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Why the UAE Prefers Long-Term Visas Over Citizenship for Top Talent and Investors?

Posted by Kelt&corealty on January 29, 2025
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The United Arab Emirates has witnessed unprecedented growth over the years. It has transformed itself into a global hub of innovation and investment. Considering its relentless growth and development, economic diversification, futuristic infrastructure, business-friendly policies and perfect living and business environment attract investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and families from all over the world. 

People are drawn to the UAE for its opportunities. The country welcomes them, facilitates and accommodates them by offering long-term residency visas, allowing them to stay in the country for an extended period, purchase and own residential and commercial real estate and even sponsor their immediate families. However, it does not grant citizenship rights to foreigners mainly to protect its unique identity and cultural identity.

Understanding the UAEโ€™s Decision Against Offering Citizenship

Offering citizenship rights to foreigners means granting them the legal rights and responsibilities of being a permanent member of the country. If the UAE proceeds with offering citizenship rights, it may influence the countryโ€™s cultural and social fabric because a large number of people come to Dubai for various reasons.

To Protect Emirati Heritage and National Identity

The United Arab Emirates is known for its unique national identity. Its language, deep-rooted values and heritage are meant to be preserved to keep its distinguished identity and community spirit. The country does not offer citizenship rights to foreigners to preserve its heritage and national identity. 

To Ensure Demographic Stability

This is also considered a strategic move to uphold demographic stability. Given the large influx of foreigners in the country which even largely outnumbers locals, granting citizenship rights to them may lead to issues related to resource allocation and government structures, depriving locals of their rights. So, this move ensures demographic stability, leading to social harmony.

To Prioritize Quality Of Life For Its Citizens

This decision also highlights the governmentโ€™s commitment to prioritize the welfare and prosperity of Emirati citizens. The government supports its people and strives to contribute positively and improve the lives of its citizens in a bid to create a thriving and equitable society.

Prioritizing locals does not mean that the government does not entertain foreign nationals. It offers them long-term visas such as Golden Visa, allows them to invest, purchase and own all types of properties in freehold areas and facilitates them in establishing and expanding their businesses in the UAE.

Types Of Long-Term Visa In The United Arab Emirates

3-Year Visa: People who purchase properties worth AED 750,000 can obtain a 3-year property visa in Dubai, UAE. This is a renewable visa option that allows investors to stay there for about 3 years.

5-10 Year Investor Visa: If someone purchases a property worth AED 2 million then investors can obtain a 5 to 10-year long-term residency visa in the United Arab Emirates.  People who seek long-term residency can consider applying for this extended visa.

UAE Golden Visa: Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and exceptionally talented individuals are also granted a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates. This is a long-term residency visa and can be renewed when it expires by meeting the set criteria. Property investors who purchase and own property worth AED 2 million can capitalize on the UAE Golden Visa.

Benefits Of UAE Golden Visa:

Long-Term Residency

Golden Visa holders can stay for a long term in the United Arab Emirates. Basically, it is a 10-year residency permit which is renewable. There is no need for local sponsorship as this visa holder can seamlessly enter the country, stay and work here for an extended period.

Travel Advantages

The UAE Golden Visa visa holders can easily enter and exit the country. They can move abroad and also stay there too. There is no travel restriction, allowing visa holders to travel to and from the UAE without any hassle.

Travel Benefits

If you hold a UAE Golden Visa then you can freely enter and exit the country without any hassle. There is no travel restriction. You are allowed to move abroad and after living there for a longer period you can still enter the country. 

Family Sponsorship

If you own a Golden Visa in the UAE then you can also sponsor your immediate family members such as spouse, children and parents. It means you can invite your loved ones and live with them while taking advantage of the countryโ€™s offerings.

Business Opportunities

UAE Golden Visa holders can also enjoy the lucrative business opportunities that the country offers. You can establish and expand your business in the United Arab Emirates and take advantage of its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and incomparable facilities. 

Access To Social Services

This visa program also allows people to uplift their living standards and improve their quality of life because they can have access to social facilities including advanced educational and health facilities by obtaining a Golden Visa.

Who Can Apply For A Golden Visa In The United Arab Emirates?

Investors and entrepreneurs, high-skilled professionals, scientists and researchers, medical professionals, philanthropists and artists can obtain a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates. This visa opportunity extends stability and offers long-term residency, allowing individuals to live, work and enjoy in the UAE.

Who Is Eligible For UAE Golden Visa?

The requirements differ based on the visa category. Letโ€™s explore general eligibility!

A Visa Applicant must 

  • Be a non-UAE national
  • Have a valid passport
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Meet the basic requirements 

Requirements for real estate investors: A property investor must own a property worth at least AED 2 million to become eligible for a renewable 10-year long-term residency visa.

The Bottom Line:

The United Arab Emirates does not offer citizenship rights to foreign nationals. This move is aimed at protecting national identity, cultural heritage and social fabric. It also ensures the welfare of the Emirati citizens and maintains the demographic balance. In lieu of citizenship, the UAE offers long-term residency visas such as the UAE Golden Visa which allows foreign nationals to live and work without any sponsorship and also invite their immediate family members.

Invest In UAE Real Estate With Confidenceโ€” We Are Here To Assist

Kelt and Co Realty is a prominent real estate agency in Dubai. This property company facilitates both local and foreign real estate investors. No matter whether you aim to buy, rent, or sell your residential and commercial property in Dubai, UAE, our real estate agents can assist you in making a profitable decision. We believe in delivering value and strive to offer tailor-made real estate services to meet the specific objectives of our clients.

FAQs

  1. What are the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?

    A UAE Golden visa holder can study, work and live in the country without any local sponsorship. He can invite his immediate family members and also capitalize on government services. A visa holder can stay for an extended period because this is a renewable visa, allowing them to own properties in the country.

  2. Does the UAE Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

    No. The UAE Golden Visa does not lead to citizenship. Even the UAE does not offer citizenship rights to foreign nationals to preserve its national identity and heritage.

  3. Why buy property in Dubai, UAE?

    Given its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, top-notch facilities and amenities, property ownership rights, freehold properties, affordable luxury real estate, off-plan investment options, attractive payment plans and favorable working and living environment make it one of the best places to consider for real estate investment.

  4. How much to invest for a Golden Visa in the UAE?

    If you own a property worth at least AED 2 million then you become eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa. You can also renew this visa if you still meet the basic requirements.

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