Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that grants foreign investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and talented individuals the right to live, work, and study in the country for an extended period, typically 5 or 10 years, without the need for a national sponsor. It is designed to attract and retain global talent and investment, contributing to the UAE's economic growth and diversification.
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa:
- Long-Term Residency: The visa provides stability and a long-term outlook for residents, eliminating the need for frequent visa renewals.
- No Sponsor Required: Golden Visa holders are independent and not tied to an employer or local sponsor, offering greater flexibility and autonomy.
- Family Sponsorship: The visa allows the holder to sponsor their family members, including a spouse, children of any age, and parents, providing a path for the entire family to reside in the UAE.
- Flexibility of Stay: Unlike other residency visas, Golden Visa holders are not required to reside in the UAE for a minimum period to keep their visa valid. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who travel frequently.
- Tax Benefits: The UAE has a favorable tax environment with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax, which can result in significant financial savings.
- Business and Investment Opportunities: The visa facilitates business ownership and investment by allowing 100% foreign ownership of a company on the mainland, without the need for a local partner.
- Access to Services: Golden Visa holders can access a wide range of government and private services, including healthcare, education, and banking. They also receive an "Esaad" privilege card, which offers discounts at over 7,000 businesses.
- Unlimited Domestic Helpers: A Golden Visa holder can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, such as nannies, drivers, and housekeepers.
Eligibility Categories:
The eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa vary depending on the category of the applicant. Common categories include:
- Investors:
- Real Estate Investors: By purchasing a property or properties worth at least AED 2 million. This can be a single property or multiple properties, and can be mortgaged through certain local banks.
- Public Investors: By investing a minimum of AED 2 million in a public investment fund.
- Entrepreneurs: By owning an existing or new project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or by being a founder of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold for a total value of not less than AED 7 million.
- Talented Individuals: This category includes a broad range of professionals recognized for their expertise in their field. It can include:
- Scientists and Researchers: Requiring a recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists.
- Doctors and Professionals: Doctors, engineers, and other skilled professionals with a high salary and a minimum of five years of experience.
- Inventors and Innovators: Those with a patent that has an added value to the country's economy.
- Athletes, Artists, and Creatives: Requiring a recommendation letter from a relevant government authority.
- Outstanding Students: Top-performing high school students and university graduates with a high GPA from accredited universities.
- Humanitarian Pioneers: Individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian work.
The agency's role is to guide clients through the entire process, from determining their eligibility and compiling the necessary documentation to liaising with government authorities and managing the application process to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
Employment Visa
The Employment Visa is the most common type of visa for foreign nationals who have secured a job offer from a company in Dubai or the wider UAE. It is a mandatory requirement that legalizes an individual's residency and work status. The entire process is primarily handled by the sponsoring employer, who acts as the key facilitator between the employee and various government authorities.
Key Features and Process:
- Job Offer and Sponsorship: The process begins when a UAE-based company offers a job to a foreign national. The employer is responsible for sponsoring the employee's visa and initiating the application with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Work Permit (Entry Permit): The employer first applies for an electronic Work Permit (also known as an Entry Permit) through MoHRE's online portal (Tas'Heel). This permit allows the employee to legally enter the UAE. The work permit is typically valid for 60 days, during which the employee must complete the remaining visa formalities.
- Arrival and In-Country Procedures: Upon arrival in the UAE on the entry permit, the employee must complete several crucial steps:
- Medical Fitness Test: A mandatory health screening at a government-approved medical center to test for communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. A "fit" result is required to proceed with the visa application.
- Emirates ID Application: The employee must visit a designated service center to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) for their Emirates ID, the official identification card for all UAE residents.
- Residency Visa Stamping: After clearing the medical test and completing the Emirates ID application, the employer submits all required documents to the GDRFA. Once approved, the residency visa is stamped in the employee's passport. The standard employment visa is typically valid for two years, though it can be renewed.
- Labor Card and Employment Contract: The employee signs a standard employment contract, which is officially registered with the MoHRE. A Labor Card is then issued, which serves as the employee's official work permit, legally allowing them to work for the sponsoring company.
Required Documents:
The documents required can vary slightly depending on the employee's profession and nationality, but typically include:
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Signed employment contract or job offer letter.
- Attested educational certificates and professional qualifications.
- Medical fitness test results.
- Entry permit copy.
- Police clearance certificate (required for some nationalities and professions).
The agency's role in this process is to provide a seamless experience for both the employer and the employee. They handle the complex administrative and legal procedures, including document preparation, submission to various government departments, appointment scheduling, and liaising with authorities, ensuring the entire process is completed efficiently and in compliance with all UAE labor laws.
