Expats working in the UAE have the option to extend their residence visa as long as they are still employed in the country. An employment permit and a residence visa should be both obtained before you can stay here legally. The extension of a residence visa is done through the renewal process. To ease the hassle of renewal applications, the UAE has come up with long-term visas that include the so-called “golden visa.” To know more about this and if you can apply for one, continue reading the rest of the article.
Please read: What is the difference between UAE Entry Permit and Residence Visa
It’s a great opportunity for expats to acquire a long-term visa in the UAE. Apart from the hassle of the renewal process, you can stay in the country for as long as you want if your visa’s validity is more than the normal or average years.
Now, it’s easier to apply for a long-term visa since the day the UAE introduced a website where expats and locals can start getting a “golden visa.” This visa is not just for personal purposes, the families of expats can benefit from it too. But before you can think of that, here’s how you can apply for your own golden card.
What is a golden visa?
Apart from being a long-term visa, a golden visa is also called a golden card or a business visa. It is a part of the golden visa system of the UAE and it serves as proof of permanent residency. This can be renewed every five years so long as the holder is meeting the requirements given by the government. Expats who are currently working in the country or those who are planning to go here can apply for this business visa. The pre-requisite is that you should have an entrepreneurial experience with existing or past businesses.
The Process Of Applying For A Golden Visa
In order to qualify for the golden visa of the UAE, here’s the process you should follow.
- Head to https://business.goldenvisa.ae/ to create your new account. You should have a valid and working email address before you register.
- The site will send you a four-digit code in your email. The code is used to verify your account so you can continue logging in.
- After successfully logging in, apply for a nomination in your dashboard. There will be series of questions that you need to answer. You are also asked to fill in the information necessary before you can submit your nomination.
- Your nomination will be reviewed by an authorized government incubator which could take up to 30 days. AREA 2071 is the incubator in Dubai and HUB71 in Abu Dhabi.
- Once approved, they will send you a link where you can upload all the documents required to complete the application of your visa.
- Another processing time of 30 days is needed for the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to review and approve your application.
- Once reviewed and approved, you will be able to receive your business visa at last!
Note that the application may also be rejected. If that happens, you can re-apply after 90 days.
What should you do to qualify for a business visa?
In order to receive an approved application, applicants should pass the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. This includes health assessment and background checking. Also, you must be able to meet the following:
- You should have a good experience as an entrepreneur.
- You should have a business idea or planning to start a business if you will move to the UAE.
- You should have been a majority shareholder of a startup or a member of the top management.
- You should be willing to relocate to the UAE to build your own business in one of its emirates.
Should you meet these qualifications, your application will likely be approved.
What are the major benefits of having a business visa?
First and foremost, your business visa will allow you to enter and exit the UAE for a period of 6 months in order to facilitate the process of building your business in the country. After that, this can be converted to a residency visa, which is permanent and can be renewed.
As a holder of a business visa, you have the privilege to nominate at least three of your senior staff in your business to get the same residency. You will be allowed to sponsor your own dependents but it will still be subject to the requirements and conditions of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Other Important Matters Related To Business Visa
Receiving your visa is an important part of the process. After completing the application, you will receive instructions on how to receive your visa. Also, the UAE stated the following facts after you receive your business visa:
- If you are outside the UAE by the time your business visa has been approved, you will receive a six-month visa to enter the UAE, look for opportunities, and eventually settle down. Within this period, you will be asked to turn your temporary visa into a residency permit.
- If you are already living in the UAE by the time your business visa has been approved, you will be given a one-month temporary visa, which should be converted into a residency visa within the given period.
- The temporary visas can be easily converted by going to Services 1 in Emirates Towers, Dubai or you can contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship directly.
Final Thoughts
Having a business visa in the UAE is a privilege. If you are looking forward to level up your lifestyle as an expat and if you want to invest in the country by establishing your own business, this is something to consider. Being a permanent resident is a good opportunity as well. It’s like paving your own way on becoming a permanent resident of the UAE even if you came from a different country. If you have friends and relatives who want to apply for a business visa, don’t forget to share this with them.