Golden Visa Benefits in the UAE
Table of Contents
Introduction
The UAE Golden Visa offers a range of benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals and families seeking long-term residency. This visa provides not only stability but also a host of advantages, including extended stays, business opportunities, and access to world-class healthcare and education.
In this post, we’ll cover the top 13 benefits of the UAE Golden Visa and explain why it’s a great option for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and students alike.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa designed to attract and retain talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and their families. With this visa, you can live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor, offering 5 or 10 years of renewable residency. It’s a key initiative to boost the UAE’s economic development by welcoming skilled professionals and business owners.
Here’s a video on the UAE Golden Visa, in a simple, easy-to-understand way, with some insights from our co-founder, Kevin McKenzie.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
1. Long-Term Residency (10 Years)
The UAE Golden Visa grants you a 10-year residency, providing the security of a stable and long-term home in the UAE. Consequently, this extended duration allows you to plan your future confidently. Moreover, knowing that you and your family can stay in the UAE for an extended period without frequent renewals offers added peace of mind.
2. Family Sponsorship
With a Golden Visa, you can sponsor your family members, including your spouse, children, and parents. As a result, you can stay close to your loved ones. Furthermore, this golden visa Dubai benefit allows your entire family to enjoy the quality of life and opportunities in the UAE. However, it creates a comfortable and cohesive family environment.
3. Multiple Entry Visa
The Golden Visa allows you to enter and exit the UAE as often as possible without any restrictions. It also offers great flexibility for travel. Whether you need to travel for business, leisure, or personal reasons, you can do so without worrying about reapplying for entry permits each time.
4. Esaad Privilege Card
Golden Visa holders receive an Esaad privilege card. This card provides discounts and offers at numerous retail outlets, restaurants, and services across the UAE. Therefore, it enhances your lifestyle by making everyday expenses more affordable. Additionally, the Esaad privilege card helps you access exclusive deals & savings.
5. Property Ownership
You can buy and own property in the UAE without needing a local sponsor, allowing you to invest in real estate. This opens up opportunities for both residential and commercial property investments. It allows you to grow wealth and secure your future in the UAE’s booming real estate market.
6. Business Opportunities
The visa opens many business opportunities, allowing you to set up and operate a business in the UAE’s booming market. Furthermore, the UAE is known for its business-friendly environment. This reputation helps you choose from various free zones and incentives, which make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
7. Healthcare Access
Enjoy access to the UAE’s world-class healthcare system. Health care ensures that you and your family receive top-notch medical care. The UAE has state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics staffed by highly qualified medical professionals. It provides you with peace of mind regarding your health and well-being.
8. Travel Benefits
Travel easily within the UAE and to various countries without the hassle of frequent visa renewals. In addition, the Golden Visa’s multiple-entry feature simplifies travel planning and makes international trips more convenient. Furthermore, it allows you to explore new destinations and maintain global business connections.
9. Sponsorship Independence
The Golden Visa frees you from needing a local sponsor, granting you the independence to live and work in the UAE on your terms. This autonomy allows you to pursue your career or business goals without being tied to a specific employer or sponsor.
10. No Personal Income Tax
The UAE has no personal income tax. It helps you keep more of your earnings and enjoy a higher standard of living. This financial benefit can significantly increase your disposable income, making saving, investing, and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle easier.
11. Educational Access
Your children can access the UAE’s excellent educational institutions, from schools to universities, ensuring a bright future. The country is home to many prestigious international schools and universities. Consequently, it provides high-quality education that prepares students for global opportunities.
12. Retirement Planning
The Golden Visa is an excellent option for retirement planning. It provides a peaceful and secure place to enjoy your later years. The UAE offers a high standard of living, a safe environment, and various leisure activities, making it ideal for retiring and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle.
13. No Sponsor Required
Unlike many other visas, the Golden Visa in Dubai doesn’t require a sponsor, making the application process more straightforward. This eliminates the need for a local partner or employer to support your visa application, giving you more control over your residency status.
UAE/Dubai Golden Visa Eligibility
Eligibility: Open to investors with a clean criminal record
Duration: 5 to 10 years, depending on immigration category
Path to naturalization: 5-10 years for permanent residence, 30 years for citizenship
Dependents: Spouses, children of any age, parents, & other family members (on a case-by-case basis) may apply as dependents
Qualifying investment requirements: At least 2 million AED (~$545,000) toward a public investment or real estate property
Notable perks: No personal income taxes
Application Process & Timeline
To apply for the UAE’s golden visa, you must:
Make a qualifying investment
- Submit application & required documents
- Valid passport & copy
- Passport photos
- Proof of qualifying investment (e.g., letter from investment fund, letter from land department confirming real estate purchase)
- Undergo a medical exam in UAE.
- Receive approval & collect visa.
- The UAE processes golden visa applications very quickly — typically within seven to 10 business days.
Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa?
Under the recent changes to the UAE Residence and Entry Scheme, more individuals can now apply for a golden residence visa. The categories of eligible applicants include investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
Here’s a breakdown of each category:
1. Investors
If you are a homeowner in the UAE, you can obtain the golden visa by purchasing property worth at least Dhs2 million. This applies whether the property is off-plan, completed, or mortgaged, with no minimum down payment requirement. Additionally, you can qualify if you have made significant public investments, such as:
- A deposit of at least Dhs2 million in a company’s capital.
- Being a partner in a company’s capital with no less than Dhs2 million.
- Paying Dhs250,000 annually in tax or being a partner in a company that does.
2. Entrepreneurs
Real estate entrepreneurs can apply for the golden visa if they meet one or more of these conditions:
- Be a partner or owner of a start-up company registered as an SME in the UAE with annual revenues of at least Dhs1 million.
- Have founded an entrepreneurial project sold for more than Dhs7 million.
- Have approval for a start-up from an official business incubator.
3. Exceptional Talents
People with exceptional talents, such as inventors, artists, athletes, and digital technology experts, can apply for the golden visa regardless of their educational qualifications, employment status, or monthly salary. The visa requires a recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity.
4. Scientists
Scientists and researchers with significant achievements can apply for the golden visa if they receive a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. Eligible candidates should have a PhD or Master’s Degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from top universities, along with substantial research achievements.
5. Professionals
Highly-skilled workers with advanced qualifications and professional experience can also apply for the golden visa. This applies to various fields, including medicine, science, engineering, IT, business, education, law, and social sciences. Applicants must have an employment contract in the UAE, be classified in the first or second occupational level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree, and have a monthly salary of Dhs30,000 or more.
6. Outstanding Students and Graduates
High achievers in the UAE’s secondary schools, graduates from UAE universities, and top students from the best 100 universities worldwide can apply for the golden visa. Requirements include high academic performance, a GPA of at least 3.5 for international graduates or 3.8 for UAE university students, and a high school average of at least 95%. Families of high school students are also eligible.
7. Humanitarian Pioneers
Individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian work can qualify for the golden visa. This includes:
- Working in international or regional humanitarian organizations for at least five years.
- Being a notable employee in a civil association or public interest institution for five years.
- Receiving an award from a humanitarian organization.
- Volunteering with at least five years of service or 500 hours of service.
- Funding humanitarian work worth at least Dhs2 million.
- Being nominated by a minister as a humanitarian pioneer.
- Holding a relevant degree and meeting additional ministry or authority requirements.
8. Frontline Heroes
Healthcare staff and other frontline workers involved in extraordinary situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can also apply for the UAE golden visa.
Hiring GenZone for Golden Visa Procedure
Relocating to Dubai with your family requires careful planning and understanding of the legal requirements. From choosing your residency path to setting up a company and securing a golden visa, each step is crucial for a smooth transition.
At Genzone, we provide comprehensive support to make your move as seamless as possible. If you’re ready to start the process or need more information, feel free to book a call with us.
