Golden visas allow residents to change jobs more easily and spend periods of time out of work without having to worry about their legal status in the country

Who is eligible and how to apply for the UAE's golden visa


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Hundreds of thousands of UAE residents have been awarded a golden visa since the scheme was first introduced in 2019.

The 10-year residency permits are given to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the country, have highly prized skills or work in key industries that are crucial to economic growth.

In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs said in November that more than 150,000 golden visas were issued in the emirate.

Golden visas have been granted to a variety of people, including outstanding pupils and students who earned top marks in their final-year exams and health workers who served on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Numerous global celebrities and stalwarts of the business community have also been awarded golden visas.

UFC president Dana White pictured receiving his golden visa. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
UFC president Dana White pictured receiving his golden visa. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi

The process involved in applying for a golden visa is different from applying for a normal residency permit. The National explains how.

What are golden visas?

Golden visas are designed to enable foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE mainland.

These visas are issued for 10 years and as long as the recipient continues to meet the conditions of the visa, they can renew for a further decade when it is due to expire.

Normal expatriate workers must renew their visas every two to three years.

Golden visas are different to Emirati citizenship, which can be granted only to people nominated by the government or royal court officials.

Who can get a golden visa?

Golden visas can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, people with special talents, researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and bright students with promising scientific capabilities.

Sometimes people are nominated for golden visas by senior Emiratis or government bodies, and in other circumstances, people apply online.

Expat Sinan Al Awsi, an Abu Dhabi community champion honoured by President Sheikh Mohamed for his efforts to make the emirate greener, was granted a golden visa this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Expat Sinan Al Awsi, an Abu Dhabi community champion honoured by President Sheikh Mohamed for his efforts to make the emirate greener, was granted a golden visa this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People investing Dh1 million to Dh2 million in property also have several options.

If a person is awarded a golden visa, then their spouse and children can also apply.

How do the authorities decide who is eligible for a golden visa?

The following categories of people are entitled to apply for a 10-year residence visa in the UAE.

1. People with public investments of at least Dh10 million. The investment may take many forms, such as:

  • A deposit of at least Dh10m in an investment fund inside the country
  • Establishing a company in the UAE with a capital of not less than Dh10m
  • Partnering in an existing or new company with a share value of not less than Dh10m
  • Having a total investment of not less than Dh10m in all areas mentioned, on condition that the investment in sectors other than real estate is not less than 60 per cent of the total investment.

The golden visa includes the spouse and children of the holder, as well as one executive director and one adviser. It can also be extended to include business partners, on the condition that each partner contributes Dh10m.

2. People with special talents

This includes people in the fields of science and knowledge, such as doctors, specialists, scientists and inventors, as well as creative people in the fields of culture and art.

If you hold a doctorate or a patent, you are eligible, but there are other conditions regarding how the specialised talents are defined, as outlined on the UAE's government portal.

All categories of applicants are also required to have a valid employment contract in a specialised field of priority in the UAE.

How do you apply for a golden visa?

Applicants need to register their interest on the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website.

There is a special area for golden visa services.

If you are from one of the eligible categories but have not yet been nominated, then you should apply via the box labelled "Visa - Golden Visa - Nomination Request For Golden Residence - New Request".

Ruxeena Musthafa, an artist who set up a studio in Dubai, was among those who were granted a golden visa under the cultural category given to artists. Antonie Robertson / The National
Ruxeena Musthafa, an artist who set up a studio in Dubai, was among those who were granted a golden visa under the cultural category given to artists. Antonie Robertson / The National

There is an online form which requests your personal details, plus the category under which you believe you can be nominated.

You will also need your Unified Identification Number (UID) - a six-digit number automatically assigned to anyone who enters the UAE.

Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has also set up a new team to handle applications for golden visas and other important people.

Called "You are Special", the service can be accessed 24-7 online or by calling 800 5111.

How do exceptional pupils or graduates apply?

The Golden Residency is granted to outstanding pupils who have obtained an average rate of at least 95 per cent in the high school certificate from public or private schools; and to university students from inside or outside the country who have a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.75, or its equivalent in specific scientific disciplines.

The visa includes the students' families.

Applications for Golden Residency are submitted through the Emirates Schools Establishment.

How long does the nomination process take?

Within 30 days you will receive an email notifying you of the outcome of your application to be nominated.

Once your nomination has been approved, you will receive an emailed link to upload the required documents for the visa.

Nurse Silpa Suresh and her husband, ER nurse Jephy Antony, at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai. both received golden visas. Victor Besa / The National
Nurse Silpa Suresh and her husband, ER nurse Jephy Antony, at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai. both received golden visas. Victor Besa / The National

Within weeks of uploading your documents, your application will be verified by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and you will receive your visa.

If you are currently residing within the UAE, you will be given a temporary one-month visa and will be required to convert your temporary visa into a residency permit during this period.

What if I am applying from outside the UAE?

If you currently live outside of the UAE, you will be given a six-month visa to enter the country, explore its opportunities, and settle.

To apply for this multi-entry visa, you need to fill in an online form. There is one for investors, and one for entrepreneurs and outstanding students. It costs Dh1,150.

The six-month visa for talented people is only single entry.

During this period, you will be required to convert your temporary visa into a residency permit.

Does my golden visa qualify me to work in the UAE?

To work in the UAE, you need to have a valid employment contract, work permit or a licence.

However, the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has started to issue work permits for golden residency holders.

These are required by those who were unemployed when they received their golden visa and wish to start working for a specific employer, and by those who plan to start a new job with a new employer.

Need more help?

The Federal Authority for Identity and citizenship (ICA) has a toll-free number, 600 522222, and a feedback platform.

A version of this story was first published on April 19, 2022, written by Georgia Tolley.

Stars who received UAE's golden visa – in pictures

  • Lebanese singer Najwa Karam is one of many celebrities offered UAE's golden visa.
    Lebanese singer Najwa Karam is one of many celebrities offered UAE's golden visa.
  • Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama
    Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama
  • Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fashion influencer Ola Farahat
    Fashion influencer Ola Farahat
  • Tunisian singer Latifa El Arfaoui
    Tunisian singer Latifa El Arfaoui
  • Lebanese singer Marwan Khoury
    Lebanese singer Marwan Khoury
  • Egyptian actress Nelly Karim
    Egyptian actress Nelly Karim
  • Lebanese singer Walid Toufic
    Lebanese singer Walid Toufic
  • Egyptian singer and composer Hani Shaker
    Egyptian singer and composer Hani Shaker
  • Lebanese television presenter Annabella Hilal
    Lebanese television presenter Annabella Hilal
  • Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan
    Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan
  • Chef Izu Ani
    Chef Izu Ani
  • Chef Reif Othman
    Chef Reif Othman
  • Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim
    Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim
  • Syrian actor Kosai Khauli
    Syrian actor Kosai Khauli
  • Indian actor and director Sanjay Dutt
    Indian actor and director Sanjay Dutt
  • Lebanese designer Karen Wazen
    Lebanese designer Karen Wazen
  • Lebanese-Canadian basketball player Ali Kanaan
    Lebanese-Canadian basketball player Ali Kanaan
  • Film director Mohammed Samy with his wife, actress Mai Omar
    Film director Mohammed Samy with his wife, actress Mai Omar
  • Lebanese actress Jessy Abdo
    Lebanese actress Jessy Abdo
  • Lebanese singer Myriam Fares
    Lebanese singer Myriam Fares
  • South Indian actor Mohanlal
    South Indian actor Mohanlal
  • Kerala star Mammootty
    Kerala star Mammootty
  • Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty
    Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty
  • Kerala actor Tovino Thomas
    Kerala actor Tovino Thomas
  • South Indian actor Prithviraj.
    South Indian actor Prithviraj.
  • Moroccan singer Imad Benaomar
    Moroccan singer Imad Benaomar
  • Egyptian actor Karim Fahmi.
    Egyptian actor Karim Fahmi.
  • Egyptian actress Safia Alemary
    Egyptian actress Safia Alemary
  • Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor.
    Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor.
  • Indian Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam.
    Indian Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam.
  • Lebanese singer Elissa.
    Lebanese singer Elissa.
  • Giorgio Armani with his UAE golden visa in Dubai. Photo: Giorgio Armani
    Giorgio Armani with his UAE golden visa in Dubai. Photo: Giorgio Armani
  • Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. Photo: Yash Raj Films
    Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. Photo: Yash Raj Films
  • Pakistani actor Fakhr-e-Alam.
    Pakistani actor Fakhr-e-Alam.
  • Bollywood star Ranveer Singh being presented his UAE golden visa in Abu Dhabi by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the chief executive of Miral. Photo: Yas Island
    Bollywood star Ranveer Singh being presented his UAE golden visa in Abu Dhabi by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the chief executive of Miral. Photo: Yas Island
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Company%20profile
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All%20The%20Light%20We%20Cannot%20See%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESteven%20Knight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMark%20Ruffalo%2C%20Hugh%20Laurie%2C%20Aria%20Mia%20Loberti%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

'Skin'

Dir: Guy Nattiv

Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

T20 World Cup Qualifier

October 18 – November 2

Opening fixtures

Friday, October 18

ICC Academy: 10am, Scotland v Singapore, 2.10pm, Netherlands v Kenya

Zayed Cricket Stadium: 2.10pm, Hong Kong v Ireland, 7.30pm, Oman v UAE

UAE squad

Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Rameez Shahzad, Darius D’Silva, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zawar Farid, Ghulam Shabber, Junaid Siddique, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Waheed Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Zahoor Khan

Players out: Mohammed Naveed, Shaiman Anwar, Qadeer Ahmed

Players in: Junaid Siddique, Darius D’Silva, Waheed Ahmed

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

Which honey takes your fancy?

Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

SQUADS

India
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur

New Zealand
Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, George Worker, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

While you're here
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face

The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.

The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran. 

Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf. 

"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said. 

Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer. 

The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy. 

 

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Army of the Dead

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera

Three stars

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

Updated: January 29, 2024, 6:47 AM