The UAE golden visa is a special residency visa that allows holders to remain in any of the Emirates as residents for up to ten years.

With this type of visa, golden residents are entitled to a number of benefits and perks that aren’t currently available to holders of the standard UAE residency visa.

UAE golden visas are issued to residents who have made outstanding contributions to the country, are highly skilled in certain fields, or work in key industries, investors and even entrepreneurs wishing to set up and work in the Emirates. High-achieving university graduates and high school students are also eligible to receive the UAE golden visa for themselves and their families.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of holding a UAE golden visa.

Extended residency rights

Introduced in 2019, the UAE golden visa offers holders extended residency in the country. Those who have been awarded one can avail of residency for themselves and their dependents for up to ten years, while a standard residency visa requires renewal every two to three years.

This means that residency renewal is not required for up to ten years.

Self-sponsored work or stay

UAE golden visa holders can remain living, working and studying in the country for the entirety of their visa, with or without gaining local or other employment. The holder can work for themselves, or another company (local or otherwise) without the need for individual sponsorship. Unlike the standard residency visa, the UAE golden visa permits holders to remain in the country long-term without employment.

Ability to sponsor dependents and unlimited domestic helpers

The UAE golden visa allows for the individual holder to sponsor their family members, including spouse and children (regardless of dependents’ age). Should the main holder of the UAE golden visa pass away during the term of the ten-year visa, their family members are allowed to remain on said UAE golden visa residency until the time of natural conclusion of the visa.

Holders of this visa type may also employ and support an unlimited number of domestic helpers. The UAE golden visa does not limit the number of employed and sponsored support.

Extended time outside the UAE

It’s possible for UAE golden visa holders to spend extended periods of time outside the UAE without impacting their eligibility or the validity of the visa. On the standard residents’ visa, your visa would be nullified upon spending more than six months outside the jurisdiction.

Exclusive health-care packages

In late July it was announced that UAE golden visa holders would be eligible for special health care and health insurance packages. These exclusive health insurance plans will start from just under Dhs2400. The plans will cover claims of up to Dhs20,000,000. Three levels of cover will be available; Core Silver, Enhanced Gold and Premier. Available to any UAE golden visa holders and their dependents who currently do not have an existing health insurance plan, these health insurance plans will be subject to annual renewal.

Dubai Police Esaad privilege card

In a statement made in late July, it was announced that UAE golden visa holders would now be eligible to avail of the Esaad privilege card issued by the Dubai Police.

The Esaad Card was established in 2017 by Dubai Police to offer holders discounts in shops, education, health, housing, restaurants, theme parks, hotels and more. There are exclusive discounts across 7,237 brands and businesses in the UAE and 92 countries worldwide.

This card entitles holders and UAE golden visa residents to special privileges including up to 40 percent off school fees at the American School of Creative Science, 50 percent off stays at Kempinski Palm Jumeirah, 70 percent off At The Top in the Burj Khalifa, discounts on Fly Dubai flights and many more. Holders will also be able to get up to 30 per cent off study programmes at the Institute for Management Technology. For a full list of discounts available, holders can visit the Esaad website or download the app.