The ICA Golden Visa UAE: What You Need to Know

 1. What is the ICA Golden Visa UAE, and who is eligible to apply for it

The ICA Golden Visa is a residency program launched by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in 2019. The program offers a long-term residency visa to investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria and invest in the UAE.

To be eligible for the ICA Golden Visa UAE, an applicant must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Investors: Applicants who invest at least AED 10 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) in an investment fund or a property in the UAE may be eligible for a Golden Visa.
2. Entrepreneurs: Applicants who have an existing business in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000) or those who have the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE may be eligible for a Golden Visa.
3. Professionals and Specialized Talents: Applicants with specialized skills in science, medicine, or research, as well as those with outstanding talents in sports, arts, and culture, may be eligible for a Golden Visa.
4. Outstanding Students: Students with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 in schools and universities in the UAE and abroad may be eligible for a Golden Visa.

The ICA Golden Visa allows applicants to reside in the UAE for up to 10 years, depending on the type of visa issued. The visa also offers several benefits, including access to education and healthcare services in the UAE and the ability to sponsor family members.

Overall, the ICA Golden Visa UAE is a beneficial program for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals who are looking to establish a long-term presence in the UAE.

2. Benefits of having a Golden Visa UAE

There are several benefits to having a Golden Visa UAE, a long-term residency visa offered to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and talented individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria and invest in the UAE. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Long-term Residency: The Golden Visa UAE offers long-term residency for up to 10 years, allowing individuals to stay and work in the UAE without the need to renew their visa frequently.
2. Business Opportunities: The UAE is a thriving business hub that attracts entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. AAAAAAAAAA Golden Visa can access new business opportunities and enable individuals to expand their regional business operations.
3. Family Sponsorship: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses and children, for residency visas in the UAE.
4. Education and Healthcare Benefits: Golden Visa holders have access to the UAE’s education and healthcare systems, providing access to high-quality services for themselves and their families.
5. Tax Benefits: The UAE has a tax-friendly environment, with no personal income or capital gains tax, making it an attractive destination for investors.
6. Real Estate Investment: With a minimum investment of AED 10 million, Golden Visa holders can invest in real estate in the UAE, which could provide a high return on investment.
7. Citizenship Eligibility: Golden Visa holders may be eligible to apply for citizenship in the UAE after a certain residency period.

3. Requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa UAE 

To obtain a Golden Visa UAE, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and fulfill specific requirements. The requirements vary based on the category of visa applied for and are as follows:

1. Investor Visa Requirements:

• Invest a minimum of AED 10 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) in a property or investment fund in the UAE.
• The investment must be fully owned by the applicant and not financed through loans or other forms of credit.
• The investment must be held for a minimum of three years.

2. Entrepreneur Visa Requirements:

• Have an existing business in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000) or a business idea approved by an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
• Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing the proposed business activity and the expected economic impact.
• The business must create jobs for UAE nationals.

3. Professional and Talent Visa Requirements:

• Have specialized science, medicine, or research skills, or be an outstanding sports, arts, or culture talent.
• Provide proof of achievement and recognition in the respective field.
• Obtain recommendations from relevant authorities or entities in the UAE.

4. Outstanding Student Visa Requirements:

• Achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 in schools and universities in the UAE and abroad.
• Obtain an acceptance letter from a higher education institution in the UAE.

In addition to the above requirements, all applicants must provide the necessary documentation, such as a passport, background check, and health certificate. The UAE authorities may also require applicants to provide additional documentation based on their circumstances.

Overall, the Golden Visa UAE is a valuable option for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill the specific requirements to obtain the visa.

4. Cost of applying for a Golden Visa UAE 

The cost of applying for a Golden Visa UAE depends on the category of visa applied for and the application’s specific requirements. Generally, the cost includes the following:

1. Application Fee: An application fee varies depending on the type of Golden Visa applied for. The fee for an Investor Visa is AED 10,000 (approximately USD 2,720), while the fee for an Entrepreneur Visa is AED 2,000 (approximately USD 545).
2. Visa Fee: A visa fee also varies based on the visa category and the stay duration. The visa fee for a 10-year Investor Visa is AED 1,150 (approximately USD 313), while the fee for a 5-year Entrepreneur Visa is AED 7,500 (approximately USD 2,045).
3. Insurance Fee: Golden Visa applicants must have health insurance coverage, and the insurance cost varies based on the type of coverage and the provider.
4. Additional Costs: Additional costs may include legal fees, translation fees, and any other expenses incurred during the application process.

It is important to note that the above costs are subject to change, and applicants should check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on the cost of applying for a Golden Visa UAE.

Overall, applying for a Golden Visa UAE can be substantial, and applicants should carefully consider all the associated costs and requirements before applying.

5. Processing times and turnaround time for applications 

The processing times and turnaround time for Golden Visa UAE applications vary depending on the visa category and the application’s specific requirements. Generally, the processing times for Golden Visa applications are as follows:

1. Investor Visa: The processing time for an Investor Visa application is approximately 30 days.
2. Entrepreneur Visa: The processing time for an Entrepreneur Visa application is approximately 14 days.
3. Professional and Talent Visa: The processing time for a Professional and Talent Visa application is approximately 14 days.
4. Outstanding Student Visa: The processing time for an Outstanding Student Visa application is approximately ten days.

It is important to note that the above processing times are subject to change, and the actual processing time may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the workload of the relevant authorities.

Once the application is approved, the turnaround time for issuing the Golden Visa UAE is typically within a few days. The applicant will receive an electronic visa, which can be printed and used for travel and residency in the UAE.

Overall, the processing times and turnaround time for Golden Visa UAE applications are relatively fast, and applicants can expect to receive a decision on their application within a few weeks, provided all the required documentation and information have been submitted accurately and on time.

6. The application process for obtaining a Golden Visa UAE

The application process for obtaining a Golden Visa UAE involves several steps, which are as follows:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Select the Appropriate Category

The first step is determining if you are eligible for a Golden Visa UAE and which visa category best suits your circumstances. The eligibility requirements and application procedures vary depending on the category of visa applied for.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once you have determined your eligibility and the appropriate visa category, you must gather the required documents for your application. The documents required may vary depending on the category of visa applied for but typically include a passport, a background check, a health certificate, and proof of the required investment or business activity.

Step 3: Submit the Application

After gathering the necessary documents, you can submit your application online through the relevant government portal. The application will require you to provide personal information, details about your investment or business activity, and any other relevant information.

Step 4: Attend Biometric and Medical Tests

After submitting your application, you must attend biometric and medical tests at a designated medical center in the UAE. These tests are mandatory for all Golden Visa applicants and are used to verify your identity and check your health status.

Step 5: Wait for Application Processing

After completing the biometric and medical tests, your application will be processed by the relevant authorities. The processing time varies depending on the category of visa applied for and the workload of the authorities.

Step 6: Receive Golden Visa

If your application is approved, you will receive an electronic Golden Visa UAE, which can be printed and used for travel and residency in the UAE.

Overall, the application process for obtaining a Golden Visa UAE involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately and on time.

Conclusion:

A Golden Visa in the UAE offers a unique opportunity for individuals to live and work in the country long-term. Applying for an Investor Residence Visa involves meeting certain requirements related to making an investment, maintaining residency status, keeping your passport valid, avoiding criminal activity or violations of UAE laws, and staying up-to-date with changes to regulations. Although there is no way to get a free Golden Visa in the UAE, many programs offer incentives or support for certain investments or business ventures. Understanding the specific rules and procedures related to your Golden Visa and ensuring you meet all requirements before applying is important.

Is Golden Visa permanent?

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Golden Visas in the UAE provide long-term residency for foreign nationals but are not typically considered permanent residency visas.

Most categories of Golden Visas offer validity periods of 5 or 10 years, after which the visa must be renewed to maintain residency status in the UAE.

However, the renewal process for Golden Visas is generally straightforward, and as long as the visa holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria, the visa can be renewed indefinitely. Additionally, holding a Golden Visa can provide a pathway to citizenship in the UAE for certain categories of visa holders, such as investors and entrepreneurs.

It is important to note that the specific terms and conditions of Golden Visas in the UAE may vary depending on the category of visa applied for, and additional requirements or fees may be associated with maintaining or renewing your residency status.

It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you understand the rules and procedures related to your Golden Visa in the UAE.

How can I maintain my Golden Visa in Dubai?

How much is the Golden Visa fee?

The fee for the Golden Visa in the UAE varies depending on the category of visa applied for. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the following fees applied:

• For investors: A fee of AED 2,000 for the initial application and a fee of AED 20,000 for each renewal
• For entrepreneurs: A fee of AED 2,000 for the initial application and a fee of AED 10,000 for each renewal
• For specialized talents and researchers: A fee of AED 2,000 for the initial application and a fee of AED 6,000 for each renewal
• For outstanding students: A fee of AED 2,000 for the initial application and no renewal fees

It is important to note that the fee structure for Golden Visas in the UAE may change over time, and additional fees or charges may be associated with the application or renewal process. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you understand the fees and requirements associated with your Golden Visa application.

Maintaining your Golden Visa in Dubai requires fulfilling certain obligations and requirements, which may vary depending on your specific visa category. Here are some general tips to help you maintain your Golden Visa in Dubai:

1. Fulfill the investment or business requirements: Many categories of Golden Visas in Dubai require the visa holder to make a certain level of investment in the UAE or to engage in specific business activities. It is important to ensure you fulfill these requirements in your visa status.
2. Maintain your residency status: To maintain your Golden Visa in Dubai, you must maintain your residency status in the UAE by renewing your visa before it expires and ensuring you comply with all relevant residency rules and regulations.
3. Keep your passport valid: Make sure that your passport is valid for the duration of your Golden Visa, as you will need to present a valid passport to enter and exit the UAE.
4. Avoid committing any crimes or violations: Any criminal activity or violations of UAE laws and regulations can result in the revocation of your Golden Visa.
5. Stay up-to-date with changes to regulations: Keep abreast of any changes related to Golden Visas in Dubai, and ensure that you comply with all new requirements.

It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you meet all the requirements to maintain your Golden Visa status in Dubai.

 

Is UAE Golden Visa permanent?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa with a validity period of either 5 or 10 years, depending on the specific visa category. While the Golden Visa is not considered a permanent residency visa, it can be renewed indefinitely if the holder meets the eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that the specific terms and conditions of the Golden Visa may vary depending on the category of visa applied for, and additional requirements or fees may be associated with maintaining or renewing your residency status.

However, holding a Golden Visa can provide a pathway to citizenship in the UAE for certain categories of visa holders, such as investors and entrepreneurs.

It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you understand the rules and procedures related to your Golden Visa in the UAE.

How to get a free Golden Visa?

As far as I know, there is no "free" Golden Visa in the UAE. The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa granted to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as making a significant investment in the UAE, starting a business in the country, or having specialized skills or talents.

While some programs in the UAE offer incentives or support for certain types of investments or business ventures, these programs generally require a significant financial commitment and do not provide a Golden Visa for free.

It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you understand the requirements and fees of obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE.

What are the requirements for the UAE Golden Visa?

The requirements for the UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the category of visa applied for but generally include a certain level of investment or business activity in the UAE, a clean criminal record, and good health status. Specific documents and information may also be required.

What is the processing time for the UAE Golden Visa?

The processing time for the UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the category of visa applied for and the workload of the relevant authorities. Generally, the processing time is relatively fast, with most applications being processed within a few weeks.

How much does the UAE Golden Visa cost?

The cost of the UAE Golden Visa varies depending on the category of visa applied for and the application's specific requirements. Generally, the cost includes an application, visa, and insurance fees. Additional costs may also apply, such as legal fees and translation fees.

How do I apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

To apply for the UAE Golden Visa, you must submit an online application through the relevant government portal. You must provide personal information, details about your investment or business activity, and other relevant information. You must also attend biometric and medical tests at a designated medical center in the UAE.

Can I work on a golden visa in UAE?

Yes, you can work on a Golden Visa in the UAE. One of the main benefits of the Golden Visa is that it allows you to work and live in the UAE for extended periods.

The Golden Visa is designed to attract and retain top talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals, providing a pathway to long-term residency and employment in the UAE.

The eligibility criteria and application procedures for the Golden Visa vary depending on the category of visa applied for, but in general, you will need to demonstrate a certain level of investment or business activity in the UAE to qualify. Once you have been granted a Golden Visa, you can live and work in the UAE without the need for additional work permits or visas.

However, it is important to note that the specific requirements for employment may vary depending on the nature of your work and the industry in which you are employed.

For example, certain professions may require additional licenses or certifications to practice in the UAE. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you meet all requirements for employment on a Golden Visa in the UAE.

Can I sponsor my family with a golden visa in UAE?

One of the benefits of the Golden Visa in the UAE is that it allows you to sponsor your family members for residency in the country.

The specific eligibility criteria and application procedures for sponsoring family members may vary depending on the category of visa applied for and the relationship between the applicant and the family member.

Generally, to sponsor your family members on a Golden Visa, you must demonstrate that you have a certain level of income or assets and provide supporting documents such as marriage and birth certificates. Family members who can be sponsored may include spouses, children, and parents.

It is important to note that additional requirements and fees may be associated with sponsoring family members, and the specific rules and procedures may vary depending on the situation.

It is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you meet all requirements for sponsoring family members on a Golden Visa in the UAE.

How long can I stay outside UAE with a golden visa?

The length of time you can stay outside of the UAE with a Golden Visa will depend on your visa's terms and conditions.

Golden Visas generally provide long-term residency in the UAE, with many categories of visas offering validity periods of 5 or 10 years.

Most Golden Visas also allow for multiple entries and exit from the UAE, which means that you can leave and return to the country as often as you like during the validity period of your visa.

However, there may be specific requirements related to the frequency and duration of your stay in the UAE to maintain your residency status.

If you plan to spend significant periods outside of the UAE, you may need to fulfill certain obligations to maintain your residency status. For example, some categories of Golden Visas may require you to maintain a certain level of investment or business activity in the UAE to remain eligible for the visa.

Suppose you plan to travel outside of the UAE for an extended period. In that case, it is always best to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure you meet all requirements and maintain your Golden Visa status.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE for extended periods. It was introduced by the UAE government in 2019 to attract and retain top talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is available to foreign nationals who meet specific criteria, including investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and outstanding students. Eligibility criteria and application procedures vary depending on the category of visa applied for.

What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

The benefits of the UAE Golden Visa include long-term residency in the UAE, the ability to work and study in the UAE, access to local services and amenities, and the ability to sponsor family members. Golden Visa holders also have the option to apply for citizenship in the future.