United Arab Emirates-Hotspot for Global Investment
The UAE continues to rapidly emerge as a hotspot for global investment, lifestyle, and opportunities for professionals and investors worldwide. To attract foreign investment and talent, the UAE offers two popular residency visas for investors: the 10-Year Golden Visa and the 2-Year Investor Visa. Here's what you need to know about each and how to qualify.
10-Year Golden Visa: A Gateway for Visionary Investors and Exceptional Talent
The UAE’s 10-Year Golden Visa is designed for investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. This visa is highly attractive for long-term residency, particularly for those who have made significant contributions to the country’s economy and development.
Eligibility Criteria for the 10-Year Golden Visa:
Investment in Real Estate: Citizens or residents who own property worth AED 2 million or more qualify for the visa. This includes properties purchased with a mortgage from specific banks.
Business Investment: Business investors are eligible if they have invested AED 10 million or more in public investments. The investment may be in a company, real estate, or a combination of both, but at least 60% of the total investment must be in non-real estate sectors.
Exceptional Talent: This category includes scientists, medical doctors, engineers, and creative artists. Applicants must have a valid employment contract in one of these fields or be recognized by a relevant UAE authority.
Startup Owners: Founders of startups or those who have established companies in the UAE and contribute significantly to revenue generation and job creation are also eligible.
Researchers and Scientists: The Golden Visa is available to researchers and scientists who have been endorsed by UAE entities, such as the Emirates Scientists Council, to promote scientific development.
2-Year Investor Visa: A Flexible Option for Entrepreneurs
Compared to that, the 2-Year Investor Visa is a relatively shorter term for business developers and real estate investors to be established in the UAE, holding a demand with many lenient requirements set by the Golden Visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2-Year Investor Visa
Company Ownership: As is the case with entrepreneurs, the entrepreneur should be able to demonstrate shareholding in a company registered in the UAE with a minimum equity of AED 72,000 or ownership of a company based in the UAE. The renewal period is every two years thus becomes the most suitable for development businesses.
Real Estate Investment: This visa is accorded to those people who invest in real property with its value exceeding AED 1 million. This visa is characterized by the fact that it provides a cheaper door to get into residency rather than the Golden Visa.
Key Benefits of Both Visas
Golden Visa holders can stay in the UAE for 10 years, with flexibility for renewal and the freedom to live, work, or study.
2-Year Visa holders have a shorter term, making it a great option for those looking to test the waters in the UAE business or real estate market.
Choosing the Ideal Visa for Your Needs
For those looking to establish themselves in the UAE, selecting the right visa is crucial to aligning with your investment and lifestyle goals. The 10-Year Golden Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals and experts, offering a stable, long-term opportunity to live and thrive in the UAE's flourishing economy.
On the other hand, the 2-Year Investor Visa is ideal for smaller investors or those seeking greater flexibility, providing access to a dynamic, growth-oriented market. Regardless of the path you choose, both visas offer exceptional opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
