A number of significant amendments have been made to the Golden Visa scheme to simplify eligibility criteria and expand the categories of applicants. This feature allows investors, scientists, academicians, frontline workers, and entrepreneurs to apply for this long-term visa.
In accordance with the amendments, Golden Visa holders are allowed to sponsor their spouses and children, regardless of their age, and sponsor support services (domestic help) without restrictions. Additionally, Golden Residency does not limit the duration of stay outside the UAE.
Upon the death of a primary holder of a UAE Golden Visa, family members have the right to stay in the country until the expiration of that permit.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Emirates Scientists Council, this residence is offered to scientists and researchers with high achievement and influence under the following conditions:
This visa may be granted to talented individuals in various fields. Individuals are judged solely on their skill, regardless of their education, employment status, monthly salary, or level of expertise.
A federal or local government entity must recommend or approve individuals with talent in culture, sport, design, digital technology, invention, and other vital fields.
For persons excelling in various sports activities, a recommendation letter from the UAE Golden Visa authority is required.
Those must provide a certified copy of a doctoral degree from the Ministry of Education with doctorates and valid work contracts.
A wide range of specializations is available in this field. Veterinary doctors are included in this category. Doctors must have a letter certifying their medical practice from the Health Authority or Ministry of Health of their country.
As a mandatory document for inventors, the Ministry of Economy must verify patents add value to the country’s economy.
Professionals in top company positions like General Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Executive Directors, CEOs, Chairmen of Board of Directors, or any position where a salary certificate of AED 50,000 can be provided & have held that position for at least five years are considered eligible to apply through this category.
An attested bachelor’s degree and a valid work contract mentioning the specialization are required for the following specializations: Epidemiology and Virology, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering & Big Data, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology Engineering.
The ministry recently introduced an innovative 10-year cultural visa. Culture and creativity include music, fine arts, photography, film, video production, video game production, fashion, graphic design, product design, landscape design, architectural services, advertising services, and information technology and software development.
There is a growing need for professionals with knowledge and expertise in various fields, such as medicine, science, engineering, IT, business, law, and culture.
Professionals are eligible for Golden Residence based on the following criteria:
Investing in property worth more than AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528.80) will qualify investors for a Golden Visa.
Additionally, according to the new amendments, investors can get the Golden Residence if they purchase properties with loans from specific local banks. Moreover, investors can obtain the residence by purchasing one or more off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies for no less than AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528.80).
The Golden Visa is available to entrepreneurs who meet flexible requirements by administrative regulations. As the minimum requirement :-
High achieving students from secondary schools and universities (ranking top 100 worldwide) may qualify for the visa depending on specific criteria, including academic performance, year of graduation, and university ranking.
You can apply for the newly amended golden visa if you are a distinguished member of an international or regional organization, an outstanding member of an association that serves the public good, a recipient of humanitarian awards, or a distinguished volunteer sponsoring humanitarian efforts.
In crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, frontline workers may also be granted Golden Visas.