Acquiring a UAE golden visa is among the avenues to attain citizenship in the UAE and consider the Emirates as one’s personal home.
The United Arab Emirates remains a sought-after destination for individuals from across the globe. Affluent individuals hailing from various countries are enthusiastic about relocating to the UAE for residence, work, and lifestyle. The UAE is composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Fujairah, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Acquiring a UAE golden visa presents one avenue to attain citizenship in the UAE and embrace the Emirates as one’s cherished abode.
Through the “Golden Visa,” international talent can secure a long-term resident visa, enabling them to reside, work, or pursue studies in the UAE, along with enjoying supplementary privileges. The Golden Visa is accessible to investors, business proprietors, scientists, outstanding students and recent graduates, trailblazers in humanitarian efforts, and frontline heroes.
The United Arab Emirates has implemented significant modifications to its immigration regulations, becoming operational on October 3, 2022, with the objective of establishing itself as a global hub for immigration. Among its population exceeding 3.8 million, Indians constitute 38% of the total residents in the UAE.
In contrast to several other Gulf countries, an individual holding a golden visa in the UAE can stay in the country without the necessity of a sponsor or employment. There are no restrictions on the duration of time one can spend outside the UAE while retaining the validity of the Golden Residence visa. The previous mandate stipulating visa holders to return to the UAE every six months upon overseas travel has been eliminated.
The UAE’s Golden Visa provides a range of unique advantages, such as:
- An initial entry visa spanning six months with the allowance for multiple entries, aimed at expediting the process of residence issuance.
- A long-term and renewable residence visa, valid for either 5 or 10 years.
- The privilege of not requiring a sponsor.
- The flexibility to stay outside the UAE for a duration exceeding the standard six-month period while keeping the residence visa valid.
- The capability to sponsor family members, encompassing spouses and children of any age.
- The option to sponsor an unlimited count of domestic aides.
- Permission for family members to reside in the UAE until the conclusion of their visa’s duration, even in the event of the golden visa holder’s passing.
- The eligibility criteria for a Golden Visa differ based on the type of residency, whether it pertains to an investor, artist, entrepreneur, etc. In this context, we will delve into the process of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa through investment.
Individuals who invest in publicly traded securities
- If you decide to invest in an investment fund, you have the potential to receive a 10-year Golden Visa without the need for a sponsor, contingent upon:
- Submitting a letter from a UAE-approved investment fund validating a deposited investment of AED two million.
- Submitting a valid commercial or industrial license along with the association’s memorandum stating a capital of no less than AED two million.
- Providing a letter from the federal tax authority verifying an annual contribution of at least AED 250,000 to the government.
- Demonstrating full ownership of the invested capital, which must not be in the form of a loan.
- Offering evidence of medical insurance coverage for both yourself and your family, if applicable.
Individuals who invest in real estate properties
- If you possess an individual property or a portfolio of properties, you might become eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa, which can be renewed under the same conditions and without requiring a sponsor. This is contingent upon:
- Presenting a letter from the land department of the relevant emirate confirming ownership of one or more properties valued at a minimum of 2 million dirhams.
- Acquiring a property with financing from specific local banks endorsed by the competent local authority.
- The Golden Visa Service simplifies the application and renewal procedures for Golden Residence Visas, saving applicants time and effort. This comprehensive program covers various aspects of the visa process, including supplementary visa issuance, status regularization, residency and identity document issuance, and simultaneous renewal of these components.