Can You Nominate Yourself for the Golden Visa? Check Eligibility and Start Your Nomination

The UAE Golden Visa programme has been a hot topic for many aspiring residents, offering long-term residency with numerous privileges.

This article delves into the details of the Golden Visa, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the nomination process and notable Indian celebrities and businesspeople who have acquired it.

What is the Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced in 2019. It allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and with full ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland. The visa is issued for 5 or 10 years and is renewable.

How to Get a Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is available to various categories of individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and outstanding students. Here's a breakdown of the key categories:

Investors

* Public Investments: Must deposit a minimum of Dh2 million in an accredited UAE investment fund. Alternatively, they can present a commercial or industrial licence with a capital of no less than Dh2 million and contribute at least Dh250,000 annually to the government.

* Real Estate Investors: Must own property or properties valued at a minimum of Dh2 million. The property can be mortgaged, provided the loan is from an approved local bank.

Entrepreneurs

* Entrepreneurs need to own an economic project of a technical or future-oriented nature with a minimum value of Dh500,000. They must obtain approval letters from an auditor, the relevant emirate authorities, and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.

Specialised Talents

* Doctors and Scientists: Require an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (for doctors) or a recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists (for scientists).

* Inventors: Need a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy validating their patent's economic value.

* Creative Individuals: Must have an approval letter from the respective emirate's Department of Culture and Arts.

* Executive Directors: Must hold a bachelor's degree, have at least five years of experience, earn a minimum salary of Dh50,000, and have a valid work contract.

Outstanding Students

* High School Students: Must be national-level toppers with a minimum grade of 95% in secondary school and recommendation from the Ministry of Education.

* University Students: Must graduate from a university rated among the top 100 globally with a GPA of at least 3.5, and it  should not be more than two years since graduation.

Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

* Must have worked for international organisations, civil associations, or as humanitarian financiers with a minimum contribution of Dh2 million. Recognition through awards or recommendations from relevant bodies is required.

Frontline Heroes

* Frontline workers such as nurses, lab technicians, and other medical professionals who have shown exceptional service, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, may also be eligible with a recommendation from a competent local government entity.

Privileges of Having a Golden Visa

Holding a UAE Golden Visa comes with several benefits:

* Long-term residency: Up to 10 years, renewable.

* Business ownership: 100 per cent ownership of businesses on the mainland.

* Family sponsorship: The visa holder can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents.

* Stability and security: Assurance of long-term residency regardless of employment status.

Indian Celebrities and Businesspeople with Golden Visas

Several high-profile Indian personalities have received the UAE Golden Visa, highlighting the programme's attractiveness:

Shah Rukh Khan: The Bollywood superstar was among the first Indian celebrities to receive the Golden Visa.

Sanjay Dutt: The actor received the Golden Visa, expressing his gratitude for the honour.

Boney Kapoor: The producer was granted the visa in recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema.

Murali Kartik: The former Indian cricketer also holds a Golden Visa, symbolising the UAE’s appreciation of sports personalities.

How Can One Get a Golden Visa?

Even if you don't fit into the high-profile categories, you can still be eligible for the Golden Visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your nomination:

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria under one of the categories (investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, or outstanding students).

Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, such as passports, investment proofs, business licences, and academic certificates.

Apply Online: Visit the official UAE government portal or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website to submit your application.

Nomination and Review: Your application will be reviewed, and you may be contacted for additional information or an interview. In some instances, individuals might receive pre-approval or nomination from UAE authorities. Nevertheless, if you're not pre-approved, you still have the option to nominate yourself.

Approval and Issuance: Upon approval, you will receive your Golden Visa, allowing you to enjoy the numerous benefits it offers.

The UAE Golden Visa offers an exceptional opportunity for long-term residency, business ownership, and family stability in one of the world's most dynamic regions.

Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, specialised talent, or outstanding student, the path to securing this prestigious visa is accessible with the right preparation and understanding of the process.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.