The UAE has added a list of professionals who can now apply for a 10-year golden residency visa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday announced that more classes of professionals will now be eligible for the 10-year golden residency visas.

If you plan on applying for Business Golden Visa, which is a part of the Golden Visa system, then you can visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship electronic platform for the same.

The Business Gold Visa offers permanent residency to non-national and non-resident entrepreneurs who wish to set up business operations in the UAE.

Below are the steps to apply for a Business Golden Visa:

Step 1 – You will have to enter your email address and create a password to register on https://business.goldenvisa.ae/

Step 2 – Apply on the site for the visa. Your application will be reviewed by the authorities and you will receive an email notifying the outcome in 30 days from the time of submitting the application.

Step 3 – After your application has been approved, you will receive a link via email to upload relevant documents for the visa purpose.

Step 4 – Your application will then be verified by the authorities following which you will be granted your visa.

What is the Business Visa?
The Business Visa is part of the Golden Visa system for permanent residents and foreigners to obtain a long-term visa for themselves and their dependents. This will create an attractive environment for business and growth.

Who can apply for the Business Visa?
Professionals with entrepreneurial experience from around the world are eligible to apply for the Business Visa. An eligible entrepreneur is anyone who has set up a business of their own at some point in their careers, and wishes to do so again in the UAE.

What are the conditions and criteria for obtaining the Business Visa?
In addition to the eligibility criteria below, applicants must successfully pass the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, including a background check and health assessment.

To obtain the Business Visa, you must:
Be able to substantiate your experience as an entrepreneur.
Have been a majority shareholder of a startup or a member of its senior leadership.
Be willing to relocate to the UAE and legally establish a business in one of the Emirates.
Have a business idea or business plan that you wish to bring to life in the UAE.

Do the Business Visa benefits include the mother and father?
As per the regulations of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, a resident may sponsor the parents based on a number of specified conditions.

If my nomination is approved, does that mean I will receive my visa?
Qualifying for the Business Visa does not guarantee that the applicant will receive the visa. Specialized committees review the application and the attached documents, and grant an approval accordingly. Once approved, the applicant will be required to follow the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in order to be issued the visa.

How long is the application process?
The review of the application will take approximately 30 days. Once your nomination has been approved, you will need to complete the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, which can take up to an additional thirty days.

How will I receive my visa?
Once your nomination has been approved, you will be invited to complete the application for the visa through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website. Once completed, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to receive your visa.

If you are currently residing outside of the UAE, you will be given a six-month visa to enter the UAE, explore the opportunities, and settle. During this period, you will be required to convert your temporary visa into the residency permit.

If you are currently residing within the UAE, you will be given a temporary one-month visa, and will be required to convert your temporary visa into the residency permit during this period.

In both cases, you can convert your one- or six-month visas into the residency quickly and conveniently at SERVICES 1 in Emirates Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; or, directly through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Who should I contact to follow up on my application?
For matters relating to your application for nomination:

If you are applying for residency in Dubai, please contact AREA 2071 by emailing visa@area2071.ae
If you are applying for residency in Abu Dhabi, please contact HUB71 by emailing goldenvisa@hub71.com

For matters relating to your application for the visa, please contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship:

Email: contactus@ica.gov.ae
Website: https://www.ica.gov.ae/
Phone: +97124955555