The Golden Residency is a long-term residence visa that allows its holder to stay in the UAE for a period ranging from 5 to 10 years. This residency is granted to various categories, such as investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, creatives, researchers, and special talents, provided that specific criteria and conditions are met for each category.
The Golden Residency is a strategic step to attract talents and expertise and to boost investments within the UAE, contributing to sustainable economic and social development. If you wish to obtain a long-term residency inside the UAE, here in this article are all the necessary details from the beginning until obtaining the residency.
What is the Golden Residency?
The Golden Residency program is a program launched by the UAE government aiming to grant its holder the opportunity to reside in the UAE without the need for a sponsor or guarantor inside the country. It has been issued to include granting stay for different durations depending on the applicant’s category. The residency can be for five or 10 years according to the issuance category. The Golden Residency holder enjoys many exclusive benefits, which include a multiple-entry visa valid for a certain period inside the UAE, a residency visa inside the UAE for five or 10 years renewable, and the ability to travel and stay outside the UAE for a period exceeding six months.Benefits of the Golden Residency in the UAE
Permanent residency in the UAE provides many advantages that cannot be obtained from other types of residencies, including the following:- No need for a sponsor inside the country.
- Issuing residency permits for the family of the residency holder, including spouse and children.
- Ability to bring in a number of support service workers for the residency holder.
- Allows family members to stay inside the UAE for the entire duration of the residency.
Types of Golden Residency in the UAE
It is worth noting that the Golden Residency is granted to many categories, each with different conditions and costs. These categories include:- Investors in public investments
- Real estate investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Talented individuals
- Specializations including doctors, scientists, and those in arts and culture
- Inventors, executive managers, and specialists in scientific fields
Conditions for the Golden Residency
The conditions for granting the Golden Residency vary according to the applying category; conditions differ between investors, real estate investors, scientists, executive managers, and doctors. Below are the conditions that must be met for each category to obtain the semi-permanent residency in the UAE:Obtaining the Golden Residency for Real Estate Investors
You can obtain the Golden Residency by investing in real estate in the UAE. Several conditions are required, the first of which is owning a property worth no less than 2 million AED. In this case, you will be granted a visa to enter the UAE valid for five years, renewable without the need for a sponsor. In addition to owning property worth 2 million AED, a proof of ownership must be issued from the Real Estate Registration Department confirming ownership of the property to the applicant for residency, without any outstanding loans against the property from UAE banks. Also, proof of residence within the UAE must be provided, either by ownership of a property or a valid tenancy contract.Obtaining the Golden Residency for Investors in Public Investments
Applicants for the Golden Residency can obtain a residency visa valid for up to 10 years without the need for a sponsor, provided they invest no less than 2 million AED in one of the approved investment funds inside the UAE. In addition to submitting documents proving the deposit of the mentioned amount as a minimum, a valid trade license, and a company establishment contract. It must also be verified that the invested amount was not obtained through a loan from any bank inside the UAE.Golden Card for Doctors and Skilled Professionals
The UAE offers a unique opportunity for specific categories of doctors, skilled professionals, and special talents to obtain long-term residency, also known as the “Golden Card.” This initiative aims to attract exceptional competencies and talents that contribute to enhancing the country’s economic and social development. Residency for High Salary Earners Individuals with salaries exceeding 30,000 AED (basic salary) can apply for long-term residency in the UAE, but they must provide official proof of receiving this salary from the competent authority.Steps to Obtain the Golden Residency
If you aim to obtain a long-term residency that can extend up to 10 years, you should follow these steps:- Check eligibility for the qualified categories.
- Submit the nomination application via the official platform.
- Attach the necessary documents according to the category.
- Pay the prescribed fees for the application.
- Application evaluation and approval by the competent authorities.
- Issuance of the Golden Residency after approval.
Exclusive Benefits of the Golden Residency in the UAE
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced permanent residency in the UAE, which includes many unique advantages:- Multiple-entry visa: valid for six months to complete the Golden Residency procedures inside the UAE.
- Long-term renewable residency: lasting 5 or 10 years depending on the eligible category, with renewal possibilities under specified conditions.
- Independence from a sponsor: provides the freedom to start businesses, work, and own property without the need for a sponsor.
- Family residency permits: ability to issue residency permits for family members, including spouse and children.
- Bringing in supporting labor: allows holders to bring an unlimited number of supporting workers.
- Family stability after death: grants residency to family members of the deceased until the end of the residency period.
- High-level facilities: thanks to the UAE’s advanced infrastructure.
- Income tax exemption: exempts Golden Residency holders from paying income tax.
- Prestigious educational opportunities: allows access to the best educational institutions within the UAE.
- Ease of establishing and managing businesses: ideal for investors due to the large growth rates and available investment opportunities.