Dubai: Are you interested in applying for the UAE’s Golden Visa program but lacking the required investment of Dh2 million or more in property? If so, consider exploring the ‘skilled professional’ category, which offers easier processing for applicants, according to James Swallow, Commercial Director at PRO Partner Group.
The skilled professional category benefits from the existing labor file of individuals with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which can be shared with immigration authorities. This file already includes the applicant’s job title and salary information, streamlining the visa process.
In recent weeks, there has been a significant increase in interest for Golden Visas under the professional category. Rather than relying solely on property investments for visa eligibility, highly skilled individuals are seeking long-term residency in the UAE. Additionally, more companies are offering incentives to attract and retain talented personnel.
The presence of a robust job market, particularly in sectors such as technology, digital services, retail, and hospitality, is also contributing to the demand. Middle to senior management roles are being filled, and new businesses are launching regularly, all of which further drive the demand for Golden Visas.
For skilled professionals, the additional required documents are typically those that applicants already possess from previous visa applications, such as a copy of their attested university degree, UAE health insurance, salary certificate, valid work contract, and a letter of experience of at least five years in the same position.
The pre-approval processing for applications under the skilled professional category usually takes approximately one week, followed by a standard two-week turnaround for the visa and Emirates ID issuance after pre-approval is completed.
The government fees for all Golden Visa applications are approximately Dh3,000
In contrast, the investment category applicants are less likely to have these documents readily available. Depending on the chosen investment visa, different documentation is required. For real estate investments specifically, a letter from the relevant Emirate’s Land Department indicating property ownership and a value of at least Dh2 million is necessary. In the case of mortgaged property, statements and letters from local banks are also required.
Real estate sources anticipate another surge in investor demand, both from overseas and residents, starting from September through property purchases. Some investors may be waiting to assess property value stability before making buying decisions, especially in emerging locations where off-plan buying activity has increased for Dh2 million homes.
In general, the pre-approval process for the investor category Golden Visas takes about two weeks, followed by a standard two-week turnaround for the visa and Emirates ID issuance after pre-approval is completed.
As interest in the various eligible categories of the Golden Visa program continues to grow, the full potential of this initiative is yet to be realized. The program remains a significant attraction for individuals seeking long-term residency in the UAE.