Eligibility queries clarified as Golden Visa expanded

The UAE'S Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has shared details for people to check eligibility for Golden Visa as many skilled employees and special talents are still not sure whether they are eligible or not.

The UAE expanded the Golden Visa scheme recently, allowing more categories of expat professionals, entrepreneurs and businessmen to get the coveted 10-year visa. The UAE recently also lowered the salary limit for skilled professionals from Dh50,000 to Dh30,000 per month to obtain the long-term visa.

Human resources and recruitment specialists say that eligible employees often do not apply for long-term residency because they're not confident whether they can qualify for the 10-year visa.

The latest data released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai revealed that 151,600 people were issued the long-term between 2019 and 2022.

People, either in the UAE or abroad, can find out about their eligibility by logging onto the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security's website.

Here are some important questions, sourced from the ICP website, to know the eligibility criteria:

>> Are you in the UAE?

Are you one of the investors >> in the country who meet the following conditions?

>> Have a deposit of no less than Dh2 million with an investment fund licensed in the country.

>> Own a company with a capital of no less than Dh2 million in UAE

>> Own a stake in a company with a value of no less than Dh2 million

>> Own or partner in a company that pays tax with a value of no less than Dh250,000

Do you own a property >> whose total value is not less than Dh2 million and is not subject to any mortgage?

Do you have a successful >> previous project in the country with a capital of at least Dh500,000?

Are you one of the outstanding >> high school graduates from a high school in the UAE?

Are you one of the outstanding >> university graduates who graduated from accredited universities in the country with a GPA of no less than 3.8?

Are you a doctor who >> licenses to practice the profession from approved government agencies in the UAE, and are you currently on the job?

Are you a specialist in >> engineering and science and on the job in one of these fields?

>> Epidemiology and Viruses >> Artificial intelligence

>> Big data

>> Computer Engineering >>Electronic Engineering >> Software Engineering >> Electrical Engineering >> Genetic Engineering >> Biotechnology Engineering

Are you a creative person >> who has previously produced distinguished and tangible artistic productions in the fields of visual arts, publishing, performing arts, designs and crafts, games and e-sports, media, and others inside or outside the UAE?

Are you an innovator >> with a patent that will add value to the economy of the UAE?

Are you a CEO working >> in the UAE in the private or the public sector?

To be eligible for this criterion, you must have a university education with a bachelor's degree, earn a monthly salary of at least Dh50,000, and have at least five years of work experience in the UAE.

Are you specialised in >> one of the rare educational fields of priority in the UAE?

To be eligible for this residency, you must have a university degree with a bachelor's in one of the priority fields or specialisations, which include: education, training, management, and caring for people of determination

Are you an athlete, >> coach, referee, sports doctor, sports therapist, or public sports figure, with tangible sporting achievements in the UAE or abroad?

Do you hold a PHD in >> one of the priority fields and work in one of these specialisations?

Are you one of the pioneers >> of humanitarian work from the following categories?

>> Members of international and regional organisations or their employees for no less than five years

>> Recipients of appreciation awards from local, regional or international institutions specialised in humanitarian work

>> Volunteers in humanitarian work for no less than five years or 500 volunteer hours

>> Financial supporters of humanitarian work with a value of no less than Dh2 million or its equivalent