UAE Golden Visa: A Complete Guide to the Recent Changes
The golden visa program is a popular and well-acknowledged visa scheme in the UAE. The 10-year Dubai Golden Visa started way back in 2019 when it issued a 10-year renewable residency to exceptional workers, investors, and their families. This visa program underwent a few changes and facelifts in 2024. This is done to streamline the residency process and widen access to a talented workforce.
Highlighting Changes in the Golden Visa Program
Boon for Real Estate Investors
Investors in off-plan properties are now eligible for the golden visa. The mandate for a minimum down payment of Dh1 million is not existent now. The changes suggest that the investor must have a property or multiple properties valued at Dh2 million or more. Here the current valuation of the property done through the Dubai Land Department’s official appraisers are only considered.
Off-Plan Property Acquisition Rules
Investors seeking golden visas must give a down payment of at least 50% of the property’s value or a bank guarantee for the remaining balance. Ideally, at the time of visa application, the property must be 50% complete along with approval from relevant authorities.
Criteria for Salary of Professionals
The revised salary criteria for a 10-year Dubai Golden Visa application is Dh30,000. This amount excludes additional allowances or perks encompassing housing, school fees and transport stipends. One should submit a bank statement for 6 months while submitting the visa application. This will help the authorities to assess the application seamlessly.
Inclusion of Exceptional Educators
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, honours the educators and acknowledges their importance in shaping the country’s future generation. Thus, he endorsed the inclusion of exceptional teachers in the visa program. The new rule makes the educators of primary and high schools and higher education institutes in Dubai eligible for the visa. It is essential to submit their qualifications, duly recognised by the Ministry of Education in UAE.
Golden Visa Eligibility Universe
The widened spectrum of Dubai Golden Visa includes professionals from diverse domains.
Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Public and real-estate investors
- Owners of registered successful start-ups.
- Owners of registered successful start-ups who have sold the same in or outside UAE.
- People with approved ideas for a start-up.
Talent Pool
- Sports
- Technology
- Innovators
- Culture
- Art
- Digital Space
- Scientists
Professionals
- Science and Engineering professionals
- Chief Executive Officers
- Doctors
- Educators
- Lawyers
- Cultural professionals
Students
- Best graduates from UAE universities
- Graduates of the top 100 universities worldwide
- Best student from secondary schools
Humanitarians and Frontline Workers
- Esteemed members of international and regional organisations
- Reputed members of associations of public benefits
- Awardees in humanitarian fields
- Eminent volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts
- Frontline workers during the pandemic
Benefits of Golden Visa
The host of benefits enjoyed by Golden Visa holders are lucrative. Take a look.
- The choice to travel in and out of the UAE without restrictions. There is no need for any local sponsors.
- The luxury of having coverage for the extended family: spouse, parents and children.
- The access to live, work and study in UAE in both public and private sectors.
UAE aims for a holistic inclusion for professionals, innovators, educators and investors. These positive and inclusive changes in the 10-year Dubai Golden Visa rules make the UAE a space for global development and harmony.
