How to apply for a golden visa in the UAE
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 April this year, the UAE Cabinet, headed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved the 'executive regulations' of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners.
These led to the creation of new types of visas, and formally approved some that have already been rolled out, such as the Golden Visa residency system.
The visa process is different from applying for a normal residency permit. The National found out how.
What are golden visas?
Golden visas were introduced in 2020. They 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’s 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.
Who can get a golden visa?
Golden visas can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, people with specialised 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.
People investing Dh1million to Dh2million in property also have several options.
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 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 specialised 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.
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 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".
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 immigration service, the 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?
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.
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 the residency permit during this period.
What if I am applying from outside the UAE?
If you currently reside 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 the residency permit.
Does my golden visa qualify me to work in the UAE?
source:thenational

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