Have you ever dreamed of staying, studying, or working in Dubai for a long term? Obtaining a Golden Visa in Dubai can offer you that opportunity. The Emirate is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for residents and businesses from all the corners of the world. Factors such as modern infrastructure, enhanced quality of life, security, and strategic location among others make Dubai an option for long term residency. Whether you are an investor, student, or a skilled professional, Golden Visa can help you make Dubai your home.
What is a Dubai Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit which allows foreign expatriates and their families to work, study, and stay in the UAE. Introduced by the government in 2019, the Golden Visa in Dubai is valid for a period of ten years, without the requirement of a local sponsor. After expiry, this residency visa can be renewed automatically, subject to the fulfilment of all the necessary conditions.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) are responsible for issuing the Golden Visa in Dubai.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai?
This residency visa in Dubai was introduced to attract and retain talent from across the globe. The following individuals are eligible for Golden Visa:
- A real estate investor
- An investor in public investment
- An entrepreneur
- Specialised talents, such as doctors and scientists
- Outstanding Students
- Humanitarian Pioneers
- Frontline Heroes, including doctors
Advantages of Obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa
Obtaining a Golden Visa comes with a wide range of exclusive benefits, aimed at enhancing the living and working experience of expatriates in the Emirate. Here are some of them:
- Securing a Golden Visa allows you to stay in Dubai for an extended period of up to 10 years
- You do not need a local sponsor to apply for this visa in Dubai
- Expatriates get a six-month entry visa to stay in the UAE for completing the residency application process
- You can sponsor your family members, including children, to live in Dubai
- There is no restriction on the number of domestic helpers you can sponsor under your license
- If you have a 10-year Golden Visa, you can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without affecting the residency status
- With the Golden Visa, you can avail a range of local services, such as healthcare and education
- The visa makes you eligible for investing in real estate in the UAE
- You will get access to eSaad card that is a loyalty programme designed to offer discounts and other offers to eligible individuals
- Even if the primary Golden Visa holder passes away, his/her family members are eligible to stay in the UAE until the validity expires of their own visa
Eligibility Requirements for Golden Visa in Dubai
There are specific eligibility criteria that applicants should fulfil before applying for a Golden Visa in Dubai. Here are a few important points to consider when checking your Golden Visa eligibility in Dubai:
- You must have the required funds to invest, with the amount depending on the category you are applying for.
- Own a property valued at no less than AED 2 million, in case you are applying for the visa as a real estate investor.
- Pass the background verification.
- If you are a student, a minimum score of 95 percent in your secondary school or grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75 in graduation is required.
- For skilled professionals, you must have a basic salary of at least AED 30,000 per month, along with an ‘Equivalency Certificate’ from the Ministry of Education.
- For investors applying for the Golden Visa, invest at least AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund, own a company with at least AED 2 million capital, or provide proof of paying federal taxes of minimum AED 250,000 annually.
Documents Required for Golden Visa Application
Before you start the application process for securing the Golden Visa in Dubai, it is important to prepare several documents. We at Commitbiz LLC understand that the process of gathering all the required documents can be time consuming and complex, so we help in preparing the specific documents. Leverage our expertise in providing visa services in Dubai to ensure efficiency and ease required to complete the Golden Visa application.
- A copy of passport
- A recent passport size photograph
- Completed application form
- A police clearance certificate for the background check
- Proof of investment fund, financial deposit, property ownership, or investment in a UAE-based company (if applicable)
- Recommendation or nomination letter from the concerned authorities
- Educational or professional documents (if applicable)
- A copy of residence permit (if needed)
To find out more about the specific documentation requirements for different categories, you can refer to the GDFRA website.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai?
The application process for obtaining a Golden Visa differs based on the category you are applying for. You can complete your Dubai Golden Visa application via online mode or by visiting the Customer Happiness Centres or Amer Service Centres. Refer to the following points to understand the general procedure for securing the visa:
Applying Via Online Platforms:
You can visit and directly apply through the GDRFA website or ICP smart services system by the following below mentioned steps:
- Login to the website/smart services system.
- Look for the service you wish to apply for.
- Provide all the necessary information required to complete the application form.
- Pay the requisite service fees to complete the process.
Applying Through Customer Happiness Centre
- Find the nearest Customer Happiness Centre.
- Visit the chosen centre and take your automated turn ticket.
- Complete the application process by submitting all the necessary documents to the concerned representatives at the centre.
- Submit the requisite fees.
Applying Through Amer Service Centre
- Visit the nearest Amer Service Centre.
- Carry your automated turn ticket.
- Prepare and submit all the required documents to the representative at the centre.
- Pay the applicable service fees to complete the process.
To find out more about the Dubai Golden Visa price and the application process, you can reach out to the experts of Commitbiz LLC. We have several years of experience in providing customised solutions for business setup in Dubai and the broader Middle East. Our team can guide you through every step while ensuring compliance with the local regulations. Contact us now to get started!
Are Golden Visa holders required to follow the 180-day rule for staying outside the UAE?
No, individuals with a Golden Visa are exempt from the 180-day rule. However, the residency only expires if they are outside the UAE at the time of their visa expiry.
What does the smart services system refer to?
Smart services system is a digital platform managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). It allows people to avail a range of ICP services, including applying for Golden Visa in Dubai.
Can I invest in real estate with the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, the Golden Visa allows you to invest in real estate.
What is the processing time for a Golden Visa in Dubai after submission?
Once you have successfully submitted your application and related documents, it takes anywhere between 3 days (72 hours) to 30 days. The time taken to obtain the visa varies depending on the category you have applied for.