Unlocking Opportunities: The UAE Golden Visa for Professionals and Investors

The UAE Golden Visa program, a long-term residency initiative, is designed to attract skilled professionals, investors, and innovators by offering benefits like tax-free income, the ability to sponsor family members, and the option to work and live without a local sponsor. This visa also supports entrepreneurs and leaders in fields such as science, arts, sports, and technology.

 

Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals

Professionals earning Dh30,000 or more are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa if they meet certain conditions:

• Job Classification: Must hold an employment contract in the UAE in a position classified as level 1 (Managers & Executives) or level 2 (Professions like Science, Engineering, Health, IT, Law, etc.) by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• Education Requirement: A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Salary: Minimum basic salary of Dh30,000 (excluding allowances).

 

Key Application Requirements

1. Employment Documents:

   • For mainland employees: A Ministry of Labour contract showing a Dh30,000+ salary.

   • For free zone employees: A salary certificate from the free zone authority confirming a Dh30,000+ salary.

2. Financial Proof:

   • Six months’ bank statements reflecting the salary, with evidence of transfer if moved to another account.

3. Education Proof:

   • Attested bachelor’s degree or higher, with equivalency certification recognized by UAE authorities.

4. No Objection Certificate (NOC):

   • From the employer, allowing the employee to hold a Golden Visa, signed by an authorized signatory.

5. Nomination Letter:

   • This letter, provided by relevant UAE authorities, attests to your eligibility for the visa.

6. Health Insurance:

   • Comprehensive health coverage for self and family.

7. Supporting Documents:

   • Passport with visa page and a personal passport-sized photo.

    

Applying for the Golden Visa

You can apply for the Golden Visa through either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA) for other emirates.

 

Applying via GDRFA (Dubai)

1. Online Application:

   • Access GDRFA’s website or mobile app.

   • Log in via UAE Pass, complete the application, and pay the following fees:

     • Residency permit fee: Dh1,100

     • Additional fees: Knowledge fee (Dh10), Innovation fee (Dh10), Country fee (Dh500), Delivery fee (Dh20).

   • The fee increases Dh100 for each year beyond two years of residency.

2. In-Person Application:

   • Visit a GDRFA customer service center or Amer center, take a ticket, and submit your application to the service employee.

 

Applying via ICA (Federal)

1. Online:

   • Visit the ICA website, select the Golden Visa service, and create an account.

   • Apply for nomination based on your category and submit your application.

2. In-Person:

   • Alternatively, visit an ICA-approved typing center for assistance in completing and submitting your application.

 

Golden Visa Nomination for Specific Talent

Eligible applicants in specialized fields require nomination letters from relevant UAE authorities:

• Culture & Art: From Dubai Culture Authority or Ministry of Culture.
• Innovators: From Ministry of Economy or equivalent.
• Athletes: From General Sports Authority or Dubai Sports Council.
• Digital Talent: From Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence.
• Other Talents: From Dubai Future Authority.

 

Golden Visa for Other Categories

In addition to skilled professionals, the Golden Visa targets:

• Investors: Those making substantial financial contributions to UAE’s economy.
• Entrepreneurs: Those establishing and running business ventures in the UAE.
• Outstanding Students: Graduates with a GPA of 3.8+ from UAE high schools or accredited universities.
• PhD Holders and Professionals in Critical Fields: Specializations in computer engineering, AI, big data, biotechnology, and epidemiology.
• Educators: Exceptional private sector teachers in Dubai.

 

Additionally, Dubai offers a unique 10-year Gaming Visa to attract gaming professionals, content creators, and industry leaders to foster the city’s position as a global gaming hub.

 

For a comprehensive overview of additional visa types available in the UAE, including property-linked visas, visit the relevant authorities’ websites to determine which residency path best aligns with your goals in the UAE.

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