Maintaining UAE Golden Visa | Overview

Maintaining Golden Residency UAE

Maintaining Golden Visa

Maintaining Golden Residency UAE

The UAE Golden Visa, which is issued for 10 years, can be maintained for the entire 10-year period, provided that certain conditions are met. 

Specifically, to maintain UAE Golden visa, the holders: 

  • Must be able to support themselves and their family members, who are sponsored by them, throughout the period of their residency. 
  • They must, also, maintain valid health insurance, throughout the entire period. 
  • And, depending on the category of the Golden visa, they may have to continue to fulfill the conditions, in full or in part, which qualified them for the Golden Residence Permit, at the outset. 

In general, the ICA, which is the UAE governing Authority over such matters, may issue decisions, setting out specific conditions, required for Golden Residency holders to continue to maintain their residency,

This is in line with Article 4 of the Annex to the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. And the corresponding regulations. 

Golden Visa UAE Benefits - FAQ

  • The holder must be able to support themselves and their family members, who are sponsored by them
  • They must maintain valid health insurance,
  • And, depending on the Golden Visa category, they may have to continue to fulfill the conditions, in full or in part.

Yes. The dependent family members’ of Golden Visa will continue to remain valid until permit expiration period.

No. There is no requirement to visit the UAE, every 6 months as compared to types of residencies.

The Golden Visa UAE is issued for 10 years and renewable for the same period of time.

Yes. Golden Visa holders can in fact start a business, work and even invest in the UAE.

Golden Visa UAE | Benefits

Golden visa uae benefits

Golden Visa UAE Benefits

Golden visa uae benefits

The UAE Golden Residency has many benefits. Some of the most notable benefits are as follows. 

  1. Golden Visa UAE Benefits –  Long Term Residency
    It is a long-term residency permit for the UAE, issued for 10 years and renewable for the same period of time.
  2. Golden Visa UAE Benefits –  Self-Sponsorship
    It is a form of self-sponsorship, without the requirement of a Guarantor or a Host.
  3. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Ability to Sponsor Family Members
    Golden Residency applies, equally, to family members, including spouses, children, regardless of their age and parents.
  4. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Opportunities
    Golden Residence is available for various activities in the UAE, including to work, to invest or to start a business.
  5. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Long-Term Sponsorship of Domestic Workers
    Golden Residency holders can recruit domestic service workers for 2 years, as compared to 1 year for other residents. 
  6. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – No 6-month Re-Entry Rule
    There is no requirement to visit the UAE, every 6 months, to maintain the residency, as is the case with other types of residencies.
  7. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Multiple Entry for those Eligible
    Those who are eligible for Golden Residency and are outside of the UAE, are entitled to a 6-month multiple entry Visa, renewable for another 6 months, to complete the permit process.
  8. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Validity of Visa in the Event of Death
    In the event of death of the main holder of the Golden Residency Permit, the dependent family members’ Golden Residency remains valid, until the expiration of the permit. 

This is in line with, among other things, Articles 1 and 3 of the Annex to the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. As well as other provisions in the UAE Immigration Laws and regulations. 

Golden Visa UAE Benefits - FAQ

Yes. In the event of death, the dependent family members’ of Golden Visa will continue to remain valid until the expiration of the permit.

No. There is no requirement to visit the UAE, every 6 months as compared to types of residencies.

The Golden Visa UAE is issued for 10 years and renewable for the same period of time.

Yes. Golden Visa holders can in fact invest, work and even start a business in the UAE.

Yes. To clarify, Golden Residency holders can recruit domestic workers for 2 years, as compared to 1 year for other types of residencies.

Civil Divorces in UAE – Guide

civil divorce in uae

Civil Divorces in UAE

civil divorce in uae

Divorces for non-Muslim residents of the UAE. are now subject to a new UAE. Civil Personal Status Law.

This new law applies specifically for non-Muslims and will now be the default law for all non-Muslim divorces.  The law is UAE Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022. Which came into effect on February 1, 2023.

  • At a high level, the new law states that men and women are equal, in divorce, in terms of their rights and obligations.
  • This means that, among other things, parties have equal right to: 1) a unilateral divorce and/or 2) a divorce without having to prove fault.
  • Also, both parents, by default, have equal and joint right to custody of their children. 
  • Notably, this right is also granted to children, so that they are not deprived of one parent or another.  
  • Furthermore, irrespective of the type of divorce, women have the right to alimony from their ex-husbands. Which is calculated based on a number of expressed factors.
  • Also, noteworthy, parties’ pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements are enforceable, under this law.

Civil Divorces in UAE | FAQ

The alimony for women in non-Muslism divorces are calculated based on a number of factors:
They include, among other things:

  • Years of marriage
  • Wife’s age
  • Financial position of the spouses
  • Father’s financial support towards joint children’s custody
  • The extent of wife’s involvement in their children’s lives. 
  • As well as, the reason for divorce.

No. As per the law, the wife’s right to alimony ends in the event she remarries.

Yes. Among other things, parties have equal right to: 1) a unilateral divorce and/or 2) a divorce without having to prove fault.

Both parents, by default, have equal and joint right to custody of their children. Importantly, this right is also granted to children, so that they are not deprived of one parent or another. 

Yes. Parties’ pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements are enforceable, under this law

Civil Marriages in UAE | Overview

Civil Marriages in UAE - Non-Muslim Residents & Citizens

Civil Marriages in UAE

Civil Marriages in UAE - Non-Muslim Residents & Citizens

Civil marriages can now be legally registered in all Emirates of the UAE. This development provides a whole new range of legal avenues for non-Muslim residents and citizens in terms of giving legitimacy to their unions.

The development represents a significant step forward in the country’s evolving legal system that has historically only allowed the registration of Muslim marriages. The UAE Federal Civil Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2022, which came into effect on February 1, 2023, allows non-Muslims to apply for a civil marriage license anywhere in the country.

Pursuant to the new law, civil marriages of non-Muslims are registered at the local courts of the respective Emirate. This is taken care of by a specialized notary judge to ensure all due diligence in the legality. The new development increases the scope of legally recognizing unions for non-Muslims and further strengthens the UAE’s attempt to accommodate its diverse population.

Following are the key qualifications a couple must possess in order to qualify for a civil marriage in the UAE:

• Age and Gender. One man and one woman, at least 21 years of age.
• Single Status. Parties shall be unmarried upon contracting marriage. This also means they must declare that they do not have a wife/husband.
• Consensual and Non-Incestuous. The marriage must be fully consensual between the two, and the relationship must not be incestuous. In other words, a couple cannot be close blood relations.

In addition to the civil registration of marriages, at the time of registration, couples are also given the opportunity to formalize other important legal documents. These include :

• Marriage Contracts. Usually called prenuptial agreements, these are contracts that enable a couple to state how their marriage and divorce shall occur in case of an event. These agreements can state the terms on how the division of assets, financial matters, and other terms relevant to both parties can be conducted.
• Wills. The parties can have a joint filing of wills along with marriage on the same side. A will indicates the distribution that each party shall make of his assets and interests after his or her death, so that his or her wishes will be legally protected.

This law is an example of how the UAE is committed to framing a legal system that is more inclusive and recognizes the rights of its population who belong to different religious backgrounds. The law not only simplifies the process of marrying but gives a comprehensive legal framework that supports them both personally and financially.

Civil Marriages in UAE | FAQ

Yes, prior to this federal law, civil marriages were available in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi only. However, now it is applicable across all Emirates.

At a high level, civil marriages in UAE are registered in the local Courts, of the relevant Emirate, before a specialized notary judge.

The right to civil marriage in UAE is open to all non-Muslim residents and citizens in the country.

In order to qualify for civil marriage in UAE: 

  1. The couple must be a man and woman, of at least 21 years of age.
  2. Both of them must be single. 
  3. And, the marriage must be consensual

Yes, now non-Muslim civil marriages can have a marriage contract, outlining the terms of their marriage and divorce.

Business Setup in Dubai OR Other Emirates | Overview

how to setup business in Dubai & other emirates

Business Setup in Dubai OR Other Emirates | Overview

how to setup business in Dubai & other emirates

To start a business in Dubai or other Emirates, there are a few rules and guidelines.

  1. First and foremost, you need to have a business license.
    This license needs to be for a specific business activity, which you wish to conduct.
  2. Depending on the activity, you need to choose the relevant economic zone.
    It could be either on the mainland or in a free zone. In the Emirate of your choice.
  3. The exact location of your business would also depend on 1) whether and 2) what type of employees you wish to hire. 
  4. Once you choose the right business zone, you need to submit an application to that authority, with the relevant information about yourself and your business. And pay the licensing fee.
  5. You also need to choose an office and sign a lease agreement.
    It could be either for a physical office or a flexi-desk.
  6. You will also need to create your corporate logo and stamp. 

These are some of the required steps for the issuance of a basic business license.

Additionally, depending on your business, you may also be required to:

  • Open a corporate bank account.
  • Obtain various insurance policies.
  • Appoint an auditor.
  • And, register your business with the tax authority.

Importantly, your business license will need to be renewed every year, along with the submission of certain documents and payment.

Business Setup in Dubai OR Other Emirates - FAQ

First and foremost, you need to have a business license. This license needs to be for a specific business activity, which you wish to conduct.

Yes, you are a business license in order to home business in Dubai or the other Emirates.

Minimum age for trading or owning a business in the U.A.E. has been lowered to 18 years of age. This is as compared to the previous law, which had set the minimum age to 21. 

Yes. Minors who are between the age of 15 and 18, can also trade. Although they are subject to certain regulations, as per the U.A.E. Cabinet.

Yes, you require a business license even if you are a Golden Visa holder.

How to Buy Property in Dubai OR Other Emirates

buying property in dubai & other emirates

How to Buy Property in Dubai OR Other Emirates

buying property in dubai & other emirates

To buy property in Dubai or other Emirates – what do you need to know? 

First, identify the reason for buying property in Dubai or other Emirates.
Is it an investment or for your own use?

Next, do you want the property to be ready now?  Or you want to invest for the future?

Then, decide on the Emirate and specific location within it.

Remember, that expats can only own in designated freehold zones.

Review carefully the title deed, to know:

  • Who the sellers are;
  • Whether the property is mortgaged or paid off;
  • And the property specifications, such as size and parking.

Furthermore, it is important to:

  • Conduct thorough property inspection.
  • And understand whether the property is rented or not. 

Then, come the commercial factors.

  • Make sure that you agree on the purchase price ahead of time and that you can afford it.  
  • Remember, that there is often a 10% deposit that is held with the agent.  Although it is not required by law.
  • Then, identify the amount of the annual service charges.
  • In addition, you will also have to pay a 4% registration fee to the government. 
  • As well as real estate brokers’ fees. 

Finally, make sure that whoever you are dealing with is either 

1) the property owner or
2) an official representative with the specific Power of Attorney. 

Importantly, all of this information should be clearly documented in the underlying agreements, which you understand.

The transfer of ownership happens at one of the official transfer centers, at the end of which you will receive a new title deed, in your name.

Buying Property in Dubai or Other Emirates - FAQ

Yes. Often, there is a 10% deposit that is held with the agent.  Although it is not required by law.

Yes. Expats can buy property in Dubai or other Emirates. However, you can only own in designated freehold zones.

You need to review the title deed to know: 

  • Who the sellers are;
  • Whether the property is mortgaged or paid off;
  • And the property specifications, such as size and parking.

The transfer of ownership happens at one of the official transfer centers, at the end of which you will receive a new title deed, in your name.

1) The property owner or
2) An official representative with the specific Power of Attorney.

Medical Insurance Dubai | Minimum Coverage

medical insurance dubai - minimum coverage

Medical Insurance Dubai | Minimum Coverage

medical insurance dubai - minimum coverage

Medical insurance Dubai, which is mandatory, has to provide minimum coverage. 

The minimum coverage must meet the requirement of what is called – the “Essential Benefits Plan.” 

This Plan specifies the bare minimum benefits and coverage, which every policy of medical insurance Dubai must include.

At a high level, the policy covers basic:

  1. Tests,
  2. Diagnosis, and
  3. Treatments within Dubai; and possibly other Emirates, depending on the insurance.
  4. As well as emergencies in all Emirates.
  • The Essential Benefits Plan also includes a specific, albeit limited, network of medical providers. 

  • Furthermore, under this Plan, the combined claim amount is up to AED 150,000.00, for every year of coverage.

  • Importantly, the Essential Benefits Plan automatically applies to all residents in Dubai, with salaries below AED 4,000.00/month.

  • This medical insurance Dubai requirement and level of coverage are expressly provided for in the Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 re. Health Insurance in Dubai and, specifically, Articles 7 (1) and 9.

Therefore, all Dubai residents, by default, must have the Dubai medical insurance coverage, as per these specifications. In fact, as part of the Dubai residence application, the sponsor must present proof of the Dubai medical insurance coverage, in order to process their employee’s visa.

This means that, all of those employees, who are sponsored by Dubai companies, must have the Basic medical coverage. Although, often, it seems that many employees are not aware of this. 

Medical Insurance Dubai - FAQs

The minimum coverage of the Dubai Medical Insurance must meet the requirement of what is called – the Essential Benefits Plan. The EBP must cover all basic benefits and coverage that includes tests, diagnosis, emergencies and treatments within Dubai. It could also possibly include other Emirates depending on the insurance type.

At a high level, the Dubai Medical Insurance policy must cover the following: 

  1. Tests
  2. Diagnosis
  3. Treatment within Dubai
  4. Possibly other Emirates depending on the insurance type

Yes, the Dubai Medical Insurance covers emergencies across all Emirates. 

The Dubai Medical Insurance – Essential Benefits Plan automatically applies to all residents in Dubai with salaries below AED4,000/month. 

You can claim up to a combined amount of AED 150,000 for every year of coverage. 

Age for Freelance License in UAE

Age for Freelance License in UAE

Age for Freelance License in UAE

Age for Freelance License in UAE

 

UAE Freelance licenses in Dubai or any other emirates are now available for those who are 18 years of age and up.   

 

Previously, to start a business in the U.A.E., including freelance businesses, could only be done by those who were at least 21 years old. Now, the free-zones, in particular, across most of the Emirates, have extended the option of setting up the UAE freelance licenses to anyone who reaches the age of 18.

 

For the time being, however, for those who wish to set up on the mainland, the minimum age remains 21. Although, it should just be a matter of time before the mainland also lowers its requirement to 18. 

 

To clarify, the mainland is an economic zone under the jurisdiction of DED, or the Department of Economic Development. The changes to the minimum age requirement stem from the recent legislative amendments.

 

In particular, the new U.A.E. Commercial Transactions Law, which is the Federal Decree Law No. 50 of 2022, and Articles 18.1 and 18.2, in particular. That law replaced the previous Commercial Transactions Law No. 18 of 1993.

Fines for False UAE Absconding Cases Against Domestic Workers

False absonding uae cases against domestic worker

Fine for Filing False UAE Absconding Case Against Domestic Workers

False absonding uae cases against domestic worker

 

UAE Absconding reports, against domestic workers, which are filed fraudulently or fictitiously, are expressly against the law. And as such, are now subject to specific penalties and fines.

1. In particular, employers, who maliciously file UAE absconding reports against their domestic workers, are subject to a fine of AED 5,000 for each domestic worker.
2. Importantly, the authority that regulates employment of domestic workers is MOHRE.  3. And it is MOHRE directly, that has the ability to impose such fines on breaching employers, without the need to go to court.  

Furthermore, when an employer is fined, that employer’s file becomes suspended, preventing them from hiring new domestic helper, until the fine is paid. This provides an effective solution against fraudulent or malicious UAE absconding reports.
By not only deterring employers from such abusive practices, but also allowing domestic helpers to file such complaints more easily.
This is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022, re: the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers. And, in particular, Schedule No. 2, which is annexed to the Resolution.

Fines for False UAE Absconding Cases Against Domestic Workers- FAQs

As per the law, employers, who file false UAE absconding reports against domestic workers, are subject to a fine of AED 5,000, for each domestic worker.

When an employer is fined, their files get suspended which prevents them from hiring new domestic helpers, until the fine is paid.

The employment of domestic workers is regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE).

Health Insurance in Dubai

Health Insurance in Dubai

Health Insurance in Dubai

Health Insurance in Dubai


Health insurance for Dubai residents is mandatory. This means that all sponsors are required to provide the Dubai health insurance to their dependents.  

This is so, whether residents are sponsored by someone else or self-sponsored. Therefore, all those who sponsor their family members, including under a Golden Visa, are required to provide Dubai health insurance to their dependents. 

And for those who are sponsored by their employers, the obligation is on the company to provide the Dubai health insurance for them.

Importantly, for those employees who are sponsored by either

1) Family members or

2) Self-sponsored, the obligation for the Dubai health insurance lies on the sponsor, and not the employer.  


Furthermore, failure to provide health insurance in Dubai is subject to various penalties. For example, employers who sponsor their employees, but fail to provide medical insurance, are subject to a fine of a minimum of AED 1,000/employee.

Overall, the Dubai health insurance legislative framework in Dubai is rather extensive, with over 120 regulations, directives, circulars, notices, and guidelines issued by various authorities. But one of the most notable ones is Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 re. Health Insurance in Dubai and, specifically, Articles 7 (1) and 9. As well as, Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 7 of 2016 on Fees and Penalties regarding Health Insurance in Dubai.

Health Insurance in Dubai - FAQs

Yes, the Dubai Health Insurance in UAE is mandatory for all residents.

Yes. All sponsors are required to provide the Dubai Health Insurance to their dependents.

It is the obligation of the sponsor and not the employer to provide the Dubai Health Insurance in UAE.

The obligation is on the company to provide the Dubai Health Insurance for them.

Yes. The employer who fails to provide Dubai Health Insurance will be subject to a fine of a minimum of AED 1,000/employee.