What is the process for obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE?

Do you want to apply for the UAE Golden Visa but are unsure where to start? Recently, the UAE announced an update to the nation’s visa policy, with the new visas taking effect on October 3. The categories that qualify for a Golden Visa have also been expanded, according to the announcement.

So, are you eligible to apply for a Golden Visa? If so, how exactly? Here is everything you need to know.

1. Find out if you are eligible

Finding your Golden Visa eligibility is the first step to take. You must choose which category you can apply under because numerous have been announced in the most recent change to the visa system. An online resource has been developed by the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO), a division devoted to assisting newcomers in settling in Abu Dhabi. To determine if you qualify for the Golden Visa, please respond to the following 17 questions. This tool may be a useful place to start to determine your eligibility even if you are seeking a visa from another Emirate.

ELIGIBLE CATEGORIES FOR GOLDEN VISA

In the updated Golden Visa scheme, the eligible categories were expanded to include the following:

1. Investors:

• Public investment
• Real estate investment

2. Entrepreneurs:

• Owners of registered successful start-ups
• Those who have an approved idea for a start-up
• Previous founders of a successful start-up that was sold inside or outside the UAE

3. Exceptional talents in the fields of:

• Culture and art
• Investors and innovators
• Sports
• Digital technology
• Other vital fields

4. Scientists and professionals

• Scientists
• Chief executives and senior officials
• Science professionals
• Engineering professionals
• Health professionals
• Education professionals
• Business and Administration professionals
• Information technology professionals
• Legal, social and cultural professionals

5. Outstanding students and graduates

• Best performing students in secondary schools
• Best graduates from UAE universities
• Graduates of the best 100 universities worldwide

6. Humanitarian pioneers

• Distinguished members of international and regional organizations
• Outstanding members of associations of public benefits
• Recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields
• Distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts

7. Frontline heroes

• Frontline workers who made extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Get your documents/recommendations ready

Finding out how to obtain the required documentation is the next step after you have determined which category you might fall under for the long-term visa. You might need a referral from the relevant government department for some categories. For instance, if you are applying as a “creative professional,” you will require a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or if you are applying in Dubai, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

Call the Amer service in Dubai at 800 5111 to acquire a list of all the documents you could require for your category. Applications for visas are submitted by Amer Centers on behalf of the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

You can get in touch with ADRO at 800 555 if you are applying for the Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which oversees all other Emirates, can be reached at (6005-22222).

3. Start your application

You can begin the application procedure if you are certain that you meet the requirements for your category of Golden Visa. You have the option of completing this step online or by visiting an Amer center in Dubai or an ICP customer happiness center.

Online – Dubai

The GDRFA lets candidates begin the procedure online if they are applying for a visa in Dubai.

1. Visit https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services?id=71ea8dd6-56c3-11ea-0320-0050569629e8 and select the category for Golden Visa that you want to apply under.
2. If you already have a GDRFA account, sign in with it. You can also sign in by using your UAE Pass.
3. Start by entering information about your current residence in the form, such as your residence visa number, UID number, registered tenancy contract, and International Bank Account (IBAN) number.
4. Your copy of your passport, a copy of your Emirates ID, and any other documents proving your eligibility for the Golden Visa category will next be requested.
5. Make the payment; you will then be requested to provide the application’s required payments.

After submitting the application, you will get an SMS if any supporting documents are still needed. Within 30 days, applicants must submit the necessary documentation; else, their applications will be canceled.

You will receive an SMS and email if your application is accepted.

Fees

Residency visa fees – Dh2,790

Emirates ID fees – Dh1,070

Amer center – Dubai

You can also apply for the Golden Visa through an Amer center, by following these steps:

1. Head to one of the Amer Centre service branches.
2. Select the required service at the reception.
3. Submit the required documents to the service employee.
4. Pay the fees.

If any documents are missing after you submit the application, you will be notified by SMS. The application will be canceled if the needed documents are not attached within 30 days.

You will receive an SMS and email to let you know if your application has been accepted.

Fees

Residency visa fees – Dh2,790

Emirates ID fees – Dh1,070

Online – Other Emirates

By taking the following steps, you can begin the Golden Visa application process:

1. Request the “Request for Golden Visa nomination” service. You can do this in Abu Dhabi by clicking on the following link:

https://www.tamm.abudhabi/journeys/obtain-a-golden-visa?lang=en

For all other Emirates, you can do so by visiting the following link: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/goldenServicesDashboard

2. Log in and start the form’s submission by entering your current address, your registered tenancy agreement, and your international bank account (IBAN) number.
3. Your copy of your passport, a copy of your Emirates ID, and any other documents proving your eligibility for the Golden Visa category will next be requested.
4. Make the application’s payment.

After you submit the request, you will be given a tracking number so you may check the status of the request. You will be instructed to visit an ICP customer happiness centre to finish the application process once your application has been approved.

After submitting the application, you must wait to hear from ICP regarding the status of your request.

4. Get your medical fitness test completed

You must complete a medical fitness test after the relevant immigration authority approves your application.

5. Apply for your Emirates ID

Applying for your Emirates ID is the next step, which you can accomplish by going to an ICP customer delight center. Visit the following link to locate an ICP customer happiness center close to you: https://icp.gov.ae/en/customer-happiness-centers/.

Also Read: UAE: Golden Visa vs. Green Visa: What’s the difference?