Careers and businesses aren’t built in 2-3 years. UAE, as a business hub, understands this issue and thus offers a 5-10-year Golden visa to help you stay and move in and out of the emirates efficiently. It allows people to stay and grow in the UAE without any sponsors.
In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Golden Visa, including its eligibility, benefits, and how to get a visa in Dubai. So, whether you are a student, business person, or investor, read this till the end to know how the golden visa works.
What Are The Benefits Of A UAE Golden Visa?
A golden visa is a long-term commitment for you to thrive in the most efficient ecosystem. Here are some benefits of this visa:
Long-Term Residency
The golden visa allows a holder to stay in the UAE for 5 to 10 years without any renewal.
No Local Sponsor Needed
The holder can self-sponsor the visa without any external sponsor required. This makes it easier for the students and business owners to enter the UAE efficiently.
Family Sponsorship
Once you get the golden visa, you can also sponsor visas for your spouse and children of any age. Additionally, you can also sponsor help from domestic staff for your home.
Not Required To Stay In UAE
Most visas have restrictions for the visa holder to stay in the country and limitations on how often they can move out of the country. However, the UAE removes such restrictions and allows the holder to stay out of the Emirates for an extended period. Thus, business founders and investors can easily grow internationally.
0% Tax On Personal Income & Corporate Tax for Free Zone
One of the most lucrative benefits that attracts most people to the UAE is the tax policies. Golden visa holders do not pay taxes on personal income, such as salaries, freelance income, investment returns, rental income, and capital gains. Thus, students, investors, and business founders can earn without any taxation.
Furthermore, the UAE also has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with over 140 countries to ensure that golden visa holders aren’t taxed again on their income. The Free Zone company holders also enjoy 0% corporate tax up to a limit.
Access To Employment & Business
The golden visa holders have equal access to job opportunities and resources as the UAE locals. This helps them grow and contribute to the growing UAE economy.
Real Estate Ownership
Real estate is one of the most lucrative investment opportunities in the UAE. Golden visa holders can invest directly in premium real estate projects with a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
Access To Healthcare
The visa holders get access to the UAE’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, including government health insurance and leading private hospitals.
Access To World-Class Education
Children of the visa holders can attend the UAE’s top-ranked international schools and universities to learn exceptional skills and become compatible with the UAE’s market.
Eligibility Criteria For Golden Visa
A golden visa is available to specific categories only. We have listed the eligibility criteria for the golden visa based on the official source.
Investors
The investors pump money into the economy, and thus, they are offered a visa. Two primary types of investors receive this funding.
- Public investors:
They need to renew their visa every 10 years, and their investments must exceed AED 2 million. Proper documents should be provided to prove their investment in the UAE. Furthermore, they should contribute at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes.
- Real estate investor:
Real estate investors get a 5-year renewable visa when they provide proof of investing a combined value of AED 2 million in real estate. If the capital was sourced from a loan, relevant documents must be provided.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs with innovative businesses can get a 5-year renewable visa. They need to provide proof of the innovative technical or economic project. You might need to provide documents highlighting the project value, a letter from an incubator or accelerator, or any other relevant emirate authority.
Exceptional Talents
Those with special talents and qualifications can also apply for a 10-year renewable visa. This includes doctors, scientists, inventors, creatives in culture & arts, executives, athletes, PhD holders, and specialists in priority scientific and engineering fields. Applicants need to provide valid documents for recommendation, experience, and accredited degrees.
Exceptional Students
Exceptional students who want to pursue higher education can get a visa. High-school students can get 5 years, while university students can get 10-year visas to pursue education and jobs. However, these students need to provide proofs like certificates, excellence and recommendation letters from the education institute.
Humanitarian Pioneers
Humanitarian workers can get a 10-year visa based on their 5-year experience and a reputed organization, and an appreciation certificate for their humanitarian effort.
Frontline Heroes
Frontline heroes like the doctors, nurses, paramedics, lab technicians, and pharmacologists can get 10-year visas. They need to provide valid documents for their experience, recommendation, and proof of educational qualification.
If you are confused about whether you are eligible for the golden visa or not, we can help you. At 365 Days PRO Services, our advisors perform a comprehensive eligibility assessment to identify the fastest and most suitable pathway to your Golden Visa. Contact us for the golden visa service.
Step-By-Step Application Process To Get Golden Visa
Knowing how to get a visa in Dubai is far easier than many people expect. Working with a golden visa service provider can help you navigate the process efficiently without any delays.
Check Eligibility
First, you need to pick the right category for your business and your goals. Each group has its own set of paperwork needs. If you’re not sure, a quick chat with the 365 Days PRO team can save you a lot of time and keep you from getting rejected, which can be very expensive.
Gather Documents For Application
Depending on the type of application, you must provide certain documents with it. It could have a copy of a passport, a passport-sized photo, proof of eligibility, education certificates, letters of recommendation, health insurance, or more.
Apply For Golden Visa
Once all the documents are ready, you or your PRO agent can apply for the visa through official portals or government channels. If you live outside the UAE, choosing a PRO agency will help you reduce the time and effort in the application.
Undergo Medical Screening & Biometrics
After you receive initial approval, you must complete a medical fitness examination at an approved health centre and provide biometric data through fingerprints and photographs at a designated service centre. These steps are mandatory for Emirates ID issuance.
Get Approvals For Entry (If Applicable)
You will get an entry permit if you apply for the golden visa from outside the country. This lets you go to the UAE to finish the last steps in person, like getting medical tests and registering your biometrics.
Get Your Emirates ID
Once you receive a golden visa for residency, you’ll also get an Emirates ID, essential for daily life, banking, and government services in the UAE.
Conclusion
The UAE is a great place for investors, entrepreneurs, talented people, and students to live and work because there is no personal income tax, the infrastructure is world-class, and the country is open to global talent. So, they give a Golden Visa to certain groups of people. There are many benefits to having a golden visa, such as being able to pay less in taxes, staying in the UAE for as long as you want, sponsoring family members, owning property, getting healthcare and education, and more. For a smooth visa application, hire a company that specializes in golden visas, like 365 Day PRO Service. Get in touch with us to learn more.
FAQ
How to apply for the Golden Visa in the UAE step by step?
The following are a few steps of the golden visa application:
- Confirm your category
- Gather and attest necessary documents based on your category
- Submit your application
- Complete the medical screening and submit biometrics
- Get entry approvals (if living abroad)
- Get a visa and an Emirates ID
Who qualifies for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
There are various categories, each with specific requirements to get a golden visa. The following is the list of categories eligible for a visa application:
- Public and real estate investors
- Entrepreneurs with a recognized innovative idea
- Highly skilled people
- Students from accredited institutions
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Frontline heroes
How long does it take to apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
It usually takes between 2 and 8 weeks to get a Golden Visa. People who already live in the UAE usually have a faster timeline for visa approval. If you live abroad, working with a professional golden visa service like 365 Days PRO Services cuts down on delays by a lot and speeds up your application.
How much does a UAE Golden Visa cost?
The cost of the UAE Golden Visa varies by emirate and type of applicant, but it usually costs between AED 2,800 and AED 4,000. This is in addition to the extra costs for tests and PRO services. Get in touch with us for price quotes.