What is the Golden Visa?
Launched by the UAE government, the system for long-term residence visas enables successful applicants to reside in the UAE without a UAE national sponsor.
These visas are issued for five or ten years — depending on the category.
Does the Golden Visa offer permanent residency?
No: The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is renewed every five or ten years depending on the visa category and upon meeting the eligibility criteria.
What are the key benefits of the Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders benefit from long-term residency in the UAE, offering greater stability and peace of mind, enabling them to invest and build fulfilling, long-lasting careers in the country.
Golden Visa holders are able to sponsor family members, dependents, as well as senior employees, depending on the nature and eligibility of sponsorship determined by each visa category.
Eligibility
Who can apply for the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is available to various categories of applicants. The categories for the Golden Visa include: Investors, Real Estate Investors, Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Scientists, Creatives (Art & Culture), Inventors, Executive Directors, Specialists in priority educational fields, Sports Professionals, PhD Holders, Specialized in engineering or science, High School Graduates and University Graduates.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions. An applicant can apply for any of the categories of the Golden Visa as long as they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
The Application Process
How can I apply for the Golden Visa?
You can visit any Golden Visa processing centre including one of the following centres to apply in person:
TAMM Centre:Baniyas Tower, 40 Al Sough Street - Zone 1, E11.
YAS Tas-heel Centre:Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation building, Musaffah Industrial area, 14th street.
TWASOL Tas-heel Centre:Post Office Towers, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St.
For any further inquiries, you may contact us via email on:
ADGoldenVisa@adro.gov.ae
Or you may call Abu Dhabi Government Services (TAMM) via phone:
For local calls:800 555
For international calls:+971 2 666 4442
How long will the Golden Visa application process take?
For applicants within the UAE (existing UAE residents):
Once all required documents are successfully submitted, the initial approval will take up to 48 hours.
After the cancellation of the applicant’s current visa and a completed medical assessment, the Golden Visa will be issued within three to five working days.
For applicants outside the UAE (non-UAE residents):
Kindly contact us onADGoldenVisa@adro.gov.aefor more details.
How much does it cost to apply for a Golden Visa?
For applicants currently in the UAE, the Golden Visa will cost between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800.
For applicants outside of the UAE, the Golden Visa will cost between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800.
Cost will depend on visa category and type of service.
Does the Golden Visa application fee include the cost for medical assessment, current visa cancellation and the Emirates ID?
The Golden Visa application fee only includes the cost for a new/replacement Emirates ID.
Medical assessment fees are not included and may range between AED 150 and AED 500, depending on the service type.
Current visa cancellation fees are not included. Arrangements need to be made by the applicant’s existing sponsor.
Who will process the Emirates ID for Golden Visa applicants?
The Golden Visa processing centre that is handling the Golden Visa applications will also handle the Emirates IDs issued by The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship for the applicants.
Who is responsible for cancelling the applicant’s existing visa upon the approval of the Golden Visa application?
The applicant’s sponsor is responsible for cancelling existing visas.
The Golden Visa Applicant is expected to liaise with his/her sponsor to ensure the existing visa is appropriately cancelled.
When a UAE resident is sponsoring his/her family members and other dependants,he/she must provide a financial guarantee for the period of the residency visa.
Does this rule apply to Golden Visa holders?
No: Financial guarantees are not required when Golden Visas are issued.
What are the requirements for medical insurance when applying for the Golden Visa?
Applicants within the UAE need to submit a valid medical insurance policy.
Applicants from outside the country need to contact Daman Health Insurance to arrange for a 6-month medical insurance policy. Please emailvisitvisainsurance@damanhealth.ae
for further details.
Family and Dependants
Can the Golden Visa be extended to applicants’ family members?
The Golden Visa can be extended to include the sponsorship of spouses, children, parents and dependent siblings, depending on the visa category.
There is no limit to the number of children who may be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder. Male children are sponsored until the age of 18. Female children are sponsored until marriage.
When can Golden Visa applicants begin to sponsor family members?
Upon receiving their Golden Visa, successful applicants may begin the process to sponsor family members.
What will happen to the visas of family members currently sponsored,once the applicant cancels his/her visa during the Golden Visa application?
Golden Visa applicants may choose to either place family members on hold or cancel their visas.
- If placed on hold, a refundable financial guarantee needs to be submitted until their visas are issued.
- No financial guarantee will be required if their visas are cancelled.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor domestic helpers?
Yes, Golden Visa holders are permitted to sponsor domestic helpers. Standard rules and regulations for sponsorship apply.
Is there a limit to the number of people who can be sponsored?
The number of people (excluding dependent children) to be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder is subject to The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship approval.
Renewal and termination
What is the validity of the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is issued for a period of either five or ten years, depending on the category.
Do holders need to renew their Golden Visa?
Yes: the visa must be renewed every five or ten years, depending on the category of the visa.
Do I need a sponsor to renew my Golden Visa?
No, you do not need a sponsor to renew the Golden Visa. However, the visa renewal is subject to you meeting related application requirements.
Is the Emirates ID also renewed with the Golden Visa?
Yes, the Emirates ID will be renewed with the Golden Visa.
The validity of the Emirates ID will match the validity of the Golden Visa. If you hold a ten-year visa, your Emirates ID will be valid for ten years. If you hold a five-year visa, your Emirates ID will be valid for five years.
In the event that an Investor Golden Visa holder’s business fails, how will his/her visa status in the country be affected?
The circ*mstances of each Golden Visa holder will be reviewed by the UAE government on a case-by-case basis.
Golden Visa holders may change their Golden Visa category, subject to eligibility and conditions.
As a seasoned expert in immigration and residency matters, particularly in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to the table. Having closely followed the developments in UAE's visa policies, including the Golden Visa program, I can provide in-depth insights and information to help you navigate the intricacies of this system.
Let's delve into the key concepts and information outlined in the provided article about the Golden Visa in the UAE:
1. Golden Visa Overview:
- The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced by the UAE government.
- It enables successful applicants to reside in the UAE without the need for a UAE national sponsor.
- Visa durations are either five or ten years, depending on the category.
2. Benefits of the Golden Visa:
- Golden Visa holders enjoy long-term residency, providing stability for investment and career development.
- The visa allows the sponsorship of family members, dependents, and senior employees, based on the visa category.
3. Eligibility Criteria:
- The Golden Visa is available to various categories of applicants, including investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, creatives, inventors, executive directors, specialists in education, sports professionals, PhD holders, and more.
- There are no age restrictions for applicants.
4. Application Process:
- Applicants can visit designated Golden Visa processing centers for in-person applications.
- Processing times vary, with initial approval taking up to 48 hours for existing UAE residents.
- Costs for the Golden Visa application range between AED 2,800 and AED 4,800, depending on the category and service type.
5. Additional Fees and Services:
- The application fee covers the new/replacement Emirates ID; however, medical assessment and current visa cancellation fees are separate.
- The Golden Visa processing center manages the issuance of Emirates IDs.
6. Family and Dependants:
- Golden Visa holders can extend sponsorship to spouses, children, parents, and dependent siblings.
- No financial guarantees are required for Golden Visa issuance.
- Domestic helpers can be sponsored, subject to standard rules and regulations.
7. Renewal and Termination:
- The Golden Visa is issued for five or ten years and must be renewed.
- Visa renewal does not require a sponsor, but applicants must meet related application requirements.
- The Emirates ID is renewed concurrently with the Golden Visa.
8. Business Implications:
- Golden Visa holders facing business failure will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Golden Visa holders can change their visa category, provided they meet eligibility conditions.
Armed with this comprehensive understanding, individuals can confidently navigate the Golden Visa application process and enjoy the benefits of long-term residency in the UAE. For further details or inquiries, applicants can reach out to designated processing centers or contact the Abu Dhabi Government Services.
