How to Apply for a Dubai Golden Visa in 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

Over the past few years, the Dubai Golden Visa has become an attractive option among business professionals who are eager to establish themselves in the UAE. This long-term residency option offers various benefits, like providing security and stability in one of the best business hubs in the world.

What is the Dubai Golden Visa? 

The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without any local sponsor for up to 10 years. This program was launched in 2018 with the aim to attract global talent, which, in turn, would make Dubai home for expatriates. This visa is available for various categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and exceptional students.  

 
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai 

To apply for a Golden Visa, you need to meet specific criteria set by the legal entities of the UAE. Let’s take a look at these criteria: 

1. Investors: Investors fall into two categories – real estate investors and investors in public investments. To apply for a Golden Visa, investors must meet one of the following conditions.  

• For real estate investors: 
  • A provision letter from the land department stating the investor has one or more properties with a combined value of at least 2 million dirhams.  
  • Purchase of property with a loan from specific local banks. It also has to be approved by a qualified legal entity. 
• For investors in public investments: The investor must have an investment fund and meet these requirements
  • A submission of a valid commercial or industrial licence along with a memorandum (it should state the investor has invested no less than AED 2 million).
  • Submission of a letter from the Federal Tax Authority. It should state that the investor pays a minimum of AED 2.5 million to the government annually.
• Additional requirements are:
  • The capital should not be from a loan.  
  • Proof of medical insurance for themselves and their family (if any).

2. Entrepreneurs:  

Entrepreneurs are eligible individuals for a Golden Visa when they meet the following requirements:   

• Business owners with start-ups registered in the UAE who have an auditor stating that the project value is no less than 500,000.  
• A letter of approval from reputable authorities stating the entrepreneur’s project is technical or futuristic in nature.  
• A letter of approval from a recognised business incubator from the UAE to set up the proposed activity in the UAE.

3. Specialised Talents: Professionals from various fields can apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai:  
 
Specific requirements: 

• Doctors: A letter of approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practise professions in the field of medicine.
• Scientists: A letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence which states the applicant has been awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence (for scientists).
• Inventors: A letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy which states the inventor’s patent will add value to the UAE’s economy.
• Creative people in culture & art fields: An approval letter from their respective emirate’s department of culture.
• Executive Directors: A copy of at least a bachelor’s level university degree from an institute recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education. A letter of experience which proves a minimum of five years of professional experience in the same role. A valid work contract along with a salary of AED 50,000 at least.
• Athletes: A letter of recommendation from either general Sports Authority or one of the sports councils.
• Engineering & Science specialists: A Ministry of Education certified copy of a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a valid work contract.  

4. Exceptional Students: Academically gifted individuals from top schools and universities worldwide are eligible candidates for Golden Visa. 

Application Process for Golden Visa  

Here’s how you can get started with your application: 
1. Determine Eligibility: Check the categories of eligibility carefully. After this, determine which category you fall under.  

 
2. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the necessary documents. Check out the next section for the list of documents required. 
 
3. Get started on your application process: Speak to one of Meydan Free Zone’s experienced agents and clarify any questions you may have about the application process. 
 

4. Submit Your Application: You can submit your application online with the help of one of our agents. 

5. Pay The Application Fees: While submitting your application, you are required to pay the applicable fees. The fees can vary depending on your circumstances.  

 
6. Receive Approval: After your application is processed, you will receive a notification regarding its approval status. If it’s approved, a Golden Visa will be issued for you.  

 
7. Final Steps: Complete the remaining steps. This can include medical tests, Emirates ID registration, etc.  

 
Benefits of Holding a Golden Visa 

There are several benefits an individual can enjoy by holding a Golden Visa. They include: 

 
1. Long-term residency: You can reside in the UAE for 5 or 10 years without a local sponsor.  

 
2. Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your family members for residency. This includes your spouses, parents, and children.  

 
3. Domestic helper sponsorship: You can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers with a Golden Visa.  

 
4. Other benefits:  
– Family members can stay for the duration of their permit even if the primary Golden Visa holder dies.  
– You can stay outside of UAE for more than six months and still keep your residency visa which is not the case with other types of visa.  

 
Conclusion 

If you follow all the necessary steps, applying for a Dubai Golden Visa can be a simple process. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global centre of business and innovation, the Golden Visa will continue to rise in popularity. If you are ready to unlock your potential in a vibrant city like Dubai, begin your application for the Golden Visa in Dubai today. 

Get in touch with us and take the first step in your journey of acquiring the Dubai Golden Visa!

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