Explained:6 categories
under which expats can get
UAE's expanded Golden
Visa scheme
The new 10-year visas will come in to effect with
other reforms next month
Real estate investors:People investing Dh2 million
and above are eligible for the Golden Visa. Under the new
rule, investors buying property through a mortgage from
a local bank can also apply for the Golden Visa. Investors
buying off-plan properties can apply too.
Exceptionally-talented individuals: This
category will benefita large number of talented
foreigners who are looking to make UAE their home.
Under this category, talented people in the field of art,
culture, digital technology sports, innovation, medicine,
law and others can apply. Importantly, the 10-year visa is
awarded based on talent only. It does not depend on
educational qualification, employment status, monthly
salary or professional level. However, it requires the
recommendation or approval of a federal or local
government entity.
Student: Students with exceptional calibre having
high scores obtained either in UAE secondary school or
universities are eligible for the 10-year visa. Those
talented students who studied at the world's 100 best
universities are also eligible.
Entrepreneurs: Startup investors can also avail of
Golden Visa under the new rules provided their company
is registered within the country and it should fall under
the small and medium enterprises (SME) category with
annual revenues ofDhımillion or above.
Scientists: This visa is granted to scientists and
researchers who have a PhD or Master's degree in
engineering, technology, life sciences and natural
sciences from the world's best universities. He/she
should have a recommendation from the Emirates
Scientists Council.
Skilled workers: The applicants must hold a valid
contract ofemployment in the UAE while the job must
fall under the occupational level one or two as defined by
the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation. The
minimummonthly salary requirement has been reduced
to Dh30,00 as compared to 50,000 earlier. The worker
