How to apply for a UAE golden visa six-month entry permit?

The UAE golden visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The golden visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category of the applicant. To apply for the golden visa, one needs to obtain a six-month entry permit first, which allows them to enter the UAE and complete the residence procedures.

What are the eligibility criteria?

The eligibility criteria for the six-month entry permit vary according to the category of the applicant. The main categories are:-

- Investors in public investments

- Real estate investors

- Entrepreneurs

- Specialised talents and researchers

- Outstanding students and graduates

- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes

Each category has specific requirements regarding the amount and type of investment, qualification, experience, achievement, etc. For example, investors in public investments need to have a deposit of AED two million in an investment fund accredited in the UAE or a valid commercial or industrial licence with a capital of not less than AED two million. Real estate investors need to own a property or a group of properties worth at least AED five million. Entrepreneurs need to have an existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or have the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE. Specialised talents and researchers need to have a valid employment contract in a specialised field of priority in the UAE. Outstanding students and graduates need to have a minimum grade of 95% in public or private secondary schools or a distinction GPA of graduation from universities within and outside the country. Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes need to have made significant contributions to humanitarian work or have been recognised by relevant authorities for their efforts in combating COVID-19.

What are the Application process?

The application process for the six-month entry permit involves the following steps:-

1. Submit an online application through the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website or through one of its service centres.

2. Pay the entry permit fee.

3. Receive the entry permit by email within 5 working days.

4. Enter the UAE within 60 days from the date of issue of the entry permit.

5. Complete the residence procedures within six months from the date of entry.

What are the required documents?

The required documents for the six-month entry permit depend on the category of the applicant. Some of the common documents are:-

- Passport copy

- Passport-size photo

- Proof of investment or qualification or achievement or contribution

- Medical insurance

- Police clearance certificate

What are the benefits of the golden visa?

The benefits of the golden visa include:-

- An entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance

- A long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years

- The privilege of not needing a sponsor

- The ability to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their residence visa validity

- The ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their ages

- The ability to sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers

- The permit for family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, if the primary holder of the golden visa passes away

They will be able to assist you with your search for a visa medical examination centre for a golden visa.

Conclusion:- Those who match the criteria and wish to remain in the UAE for an extended period of time can benefit greatly from the golden visa program.