The UAE Golden Visa program has gained popularity, with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Sanjay Dutt receiving it. While it's commonly associated with significant capital investments or property ownership, the UAE Golden Visa is accessible to foreigners without any financial commitments.
The UAE has introduced long-term residence visas for five or ten years, automatically renewed under certain conditions for specific categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents. This initiative allows foreign residents, expatriates, and their families to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, offering 100% ownership within the emirates, a departure from the traditional requirement of a local partner holding at least 51% ownership.
For those in cultural and creative fields, a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth is necessary. Creative individuals in the arts and culture sphere require an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts in their respective emirate.
Golden Visa applicants in the 'Creative People in the Field of Culture and Art' category must satisfy at least three of the following criteria:
Certificate of recognition/nomination from a prestigious international or regional authority.
Holding an honorary position in a renowned international authority due to exceptional creativity.
Active membership in a prestigious international art organization or association.
Acknowledgment by critics, media, or industry professionals.
Display of works in esteemed local, regional, or international platforms (exhibitions, forums, festivals).
Outstanding Specialized Talents encompass doctors, scientists, cultural and artistic creatives, inventors, business leaders, scientific specialists, athletes, doctoral degree holders, and engineering and science professionals.
To obtain a 10-year Golden Visa as an outstanding specialized talent, applicants in each category must meet specific requirements:
For doctors and scientists, an approval letter from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine (for doctors) is required. Scientists need a letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists or a letter from the Secretariat of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence, affirming the receipt of the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, remains an attractive destination for affluent individuals looking to reside, work, and invest. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and others offer unique opportunities for long-term residency and potential citizenship through the UAE Golden Visa program.
