The UAE’s Golden Visa program aims to attract talented professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, offering a path to long-term residency, tax-free income, and access to world-class living. This visa offers significant benefits, including multiple entry permits, extended residency, and the ability to sponsor dependents. Holders can live and work in the UAE without a local sponsor or employer, facilitating business activities and investments.

Eligibility for Professionals

Skilled workers and professionals can qualify for the Golden Visa if they meet specific criteria, such as holding a valid employment contract in a job classified as Level 1 (Managers & Business Executives) or Level 2 (professionals in fields like sciences, engineering, health, education, IT, law, and culture) by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a salary of at least Dh30,000 per month.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for a Golden Visa, the applicant must submit:

• Proof of Employment: A MOHRE contract or salary certificate from a free zone authority showing a monthly salary of Dh30,000 or higher.
• Bank Statements: Last six months of bank statements displaying monthly salary deposits.
• Degree Certificate: A bachelor’s or higher degree, attested by the UAE embassy in the applicant’s home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): A company-issued NOC on letterhead, signed by HR or an authorized representative, confirming the employee’s eligibility for a Golden Visa.
• Nomination Letter: Required for specific categories, such as culture, sports, or innovation, from designated authorities.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the applicant and their family.
• Passport and Photo: Valid passport with a visa page and a recent passport-sized photo.

Golden Visa Nomination Process

The Golden Visa nomination service allows applicants to submit the necessary details to receive a nomination, which is a prerequisite for starting the Golden Visa application. Once approved, applicants will proceed to complete their application with either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

Who Can Receive a Nomination?

• Culture and Art Professionals: A nomination letter from the Dubai Culture Authority or the Ministry of Culture is required.
• Innovators and Inventors: Must obtain a nomination letter from the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authority.
• Athletes: A nomination letter from the General Sports Authority or the Dubai Sports Council is needed.
• Digital Talent: A nomination letter from the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions is necessary.
• Exceptional Talent in Other Fields: Requires a nomination letter from the Dubai Future Authority.

Once the nomination is received, applicants must complete any additional requirements and submit their applications for final review and approval.

How to Apply

Applications can be made online through:

• GDRFA (Dubai): Access the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website or smart app. Options include applying in-person at a Customer Happiness Centre or Amer service center.
• ICA (Federal): Visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA) website, create an account, and follow the application procedure.

Applying Through GDRFA (Dubai)

Digital Channels (Website/Smart App):

1. Log in using UAE Pass or your username.
2. Search for and select the service for Golden Visa application.
3. Complete the application form and submit the required details.
4. Pay the service fees:
   • Residence permit: Dh1,100
   • Knowledge fee: Dh10
   • Innovation fee: Dh10
   • Fee for applying within the country: Dh500
   • Delivery fee: Dh20
   • Note: The issuance fee increases by Dh100 annually if the residency exceeds two years.

Customer Happiness Centre:

• Visit the nearest centre and take an automated turn ticket.
• Submit the completed application with all required documents to the service representative.
• Pay the service fee.

Amer Service Centre:

• Visit the nearest Amer service centre, get a ticket, and wait for your turn.
• Submit the completed application and pay the service fee.

Applying Through ICP (Federal)

1. Visit the ICP website.
2. Scroll down to ‘services’ and select the Golden Visa option.
3. Choose your category and follow the instructions provided.
4. Create an account on the Smart Services portal.
5. After verification, log in, apply for the nomination, and submit your completed application.
6. Choose your preferred channel to submit your application—online or in-person at a registration centre.

Final Steps

After completing the application, applicants will receive an SMS and email confirming receipt. Further notifications will follow as the application progresses through processing.

Golden Visa for Other Categories

The program also caters to investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students with high GPAs, PhD holders, and professionals in critical fields such as IT, biotechnology, and AI. Dubai also offers a 10-year Gaming Visa to attract global gaming professionals and content creators.

Golden Visa applications for private sector educators recognize teachers who excel in their field, promoting the UAE’s commitment to educational innovation.