People from all walks of life are attracted to Dubai because of its futuristic living, modern infrastructure, convenient business environment and popular tourism destinations. Dubai’s unparalleled luxuries and offerings make it a global hub for living, business and tourism, fascinating people from across the globe. Besides offering countless luxuries, this city also welcomes and entertains everyone and enables them to realize their living and business-related objectives.
Dubai has also introduced long-term residency visas such as the Dubai Golden Visa program to facilitate foreign property investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, etc. This visa program allows a visa holder to stay in the emirate of Dubai for an extended period. Furthermore, this visa also allows people to live and work in Dubai without any sponsorship and also they can sponsor their immediate family members.
This visa program enhances Dubai’s global appeal as a popular destination for living a dream life and setting up and expanding business activities. If you are planning to stay in Dubai for the long-term then you should consider getting the Dubai Golden Visa. Read this blog because it will walk you through everything you need to know about this extended visa program in Dubai.
Understanding The Golden Visa!
It is a long-term residency program that allows visa holders to stay in Dubai for an extended period. Basically, this is a 10-year renewable visa program that eliminates the need for sponsorship, allowing people to live, work and even sponsor their loved ones. People who purchase properties worth AED 2 million in Dubai are eligible to obtain the Dubai Golden Visa. Considering its benefits, it extends stability and long-term security, allowing people to work and contribute to the growth of the city more effectively.
People from various backgrounds such as real estate, healthcare, education, technology and entrepreneurship can take advantage of this visa program which offers significant ease in long-term objectives. Not everyone can apply for this visa. People who meet the basic criteria related to their respective fields can take advantage of this initiative.
Significance of the Golden Visa in Dubai’s Growth
Long-Term Residency: This is a 10-year renewable residency visa program, allowing people to live in Dubai for a longer period and realize their personal and professional objectives. Along with integrating into the UAE’s culture and vibrant norms, this visa also allows people to pursue their careers confidently in Dubai, UAE.
Visa-Free Travel: Golden Visa holders in Dubai can also enter and exit the UAE without meeting traditional requirements. They can freely move in and out of the country, facilitating travelers and businessmen who aim to expand their businesses globally.
No Sponsorship Required: If you hold the Dubai Golden Visa then you do not need a local sponsor to work and live in Dubai. It means you can enjoy complete autonomy over all residency and business endeavors. So people who desire to start and expand their businesses in Dubai should consider this option to work freely in Dubai, UAE.
Family Sponsorship: Dubai Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their family members. They can sponsor their spouses, children and in some cases, parents. It means this provision allows them to live, stay and work in Dubai along with their loved ones. In addition to that, they can also sponsor their domestic staff and live a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Ensures Family Stability: Families of Golden Visa holders who change their career paths or lose their jobs do not lose their residency status. Their residency status is not changed, leading to family security and stability.
Eligibility For The UAE’s Driving License: Getting a driving license in Dubai, UAE is quite simple for Dubai Golden Visa holders. People who come from one of the 32 approved countries including the UK, US and Australia then they can switch their local license to a UAE license without any tests. People who come from other non-approved countries holding Dubai’s Golden Visa can also get their UAE driving license easily. They just need to take the test without attending any lessons to get their UAE driving license.
A Path To The UAE’s Citizenship: The UAE does not normally offer citizenship to expatriates like other countries offer. However, People who hold the Dubai Golden Visa may become eligible to get the UAE’s citizenship. Though circumstances are considered but still they have an option to become citizens of the UAE and take advantage of all of its offerings.
Real Estate Investment Options: Golden Visa holders in the UAE also enjoy exclusive access to top-notch real estate investment opportunities. Property investors in Dubai, UAE normally generate exceptional returns from their investment because of the relentlessly growing demand for both rental properties and properties for sale. In addition to that, these visa holders can also take advantage of special mortgage deals offered by banks such as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Seamless Access To Business And Employment Options: The status of people who hold Golden Visa is not the same as other ordinary expats. They can take advantage of Dubai’s business environment and employment opportunities. They can do whatever they want without needing any sponsorship.
Eligibility Criteria for the Dubai Golden Visa
There are some general eligibility requirements that everyone is supposed to comply with regardless of his category. People who aim to apply for this visa program must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity when applying for this visa option. Furthermore, one must have a clean criminal record and be in good health to become eligible to apply for this extended visa program in Dubai.
The Golden Visa eligibility criteria depend on the background of an applicant. Skilled professionals must possess extensive skills in areas like science, education, medicine, etc. Scientists are required to have a PhD and at least 10 publications to qualify for this visa program. For professionals, requirements are different and when it comes to real estate, one must own a property or properties worth AED 2 million in Dubai, UAE to become eligible to apply for the Dubai Golden Visa.
Costs Associated with the Dubai Golden Visa
The cost of the Dubai Golden Visa normally relies on the category. Real estate investors are required to own property worth AED 2 million to obtain this visa. Scientists, entrepreneurs and talented professionals are supposed to invest somewhere around AED 500,000. Skilled professionals can get this visa by investing AED 250,000 and students, humanitarian workers and doctors require AED 100,000 to get this Golden Visa Dubai.
Real Estate Investment Guide for Golden Visa Applicants
Dubai’s Real Estate Market Overview
Following the Covid-19 saga, the real estate market of Dubai has shown exceptional growth. The city recorded 132,628 transactions worth AED 409.8 billion and in 2024, it observed 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 billion in property sales. Given these stats, both the volume of transactions and the value of real estate are increasing in Dubai, reflecting the captivation of the city and the interests of global investors. Property investors in Dubai not only live a dream lifestyle but also generate significant returns. The ROI ratio in Dubai is quite higher than that of the UK, US and Singapore, making it a desired place for real estate investment.
Popular Investment Areas
Dubai is a global real estate investment destination. It caters to the needs and requirements of every investor. No matter whether you desire to purchase an apartment for sale in Dubai, a lavish villa, mansion, penthouse for sale in Dubai, or an affordable living space, this city has it all because it is designed to meet the requirements and preferences of investors of various interests. Popular areas for real estate investment in Dubai include Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai Islands, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, JVC, Dubai Hills Estate, etc.
Investment Strategies
- Prioritize investing in properties that have the potential for high appreciation and are located in key areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah.
- Also, consider the potential of a property for rental income and the occupancy rate of that particular property to ensure steady cash flow.
- You can also consider investing in off-plan properties for sale in Dubai because they come with lower prices and extend high ROI.
- Foreigners must invest in freehold areas to take advantage of property ownership rights because Dubai allows expats and foreign nationals to own real estate in designated areas called freehold areas.
- Dubai Golden Visa holders can also capitalize on mortgage offers and favorable government policies when buying real estate in Dubai
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
- When buying real estate in Dubai, you must ensure whether that property is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to avoid any hassle.
- Hire a real estate agent who is RERA-certified to take advantage of his expertise and buy your dream property in Dubai.
- You must understand your legal rights and obligations and also all decided terms and conditions.
- Always review sales and purchase agreements before signing the agreement.
Conclusion
Indeed, Dubai is ranked among the best countries when it comes to living and working. People from all over the world come to Dubai for various purposes. Dubai has introduced the Dubai Golden Visa program which allows people to stay in Dubai for an extended period. People from various backgrounds can take advantage of this visa program such as entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, students and real estate investors. The eligibility criteria depend on the category. However, real estate investors are required to own a property worth AED 2 million in Dubai to obtain the Dubai Golden Visa program and stay in Dubai for a longer period.
We Are Here To Simplify Your Property Purchase Process In Dubai!
Kelt and Co Realty is a prominent real estate agency in Dubai. This property company comes with all sorts of residential and commercial real estate investment opportunities, facilitating both local and foreign property investors. People who desire to purchase and own real estate in Dubai should get our real estate services to realize their investment objectives because our team believes in offering tailor-made real estate services.
FAQs
What is the Dubai Golden Visa?
The Dubai Golden Visa is a long-term renewable residency visa that allows people to stay in Dubai for an extended period. Basically, it is a 10-year renewable visa program that allows visa holders to stay and work in Dubai without any sponsorship.
Who is eligible for the Dubai Golden Visa program?
People from various backgrounds can apply for this visa program. Real estate investors in Dubai, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, skilled professionals and students are eligible to apply for the Dubai Golden Visa.
How much investment is required to qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa through real estate investment?
People who purchase real estate worth AED 2 million in Dubai become eligible to apply for this visa program. One must own a property or properties worth AED 2 million to obtain a Golden Visa.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor their families in Dubai?
Yes. They are allowed to sponsor their immediate relatives such as their spouses, children and parents in some cases. In addition to that, Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their domestic staff.