Here’s How To Get The UAE’s New Golden Visa

The life of a creative industry professional can sometimes be a little uncertain, and in the UAE, a valid employment visa is necessary for you to conduct any sort of business. Now, you may be in with a chance of obtaining the 10 year cultural golden visa if you are an artist, curator, singer, dancer or musician and here is what you need to know.

In order to be eligible, the bar is pretty high and you will need to procure a mandatory letter of recommendation from a local or federal cultural authority to start the process.

By Amrita Singh

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Who Qualifies For The Cultural Golden Visa?

Those who qualify for the new cultural golden visa include fine artists, and performers, be it singers, actors, musicians and more who have established themselves in Dubai’s cultural scene and have a proven body of work.

The UAE government website states, “Inventors, innovators, and exceptional talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports and digital technology can obtain a golden visa regardless of their educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional level. The visa requires a recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity.”

If you’re a painter, author or fine artist, your work must be original, credible and of a high standard.

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Can A Non-UAE Resident Apply?

Artists and performers with a visit or resident visa can only apply if they are in the country at the time of submission of said application.

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Having A Letter Of Recommendation

Obtaining a letter of recommendation from a federal or local government authority is a crucial step to qualifying for the 10 year cultural golden visa. To begin the application, a recommendation letter from the Dubai Culture and Arts authority is required, detailed verification checks are then conducted. Raka Roy, partner at Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants conveyed, “From an immigration point of view, there is a filter and the cultural visa is not given to anybody who simply claims to be an artist.”

Applicants will be asked for a portfolio, number of exhibitions participated in, and the number of years the artist has been contributing to the cultural scene for.

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How To Obtain A Recommendation Letter

Applicants must submit copies of their passport, visa, and Emirates ID, and the submission letter should also include a CV that conveys their art and cultural experience in their profession as well as pictures and videos.

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How Long Does It Take To Get The Visa?

There is no specific time period – but most people who have obtained the visa say it takes around 4 weeks and that acceptance and rejection letters are often received by email. Once the submission has been approved, applicants are sent a link for which they must use to upload required documents.

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Is The Cultural Golden Visa Free?

Sadly not! The cost of a cultural golden visa can cost anything upwards of 3000AED.

The charges cover the application, medical fitness application, the cancellation of the previous visa, application of Emirates ID and the stamping of the visa.

Ultimately, the final approval of the visa after application, recommendation letters and background checks, is based on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs’ clearance.

You can find out more about applying for the cultural golden visa and all other related information at the following sites:
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visa/getting-the-golden-visa
https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/e-services/cultural-visa

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Features

Here’s How To Get The UAE’s New Golden Visa

Who Qualifies For The Cultural Golden Visa?

Can A Non-UAE Resident Apply?

Having A Letter Of Recommendation

How To Obtain A Recommendation Letter

How Long Does It Take To Get The Visa?

Is The Cultural Golden Visa Free?

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