Yes, you can convert your Dubai Work Visa to a UAE Golden Visa if you meet the eligibility criteria for any of the Golden Visa categories such as investors, entrepreneurs, or highly skilled professionals. Apply online through the GDRFA Dubai portal by submitting the required documents.
Once approved, inform your employer, who will cancel your current work permit and UAE government will issue your Golden Visa, granting you long-term residency, job flexibility, and the ability to sponsor your family in the UAE.
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Who is eligible for a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals who contribute to the country’s growth. Eligibility depends on the category you fall into, such as business or real estate investors, startup owners, skilled professionals like doctors and engineers or individuals with exceptional talent in fields like science, media, arts, or humanitarian work.
Meeting the specific criteria for your UAE Golden Visa category is essential before applying for the visa.
|
Eligible Category |
Eligible Holders |
Key Requirements |
|
Skilled Professionals |
Doctors, engineers, IT specialists, scientists, executives, and other specialized professionals |
Recognized qualifications, relevant work experience, employment with a UAE company, and in some cases, a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 |
|
Investors |
Dubai work visa holders who also invest in businesses or real estate |
Invest at least AED 2 million in a registered business or property (AED 1 million for real estate if 55+), hold investment for 3+ years |
|
Entrepreneurs |
Professionals running their own startups or innovative projects in the UAE |
Must own a registered business/project, demonstrate active operations or innovation, and obtain approvals from UAE authorities |
|
Exceptional Talents |
Scientists, researchers, media professionals, creative talent, and specialists with outstanding achievements |
Must provide proof of exceptional professional achievement and approvals/recommendations from relevant UAE authorities |
Benefits of Converting to a UAE Golden Visa
Converting your Dubai Work Visa to a UAE Golden Visa offers long-term stability, career flexibility, and exclusive privileges designed to attract global talent. It removes the dependency on an employer, giving professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs greater freedom to live, work, and thrive in the UAE.
Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
- Long-Term Residency: Enjoy 5- or 10-year renewable residence without the need for a local sponsor or employer.
- Job Flexibility: Work with any company or start your own business without changing visa status.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers under your visa.
- Extended Stay outside UAE: You can stay abroad for more than six months without invalidating your residency.
- Security and Stability: The visa provides peace of mind and long-term residency assurance for professionals and their families.
Documents required to convert your Dubai Work Visa to a UAE Golden Visa
To convert your Dubai work visa to a UAE Golden Visa, you must submit documents proving your eligibility, including your passport, Emirates ID, and category-specific proofs like qualifications, business ownership, or investment details. Complete and attested documents are essential for a smooth application.
1. Passport: You must have valid passport copies with at least 6 months’ validity.
2. Valid Dubai Work Visa & Emirates ID: You must have your Dubai work visa and Emirates ID to confirm your current residency status.
3. Proof of eligibility: You must have proof of eligibility depending on your category:
- Skilled Professionals – attested educational and professional certificates.
- Entrepreneurs – business registration and ownership documents.
- Investors – proof of investment in business or property.
- Exceptional Talent – awards, endorsements, or proof of professional excellence.
4. Photographs: You must have passport-style photographs as per UAE requirements.
5. Employment Letter: You must have an employment letter approved and signed by your employer and the relevant Ministry (required for professionals).
How to convert your Dubai Work Visa to a UAE Golden Visa?
To convert your Dubai Work Visa to a UAE Golden Visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Golden Visa categories, such as being a skilled professional, investor, or entrepreneur.
You must gather all required documents, apply through the official UAE portals, and coordinate with your employer to cancel your current work permit and issue a new one under your Golden Visa status.
Steps to apply for a UAE Golden Visa:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Determine which Golden Visa category you qualify for, such as skilled professional, investor, or entrepreneur, and ensure you meet all specific requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Prepare your passport, attested educational or professional certificates, proof of investment or business ownership, and any other documents required for your category.
Step 3: Apply for the Golden Visa
- Submit your application through the GDRFA Dubai portal or the official UAE government portal.
- Once approved, you will receive an entry permit.
Step 4: Coordinate with Your Employer
- Inform your employer of your new visa status. They must cancel your current work permit and issue a new one under your Golden Visa.
Step 5: Complete Residency Procedures
- Travel to the UAE if needed, complete biometrics, and obtain your Emirates ID.
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Processing Time for the UAE Golden Visa
The processing time for a UAE Golden Visa typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks and also it depends on the emirate, visa category, and how complete your documents.
In cases that need extra verification or approvals from authorities, the process can extend up to 90 days. Submitting all required documents accurately can help speed up the process.
Processing Cost of UAE Golden Visa
The cost of a UAE Golden Visa varies based on the category and emirate. Additional charges may apply for things like work permit updates, Emirates ID, and medical testing. Applicants should check the official portals like GDRFA Dubai, ICP, or TAMM Abu Dhabi to confirm the latest fees before applying.
Do I Need to Cancel My Dubai Work Visa to Get a Golden Visa?
Yes, you must cancel your current Dubai work visa and work permit before your Golden Visa can take effect. This is a legal requirement to ensure your employment remains valid under your new residency status.
How to cancel your Dubai Work Visa:
- Inform Your Employer: Let your employer know about your Golden Visa application so they can start the cancellation process.
- Submit Cancellation Request: Your employer applies through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) or relevant government portal.
- Provide Required Documents: Typically includes passport copy, Emirates ID, and work permit details.
- Clear Dues and Benefits: Settle any outstanding salary, gratuity, or end-of-service benefits.
- Obtain Confirmation: Receive official confirmation that your work visa has been canceler before issuing a new Golden Visa work permit.
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FAQs
1. Can I convert my Dubai work visa to a UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, you can convert your Dubai work visa to a UAE Golden Visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. The process involves applying for the Golden Visa through official portals like GDRFA Dubai or ICP, completing all required documentation, and ensuring your current work visa is cancelled.
Once approved, your employer must update your work permit under the Golden Visa status. This conversion allows you to enjoy long-term residency, job flexibility, and the ability to sponsor your family, making it an ideal option for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs in the UAE.
2. Who is eligible to convert a Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa?
Eligibility to convert a Dubai work visa to a UAE Golden Visa depends on your category. Skilled professionals like doctors, engineers, and scientists, investors holding at least AED 2 million in business or property, and entrepreneurs owning registered UAE businesses can apply. Additionally, outstanding students and individuals with exceptional talent in fields like arts, media, or humanitarian work may also qualify.
Meeting specific salary, investment, or professional requirements is essential. Checking official UAE portals ensures compliance with all eligibility criteria before starting the conversion process.
3. What documents are required to convert a Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa?
To convert a Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa, you must submit complete documentation. Essential documents include a valid passport, current Dubai work visa and Emirates ID, attested educational and professional certificates for skilled professionals, investment proof for investors and business registration for entrepreneurs.
Additionally, you need passport-style photographs, an employment letter approved by the Ministry, and any endorsements required for your category. Ensuring all documents comply with UAE labour laws and regulations helps avoid delays in processing and speeds up the approval of your Golden Visa application.
4. Do I need to cancel my Dubai work visa before applying for a Golden Visa?
Yes, cancelling your Dubai work visa is a mandatory step before your Golden Visa can take effect. The current work visa and permit must be cancelled by your employer through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE). Once cancelled, a new work permit under your Golden Visa status is issued.
Proper coordination with your employer ensures a smooth transition, avoids legal complications, and guarantees that your employment remains valid under the new visa. Completing this step is essential for Dubai work visa holders looking to enjoy the benefits of a UAE Golden Visa.
5. How long does it take to convert a Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa?
The processing time for converting a Dubai work visa to a UAE Golden Visa varies by category and emirate. For most skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Applications requiring additional verification, nominations, or endorsements may take up to 90 days.
Submitting complete documents and coordinating with your employer for work permit updates can help speed up the process. Tracking the application on GDRFA Dubai, ICP, or TAMM Abu Dhabi ensures timely updates and helps avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining your Golden Visa.
6. What are the fees for converting a Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa?
The fees for converting a Dubai work visa to a UAE Golden Visa vary depending on the category and emirate. Additional charges may apply for work permit processing, Emirates ID issuance, and medical tests.
There is no fixed public fee for all categories, so applicants must check official portals like GDRFA Dubai, ICP, or TAMM Abu Dhabi for the latest and most accurate fee information. Ensuring correct fee payment helps prevent delays in processing and keeps your application compliant with UAE immigration rules.
7. Can my family be sponsored under the Golden Visa after conversion?
Yes, once your Dubai work visa is converted to a UAE Golden Visa, you can sponsor your family. This includes your spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers. The Golden Visa allows family members to remain in the UAE for the visa’s full duration, and in case of the primary holder’s passing, they can stay until the visa expires.
Proper documentation, such as family passports, proof of relationship, and Emirates ID applications, must be submitted. Family sponsorship is one of the key benefits of converting your Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa, providing long-term stability for your loved ones.
8. Does converting to a Golden Visa affect my employment status?
Converting your Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa does not negatively affect your employment. However, your employer must cancel your existing work permit and issue a new work permit under the Golden Visa status. This ensures that your employment remains legal and compliant with UAE labour laws.
Once updated, you can continue working in the same role, change employers, or start a new business depending on your visa category. The Golden Visa provides greater job flexibility and long-term residency security for professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs in the UAE.
9. How can I apply online to convert my Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa?
Dubai work visa holders can apply for a UAE Golden Visa online through official portals like GDRFA Dubai, ICP, or TAMM Abu Dhabi. The process includes creating an account, uploading all required documents (passport, work visa, educational or investment proof), and submitting the application for approval.
Once the Golden Visa is approved, your employer updates your work permit. Online tracking allows applicants to monitor progress and receive notifications. Applying online ensures a smooth, transparent process while saving time and reducing paperwork when converting your Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa.
10. Can investors and entrepreneurs convert their Dubai work visa to a Golden Visa?
Yes, investors and entrepreneurs on a Dubai work visa are eligible to convert to a UAE Golden Visa. Investors must hold at least AED 2 million in a UAE business or real estate and maintain it for the required duration. Entrepreneurs must own a registered UAE business demonstrating active operations or innovation.
Supporting documents, including business registration, investment proof, and approvals, must be submitted. Once approved, a Golden Visa allows investors and entrepreneurs to enjoy long-term residency, family sponsorship, and job flexibility, making it an ideal choice for business professionals seeking stability in the UAE.