A long-term residency visa, known as a Golden Visa, is granted in the UAE for investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, researchers, and other professionals who make a significant impact on the country's economy and the society.
The UAE Golden Visa enables individuals and their families to reside, do business, work, and attend to their tuition without requiring a local sponsor, while also offering various perks and advantages. The visa can be extended indefinitely if the person remains eligible, with a validity of up to 10 years.
- Stability and Security: The Golden Visa grants a 5 or 10 year residency, renewable, providing long-term stability for residents, investors, and their families in one of the safest countries in the world.
- Residency Rights: The Golden Visa allows individuals and their families to reside in the UAE for an extended period of 10 years renewable without the need for a sponsor.
- Work and Business Opportunities: Golden Visa holders are allowed to work and establish businesses in the UAE, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Education: Golden Visa holders can benefit from access to top-tier educational institutions in the UAE for themselves and their families.
- Healthcare: Golden Visa holders have access to top-tier healthcare facilities in the UAE.
- Real Estate Investment: Holding a Golden Visa can make it easier to invest in UAE real estate, providing potential financial gains in the long term.
- Enhanced Travel Privileges: Golden Visa holders benefit from ease of travel within the UAE and to other countries in the region.
- Tax Benefits: The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. However, it levies an advantageous value added Tax on the purchase of goods and services, The UAE also levies excise tax on specific goods that are harmful to health, and a very competitive corporate tax on the net income or profit of corporations, making the UAE the ideal place for those who seek the good-quality duties jurisdiction.
- Quality of Life: The UAE offers a high standard of living with modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, and a safe and secure environment, therefore, obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE can provide numerous benefits for individuals looking to establish a long-term residency in the country.
Requirements for the Golden visa depend on the type of residence, whether investor, talent, entrepreneur, etc.
If you own a property or a group of properties, you may be granted a Golden visa for a period of up to 10 years, renewable on the same conditions and without a sponsor subject to the:
- Provision of a letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating that he owns one or more properties value purchase of a property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.
- If the total property portfolio value is between 750 000 and 2 million dirhams, you would be eligible for a 5-year golden visa. If your total property portfolio value is over 2 million dirhams, then you would be eligible for a 10-year golden visa.
If you invest in;
A. an investment fund, you may be granted a Golden Visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, subject to the:
- Submission of a letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE stating that the investor has a deposit of AED 2 million, or
- Submission of a valid commercial license or industrial license and a memorandum of association stating that the investor’s capital is not less than AED 2 million
Additionally, you must:
- Own the invested capital completely; it must not be a loan and
- Provide proof of medical insurance for himself and his family (if any).
B. Investing in a UAE business, this Visa Permit is granted to foreign investors in UAE. This residence permit is valid for 5-10 years and can be extended if the same conditions are met.
An investor or partner in a company within the UAE.
Requirements and Controls:
• An investor or partner in a company within the UAE with a value of no less than AED 2 million (the value of their share of the company's assets).
• Submission of a certified financial report proving the value,issued by an accredited audit firm within the UAE.
• A valid trade license for the company.
• A bank statement for the company.
• Tax registration with tax receipts for the last year.
• A certificate issued by the free zones proving the company's capital and the investor's share for companies listed within the free zones, along with the certified financial report.
• Documents required by the financial audit office (company license and auditor's license issued by the Ministry of Economy). - The size of the facility's investment or employment, administrative efficiency, and financial solvency are evaluated and approved for final approval.
The Fixed Deposit Golden Visa is a UAE residency program that grants long-term residence to individuals who invest by placing at least AED 2 million in a fixed deposit with a UAE bank. This amount generally has to stay in the account for a minimum of two years. In exchange, the investor and their immediate family members gain the right to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor or employer.
Eligibility Criteria
• You must place a minimum AED 2 million in a UAE-based bank
• The deposit must be held for a fixed period (usually 2 years or more)
• The funds must be unencumbered (not pledged or borrowed)
• You must have a valid passport and UAE-compliant health insurance
• You must submit a police clearance certificate
If you are an entrepreneur, you may get a Golden visa for a period of 5 years, if you own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation. In addition, you must have an approval letter from each of the following:
- An auditor in the UAE stating that the project value is not less than 500,000 dirhams
- The authorities in the emirate stating that the project is of a technical or future nature
- An accredited business incubator in the UAE to establish the proposed activity in the country.
Outstanding specialized talents include:
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creative People of Culture and Art
- Inventors
- Executives
- Specialists In Scientific Fields
- Athletes
- Doctoral Degree Holders and
- Specialists in the Fields of Engineering and Science
High school students
If you are a high school student and a national-level topper, (with a minimum grade of 95 per cent in public or private secondary school) you may be granted a Golden visa for 5 years without a sponsor, subject to submission of a recommendation letter from Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). Duration of the Golden visa for students is 5 years and may be extended if he/she is enrolled in one of the majors/colleges in the country that requires a study period of more than five years.
University students
If you are an outstanding university student, you may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided that:
- The university must be rated either A or B class by UAE Ministry of Education
- Recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities is submitted.
With the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has declared that exceptional educators in Dubai's private education field will receive the esteemed Golden Visa.
This program acknowledges teachers who have shown outstanding performance, creativity, and a strong dedication to influencing Dubai's future through education. The Golden Visa demonstrates the emirate's commitment to nurturing talent, investing in human capital, and honoring the teachers who motivate and empower the next generation.
Educators working in early childhood centers, schools, and higher education institutions could qualify for the Golden Visa by meeting specific requirements:
- Showing outstanding academic accomplishments and creative contributions to the field of education.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in improving the educational standard at their schools.
- Generating a constructive influence and acknowledgment from the broader educational field.
- Demonstrated impact on enhancing student results, such as academic growth and achievement in accredited certifications.
To learn more about qualifications and application procedures, refer to the KHDA Golden Visa announcement here.
If you are a pioneer of humanitarian work, you may get a Golden visa for 10 years. You must be one amongst the following categories to qualify as a pioneer of humanitarian work:
- Members and outstanding employees who have worked for international and regional organizations for a minimum of five years
- Members and outstanding employees who have worked for civil associations and institutions of public interest for a minimum of five years
- Individuals who have received an appreciation award from a local, regional or international organization that focuses on humanitarian work
- Funders of humanitarian work provided that the value of the support does not fall below two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.
Frontline heroes who displayed extraordinary effort in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic also may get the Golden visa with a recommendation from a competent authority. Frontline heroes include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacologists and other cadres approved by the Frontline Heroes Office.
What you need to know about the gaming visa
The Dubai Gaming Visa seeks to position the city as a worldwide frontrunner in the gaming sector. This extended residency aims to draw elite gamers, content creators, and industry experts from around the world, establishing Dubai as a central hub for gaming innovation.
The 10-year gaming visa is classified within the culture and arts sector. The Dubai Gaming Visa provides considerable advantages for both individuals and the gaming sector, establishing the city as a premier location for gaming experts, content creators, and developers.
Advantages of a 10-year visa
This extended visa offers security and stability, enabling professionals to develop and progress their careers in Dubai's expanding gaming industry.
Criteria for eligibility
Age: Candidates should be no younger than 25 years old.
Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in the gaming industry, whether as a competitive player, content producer, developer, or in other pertinent positions.
The UAE Golden Visa for Content Creators offers a distinctive chance for international filmmakers, social media influencers, and digital storytellers to reside, work, and succeed in the nation for a duration of up to 10 years - without requiring a sponsor. Designed to draw in exceptional creative talent, this extended residency allows you to concentrate on your art.
Who is eligible?
The UAE Golden Visa for Content Creators is available for those who are having a notable influence in the creative sector.
You might be eligible if you:
• Possess a demonstrated history of generating meaningful content or creative projects.
• Have been acknowledged or honored for contributions in the content field.
• Show significant capacity to enhance the UAE’s creative community.
• Demonstrate steady progress and involvement in your content development activities.
Abu Dhabi Launches New Visa Scheme for Yacht Owners: Golden Quay Project
Owners of luxury yachts can now be nominated for a 10-year UAE golden visa through the new 'Abu Dhabi Golden Quay' program. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), together with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Yas Marina, stated that the initiative seeks to draw investment into the emirate from affluent individuals.
Who qualifies?
Yas Marina and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office will act as the official bodies tasked with nominating private yacht owners possessing vessels of 40 meters or more for the golden visa. The program additionally involves key leaders in the yachting industry, stakeholders of yacht-manufacturing firms, prominent agents, service vendors, and insurers. Moreover, the family members of those nominated will also qualify for golden residency.
Further information can be found on the initiative's website 'Click here'
Yes, qualifying visa holders under the Family Golden Visa program can bring their immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to stay with them in the UAE for a longer duration.
Yes, the Golden visa allows foreign talents to reside in the UAE for an extended period, granting them the opportunity to work, study, or live there, all while receiving special privileges.
Golden Visas usually provide various perks, including the freedom to reside, work, and attend school in the country with no limitations. They might permit you to bring your family members, travel without restrictions, and possess assets.
Terms & Condition
All golden visa applications are governed by the UAE competent authorities, conditions and criteria apply, for more details please visit: https://icp.gov.ae/en/golden-residency/
Travel with confidence: UAE consular support for Golden Visa holders
Golden Visa holders can now access faster consular support abroad — including emergency documents in 30 minutes, 24/7 hotline access, and repatriation help.
Support is provided by ICP and the Ministry of Foreign Affair
Dedicated hotline for Golden Visa holders: For urgent assistance while abroad Golden Visa holders can contact the ministry’s 24/7 hotline at +971 2 493 1133
Long-term residency designed for stability and continuity.
A key advantage of the Golden Visa is that it grants holders the right to reside in the UAE on a renewable 10-year residence permit. As long as the eligibility requirements for your original visa category are met, the visa can be renewed without issue.
Enjoy full residency freedom — no sponsor or employer needed.
Most UAE residence visas require a sponsor — like an employer or family member. But with the Golden Visa, you’re self-sponsored. That means more freedom to change jobs without needing to cancel your visa. No employer. No hassle. Just opportunity.
Travel freely — your UAE residency stays valid even after 6 months abroad.
Unlike regular residence visas, you won’t lose your residency if you’re abroad for more than 6 months. Stay flexible. Stay connected.
Family sponsorship made simpler and more accessible.
Under the new visa system, all expatriates can now sponsor their male children up to the age of 25. If the son is a Person of Determination, there is no age limit for sponsorship.
For Golden Visa holders, the 10-year residency offers added convenience by eliminating the need for frequent renewals. Additionally, the Golden Visa provides security for family members — if the main visa holder passes away, their dependents can continue to reside in the UAE under a valid permit.
Enjoy the freedom to hire the domestic support your household requires
With the Golden Visa, you can sponsor as many domestic helpers as needed.
A dedicated multiple-entry visa designed for Golden Visa applicants
If you don’t currently hold a Golden Visa and are not residing in the UAE, you can apply for a special six-month multiple-entry visit visa that enables you to enter the UAE to complete your application process.
More options to customize your work
According to Article 9 of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), employees on probation who leave the UAE without giving their employer the required notice may be subject to a one-year employment ban.
Other exemptions include:
1. Workers in sectors critical to the UAE’s national interests
2. Individuals on family-sponsored visas
3. Golden Visa holders
4. Employees in certain job categories designated by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, as approved by the Cabinet
5. Workers applying for a new permit with their current employer.
- Chrysalis is a top-tier company in the UAE that specializes in Immigration, Company Formation, Business Services Banking, Taxation, Accounting and many are, operating out of offices in Dubai.
- Chrysalis is assisting numerous people from around the Globe by navigating their complicated structures by starting their own business in UAE.
- Given massive history and experience in Golden Visas issuance, Chrysalis can assess your Golden Visa eligibility and process immediately your application for a golden chance to work, develop, socialize and grow within UAE business world.
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