Unlocking the Benefits: A Guide to Understanding UAE's Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria

Unlocking the Benefits: A Guide to Understanding UAE's Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria

Individuals, whether residing in the UAE or abroad, can check their eligibility by accessing the website of the Federal Authority.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has released detailed guidelines to help skilled employees and special talents determine their eligibility for the UAE's expanded Golden Visa scheme.

Despite the recent expansion of the scheme, many eligible individuals are still hesitant to apply for long-term residency due to lack of confidence in their eligibility. The GDRFA's latest data shows that 151,600 people were issued long-term visas between 2019 and 2022. Those interested in determining their eligibility can easily do so by visiting the ICP's website, whether residing in the UAE or abroad.

The following 11 questions, obtained from the ICP website, outline the eligibility requirements:

1.      Are you in the UAE?

2.      Are you one of the investors in the country who meet the following conditions?

a.      Have a deposit of no less than Dh2 million with an investment fund licensed in the country.

b.      Own a company with a capital of no less than Dh2 million in UAE.

c.       Own a stake in a company with a value of no less than Dh2 million Or

d.      Owns or partners in a company that pays tax with a value of no less than Dh250,000

3.      Do you own a property whose total value is not less than Dh2 million and is not subject to any mortgage?

4.      Do you have a successful previous project in the country with a capital of at least Dh500,000?

5.      Are you one of the outstanding high school graduates from a high school in the UAE?

6.      Are you one of the outstanding university graduates who graduated from accredited universities in the country with a GPA of no less than 3.8?

7.      Are you a doctor who licenses to practice the profession from approved government agencies in the UAE, and are you currently on the job?

8.      Are you a specialist in engineering and science and on the job in one of these fields?

a.      Epidemiology and Viruses

b.      Artificial intelligence

c.       Big data

d.      Computer Engineering

e.      Electronic Engineering

f.       Software Engineering

g.      Electrical Engineering

h.      Genetic Engineering

i.        Biotechnology Engineering

9.      Are you a creative person who has previously produced distinguished and tangible artistic productions in the fields of visual arts, publishing, performing arts, designs and crafts, games and e-sports, media, and others inside or outside the UAE?

10.  Are you an innovator with a patent that will add value to the economy of the UAE?

11.  Are you a CEO working in the UAE in the private or the public sector?

To meet the criteria for this residency, it is required to hold a university degree with a bachelor's qualification, earn a minimum monthly salary of Dh50,000, and possess a work experience of at least five years in the UAE.

Q. Are you specialized in one of the rare educational fields of priority in the UAE?

In order to qualify for this residency, a university degree with a bachelor's degree in one of the priority fields or specializations such as education, training, management, and caring for people of determination is required.

Q. Are you an athlete, coach, referee, sports doctor, sports therapist, or public sports figure, with tangible

sporting achievements in the UAE or abroad?

Q. Do you hold a PhD in one of the priority fields and work in one of these specialisations?

Q. Are you one of the pioneers of humanitarian work from the following categories?

·        Members of international and regional organisations or their employees for no less than five years

·        Recipients of appreciation awards from local, regional or international institutions specialised in humanitarian work

·        Volunteers in humanitarian work for no less than five years or 500 volunteer hours

·        Financial supporters of humanitarian work with a value of no less than Dh2 million or its equivalent