The Dubai/UAE Golden Visa For Indian Citizens Guide

In recent years, the UAE Government has started offering many lucrative opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and business people. Along with the Digital Nomad Visa and the UAE/Dubai Freelance Visa, the UAE also offers the UAE Golden Visa.

In this blog, let us take an in-depth look at the UAE Golden Visa:

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But why should you use Atlys?

Atlys has special tools that help speed up the application process, which normally would take days. Atlys has a free passport photo tool you can use to skip the hassle of getting a digital passport photo.

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The UAE Golden Visa aims to attract more investments and increase growth in the business sector by offering permanent residency to Indian citizens. It is a long-term visa that allows foreign nationals to get a residency for five to ten years in the UAE.

International talent can benefit from exclusive benefits while residing, working, and attending university in the United Arab Emirates. Investors, company entrepreneurs, professors, talented undergrads and graduates, scientists, humanitarian trailblazers, and many others eligible can apply for the Golden Residency.

Individuals in each work field that fall under a specific category can apply for the Golden Visa UAE if they meet the requirements in their field of work. Additionally, depending on the visa category, their work field, and investment, the validity of their residence visa can be either 5 or 10 years.

However, if you wish to visit Dubai before you decide permanently, you can apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa for Indians using Atlys.

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The Golden Visa UAE is a special visa that allows foreign citizens to reside, work, and study in the UAE for a long period of time. In addition to these privileges, it also provides other advantages, which are known as the Dubai Golden Visa Benefits:

• The Golden Visa UAE is a visa that allows non-citizens to reside in the UAE for a long time without needing a sponsor. It can be renewed every 5 or 10 years.
• Indian nationals are not required to have sponsors or employers who are citizens of the United Arab Emirates in order to obtain a golden visa that is valid for 10 years.
• Indian citizens are allowed to remain outside the UAE for more than 6 months while still keeping their UAE Golden residence visa.
• People who have the Golden Visa UAE are allowed to work, study, and live in the UAE.
• People who have the Golden Visa UAE have complete ownership of their business in the UAE.
• People who have the Golden Visa UAE can bring their spouse and family members to live with them in the UAE.
• People who have the Dubai Golden Visa can bring their children to live with them in the UAE, with no age limit.
• People who have the Dubai Golden Visa can bring a domestic worker to the UAE by sponsoring their visa or work permit.
• People who hold a UAE Golden Visa will receive discounts and special deals on cars, real estate, medical treatment, hotel services, health insurance, and banking services.
• Under the Abu Dhabi Residents Office’s commercial partnerships, Abu Dhabi golden visa holders will get discounts on selected properties from developer Imkan Properties.
• Banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, offer real estate Abu Dhabi golden visa investors reduced mortgage fixed-interest rates.
• The holders are entitled to reduced premiums on annual health insurance plans for families and individuals, with diverse network coverage and a bundle of benefits inside and outside the UAE.
• UAE Golden visa holders are eligible for price reductions on cars and will receive priority booking for new releases, special payment facilities, maintenance offers, and licensing services. They will receive special offers for dining, spa treatments, gyms, and stays at selected hospitality destinations in Abu Dhabi.

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The eligibility criteria for each person that wishes to invest in the UAE or Dubai will differ depending on the type of investment and their work field or industry. Similarly, specific Dubai Golden visa criteria only allow a 5-year resident visa and must be renewed.

According to a UAE Cabinet Resolution, personals meeting the following conditions and eligibility criteria can apply for a UAE or Dubai Golden Visa:

Investors

An Indian investor can invest in an Investment Fund in Public Investments and can get a 10-year UAE Golden Visa if they meet the following conditions:

• Deposit at least AED Two Million in an investment fund which is approximately INR 44,851,454
• The investor capital is not less than AED two million, approximately (INR 44,851,454)
• If the investor pays no less than AED 250,000 annually in taxes, which is (INR 5,606,431)
• If the conditions are met, the senior employees, executive directors, or advisors of the investor are also eligible for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.

However, Real-Estate Investor can get a Dubai Golden Visa for a period of 5 years if:

• They invest at least AED Two Million in one or more properties, which is approximate INR 44,851,454
• They do not take a loan for that amount if the property is AED Two Million (INR 44,851,454)
• If the value of the real estate is more than Two Million, the amount can be a loan

Entrepreneurs

To be eligible for a UAE or Dubai Golden Visa, entrepreneurs must have a registered small and medium enterprise (SME) startup in the UAE. In addition, the startup idea must get approval from an official business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, or other competent local authorities and generate no less than AED 1 million, approximately INR 22,425,727

Entrepreneurs can also be eligible if they have sold their previous entrepreneurial project for no less than AED 7 million (INR 156,980,091) inside or outside UAE. Additionally, entrepreneurs can nominate 3 employees or partners in the project for the UAE Golden Visa.

The UAE Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs is only available for 5 Years and must be renewed closer to the expiry date of the visa.

Specialized Talents

The specialed talents can be from the following professions can get a Golden Visa UAE:

Doctors, Scientists, Creative People of Culture and Art, Inventors, Executive Directors, Specialists in Scientific Fields, Athletes, Doctoral Degree Holders, and Specialists in the Fields of Engineering and Science.

Specialists in the Fields of Engineering and Science can major in Epidemiology and Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics, Software, Electrical, Genetics, and Biotechnology.

The exceptional talents must get a recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity through entities such as the Ministry of Culture and Youth. Additionally, some of the specialized talents do not need to show proof of educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level.

Scientists and Professionals

Similarly, scientists and researchers can apply for nomination on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) e-Channel website. Alternatively, they can get the Golden Visa UAE through a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.

The scientist or researcher must have a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in one of the fields mentioned under Specialized Talents from the top universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements. Other eligibility criteria are:

• They have a Ph.D. from a top 500 university worldwide.
• They have professional experience in their Ph.D. field for 10 years.
• They have received an award of appreciation in their field.
• They have made a contribution to significant scientific research.
• They have published articles or scientific books in distinguished publications.
• They are a member of an organization related to the field.
• They have specialized in fields of priority to the UAE.

Students and Graduates

Outstanding students in the UAE’s top universities or higher education institutions can apply for a Golden Visa UAE. An outstanding high school student is eligible for a 5-year UAE Golden Visa if they are from a top 100 university in the UAE and globally.

Additionally, they must meet the specified academic performance/cumulative average, year of graduation, and university classification criteria. They do not need a sponsor for the visa; it can be renewed if they enroll in a UAE college/university for an additional 5 years, for example, in Medical University.

An outstanding student from a top university is eligible for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa if their GPA is more than 3.8. In addition, outstanding students can sponsor their parents and siblings if they meet the criteria stipulated by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Outstanding students in high school can only apply for UAE Golden Visa, valid for 5 years.

Humanitarian and Frontline Workers

Personals that meet the following criteria are eligible for a UAE Golden visa:

• They are distinguished members of international and regional organizations
• They are outstanding members of associations of public benefit
• They are recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields
• They are distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts
• They are frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic are also eligible for the Golden Visa.

You can also check the eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa on the Abu Dhabi Resident Office website.

Disclaimer: The rules and regulations are subject to change without notice. For additional information, you must visit the ICA website.

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Before you can apply for the UAE Golden Visa for Indians, you must apply for an entry permit. After receiving your entry visa, you can apply for a new visa, i.e., UAE Golden Visa. To apply for your visas, you will need the following required documents:

• A valid passport
• Passport-size pictures, check photo requirements or use the Atlys passport photo tool
• Bank Statement for the past 6 months
• Medical examination reports
• Health insurance is not less than one year and can be extended
• Immigration Establishment Card
• Travel itineraries such as flight tickets and hotel accommodation.
• Proof of housing in the country, such as an ownership document or rental agreement
• Additional documents related to the travel could be requested

You can apply for the UAE Golden Visa once you have entered the UAE. However, when applying for a UAE Golden Visa, you must submit all the required documents for a long-term residence visa.

Additionally, you could be asked to provide additional documents. Therefore, you are always advised to use immigration lawyers or attorneys to assist you through the visa application process.

Specific documents required for specific work fields are:

Investors

Investors in the UAE must have the following documents:

• UAE entry permit
• Proof in the form of a letter from an investment fund approved in the UAE stating the minimum investment has been made
• A letter stating the ownership of the property from the Real Estate Registration Department
• A letter from the Federal Tax Authority with proof of tax payment
• A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy for inventors
• A valid commercial or industrial license

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in the UAE must have the following documents:

• An approval letter from an auditor in the UAE describing that the project’s value meets the minimum criteria
• An approval letter stating that the project is feasible and can meet the future goals
• An approval letter from an accredited business incubator in the UAE
• An approved letter of nomination from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Specialized Talents

For special talents, there are specific needs for specific industries. Let us look at each work field and understand the requirements:

Field Of Medicine

Specialized Talents in the field of medicine require the following documents:

• An approval letter from the Ministry of Health allowing practice in the field of medicine
• Recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists
• OR a letter from the Secretariat of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Academic Excellence
• Proof of academic achievements from top universities
• Proof of Ph.D. in specific and required fields

Professionals or Highly-Skilled Workers

Professionals or highly-skilled workers with high educational qualifications and professional experience must have a:

• Employment contract in the UAE
• Have a first or second occupational level classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Have a monthly salary of not less than AED 30,000

Athletes, Innovators, and People of Culture and Art

For individuals in the fields of culture and art require the following documents:

• Letter of Recommendation from the Department of Culture and Arts in the relevant emirate.
• Letter of Recommendation from the General Sports Authority or one of the sports councils
• Proof of patents for innovators

Students and Graduates

Students and Graduates from the top universities must have the following documents:

• Letter of Recommendation from the Ministry of Education
• Letter of Recommendation from the school or university
• Proof of academic reports from a reputed university or school
• Proof of GPA of more than 3.8 for university students

Always remember that this document list is only a guideline, and you might need to provide additional documents. Additionally, your visa application can be rejected if you cannot provide all the necessary documents.

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Before you can apply for your UAE Folden Visa, you must get your UAE Entry Permit on the ICA website. The entry visa is valid for 6 months and must be obtained to be able to travel to the UAE and obtain their Golden Visa.

Once the primary applicant has received their entry permit, they can start the Golden Visa application process. Applicants can apply for their UAE Golden Visa on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

The entry visa holder can start their Golden Visa application process soon as they are in the UAE. Though doable, it is highly recommended that applicants use an immigration lawyer or attorney for the visa application process since gathering the documents can be a challenge.

Once you have completed the online application, you will receive confirmation via the email address provided. You will also receive important information and instructions through the email address.

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The UAE Golden Visa price varies depending on your visa category and the services you avail of to get the visa. The price for the visa includes:

• The investment you make in the UAE.
• The entry permit cost.
• The visa services (if applicable).
• The UAE Golden Visa fees.

The entry permit costs approximately INR 26,910 (AED 1,200). Whereas the Golden Visa applied from within the UAE cost between INR 62,792 (AED 2,800) and INR 85,217 (AED 3,800). However, if you apply outside the UAE, costs are between INR 85,217 (AED 3,800) and INR 107,643 (AED 4,800).

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An Indian citizen applying for a nomination will receive an email within 30 days notifying you of the outcome of your application to be nominated. Once they approve your nomination, you will receive an emailed link to upload the required documents for the visa.

Within weeks of uploading your documents, they will verify your application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and you will receive your visa. If you currently live in the UAE, you'll receive a temporary one-month visa. You then need to convert your temporary visa into a residency permit.

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The first step to getting your Golden Visa UAE is the entry permit. The entry permit is valid for multiple entries for a maximum of 6 months, and during this period, you must apply for your UAE Golden Visa.

The UAE Golden Visa can be applied for 5 to 10 years, depending on the category. Once you have received it, you can stay in the UAE for the entire validity period of your visa and can enter it multiple times. Additionally, you can renew your visa upon the expiry of the previous Golden Visa UAE.

Worry not if you are not eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. We also have a detailed blog on the Dubai Freelance Visa.

Or you can check other blogs on Dubai Tourist Visas​​ and much more on Atlys.