Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residency visa for property owners, those investing significant capital in the UAE, or entrepreneurs – as well as individuals with outstanding talent, or who have made exceptional humanitarian contributions.
Other people, including specialist workers in a range of fields and elite recent graduates can also apply for a Golden Visa: find more information on the website of Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Eligibility
- Owner of one or more real estate properties worth no less than US$544,484 (AED2 million) in total
- Investor in a UAE-accredited fund with a minimum deposit of US$544,484 (AED2 million)
- Founder of a company in the UAE with a capital of no less than US$544,484 (AED2 million)
- Partner in an existing or new company with a share value of no less than US$544,484 (AED2 million)
- Owner or partner in a pioneering project registered with Dubai Future Authority
- Owner or partner in a start-up classified as a small or medium enterprise (SME)
- Founder of a registered pioneering project that was sold for no less than approx. US$1,905,825 (AED7 million)
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creatives in culture and art
- Experts in engineering and science
- Inventors
- Executives
- Specialists in scientific fields
- Doctoral degree holders
- Athletes
- A recommendation by the Ministry of Community Development
- A university degree
Green Visa
The Green Visa is a five-year residency visa offered for skilled professionals, freelancers and self-employed people. All applicants must have university degrees or an equivalent, and meet the relevant income requirements.
Eligibility
- Freelance or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Bachelor's degree or its equivalent (fully attested)
- Minimum annual self-employment income of approx. US$98,014 (AED360,000)
- Proof of financial solvency throughout stay in the UAE
- A valid employment contract
- A bachelor's degree or its equivalent
- A minimum monthly income of approx. US$4,084 (AED15,000)
- An occupational level classified as first, second, or third by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Virtual Work Visa
Dubai's virtual working programme offers people who work remotely for a non-UAE company one-year residency visa. This is ideal for those looking to work remotely from Dubai. Note that holders of this visa are not allowed to work for UAE companies.
Eligibility
- Proof of employment from an employer outside the UAE with a minimum one-year contract validity
- A monthly income of no less than US$3,500 or the equivalent in foreign currencies
- Proof that the work is being conducted remotely
Retirement Visa
Retirement Visas are available to those aged 55 or above who own property or have sufficient income or savings. Retiring to Dubai offers vast opportunityies for relaxation, travel or self-exploration – along with world-class healthcare facilities.
Eligibility
- Minimum yearly income of approx. US$49,000 (AED180,000) annually
- Minimum of approx. US$275,000 (AED1 million) savings in a three-year fixed deposit
- Unmortgaged property valued at a minimum of approx. US$275,000 (AED1 million)
- Mortgage property with a minimum of approx. US$275,000 (AED1 million) paid off
- A combination of three-year fixed deposit savings and property, worth a minimum of approx. US$275,000 (AED1 million) in total, with property making up a minimum of approx. US$137,500 (AED500,000)
Blue Visa
The Blue Visa is a newly-announced 10-year residency visa issued to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution towards protecting the environment, either in the UAE or internationally.
Those eligible for a Blue Visa should have a verifiable record in environmental action, and can include:
- Members of relevant international charities, associations, NGOs or companies
- Global award winners
- Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work
Details including full requirements for a Blue Visa, and how to apply, are in the process of being finalised: please see the UAE government portal’s page for the latest updates.
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