In the dazzling landscape of the UAE, the coveted Golden Visa has become a beacon attracting a myriad of investors, professionals, students, and entrepreneurs since its inception in 2019. As we traverse the realm of opportunities, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai reveals a 52% surge in Golden Visa issuances during the first half of 2023.
A staggering 150,000 Golden Visas have been bestowed upon deserving individuals, spanning property buyers, investors, professionals, and more, by the vibrant emirate of Dubai as of November 2022. This 10-year golden ticket offers a spectrum of advantages, from sponsoring family members to an age expansion for sponsored children and the removal of age restrictions for unmarried daughters.
Professionals in sectors such as healthcare, media, and IT, earning a monthly salary of Dh30,000 or above, find themselves eligible for this prestigious visa. Yet, intriguingly, there are avenues for those not tethered to traditional employment requirements.
1. **Property Buyers’ Paradise:**
UAE residents and foreign investors making a property investment of Dh2 million or more can secure the Golden Visa. An exciting development unfolded as Dubai abolished the Dh1 million down payment requirement, providing an accessible gateway to the 10-year visa while maintaining the Dh2 million total property value threshold.
2. **Cash Power Play:**
High-net-worth individuals can embark on a two-year journey by depositing Dh2 million with a local bank, unlocking the doors to this exclusive visa. Local banks are extending their support to those opting for this scheme, creating a seamless path for the affluent seeking long-term residency.
3. **Entrepreneurial Spirit Unleashed:**
Entrepreneurs find a flexible path to the Golden Residency, with regulations catering to startup owners or partners in SMEs generating annual revenues of at least Dh1 million. Notably, founders of prior entrepreneurial projects with a total value exceeding Dh7 million, subject to approval by the Ministry of Economy or local authorities, join the ranks of Golden Residence holders.
4. **Scientific Eminence:**
A golden path is laid for scientists and researchers with remarkable achievements, endorsed by the Emirates Scientists Council. Possessing a PhD or Master’s Degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from top global universities, coupled with substantial research accomplishments, opens the gateway to Golden Visa residency.
5. **Academic Brilliance Rewarded:**
Exceptional students from UAE secondary schools and graduates from both UAE universities and the world’s top 100 universities can aspire to the 10-year visa. The journey hinges on academic performance, graduation year, and university classification, offering a golden opportunity to the brightest minds.
Embark on this journey, where diverse paths converge into the gleaming promise of a 10-year residency in the UAE—a realm where ambition knows no bounds.