Understanding Silver Visa in Dubai

Investors, skilled professionals, and retirees looking for a peaceful place to live are increasingly choosing the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai, one of the seven UAE emirates, is known for its fast growing economy and high quality lifestyle. However, moving to the Middle East can come with significant financial costs. So, what's the good news? The UAE government has introduced a more affordable residency option. Known as the ‘Silver Visa in Dubai, it is an ambitious effort to attract talent from across the globe.

Continue reading this article to understand what the Silver Visa in Dubai is, its eligibility requirements, and how you can apply for this visa.

What is a ‘Silver Visa’?

The Silver Visa is a medium-term residency visa typically issued for a period of five years. It allows foreign nationals to stay in Dubai and other UAE emirates, making it ideal for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, and even retirees. Unlike the Golden Visa, which targets high-net-worth investors and business owners, the Silver Visa in Dubai is open to qualified professionals in fields.

People with specialised skills in industries like healthcare, education, information technology (IT), and law are eligible for this visa. Whether you are a professional in your mid-career with excellent qualifications or an entrepreneur with an idea for business incorporation in Dubai, this visa can be your ticket to permanent residency in the Emirates.

Benefits of Silver Visa in Dubai

Designed to attract and retain global expertise, the Silver Visa in Dubai provides a range of benefits, from business flexibility to family sponsorship. Let us take a look at some of the key benefits and understand how the Silver Visa supports long-term success and stability for residents in Dubai.

• Long-Term Residency in Dubai with Minimal Investment

Unlike the Golden Visa in Dubai, this visa does not require substantial investments or a considerable net worth. Professionals with the necessary training and credentials are permitted to stay in the UAE for a maximum of five years, with the possibility of extension.

• Family Sponsorship

The Dubai Silver Visa is a great option for families looking for stability and a good standard of living in the UAE as it allows visa holders to sponsor their spouse, kids, and dependents.

• Exposure for Skilled Professionals

As merit and contribution are highly valued, it helps professionals with great skills and experience apply for the Silver Visa without the high financial requirements of other visa types.

• Access to World-Class Benefits

With this visa in Dubai, you can access high-quality government services including healthcare, education, and housing programmes, similar to UAE citizens.

• Residency Stability

Compared to temporary work permits, the Dubai Silver Visa offers more stability. Professionals are not concerned about recurrent visa renewals or employer reliance.

• Freedom to Work or Start a Business

As long as they fulfil the necessary licensing criteria, visa holders can continue working, operate as independent contractors (if qualified), or even launch a small business in Dubai.

• The Golden Visa Pathway

Obtaining a Silver Visa in Dubai can be a stepping stone for certain individuals. If your financial or professional profile improves, you may later qualify for the Golden Visa.

How to Apply for a Silver Visa in Dubai?

The application process for the visa is fairly straightforward but requires careful documentation. You can rely on Commitbiz LLC’s expert business setup consultants, who can help you in completing the entire process in a hassle-free manner.

The following are the key steps when applying for a Silver Visa in Dubai:

Step 1 - Check if you are eligible 

You must first assess whether you qualify for the visa. Individuals from various backgrounds can apply for the visa in Dubai including investors, students, and retirees.

Step 2 - Gather the required documents

Once you have determined your eligibility, the next step is to prepare all the required documents. These include copies of passports, financial documents, and medical examination reports.

Step 3 - Submit application to ICP

At this stage, we will help you fill the application form and submit all the necessary documents to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

Step 4 - Obtain your visa

Once the officials review and approve your documents, you will receive your visa. You can then live and work in Dubai for five years.

Dubai Silver Visa Requirements

To apply for the Silver Visa in Dubai, applicants must meet certain financial, professional, and educational requirements.

General Eligibility Criteria: You must fulfil some general requirements. All the applicants must:

• Be at least be 18 years old
• Hold a valid passport
• Have no criminal record
• Be in good health (verified through a medical test)

Category-specific requirements: The Dubai Silver Visa requirements may vary according to the category you fall under. There are additional requirements for specific categories of the visa, such as:

• Pension fund investment of AED 500,000 (for retirees)
• AED 5 million real estate investment (for investors)
• AED 1 million business investment (for entrepreneurs)

Special considerations: The UAE government also considers certain unique abilities and accomplishments, such as published academic work or noteworthy contributions to the applicant's field. It also gives a preference to specific skills related to STEM and education.

How Can Commitbiz Help?

Whether you are a highly skilled STEM professional, a passionate educator, or a real estate investor, the Silver Visa in Dubai can offer you plenty of opportunities for growth and long-term stability. Our consultants make it easy for you to understand the requirements so you can have a stress-free application process. Your dreams of long-term residency in Dubai are now one step closer and our team at Commitbiz is here to help you through every stage. Get in touch with us today!