How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

The requirements for a 5- or 10-year UAE golden visa are dependent on your career field or work background. The following is the criteria for each - have a look and see

Female real estate investor

• Investment in a property with a value of at least AED 2 million
• The investment must be the full amount and not on a loan basis

A letter from the Real Estate Registration Department in the relevant emirate stating that the investor owns one or more properties of a value no less than AED 2 million, and proof of housing in the country, such as a house rental or home ownership contract, is also required.

Female investors in public investments

• A letter from a UAE approved investment fund stating that there is a deposit of AED 2 million, or a valid commercial or industrial licence with the company’s incorporation contact with the investor (so that the investor’s capital is not less that AED 2 million)
• Investment in a new or existing company as a partner with shares of a minimum AED 2 million that is not financed by a loan, or a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that they are the owner of a company that pays the government no less than AED 250,000 annually

As for the previous requirement, it is possible to bring a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that they are a partner in an establishment that pays the tax to the government and whose share in the tax is no less than AED 250,000 annually.

Female students of exceptional ability

• High school students must have a 95% minimum grade from a certified public or private school, and a recommendation from the Ministry of Education (MOE)
• For university students, they must graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.8, and a recommendation letter that states this
• The UAE gold visa may include the student’s family members

Female pioneers of humanitarian works

An individual should be a pioneer or worker in humanitarian work within one of the following categories to be eligible for a UAE golden visa:

• Individuals who have worked in international and regional organisations, or outstanding employees, for a minimum of 5 years
• Members of civil institutions and associations of public interest, or outstanding employees, for a minimum of five years
• Those who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organisation that focuses on humanitarian work
• Awarded outstanding humanitarian volunteers with at least 5 years of service or at least 500 hours of volunteer service

However, there are the following stipulations that must be followed:

1. The investment sum cannot be derived from a loan
2. The investment must be held for at least three years
3. The individual should have financial liquidity for up to AED 10 million

This visa can include the investor’s spouse and children, as well as one executive director and one advisor. It is also possible to include other business partners, provided that they can each contribute AED 10 million.

Outstanding specialised talents

This category encompasses any individual who demonstrates exceptional ability in the fields of science and technology or creative areas such as culture and art, and can contribute to the UAE’s economy in some way.

The criteria for obtaining a visa within this category is recognition of the individual’s skills and accreditation by a relevant UAE government ministry.

The criteria for eligibility in this category are:

• For creative women – An approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in the relevant emirate
• For inventors - The attainment of a patent of value which is approved by the Ministry of Economy and contributes to the UAE economy in some way
• For women with exceptional talent in the field of science - Their work must be published in a recognised scientific journal
• For female scientists – A letter of recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council or the Secretariat of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence stating that he is a recipient of the Academic Excellence Medal
• For female business investors - They must be owners of an internationally recognised company or holder of a high academic position

When applying for either a 5-year or 10-year Gold Visa, investors need to provide the following documents:

1. Valid passport copies
2. A passport photo
3. A valid Emirates ID and existing UAE resident visa

Depending on the visa type applied for, investors are required to provide the following additional documents, depending on the owned assets:

1. Proof of investment
2. Bank statements for proof of deposit and value in UAE
3. Property valuation certificate from the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities
4. Additional validation documents that certify that the property or the investment have not been loaned or mortgaged

Other required documents for different categories of the golden visas have been mentioned prior, but are further detailed on the ICA website.

The standard government costs when applying for a 5-year or 10-year UAE gold visa are as follows:

1. Visa cancellation: AED 165
2. Entry permit: AED 400
3. Change of status: AED 625
4. Issuing new visa: AED 1,400 (for 10-year visa) and AED 900 (for 5-year visa)
5. Emirates ID: AED 1,075 (for 10-year visa) and AED 575 (for 5-year visa)

Please note that these fees are an indicative estimate and are subject to change. Fees will also vary depending on if you are applying from inside or outside the UAE.

There are additional fees for document preparation, foreign document and qualification attestation, legal translation, medical fees, health insurance and other third-party costs that may be required to prepare the documents and process to apply for a Golden Visa.

It is always advisable to seek professional assistance when setting up a resident visa for business purposes. At PRO Partner Group, they have extensive experience in processing visa applications with all the relevant government authorities and required departments.

Choosing the right UAE Golden Visa and preparing the correct documentation and requirements can be complicated, and many pitfalls can be avoided by seeking professional help.

At PRO Partner Group, their team of expert advisors can help with the registration process throughout all the required steps up to issuance of the Golden Visa and additional family members as well.

If you need assistance looking at the options to obtain an UAE Golden Visa, please get in touch on 04 456 1761 for Dubai or 02 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, or press 'Click to Contact' below.