Two years ago, the UAE revealed its Golden Residency program for the first time, which grants talented individuals and innovators long-term residency within the country. Last November, the authorities officially adopted and activated the new system. Since then, many celebrities and public figures, both Arab and non-Arab, have received this "Golden Residency," including artists, media personalities, and athletes. Among notable recipients are Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan, Portuguese footballer and Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo, Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, and Egyptian Musicians Syndicate president Hani Shaker. Additionally, actress Takla Shamoun, actress Nelly Karim, media figure Bossi Shalabi, director Inas Al-Daghidi, media figure Hala Sarhan, singer Joseph Attieh, actress Nadine Nassib Njeim, director Mohamed Sami, actress Nabila Obeid, and Tunisian artist Daren Haddad have also obtained Golden Residency.
Lebanese artist Ragheb Alama announced that his family also received Golden Residency, stating that relocating to Dubai was the happiest thing for him as it provides a safe, fair, and positive environment away from the turmoil in Lebanon. The opportunity for Golden Residency is not limited to Arab celebrities in the arts and media; in March of last year, Dubai Police announced a special program to attract innovative thinkers in the security and service fields, awarding large financial rewards alongside Golden Residency, focusing on India, Arab states, and European countries.
## What is the Golden Residency in the UAE?
In last November's announcement regarding the actual launch of the program, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, stated that a ten-year residency program was approved for several categories. According to the official portal of the UAE government, the Golden Residency program is a long-term visa system, lasting five or ten years, automatically renewed upon meeting the same conditions, aimed at specific categories including investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talent.
This system allows residents and foreign expatriates, along with their families, wishing to work, live, and study in the UAE, to enjoy long-term residency without the need for a UAE sponsor, with 100% ownership inside the country, contrary to the usual rules requiring the presence of a local partner holding no less than 51% in business and investment projects within the Emirates.
## Who Can Obtain Golden Residency?
In his announcement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the eligible categories for this extended residency include:
- Holders of doctoral degrees
- All doctors
- Computer, electronics, programming, electrical, and biotechnology engineers
- University graduates from accredited universities in the UAE with a GPA of 3.8 or higher
- Holders of specialized certifications in artificial intelligence, big data, or epidemiology and viruses
- Top secondary school graduates in the country along with their families
However, this is only part of a broader list allowing recipients to obtain Golden Residency, which includes investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talent, and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, as well as outstanding students.
## What Are the Conditions for Obtaining Extended Golden Residency?
According to the official portal of the UAE government, the categories of investors and specialized talent qualify for Golden Residency for ten years, but under specific conditions.
### First: Investors
This category refers to investors who own public investments within the country, valued at no less than 10 million dirhams (2.72 million USD). These investments can take various forms, as follows:
- A deposit of 10 million dirhams or more in an investment fund
- Establishing a company with a capital of no less than 10 million dirhams
- Being a partner in a company with a financial stake of no less than 10 million dirhams
- Having diversified investments valued at a total of 10 million dirhams (with non-real estate investment comprising 60%)
However, these cases have regulations and conditions for obtaining the visa:
- The individual must own the invested capital entirely and not through a loan.
- The investment must be retained in the country for at least three years from the date of obtaining residency.
- It must not be burdened by debts that negatively affect financial solvency.
Prior to acquiring residency, an investor from outside the country can receive an entry permit valid for six months, which is renewable. Ultimately, they obtain a long-term visa inclusive of their spouse and children, along with an executive manager and consultant, and three service workers.
### Second: Specialized Talent
- **Scientists**: Must be accredited by the UAE government or have received the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
- **Creatives in culture and art**: Must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Youth.
- **Inventors**: Must have a patent with additional value to the UAE economy and be accredited by the Ministry of Economy.
- **Elites**: Individuals with extraordinary intellectual capabilities owning patents or credible scientific research.
- **Executive Managers**: Individuals with scientific experience and high-level qualifications.
- **Doctors and specialists**: This category must meet at least two of the following conditions:
- A professorship from one of the top 500 universities in the world.
- Award or certificates of appreciation in their specialty.
- Contribution to scientific research.
- Published scientific articles or books.
- Membership in an organization related to their field.
- A doctoral degree and at least ten years of scientific experience.
- Specialization in an important scientific field.
All these categories must possess a valid employment contract. Among the benefits they receive is an entry visa for their spouse and children.
## What About Medium Residency?
Three categories can obtain a five-year residency visa, automatically renewed: real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding students.
- **Real Estate Investor**:
- The total value of investments must be 5 million dirhams or more.
- Must be fully owned by the investor and not through a loan.
- The investment must be retained for at least three years.
- The investor must not be burdened by debts.
- **Entrepreneurs**:
- Must have a successful previous project worth no less than 500,000 dirhams.
- Or obtain accredited approval from a business incubator in the UAE.
- **Students**:
- Must achieve an excellent rating or at least 95% in secondary education or its equivalent.
- University students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or its equivalent in specified disciplines.
An entrepreneur obtains residency for their spouse and children and three executive managers, while a student receives residency for their family. Both receive a six-month entry permit.
