Golden Visa Rule Change: Demand for Golden Visas is rapidly increasing among professionals and investors working in the UAE. In response, the UAE government has made several significant changes to the visa process and regulations. Golden Visa holders will now enjoy the same benefits as citizens, including e-travel documents within 30 minutes. Traffic fines have also been directly linked to visa renewal.
Add informalnewz.com as a Preferred Source
What are the new benefits and rules of the Golden Visa?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has launched a 24-hour helpline for Golden Visa holders. If a visa holder loses their passport abroad, they will receive an electronic emergency travel document within 30 minutes. This facility provides them with the same protection as local citizens.
Dubai’s GDRFA has launched the Salama AI system to speed up the visa process. This will ensure hassle-free visa approval and cancellation within minutes. Furthermore, the immigration system has also been integrated with the police database. According to a new rule, effective March 2026, if the sponsor has outstanding traffic fines, their visa or that of their family will not be renewed.
Conditions for Property and Employed Persons
A Golden Visa can be applied for primarily based on property and employment. The government has clarified the rules for both categories.
Property Investment: The total value of the property must be at least 2 million dirhams (AED). Previously, the government had to provide a 1 million dirham advance, which has now been abolished. It is also mandatory to provide six months’ worth of bank statements to prove financial standing.
Skilled Professionals: Employed persons must have a basic salary of at least 30,000 dirhams per month. They must also have an attested bachelor’s degree and be at Level 1 or 2 of the MOHRE.
Humanitarians: The government is also offering a 10-year visa to those who donate 2 million dirhams to approved charitable causes (Awqaf).
Visa Costs and ICP Warning
The total cost of obtaining a Golden Visa ranges from approximately 4,600 to 10,000 dirhams. The visa application fee is 2,800 to 4,500 dirhams. Additionally, a 10-year Emirates ID costs 1,070 to 1,200 dirhams, and a medical test costs 400 to 1,000 dirhams. A 4% DLD fee is required for property.
ICP officials have clarified that some people are fraudulently claiming lifetime visas. In reality, there is no such thing as a lifetime visa. All valid Golden Visas are issued for 10 years and must be renewed through the government.
Read More: Petrol Diesel Price: New rates of petrol and diesel released today, see the rates of every city here
