UAE Issues Over 150000 Golden Visas So Far; Here's How to Apply and How Much It Costs

Since the announcement of the long-term residency scheme and the new visa rules that went into effect on October 3, the UAE government has issued more than 150,000 Golden Visas and has recorded approx. 40 per cent increase from earlier this year.

Since 2019, 151,666 golden visas have been issued by UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Notably, in order to provide exceptional workers and foreign investors with the chance to grow deeper roots in the nation and enable the country to benefit from their expertise. The initiative was announced to be launched in May 2019 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed stated that the 10-year renewable residency programme aimed to attract workers in the fields of health, engineering, science, and art.

The spouse and children of the visa holder are also granted long-term residency.

UAE Golden Visa

The ‘Golden visa’ of the UAE is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits such as a six-month entry visa with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance. a five- or ten-year renewable residence visa.

Also Read: UAE Launches New 6 Months Visa For Golden Residency Applicants: Details Here

Eligibility for UAE’s Golden Visa

Golden visas have been given to a wide range of people, including international celebrities, business titans, and medical professionals who were on the front lines during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, students who excel academically in the nation may also be granted a golden visa.

The UAE recently unveiled a new online tool to assist users in determining whether they are eligible for a Golden Visa.

The tool, which can be found on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, is a short quiz that will tell users if they are eligible for a Golden Visa. The quiz takes a few minutes to complete and asks users about their investments in the UAE, job role, and contribution to the country’s economy.

Also Read: UAE Start Issuing Five-Year Residency Visas for Children of Emirati Women

How to apply for UAE’s Golden Visa

An individual can apply for the Golden Visa in a variety of ways, including through the government, employers, agencies, and others.

The cost and timeline for applying through each channel will differ; we have mentioned the application process for GDRFA and AMER Center here.

Apply through GDRFA

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for the Golden Visa through the GDRFA-Dubai Smart Application. Here are the six steps they must take:

STEP 1 – Download the GDRFA-Dubai application through the authorized stores: Apple store or Play store
STEP 2 – Register a new user account (in case there is no account registered)
STEP 3 – Select the required service
STEP 4 – Attach the required documents
STEP 5 – Pay the fees due for the service
STEP 6 – Submit the request

Apply Through AMER Center

Similarly, qualified candidates can apply for the UAE’s Golden Visa through the AMER Center. Here are the six steps that must be taken:

STEP 1 – Head to one of the service branches of the Amer Centers
STEP 2 – Select the required service at the receptionist
STEP 3 – Submit the required documents to the service employee
STEP 4 – Checking documents
STEP 5 – Pay the fees due for the service
STEP 6 – Submit the application