The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently introduced a Golden Visa program that allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE with special advantages. The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that is open to various categories of individuals, including entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, outstanding students, recent graduates, front-line heroes, and humanitarian pioneers. The Golden Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency and is a coveted opportunity for those looking to establish a long-term presence in the UAE. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UAE Golden Visa Entry Permit.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before applying for a Golden Visa Entry Permit, it’s important to determine if you are eligible for the program. The eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa program may vary depending on the category you fall under. The categories currently eligible for the Golden Visa include:
- Entrepreneurs: Foreign investors who have set up a business in the UAE with a minimum investment of AED 500,000 (around USD 136,000) or those who have a previous successful entrepreneurial experience with a minimum of AED 500,000 (around USD 136,000) investment in a company.
- Investors: Foreign investors who have made a minimum investment of AED 10 million (around USD 2.7 million) in the UAE, including real estate, or public investments as determined by the government.
- Scientists: Foreign scientists who have received a major international award or have a PhD in a priority scientific field. They should also have a recommendation letter from a recognized scientific institution in the UAE.
- Outstanding Students: Outstanding students with a minimum grade of 95% in public and private secondary schools in the UAE.
- Recent Graduates: Graduates from UAE-based universities with a minimum GPA of 3.8 or higher.
- Front-line Heroes: Front-line workers in the fields of healthcare, engineering, and education who have been serving during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Humanitarian Pioneers: Individuals who have contributed to humanitarian efforts or have been recognized by international humanitarian organizations.
Step 2: Prepare documents
Once you have determined your eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa, you will need to gather the required documents for your application. The documents required may vary depending on the category you fall under, but generally, you will need the following documents:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
- Passport-sized photograph with a white background.
- Proof of eligibility based on your category, such as business ownership documents, investment certificates, award certificates, graduation certificates, recommendation letters, etc.
- A medical certificate showing that you do not have any contagious diseases.
- Proof of health insurance coverage in the UAE.
- Proof of financial capability to support yourself in the UAE, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or other relevant financial documents.
It’s important to ensure that all the documents are valid, up-to-date, and accurately reflect your current circumstances before submitting your application.
Step 3: Submit application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application for a UAE Golden Visa Entry Permit. You can apply online through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) or through authorized typing centers in the UAE.
When submitting your application, make sure to provide all the required information accurately and double-check for any errors or omissions. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in delays or rejection of your visa application.
Must read: How to Get a Canada Tourist Visa for Your Dream Vacation? Step by step guide
Step 4: Pay the application fee
As of recent updates, the application fee for a six-month entry permit necessary to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa has been increased by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) in the UAE. The fee may vary depending on the category you fall under and other factors, so it’s important to check the latest fee requirements at the time of your application. You can pay the application fee online using the accepted payment methods, as specified by the UAE authorities.
Step 5: Wait for processing
After submitting your application and paying the application fee, you will need to wait for the processing of your Golden Visa Entry Permit. The processing time may vary depending on various factors, such as the category you fall under, the volume of applications, and the complexity of your case. It’s important to be patient during this process and avoid any unnecessary follow-ups or inquiries that may further delay the processing of your application.
Step 6: Receive golden visa entry permit
Once your Golden Visa Entry Permit is approved, you will receive a notification through email or SMS. You can then log in to your account on the ICP website or through the UAE’s e-services portal to download and print your Golden Visa Entry Permit. The entry permit will serve as your temporary visa allowing you to enter the UAE and start enjoying the benefits of the Golden Visa.
Read also: Get your visa from Hong Kong
Step 7: Enter the UAE
With your Golden Visa Entry Permit in hand, you can travel to the UAE and enter the country through the designated ports of entry. You will need to present your Entry Permit along with your passport to the immigration authorities at the airport or other ports of entry for verification. Once your entry is approved, you will receive a stamp on your passport indicating that you have entered the UAE with a Golden Visa.
Step 8: Complete medical examination and biometric data
Upon entering the UAE with a Golden Visa, you may be required to undergo a medical examination and provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and retina scans, as per the UAE authorities’ requirements. This process is usually conducted at authorized medical centers or immigration offices and is a standard procedure for Golden Visa holders. It’s important to comply with this requirement to complete the process and ensure your Golden Visa remains valid.
Step 9: Apply for emirates ID and residence visa
After completing the medical examination and biometric data process, you will need to apply for an Emirates ID and Residence Visa. The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for residents in the UAE, and the Residence Visa is the long-term visa that allows you to legally reside in the UAE for the duration of your Golden Visa. You can apply for these documents through the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Step 10: Renewal and compliance with visa requirements
Once you have obtained your Golden Visa, it’s important to comply with the visa requirements and renew your visa as per the UAE authorities’ regulations. The Golden Visa is usually granted for a period of 5 or 10 years, depending on the category you fall under, and may be renewable upon meeting the renewal requirements. It’s important to keep track of your visa’s validity and ensure timely renewal to avoid any legal complications.
Recommended post: 5 scholarships in Canada without IELTS requirements!
The UAE Golden Visa offers a unique opportunity for foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE with special advantages. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can successfully apply for a UAE Golden Visa Entry Permit and enjoy the benefits of long-term residency in the UAE. However, it’s important to note that the Golden Visa requirements and regulations may change over time, so it’s advisable to check the latest updates and consult with the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
