Hoping to get a UAE golden visa? Wondering what the new golden visa is all about in the UAE Residence and Entry Scheme? The special residency visa allows you to live and work in the UAE for ten years without a national sponsor.
The visa has been given to residents who have made outstanding contributions to the country, are highly skilled in certain fields, or work in key industries. High-achieving university graduates and high school students are also eligible.
This type of visa is different from a normal residency permit, which usually needs to be renewed every two or three years.
You might also like: 10 new UAE entry visas to apply for
There have been recent changes to the UAE Residence and Entry Scheme with ten types of visas announced. The scheme creates greater options and flexibility for those coming to the UAE with one unified platform. Major changes include multi-entry visas and a 60-day validity.
There have also been recent changes to UAE expat passport stickers with Emirates IDs to act as proof of residency.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been named top places to relocate to. Stick close to Time Out for everything you need to know about moving to the UAE.
What is the UAE golden visa?
In 2019, ten-year UAE golden visas were announced for select residents. They enable foreigners to stay in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and with full ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
The new rules also allow the golden visa holder to sponsor his or her family members including spouse and children, regardless of their age as well as domestic labourers. The maximum duration of stay outside the UAE has been removed. In the event of the original golden visa holder’s death, family members will now retain their visa until the end of their permit duration.
Who can apply for a UAE golden visa?
There have been recent changes to the UAE Residence and Entry Scheme, which allows more individuals to apply for a golden residence visa. The new announcement names investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
Other eligible candidates include PhD holders, residents with degrees in specialised subjects such as artificial intelligence, big data and epidemiology and virology.
How do students qualify for a UAE golden visa?
Students from top universities worldwide with a GPA of 3.8 and above are eligible to apply for the golden visa. High school students who have obtained an average rate of at least 95 per cent in the high school certificate from public or private schools are also eligible. Those students’ families will also be included in the visa.
How do I apply for a UAE golden visa?
Think you might be eligible for a golden visa? Applicants can register their interest on the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. Head to the golden services section to request a nomination.
How long does the UAE golden visa last and can it be renewed?
The golden visa lasts for ten years. It can be renewed, permitting the residence holder still meets the original requirements of the visa.
