UAE Launches 10-Year Golden Visa Scheme for Investors

The UAE has launched a strategic 10-year Golden Visa plan to attract foreign investors, thus promoting the country’s economic growth. The application is open to all foreign investors that meet fixed criteria, specified by the relevant authorities.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply:

STEP 1: Choose the right category set forth by the UAE government.

There are four governmentally decreed investment categories into which an investor must fall to secure the Golden Visa: 

1. Investor/Partner

2. Deposit Investor

3. Real Estate Investor

4. Tax Collection Investor

STEP 2: Investors need to make sure to have all the required documents prepared in advance.

1. Investor/Partner

   a. A copy of the passport.

   b. The trade licence with the partners appendix.

   c. The financial report of the company for the past year.

   d. A free zone certificate with the investor’s financial data.

   e. A bank statement of the venture for the past six months.

   f. A registration document from the Federal Tax Authority (Please note: the company’s transactions should          not be less than AED 100,000 annually.)

   g. Proof of property ownership (if applicable).

2. Deposit Investor

   a. A copy of the passport.

   b. Proof of ownership of a financial deposit of minimum AED 2,000,000 in a local bank.

   c. Proof of residence in the Emirate of Dubai.

3. Real Estate Investor

   a. A copy of the passport.

   b. Proof of ownership of one or more properties with a value of minimum AED 2,000,000.

4. Tax Collection Investor

   a. A copy of the passport.

   b. A letter from the Federal Tax Authority proving the investor’s annual tax payment of at least AED 250,000         annually.

   c. The trade licence with the partners appendix.

STEP 3: Investors should settle on the right channel out of three available options to apply through.

1. Digital Channels (website or smart application) - Accessible 24/7

   a. Log in to the smart services system (UAE Pass or username).

   b. Search for the applicable service.

   c. Fill in the application data, where applicable.

   d. Pay the service fee (if applicable)

2. Customer Happiness Centre

   a. Visit the nearest centre.

   b. Get the automated ticket.

   c. Submit the application that fulfils all the conditions and required documents (if applicable).

   d. Pay the service fee (if applicable).

3. Amer Service Centre

   a. Visit the nearest centre.

   b. Get the automated ticket.

   c. Submit the application that fulfils all the conditions and required documents (if applicable).

   d. Pay the service fee (if applicable).

STEP 4: Pay the fixed fees. 

1. Residence Permit Fee: AED 1100.

2. Knowledge: AED 10. 

3. Innovation: AED 10. 

4. Fee Inside the Country: AED 500.

5. Delivery: AED 20.

STEP 5: Investors need to make sure to meet the Terms and Conditions. 

1. A letter from a UAE-accredited investment fund confirming the investor’s deposit of AED 2 million. 

2. The submission of a valid commercial or industrial licence with a capital of AED 2,000,000 at minimum. 

3. A letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating the company’s annual contribution of AED 250,000 at minimum. 

4. Only commercial/industrial licences are accepted. 

5. A ‘To Whom It May Concern Certificate’ from the relevant authorities is needed, if the licence is from a free/development zone.

STEP 6: Look into who else can obtain the Golden Visa. 

1. The investor’s spouse and unmarried children. 

2. Senior employees of Public Investments (if conditions, such as a letter from the investor confirming the position, are met). 

3. Real estate investors (only 5 years and renewable under the same conditions).

Golden Visa applications take a minimum of 48 hours to complete, once submitted.