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How to Get Golden Visa UAE

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What is Golden Visa UAE?

Golden Visa UAE is a long-term residence visa that allows foreigners to stay, work, or study in the UAE. The visa is renewable and is valid for 5 to 10 years depending upon the visa category.

The golden visa UAE meaning is that it attracts skilled individuals who can contribute to the country's economic progress and development.
Golden Visa UAE enables foreigners to reside in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. They can also enjoy 100% ownership of their business in the UAE. This visa is not tied to an individual's employment with any organization.
UAE Flag and Plane

Who is Eligible for UAE Golden Visa?

The following categories of people can apply for a Golden residence visa in the UAE:

Investors in public investment funds.

Real estate investors who own properties.

Entrepreneurs who manage economic projects based on risk & innovation.

Individuals with specialized talents, such as scientists, inventors, executives, doctoral degree holders, specialists in science & engineering, athletes, and creative people in arts & culture.

Highly-skilled professionals in the areas of medicine, law, education, information technology, business administration, and social sciences.

Outstanding high school students & university graduates.

Pioneers of humanitarian work.

Frontline heroes engaged in extraordinary work, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to Apply for a Golden Visa UAE?

The application for a Golden Visa UAE can be made either online or through the offline procedure. The following steps describe how to get a Golden Visa UAE:

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Online Procedure:

Step 1

Go to the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs Dubai (GDRFA). Click on the golden visa option.

Step 2

Enter your GDRFA login credentials. You can also use the details of your UAE pass.

Step 3

Provide relevant details of your stay in the UAE. It includes your UID number, current visa number, and international bank account number (IBAN).

Step 4

Submit soft copies of your Emirates ID and other required documents.

Step 5

Make the payment for your golden visa application in the payments portal.

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Offline Procedure:

You can make a physical visit to the Amer Center in Dubai and make an application for a golden residence visa. Fill up the application form and submit all the required documents along with it. Pay the requisite fees and wait for your application to get processed. You will be duly notified once your application is approved.

What are the Requirements for a Golden Visa in the UAE?

The eligibility criteria for a UAE golden visa are different for variouscategories of people. The eligibility criteria for investors and entrepreneurs are not the same as those for people with specialized talents, such as scientists and inventors. Professional athletes and people engaged in creative fields have very different requirements.

It is recommended that you check the eligibility criteria applicable to the specific category to which you belong before applying for a golden visa in the UAE.

What are the Benefits of a Golden Visa in the UAE?

Golden visa holders enjoy a number of other benefits that are typically not available to other people. The details are provided below.

Long-Term Residency

Golden visa holders can live, work, or study in the UAE for up to 10 years without worrying about their visa status. Apart from a 6-month entry visa, it permits multiple entries and the issuance of a residency permit.

Self-Sponsorship

Golden visa is not tied to any employer or their sponsorship. The Golden visa holders are not dependent upon external sponsorship to stay in the UAE. They can reside in the country even if they are not employed.

No Restrictions on Travel

Golden visa permits the holders to travel and spend time (beyond six months) outside the UAE. A standard visa loses its validity if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 6 months.

Family Sponsorship

Golden visa holders can sponsor their family members without any restrictions on the dependent’s age. The family members can continue to stay in the UAE even if the primary visa holder expires during the term of the visa. The visa also allows the holders to employ an unlimited domestic staff.

Health Insurance Benefits

The holders of the UAE golden visa are now eligible for exclusive health insurance schemes. The premium for these plans starts at around AED 2,400 for annual health insurance coverage of AED 300,000. These dedicated plans provide coverage up to AED 20 million and policyholders can get global coverage. All categories of golden visa holders (and their dependents) are eligible for this plan. It can be customized as per individual requirements.

What are the Categories of Golden Visa UAE?

The UAE Golden Visa is granted under the following six categories to eligible applicants.

Real Estate Investors

Individuals who invest AED 2 million and above in real estate can apply under this category

Exceptionally Talented Individuals

People with special talents in the fields of art, culture, sports, digital technology, medicine, etc can apply under this category. The visa is granted purely on the basis of an individual's talent, regardless of education, employment, and income levels.

Scientists

Researchers with master's or doctoral degrees from the world's top universities in science, engineering, or technology can apply for a golden visa. A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists' Council is essential.

Entrepreneurs

Investors in startup companies registered in the UAE and categorized under small & medium enterprises (SME) can apply for a golden residence visa

Skilled Workers

Individuals who fall under occupational level 1 or 2 as defined by the government and hold a valid employment contract can apply for a golden visa. A bachelor's degree is essential for these workers.

Students

Secondary school students or university graduates with high academic scores can apply under this category

How Much Does a Golden Visa Cost?

The entry permit fee for the applicants of Golden Visa UAE is currently AED 1,250. It includes:

Issuance Fee -

AED 1,000

Application Fee -

AED 100

Smart Services Fee -

AED 100

Electronic Services Fee -

AED 28

ICP

AED 22

What is the Processing Time for a UAE Golden Visa?

It takes around 30 days to process and approve your application for a UAE Golden Visa. It usually depends upon the number of applications to be processed. The approval letter is issued electronically to the applicants.

What is the Validity of a UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa UAE is a long-term residence visa with a validity of 5 or 10 years, depending upon the visa category. The holders are also eligible to get a 6-month multiple-entry visa to complete the visa procedures and formalities.

What is Golden Visa Health Insurance in the UAE?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and talented individuals to live and work in the UAE. A key requirement of this visa is having valid health insurance, ensuring visa holders have access to comprehensive healthcare services during their stay.

How Does Golden Visa Health Insurance Work?

  • Mandatory Coverage: Health insurance is compulsory for all Golden Visa holders. This requirement applies not just when obtaining the visa but also for renewals.
  • Comprehensive Plans: Golden Visa health insurance plans cover a broad range of medical needs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and more. Some plans even offer global coverage, which is great for those who travel frequently.
  • Flexible Options: Insurance companies provide various policies according to Golden Visa holder’s requirements and financial constraints. Costs vary based on factors like age, medical history, and the level of coverage you choose.
  • Convenient Access: Most plans offer direct billing within a network of hospitals and clinics, which means you don’t have to pay upfront for medical services.
  • Annual Renewal: The policies should to be renewed annually to maintain the validity of your Golden Visa. Staying compliant with health insurance requirements is essential to keep your visa active.
  • Exclusions: It’s important to know what your plan does and doesn’t cover. Some common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic treatments, and certain alternative therapies.

Golden Visa health insurance provides the peace of mind and healthcare access that Golden Visa holders need, helping them feel secure and well-cared-for while residing in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Golden Visa

Yes, having health insurance is mandatory for all UAE Golden Visa holders. It’s a crucial requirement for both obtaining and renewing your visa, ensuring you have access to essential healthcare services like emergency care, hospital visits, and routine medical treatments.

Golden Visa health insurance generally covers essential medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency treatments, surgeries, and maternity care. Coverage options vary, so you can choose a plan that fits your needs and budget while meeting the UAE’s requirements.

No. The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa with a maximum validity of 10 years. It has to be renewed at the end of this period.

Standard visa holders lose the validity of their visas if they stay outside the UAE beyond six months. But this restriction is not applicable to the golden visa holders. They can stay abroad as long as they want without affecting their visa validity.

The UAE Golden Visa is not tied to your employment with any particular organization. You can continue your stay in the UAE without employment until the visa remains valid.

Yes, the Golden Visa allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases, even parents. Family members will receive the same residency duration as the primary visa holder.

Required documents typically include a passport, recent photographs, proof of income or investment, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Additional documents may be needed based on the visa category.

Yes, the Golden Visa permits you to work in the UAE without the need for a work permit or a local sponsor. You can either start your own business or be employed by a UAE-based company.

Golden Visa holders are not subject to the standard UAE residency rule that limits absences from the country to six months. You can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without risking the validity of your visa.

Disclaimer: The nations, visa costs, and other information presented here are derived from a variety of sources. This is not a recommendation or promotion from Prominent Insurance Brokers. Before purchasing your tickets or requesting a visa, please confirm the same.