Investor Visa vs. Golden Visa in Dubai: Understanding the Key Differences

 I am holding an investor visa in a mainland Dubai-based company and plan to buy a new house to make me eligible for the Golden Visa. What happens to my investor visa if I decide to get the Golden Visa?

 As an individual holding an investor visa in a mainland Dubai-based company, the prospect of obtaining a Golden Visa is undoubtedly enticing. The Golden Visa offers a pathway to long-term residency in the UAE, providing a host of benefits and privileges to its holders. However, the decision to pursue a Golden Visa raises questions about the status of one's existing investor visa and the implications of transitioning between the two.

 In the context of transitioning from an investor visa to a Golden Visa, it is important to note that the Golden Visa is typically granted based on specific criteria, such as property ownership. Therefore, if you decide to purchase a new house in Dubai to meet the eligibility requirements for the Golden Visa, it is likely that your investor visa will be affected.

 In most cases, obtaining a Golden Visa would supersede your existing investor visa, as the Golden Visa represents a higher level of residency status in the UAE. This transition may involve the cancellation or modification of your investor visa, as you would no longer be solely reliant on it for your residency rights in the country.

 Once you acquire your Golden Visa, you are granted a 6-month visa to enter the country before getting residency2. When you acquire your residence visa, you don’t need to stay in the country for long to maintain your status.

 Please note that this information is based on the rules as of early 2024 and may have changed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the UAE’s embassies and consulates. For Dubai visas, contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFAD).

This service allows the real estate investor owning a property the purchase value of which is equal to or more than 2 million AED at the time of purchase, to apply for a 10-years renewable residence permit. The husband or wife, children, and parents can be sponsored. In the event that a mortgaged property, a bank letter indicating 2 million AED paid amount as proof to be provided.

 How can I apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai?

Documents Required to Land department.

1- A passport

2- Availability of an e-Certificate of Title / Title deed

3- A personal photo

4- UAE ID (if any)

5- A copy of the current residence permit (if any).

 Charges for 10 years residency permit

1- AED 700 fee for medical examination

2- AED 1,153 fee for UAE ID (10 years)

3- AED 2,656.75 fee for confirmation of residency permit (10 years)

4- AED 4,020 fee for the Land Department

5- AED 1,155 administrative fee

The total is AED 9,684.75

 Family residence permit for 10 years

AED 5,668.50 fees

AED 318.75 fee for opening a family sponsorship file

A residence permit for the parents for 10 years

AED 5,668.50 fee for 10 years

Service Procedures:

Step I: A customer will move to a service center

Step II: A customer will submit the service requirements and pay the fees

Step III: A customer will perform a medical examination at the center

Step IV: Sending the residence permit of the applicant via e-mail

 However, it's important to consult with an immigration professional for specific advice on your situation. They can advise on any potential conflicts between your current visa and the Golden Visa based on your company's specific investor visa program.

Different Types of Visas you can apply legally in the U.A.E

 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a variety of visas to meet the needs of different individuals and groups. Here are some of the most common types of visas in the UAE:

Tourist visa: This visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Business visa: This visa allows you to enter the UAE for business purposes. You will need to provide a letter from your employer or sponsor, as well as proof of your financial arrangements.

Work visa: This visa allows you to work in the UAE. You will need to have a job offer from a UAE-based company, and your employer will need to sponsor your visa.

Student visa: This visa allows you to study in the UAE. You will need to have been accepted to a UAE university or school, and your sponsor will need to provide proof of your financial arrangements.

Retirement visa: This visa allows you to retire in the UAE. You will need to be at least 55 years old, and you will need to have a certain amount of financial assets.

Golden visa: This visa is a long-term residency visa that is granted to individuals who invest a certain amount of money in the UAE. The amount of investment required varies depending on the type of visa.

In addition to these common types of visas, the UAE also offers visas for specific purposes, such as medical treatment, domestic work, and religious pilgrimage.

The specific requirements for each type of visa vary, so it is important to check with the UAE government or your sponsor for more information.

Tourist Visa:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a tourist visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a return or onward ticket.
• Have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in the UAE.

Application process: You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically takes a few days to complete.

Visa fees: The visa fees for tourist visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a tourist visa depends on the type of visa you have. Single-entry visas are valid for 30 days, multiple-entry visas for 30 days or 90 days.

Extension: You can extend your tourist visa for a maximum of 90 days. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Business Visa: Here are some details about the business visa in UAE:

 

Types of business visas: There are two types of business visas in the UAE:

Sponsored business visa: This visa is for individuals who are sponsored by a UAE-based company or organization.

Self-sponsored business visa: This visa is for individuals who are self-employed or who own their own business in the UAE.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a business visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a letter of invitation from your sponsor or a company registration certificate if you are self-sponsored.
• Have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in the UAE.

Application process: You can apply for a business visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically takes a few days to complete.

Visa fees: The visa fees for business visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a business visa depends on the type of visa you have. Sponsored business visas are valid for 6 months, self-sponsored business visas are valid for 1 year.

Extension: You can extend your business visa for a maximum of 1 year. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Here are some of the benefits of having a business visa in the UAE:

• Allows you to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during the validity of your visa.
• Allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 6 months (sponsored) or 1 year (self-sponsored).
• Allows you to work in the UAE if you are sponsored by a company.
• Allows you to sponsor your dependents to live and work in the UAE.

Work Visa: Eligibility: To be eligible for a work visa, you must:

Be a citizen of a country that is eligible to work in the UAE.

• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a job offer from a UAE-based company.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.

Application process: The application process for a work visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

Your employer will submit an application for a work permit to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Once the work permit is approved, your employer will submit an application for a visa on your behalf.

• You will need to provide the following documents to your employer:
• Your passport and visa application form.
• Your academic and professional qualifications.
• Your medical fitness certificate.
• Your police clearance certificate.

Your employer will submit your application to the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Once your visa is approved, you will be able to enter the UAE and start working.

Visa fees: The visa fees for work visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a work visa depends on the type of visa you have. Standard work visas are valid for 2-3 years, green visas are valid for 5 years.

Extension: You can extend your work visa for a maximum of 2 years. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Here are some of the benefits of having a work visa in the UAE:

• Allows you to live and work in the UAE.
• Allows you to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• Allows you to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• Allows you to open a bank account in the UAE.
• Allows you to buy property in the UAE.

Student Visa:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a student visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible to study in the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have been accepted to a UAE-accredited university or school.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.
• Have proof of financial support.

Application process: The application process for a student visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

You will need to apply for admission to a UAE-accredited university or school.

Retirement Visa:

The UAE offers a retirement visa for individuals who are at least 55 years old and meet certain financial requirements. The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

To be eligible for a retirement visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be at least 55 years old.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a minimum of AED 1 million in financial assets.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.

The application process for a retirement visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

You will need to apply for a retirement visa at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

You will need to provide the following documents to the embassy or consulate:

Your passport and visa application form.

• Proof of your age.
• Proof of your financial assets.
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Police clearance certificate.

Once your application is approved, you will be issued a retirement visa.

The retirement visa in the UAE offers a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UAE.
• The ability to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• The ability to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• The ability to open a bank account in the UAE.
• The ability to purchase property in the UAE.

Golden Visa:

The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

There are different categories of Golden Visa, each with its own eligibility criteria and investment requirements.

Some of the categories of Golden Visa include:

•  Investors: Individuals who invest a minimum of AED 2 million in real estate or AED 10 million in government bonds.
• Entrepreneurs: Individuals who own and manage a business in the UAE that has been in operation for at least 2 years and generates annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
• Scientists: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of science or technology.
• Outstanding students and graduates: Individuals who have achieved outstanding academic results or who have made significant contributions to the field of education.
• Humanitarian pioneers: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of humanitarian work.
• Frontline heroes: Individuals who have served in the UAE armed forces or police force.

The Golden Visa offers a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UAE.
• The ability to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• The ability to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• The ability to open a bank account in the UAE.
• The ability to purchase property in the UAE.

If you are interested in applying for a Golden Visa in the UAE, you should contact a UAE immigration lawyer or consultant for more information.