The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency program aimed at attracting exceptional talent and investment to the country. It allows eligible individuals to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying an array of exclusive benefits. This initiative is designed to support foreign investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students, promoting innovation and economic growth in the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa stands out as a premier long-term residency program, offering qualified individuals the chance to build their future in this dynamic nation. This sought-after visa program lets successful applicants and their families live in the UAE for an extended period, opening doors to countless opportunities.
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Key Benefits of the Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa program offers numerous life-changing advantages for successful applicants. Holders enjoy extended residency permits lasting 5-10 years, with seamless renewal options to ensure long-term stability. One of the most attractive features is the ability to live and work in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor or employer, giving visa holders unprecedented freedom and independence. Entrepreneurs and investors particularly benefit from the opportunity to own 100% of their mainland UAE businesses, removing traditional ownership restrictions. Visa holders can freely sponsor their family members, creating a stable foundation for their loved ones in the UAE.
The program’s flexibility stands out through its lack of minimum residence requirements, allowing holders to travel and manage their international interests while maintaining their UAE status. With access to world-class healthcare, education, and tax-free income opportunities, Golden Visa holders can fully immerse themselves in the UAE’s prosperous economy. This comprehensive benefits package makes the Golden Visa an attractive option for talented individuals looking to build their future in this dynamic nation. The program’s structure supports both personal growth and business development, aligning perfectly with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and excellence.
Benefits of Getting Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah
Obtaining a Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) offers unique advantages that make it an attractive choice for long-term residency in the UAE. As one of the fastest-growing emirates, RAK provides Golden Visa holders with a perfect blend of business opportunities and lifestyle benefits at a significantly lower cost of living compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Investors and professionals can enjoy premium waterfront properties at more competitive prices, making real estate investment particularly attractive in this emerging market. The emirate’s strategic location, with its proximity to Dubai and major international markets, combines with world-class infrastructure and tax-free environment to create an ideal business setting.
RAK’s free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simplified business setup processes, and various incentives for companies, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and investors. The emirate’s natural beauty, featuring mountains, beaches, and desert landscapes, provides an exceptional quality of life with numerous leisure activities. Additionally, RAK boasts high-quality healthcare facilities, international schools, and modern shopping centers while maintaining its rich cultural heritage. The Golden Visa in RAK also grants holders the flexibility to work and live anywhere in the UAE, making it a cost-effective gateway to the entire country’s opportunities. The emirate’s focus on industrial development, tourism, and real estate creates diverse investment opportunities, while its peaceful environment and strong community atmosphere make it ideal for families seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The Golden Visa offers several unique advantages, including:
- Multiple-Entry Visa for Six Months
Applicants can obtain an entry visa valid for six months with multiple entries to proceed with the residence visa application process. - Long-Term Residency
Visa validity ranges from 5 to 10 years and is renewable. - No Sponsorship Requirement
Golden Visa holders do not need a local sponsor to maintain their residency. - Extended Stay Outside the UAE
Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without affecting their visa validity. - Family Sponsorship
Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of age. - Unlimited Domestic Helpers
They can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers. - Family Security
In case the primary visa holder passes away, family members can stay in the UAE until the visa duration expires.
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Eligibility Criteria for the Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa program features comprehensive eligibility requirements tailored to different professional categories and investment levels. For investors, the program offers two main pathways: a 10-year visa for public investments of AED 2 million or more, and a 5-year visa for real estate investments valued at AED 2 million minimum. Entrepreneurs can secure a 5-year visa by establishing projects worth AED 500,000 or more, supported by proper documentation from UAE authorities and business incubators. Specialized talents, including doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, and executives, can obtain 10-year visas through professional achievements and relevant authority approvals.
The program also recognizes academic excellence, offering visas to outstanding students who achieve a minimum 95% grade in high school or maintain a GPA of 3.5-3.8 in university. Humanitarian pioneers with five years of recognized service or AED 2 million in humanitarian contributions qualify for 10-year visas. Additionally, frontline heroes, particularly those who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, may receive special consideration based on their contributions. Each category requires specific documentation and must meet precise criteria, ensuring the program attracts high-caliber individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s development.
1. Investors
The UAE Golden Visa offers two distinct investment pathways catering to different investor profiles.
Investors in both categories gain significant benefits, including the ability to extend residency privileges to family members, conduct business freely within the UAE, and enjoy premium lifestyle benefits. This structured approach to investor visas reflects the UAE’s commitment to attracting substantial, long-term investment while maintaining high standards for its residency programs.
Public Investments
Public investment opportunities provide a 10-year residency visa for those investing a minimum of AED 2 million in UAE-based funds, requiring proof through a valid commercial license and annual tax payments of AED 250,000 to the Federal Tax Authority. Importantly, this investment must come from personal capital rather than loans.
Investors in public investment funds can apply for a 10-year visa by fulfilling the following criteria:
- Proof of an investment worth at least AED 2 million.
- Submission of a valid commercial or industrial licence.
- Evidence of paying at least AED 250,000 annually to the Federal Tax Authority.
- Full ownership of the investment capital (not a loan).
Real Estate Investors
For real estate investors, the program offers a 5-year visa option with a minimum property investment of AED 2 million, accepting both outright purchases and properties financed through approved local banks. These investment thresholds ensure serious commitment while providing flexibility in investment choices.
Real estate investors can apply for a 5-year visa by meeting these conditions:
- Ownership of property/properties worth at least AED 2 million.
- Purchase of property financed by approved local banks.
2. Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs aiming to establish themselves in Ras Al Khaimah can avail of a 5-year Golden Visa, provided they meet specific criteria. To qualify, an entrepreneur must own an economic project valued at AED 500,000 or more. Additionally, certain approvals are required to validate their eligibility. These include a letter from a UAE-based auditor confirming the project’s valuation, an endorsement from the emirate authorities verifying the technical or innovative nature of the project, and support documentation from a recognised business incubator in Ras Al Khaimah. This initiative is designed to attract innovative minds and contribute to the UAE’s forward-thinking economy, making Ras Al Khaimah an attractive destination for ambitious entrepreneurs worldwide.
Entrepreneurs are eligible for a 5-year visa if they:
- Own an economic project valued at AED 500,000 or more.
- Obtain approval letters from:
- A UAE auditor verifying the project value.
- Emirate authorities confirming the project’s technical or innovative nature.
- A recognised business incubator in the UAE.
3. Specialised Talents
Ras Al Khaimah offers a 10-year Golden Visa to individuals with specialised talents across diverse fields such as medicine, science, arts, sports, and more. This visa is designed to attract professionals and experts who can significantly contribute to the emirate’s growth and global standing.
Specialised talents in fields like medicine, science, art, and sports can apply for a 10-year visa. Categories include:
- Doctors and Scientists: Approval from the Ministry of Health or the Emirates Council of Scientists.
- Inventors: A patent recognised by the Ministry of Economy with economic value.
- Creative Individuals in Arts: An approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts.
- Executives: A bachelor’s degree, 5 years of experience, and a salary of at least AED 50,000.
- Athletes: A recommendation from relevant sports authorities.
Doctors and scientists can qualify by obtaining approvals from the Ministry of Health or the Emirates Council of Scientists. Inventors are eligible if they hold a patent recognised by the Ministry of Economy, demonstrating economic value. Creative individuals in arts must secure an approval letter from the Department of Culture and Arts. Executives are required to meet criteria such as holding a bachelor’s degree, having a minimum of five years of experience, and earning a salary of at least AED 50,000. Additionally, athletes can apply if recommended by relevant sports authorities.
This initiative underlines Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation, making it a hub for global talent.
4. Outstanding Students
Outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements are eligible for a Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah, designed to nurture and retain intellectual talent. Depending on their academic performance, students can qualify for a 5- or 10-year visa.
Outstanding students can qualify for 5- or 10-year visas based on academic performance:
- High School Students: A minimum grade of 95% and a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
High school students who achieve a minimum grade of 95% and secure a recommendation from the Ministry of Education are eligible for this prestigious visa. Similarly, university students must have graduated within the past two years with a minimum GPA of 3.5, though certain universities require a GPA of 3.8 to qualify.
- University Students: A minimum GPA of 3.5 (or 3.8 for certain universities), graduated within two years.
This opportunity aims to reward academic excellence and encourage students to further contribute to the UAE’s development while enjoying the benefits of long-term residency in a globally connected and resource-rich environment.
5. Humanitarian Pioneers
Humanitarian pioneers who have made remarkable contributions to society can secure a 10-year Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah, recognising their commitment to impactful service. To qualify, individuals must meet specific criteria demonstrating their dedication to humanitarian efforts.
Humanitarian pioneers who significantly contribute to society can apply for a 10-year visa if they:
- Work for recognised organisations for at least five years.
Applicants should have a minimum of five years of work experience with recognised humanitarian organisations. They must also have received international awards that highlight their significant contributions to humanitarian causes. Furthermore, individuals who have provided humanitarian aid valued at AED 2 million or more are eligible for this prestigious residency visa.
- Have received international awards for humanitarian work.
- Provide humanitarian aid worth at least AED 2 million.
This initiative reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to making a positive difference in the world, encouraging continued efforts to support global well-being and societal progress.
6. Frontline Heroes
Frontline heroes who have showcased extraordinary dedication during critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are eligible for the Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah. This visa honours the unwavering commitment of individuals who played a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and safety during times of crisis.
Eligible applicants include nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, and other essential frontline workers. To qualify, they must obtain a recommendation from relevant authorities that acknowledges their exceptional contributions.
This initiative underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s gratitude and recognition for those who serve selflessly on the frontlines, offering them long-term residency as a token of appreciation and a platform for continued contributions to the community.
Harf Golden Visa Service
Harf’s Golden Visa service is designed to streamline the application and renewal process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for individuals and businesses. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive support for every step of the visa journey, from eligibility assessment to documentation and final approval. Services include:
- Application submission.
- Visa issuance and status regularisation.
- Residency and identity document issuance.
- Streamlined renewal processes.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a specialised talent, a student, or a humanitarian pioneer, Harf ensures personalised guidance tailored to your category and requirements. Our expertise in visa regulations and procedures guarantees efficiency and accuracy, saving you time and effort.
For assistance, you can:
- Email us at [email protected].
- Contact us via WhatsApp at +971586926005.
- Visit our expert team at the Ras Al Khaimah office (Adress: D.R.A. Residence – opposite Adnoc Petrol Station – Al Riffa – Ras Al Khaimah.)
- Google Map location direction link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost of applying for a Golden Visa in RAK?
The cost of applying for a Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah varies based on several factors, including the visa category, processing fees, and any additional services required during the application process. To receive accurate pricing and a detailed breakdown of costs tailored to your specific needs, consult Harf’s expert team.
Can I sponsor family members on a Golden Visa?
One of the significant benefits of the Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah is the ability to sponsor your family members. As a Golden Visa holder, you can sponsor your spouse, parents, and children, regardless of their age. Family members will also receive a 10-year visa, ensuring long-term residency and stability for your loved ones.
How long does it take to process the Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah?
The processing time for obtaining a Golden Visa in Ras Al Khaimah can vary based on the applicant’s category and the completeness of the submitted documentation. Generally, the process takes between 1 to 2 weeks.
What happens if my visa expires?
If your Golden Visa expires, you can renew it, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria associated with your visa category. The renewal process ensures uninterrupted residency and allows you to maintain your long-term benefits in the UAE.
The UAE’s Golden Visa is a remarkable initiative providing opportunities for skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive in a dynamic environment. Through its diverse benefits and straightforward application process, the program cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and growth.
Reference:
Golden Visa | The Official Portal of the UAE Government
Visa Processing Services in the UAE
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