IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will expand its Golden Visa program.

Key Points:

  • The UAE authorities have announced that, effective Dec. 1, the eligibility requirements for the 5-10 year Golden Visa will be expanded to the following individuals:
    • PhD holders
    • Physicians
    • Computer and programming engineers
    • Electrical engineers and biotechnology engineers
    • College and university graduates with degrees in artificial intelligence, certain data fields, epidemiology, virology
    • Graduates of UAE-accredited universities with grade point averages of 3.8 or greater
    • Top UAE high school graduates and their families
  • Details of the application process are yet to be announced, in particular, whether applicants will require government nomination or they can submit an application directly to the relevant authorities for consideration.

Additional Information: The UAE is expected to add additional categories to the Golden Visa program soon.

Analysis & Comments: The expansion of the Golden Visa program will provide work and residence opportunities for a number of advanced degree holders, high-skilled professionals and top-performing students. At this stage, the UAE authorities are yet to release the details required to assess whether the Golden visa will provide a beneficial alternative work permit option for employers in the UAE. Deloitte will provide a further update and analysis when this becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.