What is UAE Golden Visa and Who is Eligible to Apply in 2025?

Starting in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa has become a game-changer in the country's economic landscape in 5 years. Offering long-term residency fuels foreign investments, strengthening the skilled workforce, and enhancing the real estate and business sectors. 

For Indians, the Golden Visa for UAE is especially appealing due to its unparalleled business and investment opportunities. The UAE’s tax-friendly policies, booming job market, and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals.

What is the UAE Golden visa, and who is eligible to apply? Read along!

In 2019, the United Arab Emirates launched a new visa system for long-term visa holders. This is known as a Golden visa. This Golden Visa allows foreigners to live, work and study in the United Arab Emirates.

The 2019 amendment hopes to attract new foreign residents, especially to Dubai. Read on to learn about the eligibility criteria and advantages of the UAE Golden Visa.

Here is a list of individuals eligible (as per the UAE Cabinet Resolution) to apply for a UAE golden visa,

• Inventors
• Entrepreneurs
• Researchers and specialised talents in different fields of science and knowledge  (doctors, researchers, scientists, investors and artists)
• Highly talented students with promising scientific capacities (high school and university students)

Following are the requirements or conditions to obtain a UAE Golden Visa -

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Foreign Investors

• For a 10-year visa, individuals with public investment worth at least AED 2 million (in the form of either an investment fund or a company) can apply for this visa.
• The Government will extend a 10-year visa to business partners (each) who contribute AED 10 million.
• On the other hand, individuals with at least AED 5 million can apply for a 5-year visa.
• Individuals should keep the amount invested for 3 years and must not loan it.
• Individuals must own all assets. In addition, 60% of the fund must not be in real estate.
• The long-term UAE Golden Visa includes the holder's spouse, children, one chief executive director and an advisor.

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Individuals with Specialised Talent

• Individuals with specialised talents can apply for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa. They will obtain the visa only after their respective departments and fields grant them accreditations.
• Scientists must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or holders of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence. Creative individuals must be accredited in culture and art by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
• Applicants must be educators from any 500 international universities approved by the Ministry of Education.
• Doctors must have medical practitioner experience of 20 years in their field of expertise.
• Spouses and children of those individuals will get this visa as well.

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

• The requirements for real estate investors are similar to that of general investors. However, they can apply for a 5-year visa and must invest AED 2 million. The property must be fully owned by the investor and not mortgaged.

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Students and Specialists

• Outstanding students must have at least a grade of 95% in private and public secondary schools.
• Further, university students (inside and outside of the country) must have a distinction GPA of a minimum of 3.75 upon graduation.

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs

• Individuals who have an existing project with a capital of at least AED 500,000 or the approval of an authorised business incubator in the country can apply for a UAE Golden Visa.

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Chief Executives

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and 5 years or more of experience.
• They must earn a salary of 30,000 AED or more in the UAE under a legitimate job contract.

Eligibility Requirements for UAE Golden Visa for Families

• The UAE Golden Visa also covers the families of the applicants.
• The above discussion can help applicants learn about UAE Golden Visa eligibility requirements. Now, let's focus on the application procedure.

Individuals can apply for Golden Visa for UAE for the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship — ICA (the eChannel for residency and citizenship) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

ICA allows online applications only. On the other hand, GDRFA enables both online and offline applications. Follow the steps mentioned below to complete UAE Golden Visa.

If you wish to apply through the offline mode, visit the licensed typing centres. Here, the professionals can type and process your UAE Golden visa application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the respective emirate. If it is approved, you will receive a message regarding approval and the original entry permit.

What is the Processing Time for a Dubai Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa for UAE (Dubai) can take 15 days to up to 30 days to process. 

Below are discussed the unique features and associated benefits of the UAE Golden Visa,

• Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to live, study, work and conduct business in the UAE region.
• With a UAE Golden Visa, applicants can get 100% business ownership.
• Apart from being an entry visa for six months, it allows multiple entries and the issuance of residency permits.
• It also allows the residents to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children of any age. 
• With the Golden Visa for UAE, applicants can access various government services.

With such a detailed discussion, you can conclude your search for the UAE golden visa. Read the eligibility requirements carefully to successfully complete the UAE golden visa application.

Yes, residents with Golden Visas can extend their residency in Dubai by renewing their visa every 5 or 10 years, depending on their visa category.

No, though not mandatory, you should have travel insurance to apply for the UAE Golden visa. It is important to have an insurance policy for your family and yourself if you plan to stay in the country for long, as your insurance policy would help you financially in any unforeseen situation in a foreign country.

Insurance is probably not the first thing on your travel checklist, but trust us, you’ll be glad you have it. UAE, especially Dubai, is known for its expensive medical costs, which can be required anytime!

Having a UAE travel insurance policy keeps you covered in case of:

Overall, the UAE Golden Visa offers financial security, global exposure, and business-friendly policies, making it highly desirable for Indians seeking long-term residency abroad.