The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a special Long-Term Residence Visa aimed at wealthy investors and highly skilled professionals. The visa is available for either 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s eligibility. One of the unique aspects of this visa is that you do not need a local sponsor in the UAE to apply; you can apply directly on your own.
The most popular long-term residence visa option is the UAE Investor Visa, which requires applicants to invest a substantial amount of money in the country.
Who Qualifies for a UAE Long-Term Residence Visa?
The UAE offers two main types of Long-Term Residence Visas, each with its specific requirements and eligibility criteria:
10-Year UAE Long-Term Residence Visa
You can qualify for a 10-year visa if you meet one of the following conditions:
- UAE Investor Visa: You must invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector.
- Specialized Talent: Doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, and professionals in fields such as computer programming, electronics, electrical, and biotechnology engineering may be eligible if they meet specific accreditation and contribution standards.
5-Year UAE Long-Term Residence Visa
You may qualify for a 5-year visa under the following circumstances:
- Property Investor: You must invest in UAE property valued at least AED 5 million.
- Entrepreneur: You must have an existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
- Outstanding Student: This visa is available to students with a minimum of 95% in secondary school or a GPA of at least 3.75 in university (inside or outside the UAE).
Required Documents for UAE Long-Term Residence Visa
When applying for the UAE Long-Term Residence Visa, you must provide the following documents depending on your visa type:
For Entry Permit:
- Copy of your passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Additional documents depending on the purpose of your application, such as:
- Trade License (for business applicants)
- Partnership contract (if applicable)
- Proof of patents (for inventors)
- Accreditation by a UAE authority (for specialized talents)
For the Long-Term Residence Visa:
- Your entry permit
- Medical test results
- Passport and photos
- Immigration Establishment Card
- Supporting documents specific to your visa category
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. The UAE authorities may request additional documents depending on your application.
How to Get a UAE Investor Visa
There are two main pathways to get a UAE Investor Visa:
1. Investing in the Public Sector (10-Year Visa)
To obtain a 10-year Investor Visa, you must invest at least AED 10 million in one of the following ways:
- Deposit in an investment fund.
- Establish a new company in the UAE with capital of at least AED 10 million.
- Become a partner in an existing company, holding shares of at least AED 10 million.
2. Buying Property (5-Year Visa)
For the 5-year Investor Visa, you must invest at least AED 5 million in a property. The property must be retained for at least three years, and the investment cannot be financed through a loan.
Additional Criteria:
- The investment must be self-funded, not loaned.
- The investment must be maintained for at least 3 years.
UAE Golden Visa Fees
As of February 2023, the fee to apply for the UAE Golden Visa is AED 150.
Eligibility for Persons with Specialized Talents (10-Year Visa)
Specialized talents such as scientists, doctors, inventors, and professionals in arts and culture may also qualify for the 10-year long-term residence visa. However, specific conditions must be met:
- Scientists must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or hold a Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
- Artists must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
- Inventors must have a patent of value approved by the Ministry of Economy, beneficial to the UAE’s economy.
- Doctors and specialists must meet at least one condition, such as having a PhD from a top 500 university or 10 years of professional experience in their field.
Can I Bring My Family with a UAE Investor Visa?
Yes, the UAE Investor Visa allows you to bring family members, including your spouse and children. Additionally, the visa may be extended to include one executive director and one advisor.
Can I Have a Business Partner with a UAE Investor Visa?
Yes, multiple business partners can apply for the UAE Investor Visa, but each partner must invest their own AED 10 million— the investment cannot be split.
How to Apply for a UAE Investor Visa
Unlike most UAE visas that require a local sponsor, the long-term residence visa can be applied for without a sponsor.
- For the UAE Investor Visa, your registered company serves as the sponsor.
- For the UAE Property Visa, the property you purchase or invest in will serve as your sponsor.
Applying for the Entry Permit
Before applying for the Residence Visa, you must first get a UAE Entry Permit. The permit is valid for multiple entries and for up to six months. You can apply for the entry permit online.
Applying for the Residence Visa
Once you arrive in the UAE with your entry permit, you can visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to request your long-term Residence Visa.
You will need to undergo a medical fitness test as part of the process.
Note: Due to the complexity of the Investor Visa application process, you may need to hire an attorney or legal advisor to help you, especially when seeking investment opportunities in the UAE.
Investor Visa in Dubai
If you want to obtain an Investor Visa in Dubai, the application process is similar to that in other emirates. The primary difference is that you will apply directly through the GDRFA Dubai offices.
The UAE Long-Term Residence Visa provides a significant opportunity for wealthy individuals and skilled professionals to settle in the country. Whether you are investing in the public sector or property, this visa opens doors for long-term residency in one of the most prosperous nations in the Middle East.