Categories of Golden Visa
Dubaiโs Golden Visa opens doors for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. It grants long-term residency and the chance to thrive in a global hub.
This guide explores the different Golden Visa categories, eligibility requirements, and the path to making Dubai your new home. Use this guide to find the perfect fit and begin your Golden Visa application process.
Categories of Golden Visa Available in Dubai
To be eligible for Dubaiโs golden visa program, individuals must meet specific criteria set by the government. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of golden visa being pursued.
Golden Visa as property investor visa
It is designed for individuals who wish to invest in Dubaiโs real estate market. By meeting the specified investment criteria, they buy one or more properties with a total value of Dh2 million, regardless of the upfront payment amount. Property Owners with payment plans or mortgages can also obtain a golden visa, granting them long-term residency and the opportunity to contribute to Dubaiโs thriving economy.
Here are the requirements for the Golden Visa as a property investor visa:
A copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Availability of an electronic copy of the title deed certificate
Personal photo (as per ICA guidelines)
Valid health insurance
Original Emirates ID (if thereโs any)
Copy of the latest visa in the UAE (if thereโs any)
Golden Visa for bank depositor
The UAE Golden Visa program does offer residency through a bank deposit. You need to deposit at least AED 2 million and the funds must be maintained in the bank for a minimum of 2 years.
Here are the requirements for Golden Visa for bank depositor:
A copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Bring proof of ownership of a financial deposit of not less than (2,000,000) two million dirhams in a bank in the country. It may be in the form of investment bonds or sukuk. (the bond should not be removed within the period of 2 years) to any bank in UAE.
- Proof of residence in the Emirate of Dubai
Golden Visa as Corporate Investor
This category applies to individuals who invest in the establishment or growth of companies in the UAE.
Eligibility for Golden Visa as a Corporate Investor:
| a. Minimum Investment: Invest a minimum of AED 2 million in a UAE-registered company. |
| b. Investment Options: |
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Important Points:
The specific requirements may vary by Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.).
The invested capital (AED 2 million) must be fully paid and not a loan.
You must maintain the investment or company ownership for a minimum of 3 years after receiving the Golden Visa.
Here are the requirements for Golden Visa as a corporate investor:
A copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Proof of Investment: Documents depending on your chosen investment type:
- Trade License of the Company
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) reflecting a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
Existing Company Share Purchase:
- Trade License of the company
- Proof of a share purchase agreement for a minimum of AED 2 million (not in a free zone).
Investment Fund:
- Letter from a UAE-approved investment fund confirming a deposit of at least AED 2 million
Financial Statements:
- Bank statements for the company for the last 6 months
- Audited financial reports of the company for the last year
Bank statements for the company for the last 6 months
Visa copy (If thereโs any)
Valid Health Insurance
Passport-sized Photo
Golden Visa as Entrepreneur
This category applies to individuals who own and operate innovative businesses in the UAE.
Eligibility to obtain a Golden Visa as an Entrepreneur:
- ๏ฐA letter from the relevant authorities in the Emirate confirming that the project idea is of a technical or futuristic nature in which entrepreneurship is achieved.
- ๏ฐA letter from the relevant authorities in the Emirate confirming that the project has a technical or futuristic nature in which entrepreneurship is achieved (project owner).
- ๏ฐA letter from an accredited business incubator or the relevant authority in the Emirate confirming that the project is characterized by entrepreneurship and has a technical or futuristic nature (project founder).
- ๏ฐA letter from an auditor in the country confirming that the projectโs value is not less than AED 500,000 (project owner).
- ๏ฐThe passportโs validity should not be less than (6) months.
- ๏ฐA letter from the relevant authorities in the Emirate confirming that the project idea is of a technical or futuristic nature in which entrepreneurship is achieved.
Golden Visa for Retirees
This category falls under the Residence visa for the retired program offered by the UAE government.
- ๏ฐYou must be 55 years old or older at the time of retirement.
Either of the following:
- ๏ฐA monthly retirement income of at least AED 15,000
- ๏ฐSavings of AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit.
- ๏ฐOwn a property with minimum of AED 1 million in unmortgaged property or mortgaged property, for which the payment to date is at least AED 1 million.
- ๏ฐA combination of Savings & Property. A combination of Options 2 & 3 valued for at least AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit and property, worth AED500,000 each.
Important points:
A husband or wife may own property individually or jointly, but a marriage certificate is required for verification.
Here are the requirements for the Golden Visa for Retirees:
A copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
Emirates ID (if thereโs any)
Visa copy (if thereโs any)
Health Insurance
Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.
For Option 1 โ Proof of Income
Documentation proving your sustainable annual income: This can include pension statements from the relevant entity or a letter from your previous employer confirming they continue to provide you with monthly retirement income.
Provide a 6-month bank statement. The statement must be from a Dubai-based bank with a bank stamp and signature. It should show a minimum monthly deposit of AED 15,000 or a yearly total of AED 180,000 from your source of income.
For Option 2- Bank Statements
Proof of retirement: This can be an end-of-service letter from your previous employer or a letter from a social service entity confirming your retired status.
A letter from a UAE-based bank addressed to GDRFA stating you have at least AED 1 million in savings held in a 3-year fixed deposit within the UAE.
For Option 3 โ Property Ownership Documents
Availability of an electronic copy of the title deed certificate with minimum AED 1 million property value
Golden Visa as Doctors
The Golden Visa program in Dubai aims to attract highly skilled doctors, contributing to the advancement of the UAEโs healthcare sector. If youโre a doctor seeking a rewarding career and a vibrant lifestyle in Dubai, the Golden Visa program might be a great option.
Please see below the requirements for the golden visa as a doctor:
- ๎ทA copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
- ๎ทEmirates ID
- ๎ทVisa copy
- ๎ทPassport-size photographs
- ๎ทOriginal educational certificates (attested by the UAE embassy in your home country and MOFA UAE).
- ๎ทObtaining an equivalency certification from the Ministry of Education
- ๎ทSalary Certificate with basic salary not less than AED 31,000 (minimum basic salary)
- ๎ทApproval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE to practice the profession of medicine.
- ๎ทProof of specialization and relevant experience (e.g., medical certificates, work experience documents).
Golden Visa as Ceoโs and Managers
Are you the CEO or manager of the company? This program offers a life-changing opportunityโa 10-year residency visa specifically designed to attract talented and experienced business leaders like you.
Please see below the requirements for the golden visa as a CEOโs or managers:
- ๎ทA copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
- ๎ทEmirates ID
- ๎ทVisa copy
- ๎ทPassport-size photographs
- ๎ทOriginal Educational certificates (attested by the UAE embassy in your home country and MOFA UAE).
- ๎ทObtaining an equivalency certification from the Ministry of Education
- ๎ทSalary Certificate with basic salary not less than AED 31,000 (minimum basic salary)
- ๎ท6 months bank statement indicating your salary
- ๎ทLabour contract with the same profession and salary
- ๎ทHealth Insurance Copy
- ๎ทMust be minimum 2 years working in the same company (new rules: January 2025)
Golden Visa as Engineers
Calling all engineers! The Dubai Golden Visa program opens the door for you to establish yourself in this dynamic city with a long-term residency visa.
Please see below the requirements for the golden visa as an engineer:
- ๎ทA copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
- ๎ทEmirates ID
- ๎ทVisa copy
- ๎ทPassport-size photographs
- ๎ทOriginal Educational certificates (attested by the UAE embassy in your home country and MOFA UAE).
- ๎ทObtaining an equivalency certification from the Ministry of Education
- ๎ทSalary Certificate with basic salary not less than AED 31,000 (minimum basic salary)
- ๎ท6 months bank statement indicating your salary
- ๎ทLabour contract with the same profession and salary
- ๎ทHealth Insurance Copy
- ๎ทMust be minimum 2 years working in the same company (new rules: January 2025)
Golden Visa for Creative People in Culture and Arts
Welcomes individuals who excel in various artistic field like the following:
- ๏Visual Arts
- ๏ดPublishing
- ๏ฐPerforming Arts
- ๏Design and Crafts
- ๏Heritage
- ๏ณGaming and e-Sports
- ๏กผMedia
- ๏ฝArtist
Eligibility For Golden Visa Eligibility for Golden Visa for Creative People in Culture and Arts:
- ๏ฐA portfolio/CV of work showing your experience and achievements in your field of specialisation.
- ๏ฐClear examples of your artistic works or other evidence showing your experience and achievements in your field of specialisation.
- ๏ฐEvidence that you have 10 or more years of experience in your field of specialty.
- ๏ฐEvidence that you have carried out a creative/cultural activity that has been noted by critics, the media, or government or private institutions (either in the UAE or in another country).
- ๏ฐEvidence that you have sponsorship or a grant in your field of specialisation.
- ๏ฐEvidence that you have obtained an artistic, creative or cultural award/ recognition/ accreditation from an accredited or recognised body.
- ๏ฐEvidence that you have produced artistic works that have been distributed locally or internationally.
- ๏ฐEvidence that you are a member of an international or well-known organisation or association in your field of specialisation.
Once you got the nomination approval, you may proceed to apply the Golden visa for Creative People in Culture and Arts:
Please see below the requirements for the Golden Visa for Creative People in Culture and Arts:
- ๎ทA copy of your valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
- ๎ทAvailability of nomination approval
- ๎ทPersonal photo (as per ICA guidelines)
- ๎ทValid health insurance
- ๎ทOriginal Emirates ID (if thereโs any)
- ๎ทCopy of the latest visa in the UAE (if thereโs any)
Golden Visa as Outstanding Students
Calling all academic superstars! Are you a high-achieving student with a burning desire to pursue your education or career? This program offers a life-changing opportunity โ a 10-year residency visa specifically designed to attract and empower talented young minds like yourself.
Qualifying for the Golden Visa as Outstanding Students:
There are three main pathways for outstanding students to qualify for the Golden Visa:
Graduates of Accredited Universities in UAE
- ZThe applicant must hold a Bachelorโs, Masterโs, or Ph.D. degree from universities licensed by the Ministry of Education.
- ZThe university must be classified as (A) or (B) according to the classification approved by the Ministry of Education.
- ZA recommendation letter from the university or the graduation certificate should indicate that the studentโs cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 for (A) classified universities or 3.8 for (B) classified universities.
- ZThe applicant should not have graduated more than two years ago.
- ZThe degree must be attested by the Ministry of Education.
- ZThe passport must have a validity period of at least (6) months.
Graduates of Accredited Universities outside UAE
- ZThe international university ranking should not be lower than the top (100) universities in the world, according to the international ranking approved by the Ministry of Education.
- ZThe cumulative GPA of bachelorโs degree graduates should not be less than (3.5).
- ZGraduation should not have been more than two years ago.
- ZThe degree must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.
- ZThe passportโs validity should not be less than (6) months.
High School Graduates
- ZAttaining a high ranking at the national level (with a GPA of no less than 95% in a government or private secondary school).
- ZSubmitting a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
Why You Should Hire Us for Your Golden Visa
Donโt navigate this journey alone. Let our team of experts be your partner in unlocking the Golden Door to your Dubai dreams. Contact us today for a free consultation and embark on your exciting Dubai adventure!
