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UAE Golden Visa

Learn about the benefits and requirements of UAE golden visa

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UAE Golden Visa : Benefits and Requirments

Written by Fida Mnimneh - SBSI - 22/01/2024

A. What is the UAE’s Golden visa?

The UAE's 'Golden Visa' is a unique opportunity that extends a host of exclusive benefits to foreign talents looking to reside, work, or study in the UAE. This initiative is designed to make your experience in the Emirates not only seamless but also filled with privileges.


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B. Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa


  1. Six-Month Entry Visa
    • Enjoy a six-month entry visa with multiple entries to initiate the residence issuance process.
  2. Long-Term, Renewable Residence Visa
    • Secure a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for either 5 or 10 years, providing stability and flexibility.
  3. No Sponsorship Requirement
    • Experience the privilege of not needing a sponsor, offering you independence in your professional and personal pursuits.
  4. Extended Stay Flexibility
    • Stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period without jeopardizing the validity of your residence visa.
  5. Family Sponsorship
    • Sponsor your family members, including spouses and children of all ages, fostering togetherness in your new home.
  6. Unlimited Domestic Helper Sponsorship
    • Enjoy the ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, facilitating a comfortable and supported lifestyle.
  7. Family Continuation in Case of Demise
    • In the unfortunate event of the primary Golden visa holder passing away, family members can continue to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration.

C. Golden visa requirements

The requirements for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the type of residence sought, including investor, talent, entrepreneur, etc. Let's explore the specific requirements for each category:

Individuals earning a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or above are eligible for the Golden Visa, providing a pathway to long-term residency.

For investors in an investment fund, eligibility for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor is contingent upon:

  • Submission of a letter from an accredited UAE investment fund confirming a deposit of AED two million.

    OR
  • Submission of a valid commercial or industrial license and a memorandum of association, affirming that the investor's capital is not less than AED two million.
  • Submission of a letter from the Federal Tax Authority, verifying that the investor pays the government a minimum of AED 250,000 annually.

Additionally, investors must:

  • Own the invested capital entirely (not a loan).
  • Provide proof of medical insurance for themselves and their family.

For individuals owning a property or group of properties, a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable under the same conditions without a sponsor, requires:

  • A letter from the land department of the respective emirate, confirming ownership of property/properties valued at no less than AED 2 million.

    OR
  • Purchase of a property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.

It's worth highlighting that the UAE recognizes and values outstanding specialized talents across various domains. The categories of outstanding specialized talents include, but are not limited to:

  • Doctors
    Medical professionals who demonstrate exceptional expertise in their respective fields subject to an approval Letter from Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice the profession of medicine.
  • Scientists
    Researchers and scientists contributing significantly to advancements in their scientific disciplines subject to a letter of recommendation from Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence stating that the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
  • Creative Individuals in Culture and Art
    Artists, cultural influencers, and creatives making noteworthy contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape subject to an approval letter from the department of culture and arts in the respective emirate.
  • Inventors
    Individuals who have demonstrated exceptional inventiveness and innovation subject to a recommendation letter from Ministry of Economy stating that your patent has an added value to the country's economy.
  • Executives
    High-level executives and business leaders who have made a significant impact in their industries subject to a copy of a university degree accredited by Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor's degree, a letter of experience of no less than 5 years holding the same position, a salary certificate with a salary of AED 50,000 at least, and a valid work contract.
  • Specialists in Scientific Fields
    Professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in various scientific disciplines subject to a copy of a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree certified by Ministry of Education and a work contract.
  • Athletes
    Outstanding athletes who have achieved notable success in their respective sports subject to a recommendation letter from General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.
  • Doctoral Degree Holders
    Individuals who have attained a doctoral degree in their field of study.
  • Specialists in Engineering and Science
    Professionals with expertise in engineering and scientific fields, contributing to advancements and breakthroughs.

We are delighted to share with you the exciting opportunities for outstanding students through the UAE's Golden Visa program. The initiative is designed to recognize and reward academic excellence, providing a pathway to long-term residency without the need for a sponsor.

  • For High School Students

    If you are a high school student and a national-level topper with a minimum grade of 95 percent in a public or private secondary school, you may be eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor. This is subject to the submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). The duration of the Golden Visa for students is 5 years and may be extended if enrolled in majors or colleges that require a study period exceeding five years.
  • For University Students

    1. Outstanding University Students (Local Universities):
      • Eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor.
      • The university must be rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education.
      • Submission of a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an academic record with a cumulative GPA not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities.
      • The graduation should not be more than 2 years ago.
    2. Outstanding Students of Foreign Universities:
      • Eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor.
      • The university must be rated among the best 100 universities globally according to the recognized rating system by the Ministry of Education.
      • A cumulative GPA not less than 3.5.
      • Graduation should not be more than 2 years ago, and the graduation certificate must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.

We are pleased to bring to your attention a noteworthy opportunity for those dedicated to humanitarian causes – the Golden Visa for Pioneers of Humanitarian Work. This initiative aims to acknowledge and reward individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Categories of Pioneers of Humanitarian Work Eligible for a 10-Year Golden Visa:


  1. Members and Outstanding Employees of International and Regional Organizations
    Those who have devoted a minimum of five years to international and regional organizations, contributing significantly to humanitarian causes.
  2. Members and Outstanding Employees of Civil Associations and Institutions of Public Interest
    Individuals with a minimum of five years of dedicated service to civil associations and institutions of public interest, making a positive impact on society.
  3. Recipients of Appreciation Awards in Humanitarian Work
    Individuals who have been honored with an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization specifically recognizing their contributions to humanitarian work.
  4. Founders of Humanitarian Work
    Those providing financial support to humanitarian causes, with a minimum value of two million UAE dirhams or its equivalent.

This Golden Visa not only recognizes the significant contributions made by individuals in the humanitarian field but also serves as an invitation for them to continue their impactful work in the UAE.

A special opportunity that UAE acknowledges and appreciates the extraordinary efforts displayed by Frontline Heroes, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE is extending the Golden Visa to these heroes, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.

Eligibility Criteria for Frontline Heroes:


  1. Nurses
    Professionals providing essential healthcare services and demonstrating exceptional commitment.
  2. Medical Assistants
    Those actively supporting medical teams and contributing to patient care.
  3. Lab Technicians
    Individuals involved in critical laboratory work, aiding in diagnostics and medical research.
  4. Pharmacologists
    Professionals involved in pharmaceuticals, contributing to the development and dispensation of medications.
  5. Other Cadres Approved by the Frontline Heroes Office
    Various roles that have been recognized by the Frontline Heroes Office for their significant contributions during crises.

Recommendation from a Competent Authority:
To qualify for the Golden Visa, frontline heroes need a recommendation from a competent authority, affirming their exceptional efforts and contributions during crises.
This Golden Visa not only serves as a token of appreciation but also as an invitation for these heroes to continue their impactful work in the UAE.

At SBSI Business Services, we are committed to making your Golden Visa journey a seamless and successful one. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in achieving your residency goals in the UAE.