The UAE Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, aims to attract and retain exceptional professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and students from across the globe. Our team is here to guide you through a smooth and efficient application process, ensuring you can fully benefit from the Golden Visa. Enjoy long-term residency in the UAE, 100% ownership of a mainland company, and the freedom to live, work, and study in the country.
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Documentation
Standard Requirements:
- Copies of your passport, visa, and EID card
- UAE labour contract
- Salary certificate or income confirmation letter
- Education certificate, fully attested and legalized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Six months of personal bank statements
- Title deed (if you own property in the UAE)
- Reference letter from your employer or a person of influence regarding your contribution to your industry or the UAE economy
- Copy of your CV or LinkedIn profile
- Published articles or write-ups about you, your business, or your contribution to the UAE economy
Golden Visa UAE: Everything You Need to Know – SH Typing
Imagine launching your dream business in a vibrant city with year-round sunshine and stunning beaches.
Sounds incredible, right?
Now, picture a place where you don’t have to pay taxes.
Even better!
The best part? This isn’t just a fantasy. It’s all possible in the United Arab Emirates, but to stay long-term, you’ll need a UAE Golden Visa.
What’s a Golden Visa in the UAE?
SH Typing has prepared this guide to answer all your questions about the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa. Continue reading to discover how you can live the dream in reality.
What Is the Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa is a unique long-term residency program, offering a 10-year visa to eligible individuals. Unlike other visa programs, it also comes with a range of attractive privileges that most typical residence visa programs don’t provide.
Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa program aimed to attract and retain foreign talent in a tax-friendly environment, encouraging business development and boosting the UAE’s economy.
By late 2021, 44,000 Dubai residents had secured long-term residency through the Golden Visa. The program also played a role in the UAE’s resilience during the pandemic, reinforcing its status as a top destination for living, working, and starting new businesses.
The Golden Visa program is designed to target entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled individuals in specific sectors. Professionals such as medical staff, engineers, researchers, and high-achieving students can all be eligible for the program.
Golden Visa holders are granted 10 years of residency, with automatic renewals available in some cases, simplifying the process for those tired of bureaucratic red tape.
Benefits of a UAE Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is the gold standard for long-term residency in the UAE, with benefits designed to attract the best global talent. Add to that the year-round sunshine, modern infrastructure, and beautiful beaches, and it’s an offer too good to miss.
- No Local Sponsor Needed
Golden Visa holders do not require a local sponsor to live, work, or study in the UAE. This eliminates the often complicated and time-consuming process of finding a local sponsor, which can be challenging if you’re not employed by a local company or don’t know any nationals.
- 100% Business Ownership
A major benefit of the Golden Visa is the ability for holders to own 100% of a business operating in the UAE. Before the program, foreign entrepreneurs had to partner with an Emirati national for business ownership. The Golden Visa removes these barriers, making it easier for foreign investors to establish their businesses.
- Add Your Family and Business Associates
If you secure a Golden Visa, you can add your family members and key business associates to the visa. This feature simplifies the process, saving you from endless paperwork and preventing family separations.
- Free Travel to and from the UAE
Golden Visa holders can travel freely to and from the UAE without restrictions, similar to a UAE citizen. You can visit friends and family or attend business meetings abroad without worrying about visa limitations.
Additional Benefits in Different Emirates
Golden Visa holders in different emirates enjoy various sector-specific benefits.
- Dubai: Visa holders may receive an Esaad privilege card and can easily convert foreign driving licenses into a UAE license. Exceptional students may also receive discounts at international universities across Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi: Golden Visa holders can access discounts on real estate, health services, banking, and more, thanks to partnerships with local businesses.
Am I Eligible for a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE has expanded the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants. The program is still focused on attracting individuals who can contribute to business development and the economy, so the criteria remain selective.
The main categories eligible for a Golden Visa include:
- Investors
- Specialists and researchers in science and knowledge
- High-level executives
- Athletes
- Engineers and scientists
- Creative professionals
- Inventors
- Outstanding students
- Healthcare workers
- Tech experts
- Humanitarian workers
Each category has specific criteria, which will be outlined in the next section.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE
The application process depends on your profession and category, but the basic steps are as follows:
- Identify your category and gather the required documentation.
- Submit the application and pay any necessary fees.
- Wait for a decision (up to 30 days).
- If successful, cancel your current UAE visa (if applicable).
- Submit your passport for the Golden Visa.
Who Can Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?
Each category has its own requirements, which can vary widely depending on your profession. Here’s an overview:
- Investors: Criteria for property investors, commercial investors, and those investing in funds.
- Doctors: Must provide professional certification and a labor card.
- Healthcare Workers: Recognized for contributions during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Researchers: Must provide recommendation letters from relevant organizations.
- Creative Professionals: Must be recommended by cultural and arts authorities.
- Inventors: Must provide proof of innovation, including letters from the Ministry of Economy.
- Executives: Must provide proof of high-level positions and meet salary requirements.
- Athletes: Must be recognized by sports councils or the General Authority for Sports.
Kickstart Your New Life with a Golden Visa in the UAE
Ready to take advantage of the UAE’s business opportunities, luxurious lifestyle, and tax-free living? A Golden Visa might be your key to making it happen.
If you think you qualify for a Golden Visa, now is the perfect time to start the process. Contact SH Typing to get expert guidance and begin your journey to establishing a business and living the dream in the UAE.