A Guide To Golden Visa Dubai: Requirements, Price, How To Apply
Who Can Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?
Previously reserved for exceptional foreign individuals who were specialists in their field, the visa categories have now been expanded to include a diverse range of people, including executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, and students. The Golden Visa requirements dictate a minimum salary of AED 30,000 a month for every applicant, apart from special cases. A consultant can advise you on the Golden visa requirements and check if you are eligible.
| Visa Category | Criteria | Eligible Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Manager |
– Minimum salary AED 30,000/month – Employer must have at least 20 employees – Manager position must be reflected in employment contract and permit |
Managers, Directors, Senior executives |
| Investor | – Available through investment in property, companies, or fixed deposit | Real estate investors, Business investors |
| Graduate |
– Available to university graduates inside and outside UAE – Available to exceptional high school graduates – University must be in MOFA’s Top 100 List |
Local university graduates, Foreign university graduates, High school graduates |
| Specialist |
– Available to outstanding talent in any field – Eligibility determined by relevant government body through nomination letter |
Athletes, Scientists, Medical professionals, Artists, Humanitarians, Creatives |
How Much Does the Golden Visa Dubai Cost?
The price of a UAE Golden Visa entirely depends on the visa category. If you need to prepare extra documents or get paperwork attested, the cost can go up. Momentum consultants have your back throughout, and can handle the entire visa application process.
Here’s the cost breakdown of the Golden Visa Dubai for every visa category:
| Manager | Investor | Graduate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 2,780 | AED 2,780 – 8,240 | AED 2,780 |
| Medical test fee | AED 350 | AED 350 | AED 350 |
| Emirates ID fee | AED 1,280 | AED 1,280 | AED 1,280 |
| Extra fees | AED 600 – 700 (Equivalency certificate) | – | AED 100 – 700 (Equivalency certificate) |
| Momentum service fee | AED 3,000 | AED 3,000 | AED 3,000 |
| Total cost | AED 8,010 – 8,110 | AED 7,410 – 12,870 | AED 7,510 – 8,110 |
Golden Visa Dubai Processing Time
If you need to get an equivalency certificate, that can take 1-2 weeks or 1-2 months depending on the visa category. Generally, a UAE Golden Visa application takes 2-3 weeks to get approved.
We can help you get all your documents, fill out the paperwork, and liaise with the relevant government authority to follow up on your application to avoid any delays.
How to Get the Investor Golden Visa?
A AED 2 Million investment in real estate, companies, or a fixed deposit with a local bank makes you eligible for the visa.
These are the documents you need to apply for the Investor UAE Golden Visa:
- Bank statements (Personal and business)
- Identification documents (Passport, photo, visa, ID)
- Investment confirmation document (Bank letter/Audit report/Title deed)
- Business paperwork, if relevant (Trade license, VAT returns, Memorandum of Association)
Now that the Golden Visa benefits can be accessed by more people, you might be wondering if you can apply for the visa if you’re not a specialist in your field or a humanitarian. The Manager category of the visa makes employees in senior positions eligible for the long-term visa.
These are the document requirements:
- Identification documents (Passport, photo, visa, ID)
- Employment contract
- Salary certificate
- Bank statement (6 months)
- Attested degree certificate
- NOC from your employer (with letterhead)
How to Get the UAE Golden Visa as a Normal Person?
How to Get the UAE Golden Visa as a Normal Person?
Now that the Golden Visa benefits can be accessed by more people, you might be wondering if you can apply for the visa if you’re not a specialist in your field or a humanitarian. The Manager category of the visa makes employees in senior positions eligible for the long-term visa.
These are the document requirements:
- Identification documents (Passport, photo, visa, ID)
- Employment contract
- Salary certificate
- Bank statement (6 months)
- Attested degree certificate
- NOC from your employer (with letterhead)
How Can University Students Get the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is also available to university graduates from both foreign and local universities. These are the Golden visa requirements for the application:
- Identification documents (Passport, photo, visa, ID)
- Attested degree certificate
- Transcript with a CGPA minimum of 3.8
10 Golden Visa Benefits to Convince You to Apply
No Travel Restrictions
If you get a UAE Golden visa, there is no obligation for you to stay in the country to maintain your visa. You can travel outside the country and re-enter as many times as you like, and can remain out of the country for an unlimited period of time.
No Income Taxes
Golden visa holders do not pay any income taxes. This is a massive Golden visa benefit that entices many foreigners to consider staying long-term in the country. There is also no corporate tax on annual revenue under AED 375,000 which is also advantageous for entrepreneurs.
No Sponsor Requirement
Non-Golden visa holders need to be sponsored by an employer or a UAE citizen to be able to legally live and work in the country. Getting the Golden visa gets rid of that requirement and foreigners will be able to stay until their visa expires.
Full Business Ownership
If you are a business owner, getting a Golden Visa Dubai will allow you to fully own your company and repatriate 100% of the profits. You will also be exempt from corporate taxes if you meet the requirements.
Can Sponsor Dependents
You can also sponsor your family to live and work in the country for the entirety of your visa’s duration. They will get access to the same visa benefits as you.
Health Insurance Discount
Another Golden visa benefit is the access to exclusive, tailored health insurance packages that offer discounted premiums to you and your dependents.
The Esaad Card
The Esaad Privilege Card is available to certain Golden Visa Dubai holders. The card offers significant lifestyle, travel, education, real estate and healthcare discounts both in and out of the country.
Easy Driver’s License Process
Certain foreign nationals can get a driver’s license without undergoing any tests if they have a UAE Golden Visa. The government currently offers this perk to citizens of 32 countries. If your country is not on the list, you are allowed to directly take the test without any lessons.
Stable Environment
The UAE has a stable political and economical climate that makes it a safe and lucrative location for investors and families alike.
Education Discounts
If you’re moving to the UAE on a Golden Visa with your family, your children are eligible for discounts on school fees and university tuition.
Get a Golden Visa with Momentum
Our team of expert consultants offer tailored support to every client, and can guide you through the entire process of getting a Golden Visa in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE. We can act as your representative if you need an equivalency certificate along with handling the attestation process.
The Golden Visa requirements leave no room for error, so we always make sure that your application covers all the criteria so that you’re set up for success. No matter the visa category, we’ve got you covered.
We are also experts in helping entrepreneurs who are starting a business in Dubai and can handle the entire business setup, from trade license applications to opening a bank account.
FAQ
How To Get the Investor Visa in Dubai?
If you don’t have the funds for an internal accounting team, consider hiring an accounting service in Dubai . Outsourcing your accounting can be a budget-friendly way to manage your books.
Can I Live Outside UAE with a Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa holders do not need to live in the country to keep their visa active. This means you can leave the country for extended periods of time.
How to Get Permanent Residency in the UAE?
You can get a permanent residence visa for up to 10 years by applying for a UAE Golden Visa. The most common visa categories are investor, manager, and graduate. You can apply for the visa yourself or hire a consultant to help you through the process.
What is the Golden Visa Dubai Cost?
The 10-year UAE Golden Visa ranges from AED 7,000 to AED 13,000. The visa usually takes around 2-3 weeks to process.
What is the Minimum Salary for a Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa applicants (except for the graduate category) need a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 to be eligible for the visa. Previously, the minimum salary requirement used to be AED 50,000.
Who Can I Sponsor with Golden Visa Dubai?
Golden visa holders can sponsor multiple dependents for as long as their visa duration. Dependents can include parents, siblings, children, and spouses.
What is the Fixed Deposit for Golden Visa?
You can get a Golden Visa in Dubai by making a deposit of at least AED 2 Million. You will need to submit proof of the investment with your application along with a No Objection Certificate from the bank.
Is the Dubai Golden Visa Worth It?
Getting the Golden Visa in Dubai can give you exclusive government benefits, ample business opportunities, lifestyle discounts, and allow you to reside in the country sponsor-free.
How Long Does UAE Golden Visa Approval Take?
Visa approvals can take anywhere from a few weeks to up to two months. It’s important to keep an eye on your application in case you are requested to provide any extra information.
Why Was My Golden Visa Rejected?
Golden visa applications can be rejected for a multitude of reasons. Some common reasons include mistakes in application, incorrect job title in work permit, missing paperwork, submitting unattested documents, or missing the salary threshold.
What is the Dubai Golden Visa Price?
Dubai Golden Visas cost around AED 7,000 to AED 13,000. The price is dependent on the visa category, number of documents, and the necessity of an equivalence certificate.
What are the Medical Tests for Golden Visa?
One of the Golden visa requirements is to pass a medical examination. This is a standard process that involves a physical exam and a blood test. You can submit your application once you receive your medical certificate.
