Executive Golden Visa UAE

The UAE Executive Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency program designed to attract and retain high-level professionals and senior management talent. It grants a 10-year renewable visa, providing unparalleled stability for executives and their families to live, work, and invest in the Emirates without needing a traditional sponsor.

Eligibility is targeted at individuals in senior leadership roles. This includes professionals classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) as Level 1 or 2, such as a CEO, General Manager, Executive Director, CFO, COO, or other board members and senior executives who meet specific salary, education, and experience requirements.

The minimum salary requirement is typically AED 30,000 per month. However, for certain high-level positions like an Executive Director, the required salary threshold increases to AED 50,000 per month. This must be proven with a valid employment contract and salary certificate.

Applicants generally need a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant senior management or executive position. Additionally, as of February 2025, a new 2-year tenure requirement with your current employer may apply for certain direct applications, so it's crucial to verify the latest rules.

Yes, a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement. If your degree was obtained from a university outside the UAE, you must get an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). This process certifies that your foreign degree meets the UAE's academic standards and is a mandatory step in the application.

The key difference is freedom. A regular employment visa is tied to your employer, meaning if you lose your job, you lose your residency. The Golden Visa is not linked to a specific employer, giving you the flexibility to switch jobs, start your own business, or even remain unemployed for a period without losing your residency status.

Absolutely. Comprehensive family sponsorship is a core benefit. You can sponsor your spouse, children (with no age restrictions), and parents for the same 10-year residency duration. You can also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, providing complete peace of mind for your family's stability.

While official government fees for the residency permit (approx. AED 2,790) and Emirates ID (approx. AED 1,070) are fixed, the total cost varies. An all-inclusive service package, which includes these fees, your medical test, and expert assistance, is typically around AED 8,500.

Yes. This is a major advantage. Unlike standard residency visas that become invalid if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months, the Golden Visa allows you to enjoy extended travel freedom, staying abroad for longer periods without impacting your residency status.

Yes, it provides significant business opportunities. As a Golden Visa holder, you have the flexibility to establish your own company and are eligible for 100% business ownership on the UAE mainland, an advantage previously reserved for investors in free zones.

The process involves several key steps: securing a nomination or applying directly, gathering essential documents (passport, degree, work contract), obtaining your degree equivalency certificate, passing a medical examination, and finally, getting the visa stamped. Using a professional service simplifies this multi-stage procedure significantly.

The processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your documentation and the time required for degree equivalency. However, once all documents are submitted correctly, the process can often be completed within 2 to 4 weeks.

The core federal requirements set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) are the same across all emirates. However, specific platforms like Abu Dhabi's HUB71 or Dubai's AREA 2071 may be used for entrepreneur-track applications, and minor procedural differences can exist between emirates.

Yes, the visa is renewable upon expiry. As long as you continue to meet the qualifying criteria for your category (e.g., salary, professional role), you can renew your Golden Visa for another 10-year term, ensuring true long-term residency.

The UAE has introduced a compassionate rule for Golden Visa holders. In the unfortunate event that the primary visa holder passes away, their sponsored family members are permitted to stay in the UAE until the end of their existing permit's duration, providing crucial stability during a difficult time.