UAE Golden VISA Permission to Work and Bring Your Family Along (Update)
The UAE Golden Visa has emerged as a beacon for professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals seeking long-term residency in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. Not only does this visa offer a host of benefits, but it also allows you to bring your family along and work in the UAE without the need for employer sponsorship. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the purpose of the UAE Golden Visa, the process of bringing your family, and the steps to apply for this prestigious visa.
Purpose of the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa was introduced to attract top talent and high-net-worth individuals to the country, contributing to its economic growth and development of UAE. Unlike traditional residency visas, which often require sponsorship by a UAE-based employer, the Golden Visa offers long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor. You’ll be glad to know that this UAE gold visa is available in two duration offerings: 5 years and 10 years, depending on the applicant’s eligibility.
And if you are wondering to find out the real purpose of the UAE Golden Visa then these 3 key points would help you understand that too:
- Encourage Investment: By offering long-term residency, the UAE aims to attract investors and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economy.
- Retain Talent: The visa is designed to retain specialized talents in fields such as science, technology, medicine, and engineering, which are crucial for the UAE’s growth.
- Support Families: The Golden Visa allows families to stay together, ensuring that the UAE becomes a long-term home for those who choose to live and work there.
Now the question is UAE wants to take advantage of top global talent but how would you be able to take advantage of UAE’s golden visa? Lets find out…
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa offers a plethora of benefits that make it an attractive option for expatriates looking for long-term residency in the country:
- Long-Term Residency: The visa offers a 5-year or 10-year residency option, which is renewable, providing stability and peace of mind.
- Family Sponsorship: You can bring your spouse, children, and parents, ensuring that your family stays together.
- Work Flexibility: The visa allows you to work, start a business, or freelance without the need for employer sponsorship.
- Business Opportunities: Entrepreneurs can easily set up businesses in the UAE’s thriving economy.
- Access to Services: Golden Visa holders and their families have access to the UAE’s world-class healthcare and education systems.
- Property Ownership: You can purchase property in the UAE, including freehold properties available to foreigners.
- Tax Benefits: The UAE offers tax-free income, making it financially attractive for Golden Visa holders.
- Ease of Travel: The Golden Visa simplifies travel within the UAE and to other GCC countries.
Is It Allowed to Work on a UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, one of the significant advantages of the UAE Golden Visa is the freedom to work in the UAE without needing a work permit or employer sponsorship. Golden Visa holders are allowed to:
- Work Freely: You can take up employment with any company in the UAE, giving you the flexibility to switch jobs or explore different career opportunities without the hassle of visa renewals tied to an employer.
- Start a Business: The Golden Visa also allows you to establish your own business in the UAE, taking advantage of the country’s business-friendly environment.
- Freelance: If you prefer, you can also work as a freelancer or consultant, offering your services across various sectors.
Can You Take Your Family Along?
One of the most attractive features of the UAE Golden Visa is the ability to bring your family members with you. This includes your spouse, children, and even your parents. The Golden Visa ensures that your family can enjoy the same residency benefits, access to healthcare, education, and overall quality of life as you do.
Family Sponsorship Details
- Spouse and Children: As a Golden Visa holder, you can sponsor your spouse and children, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE without any additional visas.
- Parents: You can also sponsor your parents, ensuring that your entire family can stay together in the UAE.
- No Age Limit for Children: Unlike other visa types, the Golden Visa allows you to sponsor your children regardless of their age, making it ideal for families with adult children.
How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa With Family?
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
The first step in applying for the UAE Golden Visa is determining whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The visa is available to:
- Investors: Individuals who have made significant financial investments in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs: Owners or founders of successful start-ups and businesses.
- Specialized Talents: Professionals in sectors such as technology, medicine, education, and engineering.
- Researchers and Academics: Individuals with outstanding contributions to their field.
- Students: Exceptional high school or university students with notable achievements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you confirm your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, which typically include:
- Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months of validity.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photos meeting UAE visa photo requirements.
- Proof of Eligibility: This can be financial statements, business licenses, academic qualifications, or employment contracts, depending on your category.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: A certificate from a UAE-approved medical center.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your application through the appropriate channels:
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA): Application Form
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): Apply online or in person, particularly in Dubai.
- UAE Immigration Portal: You can also apply directly through the UAE government’s official immigration portal here https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
The application fee for the UAE Golden Visa typically ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 4,000, depending on the visa duration and applicant category.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
The approval process may take a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your application. Upon approval, you will be issued a UAE Golden Visa.
Step 6: Apply for Family Sponsorship
Once you receive your Golden Visa, you can apply to sponsor your family members. Follow these steps:
- Document Preparation: Gather passports, photographs, marriage and birth certificates, medical fitness certificates, and health insurance for each family member.
- Submit Application: Use the same platform (ICA, GDRFA, or UAE Immigration Portal) to submit the family sponsorship application.
- Pay Sponsorship Fees: Pay the required fees for each family member.
- Receive Family Visas: Once approved, your family members will be issued residence visas, allowing them to join you in the UAE.
Step 7: Obtain Emirates ID
After arrival in the UAE, both you and your family members need to apply for an Emirates ID, which is essential for accessing services such as banking, healthcare, and utilities.
Step 8: Settle in the UAE
With your Golden Visa and family visas in hand, you can now fully settle in the UAE. Key steps include:
- Finding Accommodation: Secure suitable housing for your family.
- School Enrollment: Enroll your children in UAE schools or universities.
- Healthcare Access: Arrange for regular medical care and services.
- Exploring Employment or Business Opportunities: Take advantage of the UAE’s job market or establish your business.
