Urdu Report Desk
The United Arab Emirates offers a Golden Visa programme for professionals, investors and talented individuals seeking long-term residency. While many people believe applicants must be nominated by government authorities, eligible individuals can initiate the process themselves through an online service provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
The service allows applicants to assess their potential eligibility based on their qualifications, professional background and achievements before submitting a nomination request.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work and study in the country without requiring a local sponsor. Depending on the category, the visa may be valid for up to 10 years.
The programme covers several groups, including investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, scientists, outstanding students and individuals with exceptional talents.
Who Can Apply for Golden Visa Nomination?
Applicants should first identify the category that best matches their qualifications and circumstances. Eligibility criteria and documentation requirements vary across categories.
Investors may qualify if they meet the relevant requirements for public investments or real estate investments in the UAE. Entrepreneurs and company founders may also be eligible if they satisfy the applicable conditions.
The categories for scientists and specialists may include researchers, doctors, healthcare professionals, teachers and highly skilled professionals.
Outstanding school students and university graduates with strong academic records may also qualify under the relevant criteria.
Additional categories are available for individuals with exceptional talents, including artists, inventors, athletes and digital technology specialists. People who have made significant humanitarian contributions may also be eligible under specific requirements.
How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa Online
Applicants can begin the process through the ICP’s official online eligibility and nomination service. The process involves several steps.
Step 1: Visit the ICP Eligibility Portal
Visit the official ICP portal to assess your potential eligibility for the Golden Visa nomination process.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Category
Choose the Golden Visa category that matches your qualifications, profession or achievements from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Answer the Eligibility Questions
Complete the questions and provide the information requested by the system. The details required depend on the category selected.
For example, university graduates may be asked to provide their grade point average (GPA), field of study and graduation year. They may also need to confirm whether their degree has been attested by the relevant Ministry of Education.
Step 4: Check Your Potential Eligibility
After you complete the questionnaire, the system will indicate the category for which you may potentially qualify.
This is an initial eligibility assessment, not an approval of the Golden Visa. Eligible candidates can proceed with the nomination application.
Step 5: Sign In Using UAE Pass
Applicants must sign in through UAE Pass and complete their personal information.
Details linked to the applicant’s Emirates ID record may be populated automatically, including the unified number, emirate, full name, nationality, passport number, gender, date of birth and place of birth.
Step 6: Select Your Profession
Choose your profession from the dropdown menu. The selected profession must match the occupation recorded on your Emirates ID.
Step 7: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the documents required for your selected category. The ICP may contact you if additional documents are needed during the review process.
Step 8: Review and Submit Your Application
Check all the information and uploaded documents carefully before submitting the nomination request.
Pay the applicable fee and submit the application. Once payment is completed, a reference number will be issued, allowing you to track the status of your request.
UAE Golden Visa Nomination Fee
According to the information provided, the nomination application fee is listed as AED 155, comprising an AED 29 e-service fee and an AED 122 ICP fee.
However, these listed components add up to AED 151, not AED 155. Applicants should therefore verify the current total and fee breakdown on the official payment page before submitting their applications.
How Long Does Nomination Approval Take?
The processing time for a Golden Visa nomination may vary depending on the applicant’s category, eligibility and supporting documents. The information provided does not specify a fixed approval timeframe.
Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and the required documents are complete to avoid potential delays.
What Happens After Nomination Approval?
If the nomination is approved, applicants can proceed with the remaining steps for obtaining the Golden Visa through the ICP.
However, nomination approval does not guarantee that the Golden Visa will be issued. Final issuance remains subject to the applicable requirements and the decision of the relevant authorities.
Applicants should check the official ICP portal for the latest eligibility criteria, document requirements, fees and application procedures. They can also contact the authority through its official support channels for further guidance.
