Introduction
The Golden Visa allows people to live, work and study in the UAE without a sponsor. Recently, the government made it easier to get one. In this article, we’ll explain the key changes simply so you understand them clearly.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa program started in 2019. Its goal is to attract talented people to the UAE. With it, you can:
- Live in the UAE long-term without renewing your visa often
- Travel outside the country for more than 6 months and keep your residency valid
- Sponsor your family like your wife, children or parents for visas
- Buy property and invest in the UAE
It provides stability and convenience that residents don’t usually get.
The Main Updates
Let’s look at the important changes made to the Golden Visa rules:
Lower Salary Requirement
Now Doctors, engineers and other skilled roles, must earn only 20,000 Dirhams per month, down from 30,000 Dirhams, to apply. This will attract more medical staff and technicians.
New Categories for Freelancers and Talented Individuals
Many people work online or offer unique skills. Two categories let them get the Golden Visa by showing their work and expertise.
Lowered Real Estate Investment Threshold
The property investment amount was reduced to 1 million Dirhams from 2 million Dirhams before. This makes it easier for investors.
Impact on Existing Holders
The updates don’t affect current Golden Visa residents. The same renewal rules and timelines apply to them as before the changes were made. Their visas will continue as normal.
Changes in Eligibility Criteria
Let’s see how criteria changed under two categories:
Retirement Visa
Earlier, retirees needed a minimum 2 million Dirhams in savings. Now just 1 million Dirhams is sufficient to qualify for their long-term residency.
Self-Employment Visa
Freelancers from fields like marketing, design, and consultancy can now get a visa. They just need to prove their work history and client list.
Conclusion
By making small refinements, the UAE aims to continue growing its skilled workforce and knowledge-based economy. Our experts can advise on your eligibility for the Golden Visa program under its latest guidelines.
