Golden Visa Dubai Guide 2024: Costs, Benefits and Rules

The Dubai golden visa’s popularity speaks for itself. From Bollywood start Rajinikanth to football champ Cristiano Ronaldo, even global icons hold this prestigious residency proudly. But it is not just for celebrities! The UAE government encourages individuals from around the world under various categories to obtain golden visa Dubai and start a prosperous life in the nation. 

The visa offers a stress-free way to live and work in Dubai for an extended period of time to all its holders, allowing them to explore the city’s abundant opportunities. Sounds interesting, right? Let us find out if you qualify for one. This guide will provide everything you need to know about the Dubai golden visa in 2024 and how to apply for it successfully. 

Golden visa in Dubai: 

Imagine living in Dubai for an extended period without the hassle of visa renewals or needing a local sponsor. Yes, that is possible. The government of UAE offers a long-term residency program called “Golden Visa,” which allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the nation for upto 10 years without restrictions and while enjoying some exclusive benefits.  

The golden visa scheme was launched in 2019 to attract more capital and talent to the vibrant nation. Since its inception, it has empowered individuals to unlock a bright future in Dubai. You will be pleased to know that the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) issued 158,000 golden visas in 2023 alone! 

Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, exceptional talent, outstanding student, or humanitarian pioneer, this visa can be your key to becoming part of the UAE’s promising future.  

Benefits of holding a golden visa UAE: 

When we say that the golden visa Dubai is the key to your success in the stunning UAE, we mean it. Look at these amazing benefits that the UAE golden visa offers its holders: 

• Multiple-entry visa: Potential golden visa holders receive a six-month entry visa with multiple entries, giving them ample time to complete the residency issuance process. 
• Flexible travel: With a golden visa Dubai, you can travel outside the UAE for more than six months without affecting your residency status. 
• Long-lasting residency: You can stay for up to 10 years, with the option to renew your residency as needed. 
• Needless of local sponsors: You can work, study, or live in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor. This also allows for 100% ownership of nearly any business activity you pursue during your residency. 
• Family sponsorship: You can easily sponsor your family, including your spouse and children, regardless of their ages, as well as unlimited number of domestic helpers. 
• Employment privileges: You can apply for jobs with any company in the UAE without needing a separate work permit or employment contract. 
• Access to government services: You and your family can access various services, including the UAE’s outstanding healthcare, education, and other utilities. Golden Visa holders are also eligible to apply for a UAE driver’s license, provided they meet certain conditions. 
• Retirement option: What better way to spend the years after retirement than in a nation known for its safety, peace, cultural diversity, and vibrant environment? The golden visa allows you to do so and retire peacefully in the UAE. 
• Esaad card provision: Selected golden visa holders, such as real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents like doctors and scientists, receive a free Esaad privilege card. This card offers discounts on healthcare, automotive, fashion, beauty, tourism, lifestyle, education, and other services. 
• No tax on personal income: One of the remarkable benefits of golden visa Dubai is that you have to pay absolutely no tax on your personal income. Whether your income comes from employment, investments, or other sources, you save more financially. 

Who can apply for golden visa Dubai? 

You might be wondering who can actually obtain a golden visa in Dubai. If you fall into one of the following categories, the golden visa Dubai is for you: 

1. Investors in public investments 

2. Real estate investors 

3. Public investors 

4. Entrepreneurs and startup owners 

6. Outstanding specialised talents including: 

• doctors 
• scientists 
• creative people of culture and art 
• inventors 
• executives 
• specialists in scientific fields 
• athletes 
• doctoral degree holders and 
• specialists in the fields of engineering and science. 

7. Students 

8. Humanitarian pioneers  

9. Frontline hero 

Eligibility and types of golden visa in Dubai: 

Now that you have discovered the fantastic benefits golden visa holders enjoy in Dubai, check if you are eligible to apply. Following, we have discussed all the major golden visa Dubai requirements for various applicant categories, so you can find all the information you need right here. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for different types of golden visa Dubai: 

1. Golden visa for public investors: 

As an investor in public investments, you can get a Dubai golden visa for 10 years without local sponsors, if you: 

• Submit a letter from UAE accredited investment fund or valid commercial/industrial license and MOA (Memorandum of Association) showing an investment of minimum AED 2 million.  
• Submit a letter from Federal Tax Authority confirming annual payments of at least AED 230,000 to the government. 
• Prove the investment capital is not from a loan.  
• Show medical insurance for yourself and their family. 

2. Golden visa for real estate investors: 

As a property investor, you can secure for yourself a 10-year renewable golden visa Dubai, provided you: 

• Submit a letter from the land department stating that you own one or more properties with a value of at least AED 2 million. 
• Purchase property with loans from government-approved local banks only. 

Gain insights: How to Start Your Real Estate Business in Dubai? 

3. Golden visa for entrepreneurs: 

Entrepreneurs with a technical, innovative, or futuristic economic project can obtain a 10-year golden visa in Dubai if they provide: 

• A letter from a UAE auditor confirming the project is valued at a minimum of AED 500,000. 
• A letter from relevant Dubai authorities confirming the project’s innovative or future-oriented nature. 
• A letter from a UAE-accredited business incubator. 

Read more: How to Become an Entrepreneur in Dubai (2024 Guide) 

4. Golden visa for doctors and scientists: 

Doctors and scientists can obtain a 10-year golden visa in the UAE by providing: 

• For Doctors: An approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention for practicing medicine in the UAE. 
• For Scientists: A recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence confirming receipt of the Medal of Scientific Excellence. 

Useful insights: How to Start a Healthcare Business in Dubai 

5. Golden visa for inventors: 

As an inventor, you can receive a 10-year UAE golden visa by providing a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy that confirms your patent adds value to the nation’s economy. 

6. Dubai golden visa for creative people: 

If you are passionate about culture and art, you can obtain a 10-year golden visa Dubai by submitting an approval letter from the relevant Department of Culture and Arts. 

7. Golden visa for executive directors: 

To obtain a 10-year golden visa as an executive director in Dubai, you must: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree, with a copy attested by the Ministry of Education. 
• Provide an experience letter showing at least 10 years in the same position. 
• Submit a salary certificate with a salary over AED 30,000. 
• Provide a valid work agreement. 
• Golden visa for athletes: 

If you are a fitness enthusiast or a sports person, you can obtain a 10-year Dubai golden visa by submitting a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or the Sports Council. 

8. Golden visa for athletes: 

If you are a fitness enthusiast or a sports person, you can obtain a 10-year Dubai golden visa by submitting a recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or the Sports Council. 

9.  Golden visa for engineering/science specialists: 

To obtain a golden visa, engineers or science specialists must provide: 

• A copy of their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, certified by the Ministry of Education. 
• A valid work contract. 

10. Golden visa for students: 

Outstanding students can receive a UAE golden visa as follows: 

1. High school students: Obtain a 10-year golden visa with at least a 95% grade and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education. 

2. University students: Obtain a 10-year golden visa if you are: 

• Enrolled in a university rated Class A or B by the Ministry of Education with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (Class A) or 3.8 (Class B). 
• Enrolled in a foreign university ranked in the global top 100 with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Your graduation certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education. 

11. Golden visa for humanitarian pioneers: 

Are you an advocate for humanitarian causes? You can obtain a 10-year golden visa in the beautiful city of Dubai if you meet the following criteria: 

• At least 10 years of work experience with regional or international organizations. 
• At least 10 years of work experience with civil associations and institutions of public interest. 
• Received an appreciation award from a local, regional, or international humanitarian organization. 
• Contributed at least AED 2 million or its equivalent to humanitarian causes. 

12. Golden visa for frontline heroes: 

A golden visa Dubai is also granted to heroes who have shown extraordinary efforts and taken initiative during crises and times of need (such as nurses, medical professionals, lab technicians, etc.) and have been recommended by a competent authority. 

New rules for UAE golden visa in 2024: 

Let us quickly review the new rules for the UAE golden visa in 2024 to ensure you are updated: 

• Minimum down payment eliminated: The previous requirement for a minimum down payment of AED 1 million for property investment has been removed. 
• New qualification criteria: To qualify for a property investor golden visa, you now need to own property worth AED 2 million or more, whether it is off plan, completed, or mortgaged. 
• Lowered minimum salary requirement: The minimum monthly salary requirement has been reduced from AED 50,000 to AED 30,000, making more skilled professionals eligible for the long-term residency. 

The process to get Dubai golden visa in 2024:  

Applying for a UAE golden visa has become really straightforward. To apply for a 10-year golden visa in Dubai, follow this simple golden visa process: 

1. Visit the ICP’s official website: Home – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (icp.gov.ae) 
2. Under the “services” dropdown menu, choose “golden residency services.” 
3. Scroll down and select “applying for golden visas.” 
4. You will be redirected to a page where you can select the category of the golden visa you want to apply for. Click “start service” for the appropriate category. 
5. Enter your name, mobile number, email, nationality, and other category-specific details. 
6. Upload the required documents and review your application carefully before final submission. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid rejection. 
7. Complete the payment process to submit your application. 
8. The immigration department will review your application, with processing typically taking 3 to 6 months. 

Alternatively, you can visit an Amer Center (a designated government service center) in Dubai with the required documents and submit the golden visa application form in person. 

What is one touch golden visa service in UAE? 

The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Port Security (ICP) of UAE has made golden visa services very easy and readily available to applicants through the recently launched “one touch” golden visa service.  

If you meet the specified requirements, you can handle applications for the golden visa, issuance of other visas, status regularization, and residency and identity issuance and renewals—all in just one step. You can complete your golden visa Dubai application with just the push of a button on the ICP website or the smart application UAEICP! 

Documents needed for golden visa UAE: 

You will need to typically submit the following documents to apply for a golden visa Dubai: 

• Valid passport copy 
• Coloured passport photo 
• Detailed CV 
• Bank/financial statements 
• Copy of current residency visa (for residents of UAE) 
• Emirates ID copy (if applicable) 
• Medical fitness report 
• Health insurance coverage for yourself and your family 
• Documents supporting family relationships 
• Clear criminal record certificate 
• All relevant documents such as property-related documents, recommendation letters, academic records, or proof of achievements under the category applying for 
• Any additional documents as may be asked 

What is the golden visa UAE price? 

UAE golden visa for property can be around AED 12,000* (government cost). 

The golden visa cost depends on the category you are applying for and may include many expenses such as approval fees, medical checkup fees, emirates ID fees etc.  

To know the exact cost, kindly consult us at Dubiz Business Setup. 

Get your golden key to Emirates with Dubiz! 

A golden visa offers a gateway to a vibrant and rewarding life in Dubai, with access to numerous benefits and opportunities. While the process can be complex, Dubiz is here to simplify it for you. Dubiz proudly stands as the most trusted golden visa consultancy in UAE. 

Our experienced team will guide you through selecting the right visa category based on your needs, handle all the paperwork, and manage the approval process to ensure you receive your residency quickly and efficiently. With years of experience in securing golden visas for our clients, we make the process smooth and straightforward. 

In addition to golden visa services, we provide comprehensive support for entrepreneurs for various business needs including UAE company registration, trade licensing, visa application, and marketing strategies and more. Whether you are establishing a new business setup in Dubai or expanding an existing one, we offer tailored solutions to help you succeed in this futuristics city. 

Benefit from our free consultation today:  

Call us: +971 562986853, WhatsApp us: +971 501309366, Email us: info@dubiz.co       

FAQs 

1. What is the validity period of the golden visa in Dubai, UAE?

The golden visa in Dubai, UAE, is valid for 10 years, depending on the category you hold, and can be renewed. 

2. Can the UAE golden visa be extended or cancelled?

Yes, the golden visa in the UAE can be extended for 10 years (depending on your category) if you continue to meet the requirements. However, the authorities can cancel it in case of any violations. 

3. What is the processing time for the golden visa in Dubai?

The processing time for a golden visa in Dubai is usually 3 to 6 months, but it can vary depending on the category you are applying for and other factors. 

4. Can Indians apply for the Dubai golden visa?

Yes, Indians can apply for a Dubai golden visa but must meet certain eligibility criteria. 

5. Can I sponsor my family members with a Dubai golden visa?

Yes, you can sponsor your family members, such as your spouse or children, with your golden visa Dubai. 

6. Who can apply for a UAE golden visa? 

To apply for a golden visa in UAE, you must be a non-UAE citizen with a valid passport, a clear criminal record, and must meet all the eligibility criteria for the visa category you are applying for.  

7. What is the validity period of the golden visa in Dubai, UAE?

The golden visa in Dubai is a long-term residency visa with a validity period of 10 years. It can be renewed every 10 years, depending on your visa category and by meeting the necessary requirements.

8. Can the UAE golden visa be extended or cancelled?

Yes, the golden visa in the UAE can be extended by 10 years (depending on your category) if you continue to meet the requirements. However, the authorities can cancel it in case of any violations.