UAE Golden Visa: A Guide to the 10-Year Residency Benefits

The UAE’s Golden Visa offers more than just a 10-year residency. Holders benefit from a range of advantages, including self-sponsorship, flexible travel, and enhanced family sponsorship, with a new 24/7 consular support service recently launched for those abroad.

The UAE Golden Visa, a 10-year renewable residency permit, allows talented professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to live, work, and study in the country without needing a national sponsor. The program continues to evolve, offering significant perks that enhance its appeal to global talent.

Recently, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, launched an enhanced consular support service for Golden Visa holders abroad. This includes a dedicated 24/7 hotline (+971 2 493 1133), the ability to issue return documents in 30 minutes, and assistance with repatriation in emergencies.

Key benefits of the UAE Golden Visa include:

• Self-Sponsorship: Unlike traditional residence visas, the Golden Visa does not require an employer or sponsor, offering greater career flexibility and independence.
• Extended Stay Abroad: Holders can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without their visa being nullified, a significant advantage over standard residency permits.
• Family Sponsorship: The visa allows holders to sponsor family members, including male children up to the age of 25, with no age limit for unmarried daughters. In the event of the primary holder’s death, the family’s visa remains valid.
• Domestic Staff: Golden Visa holders are not limited in the number of domestic support staff they can sponsor.
• Work Flexibility: The visa provides an exemption from the potential one-year employment ban under certain conditions if a holder leaves a job during their probation period.

The Golden Visa is a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to attract and retain skilled professionals and investment. The program recognizes the contributions of various individuals, as seen when the Dubai Crown Prince awarded Golden Visas to hundreds of educators for their service. This initiative strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a stable and welcoming environment for long-term residents.

The UAE’s attractive residency options are part of a broader regional trend, with neighbouring countries also enhancing their offerings. For example, Qatar is offering residency for property investments, highlighting the competitive landscape for attracting global talent and capital.