In this article, we will explore the UAE Golden Visa, a long-term residence permit that offers numerous benefits to students. We will delve into the specific requirements for students, both from local and foreign universities, to qualify for this visa.
Furthermore, we will guide you through the application process, including the ‘One touch’ Golden Visa service, and discuss the renewal procedures.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to apply for the Golden Visa in the UAE as a student.
Understanding the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that enables foreign talent to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. These benefits include a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, the privilege of not needing a sponsor, and the ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months to keep the residence visa valid.
Moreover, Golden Visa holders have the ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages. They can also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers. In the unfortunate event of the primary holder of the Golden Visa passing away, their family members are permitted to stay in the UAE until the end of the permit.
The Golden Visa is not limited to investors or entrepreneurs. It extends to outstanding specialised talents, including doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, executives, specialists in scientific fields, athletes, doctoral degree holders, specialists in the fields of engineering and science, and students.
In the next sections, we will delve into the specific requirements for students to qualify for the Golden Visa.
Golden Visa requirements for high school students
If you are a high school student and a national-level topper, with a minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school, you may be granted a Golden Visa for 5 years without a sponsor.
This is subject to the submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
The duration of the Golden Visa for students is 5 years and may be extended if they are enrolled in one of the majors/colleges in the country that requires a study period of more than five years.
Golden Visa requirements for university students
For university students, the Golden Visa can be granted for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided certain conditions are met.
The university must be rated either A or B class by the Ministry of Education. A recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record must be submitted, stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities. It should not have been more than 2 years since you graduated.
Golden Visa requirements for outstanding students of foreign universities
Outstanding students of foreign universities may also be granted a Golden Visa for a period of 10 years without a sponsor, provided certain conditions are met.
The university should be rated among the best 100 universities globally according to the rating system recognised by the Ministry of Education. The student’s cumulative GPA should not be less than 3.5.
It should not have been more than 2 years since you graduated, and your graduation certificate should be accredited by the Ministry of Education.
In the next section, we will guide you through the application process for the Golden Visa as a student.
How to apply for the Golden Visa as a student
The application process for the Golden Visa is designed to be straightforward and efficient, with the ‘One touch’ Golden Visa service simplifying the process even further.
The ‘One touch’ Golden Visa service is a comprehensive service designed to simplify the application and the renewal process for a Golden residence visa, saving applicants time and effort. This service assists applicants with their applications for visa, issuance of other visas, regularisation of status, issuance of residency and identity documents, and renewing all of these in one step.
To apply, you can visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website or download the ICP App available on Google Play and the App Store. Follow the instructions provided to submit your application. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet all the requirements as outlined in the previous section.
Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the relevant authorities. If approved, you will be granted the Golden Visa.
In the next section, we will discuss the duration of the Golden Visa for students, the conditions for its extension, and the renewal process.
Maintaining and renewing the Golden Visa
The duration of the Golden Visa for students is either five or 10 years, depending on the level of study and the student’s achievements. For high school students who meet the requirements, the Golden Visa is valid for five years. This duration may be extended if the student is enrolled in one of the majors or colleges in the country that requires a study period of more than five years.
For university students and outstanding students of foreign universities who meet the requirements, the Golden Visa is valid for a period of 10 years. It’s important to note that the Golden Visa is renewable, provided the holder still meets the requirements at the time of renewal. The ‘One touch’ Golden Visa service can also be used for the renewal process, making it a convenient and efficient option.
In the final section, we will recap the importance and benefits of the Golden Visa for students and encourage eligible students to apply.
Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa presents an exceptional opportunity for students to live, work, and study in the UAE, offering numerous benefits and long-term stability. However, navigating the application process can be complex. This is where Worldwide Formations can provide invaluable support.
Established in 2008, Worldwide Formations is a leading corporate advisory service provider that offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique needs. With expertise in guiding clients from over 90 countries through the process of setting up ventures in the UAE, we are well-equipped to assist with Golden Visa applications.
As an officially registered business setup consultant across major UAE free zones, Worldwide Formations can support company setups, mainland and offshore structures, and offer visa and second citizenship support. Our services extend beyond just licensing and setup, connecting their global client base of over 10,000 to a wide range of B2B solutions through their network of esteemed partners. This includes services in accounting, taxation, financial audits, and more, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your education and career growth.
With Worldwide Formations, navigating the Golden Visa application process becomes a hassle-free experience. Our dedicated team of experts is ready to help you make the most of the opportunities the UAE offers. Whether you’re a student looking to study in the UAE or an entrepreneur wanting to expand your horizons, trust Worldwide Formations to provide the support you need to succeed.
