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The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) dispelled rumors going around in some local as well as foreign media houses that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is issuing lifetime Golden Visas to some nationalities. Previously, some false reports made rounds that the UAE Golden Visa could be acquired by merely paying Rs 23 lakh, generating much interest among the huge Indian expatriate population residing in the UAE. Most people misunderstood this to imply the UAE was giving a shortcut to permanent citizenship via the Golden Visa process. In a forceful statement, the ICP stated clearly that there is no lifetime Golden Visa program and that there are no shortcuts to obtaining UAE residency. All applications must adhere strictly to the official process.

The Authority reiterated that all Golden Visa applications are handled only through official UAE government channels. No consultancy office or commercial body inside or outside the UAE government is allowed to process or guarantee Golden Visa applications on its behalf. The ICP's announcement comes as some foreign consultancy offices have been spreading misleading advertisements that lifetime Golden Visas would be arranged for all categories through third parties under simplified conditions. "These advertisements are unfounded and published without coordination with UAE authorities," the ICP explained.

What Is The UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is the UAE's popular long-stay residency visa, providing qualified foreigners with the right to reside, work, or study in the UAE with multi-entry privileges. The ICP has elucidated that the groups, conditions, and regulations for acquiring the Golden Visa are categorized distinctly by official laws, rules, and ministerial resolutions. Though the authority continues to boost the UAE’s Golden Visa system, a long-term residency programme that allows eligible foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students to live, work, and study in the country without the need for a sponsor. The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency permits valid for five or ten years, with automatic renewal. This program will further strengthen the UAE's position as an international business, talent and innovation hub while fostering sustainable economic growth.

Who Can Get A Dubai Golden Visa?

Investment Visa: A Minimum of AED 2 Million Required

Investors are eligible to apply for the UAE Golden Visa if they have a minimum investment of AED 2 million in public investments or own property worth AED 2 million or more. Investments should be made without using loans. There should be an approved letter from an investment fund or the Real Estate Registration Department. Real estate investors should also provide residence proof in the UAE.

Entrepreneur Visa: For Project Owners and Founders

Entrepreneurs with a project that is at least AED 500,000 in value may be eligible if they have approvals from a UAE auditor, concerned emirate authorities, or an accredited business incubator such as AREA 2071 (Dubai) or HUB71 (Abu Dhabi). Entrepreneurs are also required to have valid health insurance, passport copies, and residence proof.

Golden Visa For Talented Professionals and Specialists

The UAE also embraces exceptional specialist talents under the Golden Visa initiative. Eligible candidates are:
• Doctors and Scientists: Should possess a Ministry of Health license or endorsement of the Emirates Scientists Council.
• Cultural Creatives and Inventors: Need supporting letters from the Department of Culture and Arts or the Ministry of Economy.
• Executives: Should have a certified degree, at least five years of experience, a minimum salary of AED 50,000, and an approved work contract.
• Engineering and Science Specialists: Should provide a certified degree in high-priority disciplines such as AI, big data, computer engineering, electronics, biotechnology, epidemiology or viruses.
• Athletes: Should have approvals from the General Sports Authority or local sports councils.

Top-scoring students can also obtain the Golden Visa. Topper high school students require a Ministry of Education recommendation and can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa, renewable if pursuing a program that is longer than five years, i.e., medicine. High-scoring university students with a GPA of 3.8 or above can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa. The students can sponsor their spouse, siblings, parents, and children if they qualify financially.

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How To Apply For UAE Golden Visa?

Prospective applicants are able to apply for UAE Golden Visa nomination conveniently via the official website www.icp.gov.ae or the ICP UAE Smart App by filling out an online form, attaching necessary documents, and paying fees securely. Through this move, the UAE continues to play host to investors, innovators, talented professionals, and top-class students that propel its vision of a competitive, diversified, and knowledge-based economy.

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The Authority also requested the public not to pay heed to rumours and to check any information directly from the official sources. Interested individuals can use solely the Authority's official website www.icp.gov.ae or ICP UAE Smart app, or even call the call centre at 600522222, which operates 24/7, for all precise information.