UAE offers permanent residency to 2,500 expats

A total of 2,500 foreign nationals have received permanent residency in the UAE so far, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai revealed on Tuesday.

The individuals include scientists, researchers and investors.

The UAE Government granted the Permanent Golden Residency to a number of scientists and specialists in line with its position as an incubator for talents and skills. #uaegov pic.twitter.com/RbvhkQ30p6

— UAEGov (@uaegov) November 12, 2019

“We celebrate the first batch of scientists, researchers and doctors who were granted permanent residence in the UAE. They include 2,500 scientists, researchers, innovators and investors. We welcome them,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

احتفلنا بالدفعة الأولى من العلماء والباحثين والأطباء الذين تم منحهم الإقامة الذهبية الدائمة بالدولة وعددهم ٢٥٠٠ عالم وباحث ومبتكر ومستثمر … نرحب فيهم معنا وبيننا .. ونقول للجميع الإمارات بلد العلم والعلماء وأصحاب المواهب ورواد التغيير … pic.twitter.com/S5R5936T0L

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 12, 2019

The UAE launched the permanent residency scheme for expatriates in May.

Permanent residency will be granted to investors and “exceptional” professionals including doctors, engineers, scientists and artists, Sheikh Mohammed said at the time.

The first batch of 6,800 recipients includes expats who have made total investments of over Dhs100bn.

Read: UAE unveils ‘golden card’ permanent residency scheme for expats

Indian businessman M.A Yussufali, the chairman and director Lulu Group, became the first expat in the UAE to receive the gold card permanent residency in June.

Read: Indian businessman becomes first expat to get UAE gold card residency

Gold card holders are granted a 10-year residency visa covering them and and their families (spouse and children) without the need for a sponsor, which will be automatically renewed provided all the conditions are met.

They can freely move in and out of the country and investors can also employ three workers and obtain residence for a senior employee, advisor or manager.