To attract and retain high-quality talent and investors in the private sector, the UAE government has introduced the Golden Visa initiative. Successful applicants receive permanent or extended residency (5–10 years). People with Golden Visas will be allowed to work, study, or start a business along with their family members. Furthermore, Golden Visa holders also enjoy additional benefits such as:

• A multiple-entry visa is valid for 6 months post-date of visa issuance.
• Allows the visa holder to extend their visa up to 10 years as a renewable permit.
• No ongoing work or local sponsorship required.
• Extended duration abroad, longer than six months.
• There is no limit on the number of domestic help visa holders can sponsor.
• If the principal visa holder passes away, the dependents or family members can retain their residency.

The criteria for Golden Visa can vary depending on category to category. They will have their standard prerequisites, but a few that you can get standard on are:

• Job: If they meet certain income levels, anyone employed in the following variety of fields, such as healthcare, education, technology, and research, can qualify for a Golden Visa.
• Investment: Investors who invest a considerable amount of money in government bonds, companies, or real estate can apply for the visa.
• Entrepreneurs: This category includes entrepreneurs who have started a business in the UAE with a commitment of minimal funds and may be qualified for a Golden Visa.
• Talent: If a person has extraordinary talent in the arts, sciences, sports, or culture based on their list of achievements, they may be considered for a Golden Visa.
• Family member: Dependents of the primary visa holders may also be eligible for the visa.

The salary pre-requisites for the UAE Golden Visa will witness a significant change by 2025. Below are the requirement updates for 2025 for eligible candidates:

• Earlier, the entire salary package, including allowances, was considered. However, under the new legislation, only the base wage is included. The current salary of professionals who wish to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa must now be at least AED 30,000 (equivalent to about USD 8,200). This criterion excludes any allowances such as housing, transportation, or other benefits. So, even if your total compensation package exceeds AED 30,000, you may not qualify if your base pay falls short.
• The increased salary requirement mainly impacts experienced roles, particularly in managerial or specialized industries. It highlights the UAE’s intent to attract top talent who can contribute significantly to the country’s social and economic progress.
• An FTA (Federal Tax Authority) attested letter confirming that the public investor pays AED 250,000 annually in taxes is another requirement for obtaining a UAE Golden Visa.
• Entrepreneurs can qualify if their project is innovative and adds value to the UAE economy. Your company must be registered in the UAE, and the project should be worth at least AED 500,000.
• People with exceptional talent in the arts, sciences, sports, or culture may be eligible for a Golden Visa based on their accomplishments without needing to meet specific financial conditions.

Needless to mention, eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa vary on a case-to-case basis as per the applicant. For example:

• Public investors should prove they have capital of at least AED 2 million and operate with a valid commercial or industrial license.
• Real estate investors need an approved loan from a local bank to purchase property.
• Entrepreneurs must secure permission from an accredited business incubator to pursue their intended activity.
• Special talents face varying requirements, as they must primarily prove expertise in their field. This could include records of winning a major award, verification of a specialized degree, or an acknowledgement letter from the arts and culture department of an emirate.
• Executive directors need a bachelor's degree from a university recognized by the Ministry of Education. They also must submit a letter of experience confirming five years of continuous employment, along with a valid work contract.

Listed are some of the documents you will need to provide for the Golden Visa application:

• Original passport (6-month validity)
• Passport-sized photograph of the applicant
• A cleared medical fitness certificate
• No objection certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of address
• Investment documents (applicable to investors)
• Company registration documents (applicable to entrepreneurs)

The Golden Visa offers several benefits to individuals and families who seek long-term residency in the UAE. As stated before, if you are a skilled migrant, your minimum income threshold is going up for the year 2025. There are other routes too—to a Golden Visa—based on talent, investment, and entrepreneurs, each with its own requirements. When done with due diligence and meeting the requirements, the benefits of the Golden Visa, such as extended residency, multiple entry visas, and even the ability to sponsor dependents with you, can be worth it!

Kiltons Business Setup Services has the honor of helping many of our clientele obtain the Golden Visa. Our premium services will simplify the process, allowing you to explore the opportunities the country has to offer. We take pride in providing transparent business setup services to our clients. If you are interested in getting hold of this “golden” opportunity, wait no more! Contact us today to kickstart your golden visa process.