Who can apply for UAE Golden Visa? The 7 top categories and other details

While the UAE Golden Visa has been sending the internet into overdrive, a lot of misinformation is doing the rounds. The latest is the speculation that the UAE was granting lifetime Golden Visas to specific nationalities, which was dispelled by the Dubai authorities.

Amid this, there are also doubts about the eligibility criteria for obtaining the long-term residence visa that enables selected categories of foreign nationals to live, work, invest, and study in the UAE without a local sponsor, while enjoying exclusive benefits.

Here are the 7 top categories that can obtain the visa, provided they fulfil the necessary criteria.

1) Investors in public investment: Anyone willing to invest in public investments can obtain a Golden Visa if they provide proof of a AED 2 million deposit in an accredited UAE investment fund. The applicant also should have a valid commercial or industrial license and a Memorandum of Association proving invested capital of AED 2 million.

Another requirement is a tax certificate confirming an annual tax contribution of at least AED 250,000. Ownership of capital (not loaned) and proof of health insurance for self and dependents are also mandatory.

2) Real Estate Investors: They can obtain a 5-year renewable visa if they prove ownership of properties worth at least AED 2 million (not under mortgage), along with proof of residence in the UAE (owned or rented).

3) Entrepreneurs: Any entrepreneur can apply if they provide an audited financial statement showing a project value of at least AED 500,000. They also need to show endorsement from authorities that the project is tech-based of future-oriented. The person will also have to show a letter from an approved business incubator validating the project’s innovation and entrepreneurship.

4) Exceptional talents: This category can include doctors, scientists, athletes and other domain experts. Individuals from fields like epidemiology and virology, AI, Big Data, Computer & Software Engineering, Electrical & Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology are prefered.

5) Outstanding students: Students with at least 95% grade, and a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.

6) Humanitarian pioneers: These include applicants who have served international or regional organizations with over 5 years of service. • Recipients of awards in humanitarian fields and volunteers with 500+ hours or 5+ years of service can apply. Donors willing to contribute AED 2 million to humanitarian causes can also apply.

7) Frontline heroes: Healthcare and emergency personnel, including nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, lab technicians, with exceptional service during crises like COVID-19 may be nominated for Golden Visa by the relevant authority.

Middle East