passport, otherwise everything is digital.
  
• Automatic visa activation: Once you've received your card, your Golden Visa is active and you're free to live and invest.
  
• Valid for 5 or 10 years: The visa is generally valid for 5 or 10 years, renewable subject to conditions.
  
  

What if it was your turn to win a Golden Visa from the United Arab Emirates?

Here we are at the end of this article. You now know exactly what the United Arab Emirates Golden Visa is, who can benefit from it and what steps need to be taken.

You've discovered the eligible profiles, the conditions required according to your situation (investor, entrepreneur, talent...), and the concrete advantages offered by this long-term visa.

The Golden Visa is much more than just a residence permit. It's an open door to a stable, secure and prosperous future in the Emirates.

What if you could make this dream a reality?

Our agency, Dubai Real Estate, can help you with your real estate project, a powerful lever for obtaining the Golden Visa.

→ Contact us now and start your new life in Dubai with peace of mind!