What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that provides many benefits. It allows individuals and families to stay in the UAE for an extended period, travel in and out of the country multiple times, and sponsor their family members. It is designed to attract skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and people with exceptional talents to the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria for the Golden Visa
Eligibility for the Golden Visa depends on your category. Here are some general requirements:
Employment
- People working in fields like healthcare, education, technology, or research may qualify if they meet specific salary requirements.
Investment
- Investors who put a certain amount of money into real estate, businesses, or government bonds can be eligible.
Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurs who start a new company in the UAE with a minimum investment might qualify.
Talent
- People with outstanding skills in arts, culture, sports, or sciences can qualify based on their achievements.
Family
- The Golden Visa can also cover family members of the main applicant.
New Salary Requirements for 2024
Starting in 2024, the salary requirement for the Golden Visa has changed. It now focuses only on the basic salary, not the total compensation package.
Professionals:
- Must have a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (about USD 8,200). Allowances like housing or transportation are not included in this requirement.
Public Investors:
- Must show they pay at least AED 250,000 (USD 68,000) in taxes each year.
Entrepreneurs:
- Your project must be innovative and worth at least AED 500,000. The company must be registered in the UAE.
Investors:
- Investment amounts vary. For real estate, it starts at AED 2 million.
Exceptional Talent:
- No specific financial requirements are needed; eligibility is based on achievements.
Documents Required
Common documents needed for the Golden Visa include:
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Medical certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Proof of address
- Investment documents (for investors)
- Company registration documents (for business owners)
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Determine which category you fall into.
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents.
- Choose Application Method: Apply online or in person at a visa center.
- Submit Application: Provide your documents and pay any fees.
- Biometric Enrollment: Attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and other biometric data.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary.
- Receive Decision: If approved, you’ll get your Golden Visa. If not, you’ll be told why.
Next Steps
The UAE Golden Visa is a great opportunity for those looking for long-term residency in the UAE. With new salary requirements in 2024, there are various ways to qualify, including through investment, entrepreneurship, and talent. By understanding the criteria and preparing the necessary documents, you can benefit from extended residency, multiple entry visas, and the ability to sponsor your family.
