Unlike many other international Visa programs, the United Arab Emirates’ unique Golden Visa program allows eligible individuals permanent residence with a 10 year visa. However, it also comes with a range of attractive privileges that most typical residence visa programs would not offer. Launched in 2019, the famous Golden Visa program functioned as a bid to attract and retain foreign talent with permanent residence in a tax-friendly environment. The program also aimed to foster business development to boost the UAE’s economy. It worked. By late 2021, 44,000 Dubai residents had secured long-term residency through the Golden Visa. The program may also form part of the reason the UAE fared so well through the pandemic. The program has certainly bolstered the UAE’s global standing as an attractive place to live, work and kickstart new businesses. The Golden Visa program specifically aims to attract budding entrepreneurs, investors and talented individuals in specific fields. Medical staff, engineers, researchers and even high-achieving university students can be eligible for the program. Golden Visa Residency is applicable for ten years. In some situations, the visas can also be renewed automatically – a handy feature for those who struggle with the endless monotony of bureaucracy. Features like this prove that the UAE government wants to make the visa application process simple. Anyone who’s ever applied for a foreign visa will know how painful these processes can sometimes be.

Golden Visa holders do not need to obtain a local sponsor to live, study and work in the UAE. To those unfamiliar with common residency processes around the world, this may not sound like a big deal. However, those who are familiar will know how time-consuming and complex obtaining a local sponsor can be. This complexity is often compounded if you aren’t employed by a local company or you don’t know any nationals from the country in which you are trying to secure a residence visa. Not needing a national sponsor to obtain a Golden Visa takes a large degree of complexity out of applying for residency in the UAE. All the more reason to apply!

Another major benefit of the Golden Visa is that visa holders can own 100% of a business operating out of the UAE. This is a big deal. Before the introduction of the Golden Visa program, foreigners seeking to start a business in the UAE needed to partner with an Emirati national, who will own a percentage of the company. There were exceptions for certain industries located in specific zones. The Golden Visa removes these logistical barriers for eligible foreign entrepreneurs, business owners and investors.

If you secure a visa through the UAE’s Golden Visa program, you do not need to go through all the hassle of obtaining visas for your family members or key businesses associates. If you obtain a Golden Visa, you can add your family members to it. You can also add business partners or associates to the visa, subject to some specific conditions. If you have a partner or kids travelling with you to the UAE, this particular feature of the Golden Visa program could save you a lot of paperwork. It could also prevent your family from being separated.

Gold Visa holders can travel to and from the UAE as many times as they want. In this regard, having a Golden Visa is like being a UAE citizen. Visit friends and family back home or schedule as many overseas business meetings as you like. There are no limits – you’re free to go!