In an attempt to attract investors and skilled professionals to the Middle Eastern business hub, the UAE launched the Golden Card program in May 2019, through which nationals from all over the world can gain residency in the country if they meet the criteria set by the Emirati cabinet.
The permanent residency “Golden Card” will be granted to exceptional talents and everyone who positively contributes to the success story of the UAE. We want them to be permanent partners in our journey. Residents are an indispensable part of our country.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 21, 2019
After years of studying options that respond to residents' demand for long residency options, as opposed to the regular 2-year-one, the Emirati government decided to offer the Golden card program, which allows individuals who meet all 4 requirements set by experts to enjoy a 5 or 10-year residency in the country.
In a country with 90% of the population being foreign residents, the need for residency security emerges more significantly than ever before, especially for people who would like to explore various employment or business opportunities without the fear of being deported.
The program is also a win-win opportunity for both investors and entrepreneurs who would like to start their projects in the booming business hub.
UAE's golden card visa: The gift that keeps on giving https://t.co/q7wLgTXNmI pic.twitter.com/r7TsCPfVVu
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) July 13, 2019
If an individual holds at least a bachelor's degree or an equivalent, have at least 5 years of professional experience, have an employment contract for a UAE-based job that pays no less than 30k AED a month, they certainly qualify for the Golden card.
Additionally, the program aims to welcome scientists, researchers, and doctors to conduct their scientific tasks in the Emirati universities, hospitals and research centers.
We celebrated the first batch of 2,500 scientists, researchers and doctors who have been granted the 'Golden Card' permanent residency. We welcome them among us. The UAE will always be open to scientists, investors and entrepreneurs. pic.twitter.com/k5o9uEWILV
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 12, 2019
As of June 2019, the UAE government revealed that 400 Golden Cards have been issued in about two months of receiving applications.
In November of the same year, the Emirati Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced welcoming 2500 scientists, researchers, and doctors who have all arrived at the UAE after having been granted the Golden Card.
