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The Ultimate Guide: Belgium Investor Visa

The Ultimate Guide: Belgium Investor Visa

Belgium Investor Visa

Often, when people think about golden visas in Europe, they think of sunny countries in the south. However, there are several other countries that aren’t quite as warm and sunny that also have very desirable immigration by investment visa programs.

Belgium is one of those countries, and because so many people do want to know what their European relocation options are, we’ve put together this guide to the Belgium investor visa program.

Belgium
Belgium

What is the Investor Visa Program in Belgium?

Like other countries in Europe that have immigration by investment programs, Belgium offers an easier route to immigration to high-net-worth people who are willing to invest in their country. In return for their investment, successful applicants and their families get permanent residence in the country, and if they continue to meet immigration requirements, can eventually apply for citizenship.

Eligibility For Belgium Residence

There are specific requirements for the Belgium investor visa, but before you can even apply for that program, you need to meet the universal immigration eligibility requirements set by the Belgian government. These include:

  • The main applicant must be over the age of 18
  • You and any accompanying family members must have a clear criminal record and you must not have committed any immigration infractions in any other country
  • You must generally have a good character, and not be a security risk to the country or it’s people
  • You must visit the country in person
  • You must prove that you are able to financially support yourself and any accompanying family members
  • If you are applying as an investor, you must have relevant business experience

When you apply for the Belgium investor visa, the immigration authorities in Belgium will verify that you meet minimum eligibility before they start working on the rest of your application, and you will have to provide documentation to verify everything you say in your application.

Investment Requirements for Investor Visa Program in Belgium

Once you have met the general immigration requirements for Belgium, you still have to prove that you meet the investor visa specific requirements, which include:

  • At least 200,000 Euros to invest in an existing business or start a new one
  • Your business should have a Belgian office, and ideally, your business should create jobs and stimulate the local economy
  • Your business must also be incorporated in Belgium
  • You will need to make an additional investment when you choose to pursue citizenship in Belgium

Unlike other countries, there are no hard and fast rules about how much you need to invest in Belgium to get a Belgium investor visa. The immigration department assesses each application individually, and will look at your experience in business, how much you have to invest, how much you have to support your family while you are in the country, and what the impact of your business will be.

While this is beneficial in some ways, it does make ensuring that your application will be successful a little more complicated.

Belgium Visa

Required Documents for Investor Visa Program in Belgium

Like any immigration application, the process to become a resident in Belgium is complex and requires a lot of documentation! You will need to provide:

  • Proof of European citizenship if you are an EU citizen
  • Proof of your identity
  • A copy of your passport
  • Proof of your financial resources for both the investment and for supporting yourself and your family in the country
  • Proof that you have adequate health insurance for yourself and your family
  • Proof of accommodation or a plan for where you will live in the country
  • Police clearances or proof of character if you are not an EU citizen
  • Proof of a medical / health check up by a doctor that is accredited by the Belgian government

If you are applying with your family, you will need to provide similar documentation for all members of your family that will be accompanying you to Belgium.

It’s important to note that for any immigration application, most documents will need to be either originals or certified or notarized copies. Some documents might also only be valid for a certain time from when they are issued, and in most cases, if your documents are not in English or a Belgian official language, you will need to have them translated as approved by the Belgian government.

Fees Investor Visa Program in Belgium

The fees for a Belgian investor visa are considerably lower than for many other immigration programs, at just 180 Euros for the application itself and 20 Euros for the residence certificate.

Additional fees may apply if you are bringing family members along with you, and fees can change from time to time, so be sure to check the Belgian government site before submitting your application.

What are the benefits of Investor Visa Program in Belgium?

Becoming a resident of Belgium has several benefits, including:

  • Visa free travel to most countries in the EU, and eventually, if you become a citizen of Belgium, the 7th most powerful passport in the world
  • Belgium allows dual citizenship, so if you become a citizen, you don’t have to renounce your own country’s citizenship (provided they also allow dual citizenship)
  • You can bring your spouse, children, and parents along when you move to Belgium
  • A great education system if you do bring children with you
  • Belgium has a favourable individual and corporate tax structure
  • The Belgian property market and economy are strong

Belgium is also a very stable country, and one that has a lot of activities and attractions to offer visitors and tourists alike – so you’ll never be short of things to do!

Belgian Citizenship
Belgian Citizenship

Step-By-Step Guide to Belgian Citizenship

Getting Belgian citizenship after you successfully apply for a Belgian investor visa is a separate process, that will work as follows:

  • Invest in a new business or buy an existing company
  • Complete your Belgium investor visa application and successfully get a residency permit
  • Include all the information about your investment and business in your application
  • Move to Belgium and run your business
  • Ensure that you continue to meet all immigration requirements during your stay
  • After five years, apply for citizenship
  • Pass a German, French or Dutch language test
  • Become a citizen!

The Belgian process for residency and citizenship is actually one of the easiest and most straightforward in Europe. There are very few hard and fast restrictions, and each case is adjudicated individually.

About Belgium

Belgium (or at least the region that is now called Belgium) has been occupied by people a lot longer than Europe itself existed.

It has been home to everyone from the Gauls to the Dutch, Spanish, and Germans, but it wasn’t until the war of independence in 1830 that the Kingdom of Belgium as we know it today came into being.

So, while the country itself is relatively new, every inch of it is covered in millennia of history and culture.

The country is wedged between France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg, and only has a small section of coastline on the Atlantic. It is divided into three provinces, and has several large cities, including the capital of Brussels.

Brussels is also where the headquarters of the European Union is located, and is an important cultural, financial, and political centre for the whole continent.

Belgian Waffle
Belgian Waffle

Culture

Belgium, like much of western Europe, has been immersed in arts and culture for centuries, and there is still a very strong love for creative and artistic pursuits.

You will find many museums and galleries throughout the country displaying artworks from centuries old grand masters to contemporary trendsetters.

There are many cultural festivals in Belgium every year, and most cities and towns will celebrate national and regional holidays with special events. Many of the festivals that do happen still have elements of how those days were marked throughout history too, so this is a great way to get to see how Belgium might have been in the past.

Some of the better-known Belgian festivals include the Carnival of Binche, the Carnival of Aalst and the Processional of Giants and Dragons.

Belgian food is also groundbreaking – both historically and today. In fact, if you love French fries, you can thank the Belgians for inventing them!

When it comes to sports, football (or as the Americans call it, soccer) is the national sport and tops the list of favourites. Cycling, tennis and car racing are also favourites and sports that Belgium has performed well in over the years.

It’s not surprising that a country that has been a huge part of Europe’s history has a rich and diverse culture, and no matter what you’re interested in, you will almost certainly find it represented here.

Economy

Belgium has a very strong economy and has for a very long time. It is located right at the heart of Western Europe and is pivotal in the regional and international economy because of it.

The country is highly industrialized, and in fact, was the first place that the Industrial Revolution happened. Belgium also has strong chemical and petrochemical sector, but is also very involved in science and technology, and has a very highly educated population.

 Belgium Environment

Environment

Belgium is mostly flat and is one of the less agriculturally arable countries in Europe. Which means that they don’t produce as many crops per square kilometre as other countries in the area.

As far as their environmentally friendly record goes, they are currently ranked second in the EU, and as of 2016, they recycled an amazing 77% of their total waste in the country!

Government

Like many countries today, Belgium is what is called a “constitutional monarchy.” This means that while there is a royal family, they are largely figureheads, and most day-to-day decisions about running the country is taken care of a separate government.

The political system in Belgium is very complex, and there are three main parties or groups that routinely hold power: Christian Democrats, Liberals and Social Democrats.

In spite of the political complexity in Belgium, the country is generally seen as very stable and is quite liberal in terms of the laws and regulations that hold sway.

FAQ

How many people live in Belgium?

There are currently about 11.2 million people who call Belgium home.

Is unemployment in Belgium high?

No. Belgium only has about 2.9% unemployment, and they currently have negative inflation too, so it’s a great place to make a home!

Do a lot of people in Belgium speak English?

In the big cities, you will find many people who speak English, but the official languages are French, German and Dutch, so it’s worth learning one (or more) of those if you plan to stay for a longer period of time!

How long does it take to get a Belgium investor visa?

You can probably go from your initial investment to having a permit issued in about 4 or 5 months if you are from an EU country. If you are from a country outside of the EU, that might take longer, depending how much paperwork needs to be checked and verified.

What are the biggest cities in Belgium?

The five biggest cities in Belgium are Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Liege and Brussels.

What kind of legal status do you have in Belgium with an investor visa?

If you successfully apply for a Belgium investor visa, you will be a permanent resident of Belgium, as will your accompanying relatives. This gives you and them the right to live, work and study in any part of the country that you choose to make your home.

Contact Us

Smart Citizenship has been helping people to make new homes in different countries for many years, and our team specializes in golden visa or immigration by investment programs.

If you think that Belgium is the best place to move to, we’d love to answer any questions you have, and if you need help preparing an application, we can help with that too! Talk to us about your immigration needs and let us help you make your Belgium investor visa dreams come true!

URL: https://www.smartcitizenship.com/buy-property-in-portugal-and-get-residency/
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Not too long ago, if you wanted to move to another country, you needed to have scarce skills, a job offer, or a spouse or relative from that country. 

Fortunately, things have changed a bit, and these days, many countries have what is known as a “golden visa” program. Portugal is one of those countries. Here’s what you need to know about how to buy property in Portugal and get residency.

Portugal Residency

Golden Visa: Buy Property in Portugal and Get Residency

The so called “golden visa” in Portugal is an immigration by investment program. As such, the government of Portugal waives some of the requirements of other programs (education, work experience and so on) when people invest above a certain threshold in approved things – and property is one of those things. 

Many people find the option to buy property in Portugal to support their application very attractive, because they’re investing their money in a tangible asset that they can hold onto, rent out or one day, resell. 

When you apply for and are granted residency in Portugal as part of the golden visa program, you don’t automatically get citizenship, but you do get permanent residency, and you can eventually apply to become a citizen. While you are a resident of Portugal, you do have access to all government programs, and you can work or study in the country. You do also have to be a registered tax payer in Portugal, but you might not have to pay tax on all of your income, depending on the tax treaties Portugal has with your primary country of residence and citizenship. 

It is worth noting that you do still need to meet all the usual immigration criteria related to health, security and criminality, so it’s worth investigating what else is considered during the application process before you start your application. 

Residential Properties in Portugal
Residential Properties in Portugal

Residential Properties in Portugal     

Portugal recently changed their golden visa property program to exclude property bought in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, which are three of the most popular places to live in the country. 

However, while you can’t buy property in those areas to support your golden visa Portugal application, there are many places nearby (and many other fantastic cities) to choose from. 

Minimum investment in residential real estate

Every stream in the golden visa program system has a minimum investment amount that is defined by the government from time to time, and the option to buy property in Portugal is no different. In this case, you will need to spend:

€500,000 in residential real estate

If you are buying a relatively new or new build property, you will need to spend a half a million Euros on the purchase to qualify for the golden visa program. 

€350,000 in 30-year-old real estate that needs renovation

If you are buying an older “fixer upper” you can spend less, at just 350,000 Euros, but there are requirements related to the renovations that you will need to meet. 

€280,000 in a property for renovation/refurbishment in any of Portugal’s designated low-density areas

If you are buying a property outside of a major center, you might qualify to buy for just 280,000 Euros as part of the low density program to buy property in Portugal for a golden visa. 

What Is Included in the Minimum Amounts?

When you look at the minimum property investment amounts for purchasing property in Portugal to support a golden visa application, it’s important to remember that those numbers do not include anything other than the purchase price. 

You will still need to pay out of pocket to visit Portugal to view properties, for closing costs and legal fees and any other third party costs that apply. So make sure you factor that into your affordability calculations. 

How Long Do You Have to Keep Property You Buy in Portugal?

If you choose to buy property in Portugal to support your golden visa application, you won’t simply be able to sell it again when you choose. If you plan to go through the whole process and eventually apply for citizenship, you will need to keep the property for at least 5 years. 

However, there’s nothing that says you have to live in the property, and physical presence requirements for residency are fairly low, so you could very well turn your property purchase into a rental and earn and income from it. 

Portugal Map
Portugal Map

Locations to Buy a Property in Portugal

Recent changes to the property program in Portugal have meant that some parts of the country are no longer part of the program, as mentioned above. However, while you can’t purchase residential property in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, you might still be able to invest in commercial property in those areas. 

If you choose to go with residential property, there are many other cities to choose from, such as Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Queluz, Funchal, Coimbra, Setúbal, Agualva-Cacém, Almada, Rio Tinto, Aveiro, Viseu, Leiria, Guimarães, Barreiro, Évora, Faro, and Portimão, among others.  

If you like the idea of island life, you might also like to explore the option of living on the island of Madeira. 

Most larger cities and towns in Portugal have all the amenities and infrastructure you would find in any other developed part of the world, and while the pace of life is a little slower than the big cities, that could very well be a selling point! 

Contact Us

If you want to make Portugal your new home, and you think the option to buy property in Portugal and use the golden visa process is the right route for you, we’d love to chat.

Smart Citizenship has been helping people to make their new homes in countries around the world for years, and we specialize in golden visa and immigration by investment programs. 

Whether you’re ready to start house shopping or just want to know more about the process and what you need to successfully complete it, we’re always happy to help. Our team can provide all the answers you need, and professional help every step of the way. 

URL: https://www.smartcitizenship.com/uaes-golden-visa/
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Moving around the world used to be something only a few people did – at least, for a while. But for the past couple of decades, more people than ever have been moving to different countries, getting residency and citizenship in second countries, and putting down roots in new places. 

Some people move as workers, some marry a spouse that is from a different country, but a growing number are using so called “golden visa” programs to leverage their financial wealth to open immigration doors. 

The UAE is one of the places that offers a so called “golden visa” program, which is essentially immigration by investment. Here’s what that means, and how you can take advantage of this immigration option. 

Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab

UAE’s Golden Visa

Most countries look for what is called “foreign direct investment” to boost their GDP and increase the among of money in their economy. 

About a decade ago, many countries around the world realized that one of the best ways to get people to invest in their country was to offer them something in return, and that the opportunity to live and work as a resident or citizen of that country was a great way to entice them. 

Golden visa programs were born, and in Europe and many other places, they’ve been responsible for tens of thousands of successful immigrations – and billions of dollars of cash injected into each economy. 

The UAE wasn’t really at the head of the pack. 

In fact, the UAE golden visa program only came into being very recently – in 2019. However, it’s already allowed many high-net-worth individuals to start putting down roots in the UAE, including Dubai and other emirates. 

This has meant a big injection of cash for the country, and of course, the people who do move to Dubai and the UAE usually invest even more money to start a business of their own – so it’s a big win for everyone involved. 

The UAE golden visa program doesn’t waive all immigration requirements. You still have to be eligible for immigration based on criminal, security and health criteria. But it does move people who have the money to invest in the country to the front of the line, and that’s a very attractive proposition in the sometimes costly and long-winded immigration world! 

5-year UAE long-term residence visa

If you want to apply for a 5 year long term UAE visa under the UAE golden visa program, you need to:

  • Invest at least 5 million AED in property that is not “on loan” and that you retain for at least 5 years after purchase
  • Start or invest in a business from a minimum of 500,000 AED
  • Be an “outstanding student” who scores at least 95 percent on their courses

If you qualify for a 5 year long term UAE golden visa long term residency permit, you can bring your family along with you when you move to the emirates. 

10-year UAE long-term residence visa

The criteria for the 10 year long term UAE golden visa residency permit are similar to the 5-year option, but you need to:

  • Invest at least 10 million AED
  • Invest in an investment fund in the country
  • Partner with a new or existing business
  • Start a new business
  • Invest up to 60% of the 10 million minimum in property, with the rest spread over any of the other options on the list

If you choose the investment route to get your long-term residency in the UAE, none of the amount invested can be a loan. 

Another option for getting a UAE golden visa for ten years is to be an exceptional talent or academic, which includes people with PhDs, high level business executives, people involved in cultural pursuits that are also approved by the ministry of culture, or scientists. 

Whether you choose to apply based on investment or your skills and talents, you can bring your family along, and you still need to meet all other immigration criteria. 

UAE
UAE

What does UAE’s Golden Visa Offer?

There are other ways to get residency in the UAE (usually based on a job offer and being sponsored by your employer), but there are several benefits to choosing the UAE golden visa instead, including:

  • The option to have long term residency in the UAE for 5 or ten years
  • The ability to live, work and study in any field, business, or program you choose
  • The ability to own your own business outright on the UAE mainland
  • The security of knowing that you have a guaranteed extended stay in the UAE
  • No requirement to have a sponsor for your application

Like any immigration process, there are many steps, and you will have to meet many criteria – but when you apply for a UAE golden visa, it does take some of the requirements and restrictions of other kinds of permits off the table. 

Who are eligible to apply for UAE’s Golden Visa?

The UAE golden visa for Dubai and the UAE is designed to attract high net worth people as well as people with extraordinary skills and abilities to the country, so the list of people who can apply reflect that. Some of the types of people who can apply for this type of residency permit are:

  • Real estate investors and entrepreneurs
  • Data experts, scientists, and PhD holders
  • CEOs and other high-level executives
  • Medical doctors with a variety of specialties
  • University graduates who score exceptionally in their courses
  • Financial investors

Most of these people can apply with their family (spouse and children), and most can apply for either five- or ten-year permits. 

Essentially, the UAE wants to bolster the number of exceptionally skilled, gifted and driven people who call their country home, and this program is a way to do just that. 

How much does the Golden Visa cost?

The cost to apply for a golden visa for the UAE is the same for both the five- and ten-year permit. In fact, you don’t choose which one to apply for – the government decides what they want to give you. 

As with most immigration programs, there is a fee to be paid when you apply, which in this case AED 4850, plus an AED 150 application fee. 

Once your application is approved, you will need to pay another AED 1000 to get the document issued so that you can travel to the UAE and enter the country as a long-term resident. 

How to apply for a UAE’s Golden Visa?

Like most immigration processes, the application for the UAE golden visa program is paperwork heavy and requires a lot of attention to detail. However, provided you meet minimum immigration requirements and the requirements of the golden visa program, there’s every chance that you will be accepted for the program. 

Here’s what the application process usually looks like:

  • Decide which category you plan to apply under (investor, exceptional student, skills, and talents and so on)
  • Gather the paperwork you will need for your application – you will need to prove who you are, provide criminal record checks, provide proof of meeting the immigration and golden visa criteria and so on – you can find a full list of what you need on the government website
  • Go to the government website at https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visa/long-term-residence-visas-in-the-uae to start your application
  • Request nomination for the program
  • Your request will be reviewed and approved or declined within 30 days, and you will get an email
  • If you are approved, you will be given an application link where you will fill in information and upload your documents
  • The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, which is the UAE immigration authority, will review your application and decide if they will give you a long residency permit
  • You will be issued the visa and be able to enter the UAE

It’s very important to remember that every immigration process is time sensitive. You will need to ensure that you submit all required paperwork within the timelines set by the government. If you miss a deadline or fail to provide the right documentation, your application may be denied. 

Desert and Camel in UAE

Application Routes of UAE’s Golden Visa

Like most golden visa programs, the UAE golden visa offers several different streams or application routes that you can use to apply for residency. They are all based on investments or skills that will be beneficial to the UAE, but they do also give you the opportunity to get sponsorship free, long-term residency in the UAE – so it’s a good trade off! 

Here are some of the ways you might be able to apply, depending on your skills, talents, and financial means:

Special Talent Route

The special talent route to a UAE golden visa is based on your skills, talents and certifications, and your options include: 

Doctors

If you are an internationally trained and licensed medical doctor (including doctors from Dubai), you can apply for the special talent route for a UAE golden visa, provided you do so before the deadline which is currently September 2022. 

You will need to provide detailed information about your training and license when you apply. You also need to have at least a PhD from one of the top 500 universities in the world, and at least 10 years of experience in your field. 

Artists

Artists, which includes everything from painters and writers to actors and other kinds of performance artists can also apply for a UAE golden visa. The criteria for this category are more fluid, but are based on your level of artistic achievement, and will be assessed on ca case by case basis. You also need to be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Scientists

Scientists who want to get a UAE golden visa need to be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or holders of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence. 

In addition to accreditation, you need to have at least a PhD from one of the world’s top 500 universities, and at least 10 years of experience in your field. You also need to have had your work or research published in a recognized journal in your field. 

Innovators

Innovators are people who aren’t scientists or doctors but are considered leaders in their fields. 

You will either need to have graduated from one of the world’s top 500 universities or have received an award or certificate of appreciate in your field. You should also have extensive, demonstrable experience in your field and be considered a leader. 

Executive Directors

If you are the CEO of a company and meet the requirements for the UAE golden visa program, you are also eligible to apply. This means you have at least a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant and related work experience. You will also have a contract with the company you work for, and you must earn at least AED 30,000 per year to qualify. 

Academics and Students

Academics and students who excel in their studies are also welcomed to apply for a UAE golden visa. 

To qualify for this option, you need to have at least 95% or a 3.8 GPA or higher in high school or university or be a student of one of the top 500 universities in the world or have received a certificate of appreciation or award in your field of study. 

 Athletes

Exceptional athletes are another type of person that the UAE would like to have apply for the golden visa program. In order to qualify for this option, you will have to be competing at the very top level of your sport and provide proof of your achievements. 

PhD Holders

Highly skilled PhD holders who have graduated from one of the world’s top 500 universities are another type of person that is in demand for the UAE golden visa program. You will need to provide information about your studies and your achievements in your field when you apply. 

Engineers

Engineers in a large variety of fields including computers, civil engineering, building and electrical (among others) are all welcome to apply for the UAE golden visa program. 

Like most other skills-based streams, you will need to provide information about your studies (and prove that you attended an approved university) and meet the minimum experience requirements for your field. 

Entrepreneur man

Entrepreneur Route

The UAE golden visa is definitely geared towards entrepreneurs, and the country does want to attract this kind of immigrant to make their home in one of the emirates. However, you do need to prove that you are a seasoned, experienced entrepreneur, rather than just starting out, so there are some requirements that need to be met.

What are the conditions for Entrepreneurs?

If you want to apply for a UAE golden visa as an entrepreneur, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Have an approved project valued at AED 500,000 or above in process, or be starting one that has been approved by an accredited business incubator
  • Be approved by a recognized and official start up centre
  • Have health insurance for yourself and your family for the duration of your stay

Entrepreneurs are usually approved for a 5 year long term residency permit. You will also have a renewable 6-month multi entry visa, and you can bring your family with to the UAE for the duration of your stay. 

Real Estate Route

If you want to invest in real estate to support your UAE golden visa, you will need to invest at least AED 5 million in an approved project, and you are eligible for a five-year residency permit. 

Your investment will need to remain in place while you stay in the country – so you cannot resell the property while you are in the country. You also should not have to lend money in order to make the investment. 

Education Route

If you are an exceptional student who has scored 95% or have a 3.8 GPA or higher, and you want to continue your studies at an accredited university in the UAE, you can also qualify for a UAE golden visa while you continue your studies in the country. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

How to get an Investor Visa in Dubai?

If you want to get an “investor visa” in Dubai, which falls under the UAE golden visa program, you need to meet the minimum investment requirements for the type of investment you plan to make, and you need to keep the investment in place for at least as long as your visa is valid (or you are in the country.) 

You also need to invest your own funds – not money that you have lent elsewhere, and you need to meet all the other immigration requirements set by the government. 

FAQ

Which countries are part of the UAE?

There are seven emirates that make up the UAE: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. While the UAE golden visa program applies to all of them, most people who want to move to the UAE want to live in Dubai. 

What is live like for foreigners in the UAE?

The UAE and its emirates are considered Islamic countries, so the rules and customs are a little different to what you might expect in the west. That does not mean all of these countries enforce strict Islamic laws and customs, but you should definitely investigate the customs in the emirate that you are considering moving to. 

Is it safe to live in the UAE?

It is generally considered very safe to live in the UAE, and the emirates have very good infrastructure and security services. It is, however, in the middle east, and that region is sometimes considered volatile, so that might affect where you can travel in the region and other aspects of your stay. 

Again, as always, make sure you investigate the area you are planning to move to in detail so that you know what to expect. 

Is the UAE golden visa a permanent residency program?

No. Unlike some countries that offer permanent residence or even citizenship as part of their golden visa programs, the UAE golden visa program is a long-term residency program only. They are, however, renewed automatically, so as long as you still meet the residency and visa requirements, you will be able to continue living and working in the country. 

Can I be deported on a UAE golden visa?

Yes. Depending on what you do to warrant deportation, most countries around the world have some kind of mechanism to deport even long-term residents. In some cases, countries can even strip naturalized citizens of their country of citizenship and send them back to their home country. 

However, that is exceptionally rare, and you would need to commit a serious offence to have that happen to you. 

Is alcohol illegal in the UAE?

Not exactly. It is illegal to be drunk or under the influence of alcohol in public in the UAE, but non- residents can apply for a permit to drink alcohol in their homes or in private venues for non- guests. Dubai generally has the most tolerant attitude towards the use of alcohol though, so be sure to check the regulations for the area you are planning to move to.

Do women need to wear a hijab in the UAE?

No. Women are expected to dress modestly, and swimsuits and similar attire are only allowed at beaches and swimming pools. If you are visiting certain holy sites, however, you will be expected to wear the customary garb as a sign of respect. 

Can I bring a common law spouse with to the UAE?

No. Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal in the UAE, and there are strict penalties. So, if you want to move to the UAE with a partner, you are not legally married to, you should plan a wedding before you move! 

Can I move to the UAE with a same sex partner?

No. Strictly speaking, same sex relationships are illegal in the UAE – although this is not enforced very often. However, whether you are legally married elsewhere or not, you will not be able to bring a same sex partner with on a UAE golden visa. 

Contact Us

Smart Citizenship has been helping people to move to new countries around the world for many years. We specialize in golden visa and immigration by investment programs, and we can help with information, advice, and assistance if you want to move to the UAE under the UAE golden visa program. 

Whether you’re ready to start the process, or you just want to know more about the requirements, the process and whether you qualify, our team is always happy to help. 

Contact us to discuss your immigration needs and goals and let us help you to find a new place to call home.