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UAE permanent residency scheme: All you need to know

Dubai - GDRFA shares details about the 'Gold Card' and its application procedure.

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The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, on Tuesday shared the details about the recently announced 10-year Gold Card residency scheme. Here is all we know about the scheme, which has been availed of by 400 expats so far.
Also read: South Asian expats among first 'Gold Card' recipients

What is a Gold Card?

It is a 10-year residency scheme for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers and outstanding students, and their families.

Who can apply for it?

Foreign and UAE-based investors, entrepreneurs, high-salaried executive managers, professional talents, researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and outstanding students.

Does the visa need to be renewed?

Yes, it has to be renewed every 10 years.

Can the recipient stay outside the country for more than six months?

Yes, they are exempted from the rule which states that residents cannot be outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months.

How many expats have got it so far?

400 expats have received it since it was introduced last month.

How can one apply for it?

UAE-based individuals can apply at any immigration office or accredited offices. Non-UAE-based individuals can acquire the documents from https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard

What is the procedure?

According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), a special committee has been created to evaluate the applications on a case-to-case basis.

How much does the visa cost?

The GDRFA has not revealed the cost of the visa but some businessmen who spoke to Khaleej Times said it was less than Dh1,000.

How long does the GDRFA take to issue it?

The waiting time to get a Gold Card varies from a mere two minutes to 45 minutes for the entire family.