The Golden Visa system is one of the most brilliant steps taken by UAE Government for different group of people. With the implementation of a long-term residence visa system in 2019, foreigners can live, work, and study in the UAE without being sponsored by a national and with their own company 100% owned by them.
GOLDEN VISA, introduced in 2019 came as a bestowal allowing the foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE. The visa is valid for 5-10 years and will be automatically renewed. It was already attractive to countless people since the time it was introduced, but becomes more striking with the recent changes announced by the Government of UAE. Expats would be really happy knowing the quick-witted changes that took place in this Scheme.
What Are These Changes?
The UAE government announced the availability of different types of residency options available for the people traveling to the UAE with residency permits and new entry visas.
UAE Government recently brought some amendments to the Golden Visa UAE easing the eligibility criteria and defining and expanding the categories of beneficiaries. The recent amendments allowed the visa holders to sponsor/her family members and domestic help as well.
But if you are applying for the Visa without any sponsor then your investment has to be a minimum of Dh 2 million. You don’t need to have that in cash form, it should be ascribed in the form of investment funds; or commercial or industrial investment with mentioned legal entities showing paid-up capital, the owner of the company who is paying a tax minimum of Dh 250, 000 annually to the Federal Tax Authority.
Is everyone eligible for the Golden Visa?
No, heed down to know who is eligible for this Visa.
Not everyone is eligible for the Visa, Some are determined by the income, while some are classified according to UAE Cabinet Resolution; Investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents including the doctors, scientists, artists, bright & scientific capabilities students from the exceptional schools & universities and researchers are eligible for the visa.
But the eligibility aspects differ for each person like an investor should have no less than AED 2 million worth of public investment, specialized talents can apply for a 5 or 10-year visa, and students can get the golden visa on the basis of percentage and the university they hail from.
What Are The Requirements For The Golden Visa?
The different talents allowed for the Golden Visa should also fulfill the various requirements that are different for every group. Though requirements are different but sometimes it also depends on the individual faithfulness to the terms and conditions under which the Visa was granted.
Know The Criteria For The Golden Visa
This Visa permits a 10-year residency in UAE and this is granted to the people who have made a significant contribution to the country’s growth. This growth can be related to anything be it arts, television, Cinema and theater, sports, poetry, and more. In 2019, the idea of providing a Golden Visa was approved and in April 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved the executive regulations on the creation of new types of visas and a Golden Visa residency system.
Residence For Professionals:
The professional category attracts different people and is quite expanded. It includes the highly skilled workers having proficient and preeminent qualifications and degrees.
They should possess professional experience from different fields including engineering, healthcare, IT, business & administration, law, and social science.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s categorization, professionals need to have a valid UAE employment contract at the mentioned occupational level and with a minimum monthly income of AED 30,000.
Residence For Real Estate Investors:
Real Estate Investors shouldn’t have a worth of public investment of less than AED 2 million; it is in both the form of the investment fund and a company.
A minimum of 60% of the total investment must not be a real estate investment. whole investment should not be taken in the form of a loan and an individual should have ownership of everything.
This visa can be extended as well in the business if each partner is contributing AED 2 million. The executive director or an advisor can also apply for the Golden Visa without a sponsor.
Residence For Entrepreneurs:
Under the set of new executive regulations announced by the UAE cabinet, entrepreneurs can apply for the Golden Visa.
They should be a partner in the company registered in the UAR under the SME category and should hold a revenue not less than AED 1 million.
Then the entrepreneurs who are a founder or partners in an entrepreneurial project that was sold at a minimum of AED 7 million can enjoy the UAE Visa.
Golden Residence For Exceptional Talents:
There is a specific group of specialized talents that includes various categories like doctors, researchers, scientists, engineers, and artists.
They are also allowed for a 10-year visa if an individual will meet the criteria respective to their fields and departments. For children and spouses, this extends.
Coders come in this category irrespective of whether them being a UAE residents or not. If they are granted approval from the Office of Artificial Intelligence in the UAE Government or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship they can apply for the Golden Visa.
Golden Residence For Scientists:
All the scientists and researchers with brilliant brains having specific achievements and strong influence in their fields can be allowed for Golden Visa on the recommendation of the Emirates Scientists Council.
An individual applying from the field of Scientists and professionals should possess a Ph.D. or master’s degree in specific science disciplines including engineering, technology, life science, and more; from the leading universities around the corner of the world. Some significant research achievements can be an add-on.
Golden Residence For Outstanding Students and Graduates:
Students who passed out from brilliant colleges and universities can apply for the Golden Visa having an outstanding rank & percentage, if he/she is having some achievements in academics that can be a cherry on the top.
Having graduation from software & hardware engineering, computer science, IT, AI, data science, big data, and electrical engineering with a good percentile gives a plus point in the list of outstanding students.
Golden Residence For Humanitarian Pioneers:
UAE has always been impactful with its humanitarian initiatives and their empowered works and it can become a second home to these individuals.
UAE always extends its commitment to the humanitarian sector pioneers and specialists. This was announced to make the mark for International Humanitarian Day.
Golden Residence For Frontline Heroes:
All the healthcare professionals that have fought the deadliest pandemic can be granted golden visas by the United Arab Emirates.
The decision has been made by The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In fact, special consideration will be given to the individuals who made extraordinary efforts and sacrifices.
This application will be viewed by the Government departments dealing with long-term stays.
Getting a golden visa is a dream of everyone and those who have earned it enjoy several benefits. Let’s look at some primary and then the detailed benefits.
Free Travel:
Visa is an imperative part required for anyone to legally enter another country. But the process is time-consuming and tiring, and after the whole process if the immigration officials deny the application then it is a whole disaster. But if you are a golden visa holder then the applicants can enjoy the free services and settle comfortably in the region.
Several Discounts:
In Abu Dhabi, the Golden Visa holders can enjoy several eye-catching discounts. Be it car, property, health, hospitality, and other services, various incentives can be enjoyed by the golden visa holders. In fact, several discounts can be availed on the properties from developer Imkan Properties and banks offer reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates as well.
Special Treatment:
Golden Visa holders enjoy some special discounts on their leisure and pleasure. They get special discounts on the dining, spa, gym, stays, and more at some of the selected hospitality destinations in Abu Dhabi. You can sit, chill and relax with your loved ones at a special price.
Security Purpose:
The main benefit of having a golden visa is security. There is no doubt that the UAE government aims to provide expatriates, investors, and anyone else considering making the UAE their home with an extra reason to feel secure about the future. The Government is taking every necessary step for it.
‘Dh2 million plus’ decision that came out overnight had created a buzz in the market. It is currently the most appealing figure for the investors who want to invest in UAE real estate market. With the Golden Visa, the road of Dh10 million and over has crossed the road to Dh2 million. It is lowering the investment value and brings greater flexibility for the investors. This can put an impetus on the real estate market of Dubai especially.
Some Of The Entrepreneurs Have Presented Their Views Regarding This Phenomenal Move, Let’s See Some.
Mohamed Ramadan: Egyptian Actor and Rapper
After obtaining Golden Visa, his production company is allowed to invest further in UAE. He obtained worldwide appreciation and has done prolific work in his field that let him obtain the golden visa.
Shah Rukh Khan: King of Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan is the first Indian celebrity who received this visa. He owns a lavish villa Palm Jumeirah and was even named brand ambassador of Dubai in 2016. He is a frequent visitor to Dubai.
Ragheb Alama: Lebanese Singer
He received his golden visa receipt in February and after that, he is calling Dubai his home. He is now able to lay down permanent roots in the country with his two sons who are already residing in Dubai.
Izu Ani: Dubai Chef
He has been awarded this golden visa because of his dedication to the preeminent restaurant industry in Dubai. He is the name behind the prolific conceptual restaurants here. He is a Nigerian-born, London-raised, Dubai Chef- a chain to notice.
Elissa: Lebanese Recording Artist
She shared this golden visa news in a low-key fashion by just retweeting an Arabic newspaper report on October 9. This article has a picture of her holding the document outside the Dubai branch of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Cristiano Ronaldo: International Football Star
Dubai Sports Council took the initiative of providing a Golden Visa to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the high-profile celebrities who received this Residency visa in the UAE. It is a step to motivate the players to come, stay and invest in UAE.
Sonu Sood: Actor, Producer, and Model
He truly deserves this Visa because of the humanitarian efforts he took during the pandemic. The phenomenal and selfless help he provided to countless people was beyond thinking. He was there for everyone in the dire need of assistance.
Najwa Karam: Lebanese Singer
Sharing the good news the singer received her golden visa on her 55th birthday in February. She shares this double happiness news.
Reif Othman: Dubai Chef and Restaurateur
The chef is known for the left-field approach to cooking Far Eastern dishes. He is active in the field since 2009 with food and beverage that lives and breathes cooking. He considers this an absolute honor because he and his family feel Dubai is their home.
Ola Farahat: Former Emirates Woman and Entrepreneur
She is a Canada-born fashion influencer and content creator who received this honorable Golden Visa. She feels Dubai is a hub of opportunities and dreams where she got her visa by UAE.
Mohamed Sami and Mai Omar: Egyptian Director and Screenwriter
Both husband and wife announced their golden visa receiving recently and this news came out from their Instagram post of theirs.
Marwan Khoury: Romantic Crooner and Composer
He also shared the happy news and gratitude through Instagram announcing the status of his Visa. He thanked UAE through his post for the golden residency opportunity.
Nadine Nassib Njeim: Lebanese Actress
She is famous for her phenomenal roles in series such as Five Thirty and Al Hayba and shared her happy news about Golden Visa through Instagram to become a part of a country that prioritizes safety and security with lots of opportunities.
Nelly Karim: Egyptian Actress
She received her golden visa last year. She opened this news with her love for Dubai and how often she visits Dubai and she does not want any new visa stamp on her passport.
Kosai Khauli: Syrian Artist
He is famous for his flawless roles in the hit television series Bab Al Hara and famous as Njeim's co-star in Five Thirty. He also got recognized for the brilliant portrayal of the Egyptian khedive Ismail Pasha in the 2014 historical drama Saraya Abdeen. He has been spotted several times in Dubai and now has received a golden visa.
Walid Toufic: Lebanese Singer
The fifty years of their career as Lebanese Singer were actually recognized by the authorities when he finally obtained the golden visa. The singer thanked the UAE government for taking this decision.
Sanjay Dutt: Indian Celebrity
The news was shared with a Twitter post when the 61-year-old actor received the news of owning the Golden Visa. He is a regular visitor to Dubai and is often seen visiting with his family. He was awarded the golden residency in May.
Annabella Hilal: Former Miss Lebanon
She made the waves in the industry with the crown Miss Lebanon earned in 2004. It has been almost 20 years since she served in her broadcasting career and finally received the Visa.
Karen Wazen: Lebanese British Influencer
With her Instagram post, Karen Wazen announced receiving the honor of a Golden Visa. Dubai has been home for her for 9 years and is living with her family over there. With the visa, she feels security and a constant sense of inspiration.
Latifa El Arfaoui: Tunisian Pop Singer
Receiving the Golden Visa is one of the most cherished moments of a person's life and Latifa El Arfaoui also esteemed this moment by announcing her receiving of the golden visa.
Ali Kanaan: Syrian Poet
A prolific journalistic writer who is known for writing and translating poetry has earned this Golden Visa. The Syrian poet has spent years in Japan at the University of Tokyo teaching Arabic literature. He highly praised the UAE government's ways of handling the pandemic.
Hany Shaker: Egyptian Singer and Composer
Receiving the Golden Visa was a moment of the year for him and he is all set to make the family base over here. He wished all the prosperity to UAE and thanked it as well for the visa.
Jessy Abdo: Lebanese Actor and Singer
Abdo took to the Instagram platform to thank UAE efforts in strengthening the arts and culture and also announcing the receiving of Golden Visa news among the 2 million followers.
Myriam Fares: Lebanese Pop Star
With the Dubai skyline as a backdrop, Myriam Fares took her Instagram platform to announce the Golden Visa news. She thanked her second country for her golden residency.
Mohanlal: South Indian Superstar
The South Indian superstar and Kerala actor posted a picture of himself with the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development expressing his happiness on receiving the Golden Visa. He is one of the most respected names in the industry working in more than 340 films.
Mammootty: Prominent South Indian Superstar
At the age of 69, the actor received the Golden Visa after working preeminently in the industry with the predominant works in Malayalam films. He has completed 5 decades in the industry sharing the screen in 55 hit films.
Suniel Shetty: Top Bollywood Actor
One of the top stars in Bollywood who earned his Golden Residency after working for years in the industry is Sunil Shetty. He has been seen in many films and has earned a good name since 1992.
Prithviraj Sukumaran: South Indian Star
The star who is famous with just one name of his i.e. Prithviraj received and cherished his Golden Visa. He is a successful name in films.
Sonu Nigam: Bollywood Singer
One of the most popular names in the Bollywood industry known for his melodious voice and outstandingly soothing songs is Sonu Nigam. He has always called Dubai his home and this Golden Visa is an add-on courtesy for him.
Safia Alemary: Egyptian Actress
She is known for her dynamic roles in hit films and is now also one of the holders of the Golden Visa. She thanked the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority for this prestige.
Karim Fahmy: Egyptian Actor
In September, the UAE authorities granted an Egyptian actor a golden visa; he played a major role in Al Ikhtiyar this Ramadan. "I am grateful and respectful to the leadership of the UAE and its people."
Boney Kapoor: Bollywood Producer
The well-known Bollywood producer is often seen here and said that his family will continue calling Dubai their home after receiving the Golden Visa Status.
Imad Benaomar: Moroccan Crooner
It has been quite a few years that Imad has been using UAE as his base and the stability can be strengthened with the announcement of him obtaining the Golden Visa.
Giorgio Armani: Italian Fashion Designer
Giorgio Armani is the name needless of any description. The renowned name who also opened his Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa was privileged with the golden visa on October 24. It is a place fast-moving and the one that can give stability.
Ali Zafar: Pakistani Pop Star and Actor
The star performed at the Expo 2020 Dubai and shared the news of obtaining a Golden Visa. He is the first Pakistani actor to receive a visa from the UAE government. He expressed his happiness in a completely grand way by dancing with fans and celebrating.
E-Alam: Multi-tasker
Well, multitasking is a normal thing for him as he is a trained pilot, singer, actor and TV presenter, and Dubai resident for 17 years. He was also handed with UAE Golden Visa and also he was honored as the ambassador of his country.
Ranveer Singh: Firework of Bollywood
Well, Ranveer Singh is one of the renowned names in the industry and has been also presented by UAE golden visa in Abu Dhabi. It was a completely privileged moment for him.
Golden Visa in UAE is a brilliant move to give the comfort zone to the regular visitors and the people who feel this country as their home. The visa can be applied for by many types of individuals; however, individuals applying for their own visas should own properties worth at least Dh2 million.
This visa allows you to live a fret-free life with work and no hindrance for 10 years. Golden Visa is a golden opportunity and this is well-understood by the people who earned it.
