UAE’ Golden Residency program was established with the aim of providing long-term residency opportunities for individuals desiring to live in the country without the need for a local sponsor. This program offers exclusive privileges to participants, including:
1. Multiple Entry Visa for 6 Months: Golden Residency holders can obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for six months to facilitate the process of obtaining their Golden Residency.
2. Residency Visa for 5 or 10 Years: Applicants for the program have the option to choose between a 5-year or a 10-year residency period, with the possibility of renewal upon expiry.
3. Residency Abroad: Golden Residency holders can stay outside of the UAE for a period exceeding 6 months without forfeiting their rights.
4. No Need for a Local Sponsor: Unlike many other visa programs, Golden Residency applicants are not required to have a local sponsor.
5. Family Residency Permits: The program allows for the issuance of residency permits for family members, including spouses and children.
6. No Maximum Limit for Domestic Workers: Golden Residency holders can bring domestic workers without a specified maximum limit.
7. Family Stay in Case of the Main Residency Holder’s Demise: In the unfortunate event of the main Golden Residency holder’s passing, family members can continue to reside in the country for the duration of their residency permit.
What is the Goal of Golden Residency in the UAE?
The primary objective of the Golden Residency program in the UAE is to attract innovative individuals, self-employed professionals, and entrepreneurs from around the world. This initiative aims to stimulate innovative thinking, encourage development, and promote investment across various economic sectors. Additionally, the program seeks to elevate the UAE’s status as a global hub for innovation and exceptional talent.
Through this initiative, the UAE aims to continually attract exceptional minds and creatives who can play pivotal roles in the development of various sectors within the national economy.
Required Documents for Golden Residency Application
To apply for the Golden Residency, applicants must provide the following documents:
- A colored passport-sized photograph.
- A copy of the passport.
- A copy of the national ID card (if applicable).
- A comprehensive CV, including contact information, a brief personal overview, significant professional achievements, and creative accomplishments.
- A copy of the current residency (if available).
Note: If the applicant is residing outside the UAE, a 6-month entry visa will be granted to complete the Golden Residency application process. If the applicant is already within the country, they can either submit the application themselves as a public service or through a nominated entity.
Golden Residency Approval and Issuance Time Frame
For applicants residing within the UAE who submit all the required documents, the initial approval takes approximately 48 hours. After the applicant cancels their current residence and completes the medical examination, the issuance of the Golden Residency typically takes 3-5 business days.
What is the cost of the Golden Residency?
The cost of the Golden Residency ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 3,800 for applications submitted within the United Arab Emirates and from AED 3,800 to AED 4,800 for applications submitted from outside the country.
The cost of the Golden Residency depends on its category and the type of service requested. The cost of the Golden Residency includes only the fees for issuing or replacing the Emirati ID. It does not include the medical examination fees, which can range from AED 150 to AED 500, depending on the type of service provided. The cost also does not include the fees for canceling the current residence, for which the current sponsor is responsible.
Golden Residency Requirements in the UAE
The requirements for a Golden Residency visa in the UAE depend on the category the applicant falls into, whether it’s investors, talents, or entrepreneurs. Here are the details:
1. Investors in Public Investments
If you plan to invest in an approved public investment fund in the UAE, you have the opportunity to obtain a Golden Residency visa for up to 10 years without the need for a local sponsor. Here are the conditions:
- Provide a letter from the approved investment fund in the UAE indicating a deposit of AED 2 million.
- Submit a valid commercial or industrial license with a partnership agreement showing an investment capital share of not less than AED 2 million.
- Present a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming that you are an owner or partner in a company that pays taxes to the government, and your share of taxes is at least AED 250,000 annually.
In addition, there are some other essential requirements:
- The capital must be fully paid up and not a loan.
- Proof of health insurance for you and your family, if available.
2. Real Estate Investors
If you own property or a group of properties in the specific emirate, you can obtain a Golden Residency visa for 5 years, which is renewable, without the need for a local sponsor. Here are the requirements:
- A letter from the Real Estate Registration Department proving your ownership of the property valued at not less than AED 2 million and confirming that there are no mortgages on it.
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE, either by owning a home or through a lease agreement.
3. Entrepreneurs
If you are an entrepreneur and have an innovative or future-oriented economic project relying on innovation and risk, you can obtain a 5-year Golden Residency visa. The requirements include:
- A letter from a UAE-licensed auditing firm confirming that the project’s value is not less than AED 500,000.
- A letter from relevant authorities in the emirate attesting to the project’s technological or future-oriented nature.
- A letter from an accredited business incubator or relevant government body in the emirate certifying the project’s innovation and future-oriented nature.
4. Talented Individuals and Specialists
The category of talented individuals and specialists includes the following:
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creatives in culture and the arts
- Inventors
- Executives
- Specialists in priority scientific fields
Athletes - Ph.D. holders
- Specialists in engineering and sciences, including the following subjects:
- Epidemiology and viruses
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data
- Computer engineering
- Electronics engineering
- Software engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Genetic engineering and biotechnology
If you fall under the category of talented individuals and specialists, you can obtain a 10-year residency visa after meeting the following requirements:
Doctors and Scientists:
- An accredited letter from the Ministry of Health in the country confirming the practice of the medical profession (Doctors).
- A recommendation letter from the UAE Council of Scientists or a letter from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Scientific Excellence, indicating that the applicant has received the Medal of Scientific Excellence (Scientists).
Inventors:
- A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.
Creatives in Culture and the Arts:
- An accredited letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or the Culture and Arts Department in the relevant emirate.
5. Executives
If you hold an executive position and are applying for a Golden Residency Visa in the UAE, here are the basic requirements:
- A certified copy of your university degree from the Ministry of Education, confirming that you have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- A work experience certificate of at least 5 years in a field related to your position.
- A salary certificate indicating that your annual income is not less than 50,000 dirhams.
- A valid employment contract confirming your current job.
6. Athletes
For athletes seeking a Golden Residency Visa, you need to provide the following documents:
- A recommendation letter from the General Authority for Sports or one of the recognized sports councils.
7. Specialists in Engineering and Sciences
For specialists in engineering and sciences aiming to obtain a Golden Residency Visa, you must submit the following documents:
- A certified copy of your Ph.D. certificate by the Ministry of Education in one of the priority specializations.
8. Gifted Students
For high school students:
If you are a high school student and have achieved a high ranking at the national level (with a grade point average of no less than 95% in a government or private high school), you can obtain a Golden Residency Visa for 5 years without a sponsor. You must provide a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Foundation for School Education). The residency can be renewed if you are still enrolled in a university in the country and require more than 5 years of study.
For students in UAE universities:
Gifted students in UAE universities aiming to get a 10-year Golden Residency Visa without a sponsor must meet the following requirements:
- The university must be classified as (A) or (B) according to the recognized classification by the Ministry of Education.
- A recommendation letter from the university or a graduation certificate confirming that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 in (A) universities or 3.8 in (B) universities.
For students from foreign universities:
To obtain a Golden Residency Visa as a top graduate from foreign universities, you must comply with the following requirements:
- The university from which you graduated must be ranked among the top 100 universities in the world according to the internationally recognized classification by the Ministry of Education.
- Your cumulative GPA should not be less than 3.5.
- Graduation should not have been more than two years ago.
- The certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education.
9. Humanitarian Workers
If you are a humanitarian worker, you can obtain a 10-year Golden Residency Visa. However, you must belong to one of the following categories to qualify as a humanitarian worker:
- Members of international and regional organizations, or outstanding workers therein, for at least 5 years.
- Members of non-profit civil society organizations, or outstanding workers therein, for at least 5 years.
- Recipients of honorary awards from local, regional, or international institutions specialized in humanitarian work.
- Outstanding volunteers in the field of humanitarian work for at least 5 years or the equivalent of 500 volunteer hours.
- Financial supporters of humanitarian work, provided that the value of support is not less than 2 million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.
10. First-line Defense Workers
For first-line defense workers during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they can obtain a Golden Residency Visa upon recommendation from the relevant authority. This category includes nurses, paramedics, medical assistants, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, primary healthcare specialists, and other recognized professionals in the field of healthcare.