The UAE has become a top destination for professionals, investors, and families thanks to its modern policies and long-term residency options. The Golden Visa offers a long-term residency opportunity, allowing exceptional individuals and their families to settle in the UAE for 5 to 10 years.
Many people wonder, “Can spouse and kids work under Golden Visa UAE?” The good news is they can, with plenty of opportunities for jobs, freelancing, and even starting a business. This guide will explain all the benefits, rules, and options available for families under the Golden Visa.
What Is A UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and invest in the country for extended periods. Depending on eligibility, visas are granted for 5 or 10 years and can be renewed. The program primarily targets investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialised talents, and outstanding students.
Unlike traditional residency permits, the Golden Visa provides independence and stability for both the primary holder and their family members. One of the most significant advantages is the freedom it grants to spouses and children regarding work, education, and business activities.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under The Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa holder can sponsor their immediate family, including:
- Spouse: The legally married husband or wife of the visa holder.
- Children: Sons and daughters, regardless of age, as long as they are unmarried.
- Parents: Under certain eligibility conditions, parents can also benefit from the program.
This expanded sponsorship is a notable improvement over standard dependent visas, which often have age restrictions and limited work permissions.
Can Spouse and Kids Work Under the Golden Visa UAE?
Yes, one of the most attractive features of the Golden Visa is that spouses and children are allowed to work freely in the UAE without needing separate sponsorship. This is a major difference from conventional dependent visas, where dependents typically need a local employer to sponsor their work permit.
Key Work Benefits for Family Members:
- Work Without a Sponsor: Spouses and adult children can secure employment independently, without being tied to a local employer or applying for a separate work permit.
- Freelance and Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Family members can establish their own business or freelance, with 100% ownership rights in mainland companies or free zones.
- Job Flexibility: Dependents can switch jobs or undertake multiple ventures without affecting their visa status. This allows for greater professional freedom compared to standard visas.
This level of independence makes the Golden Visa particularly appealing for families who want to maximise career and business opportunities in the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria For Spouses And Children – What You Must Know!
The Golden Visa ensures that family members are treated with exceptional flexibility. The eligibility rules for dependents are notably more generous than those of standard residency permits.
Children:
- No age cap for sons and daughters: Unmarried children of any age can be sponsored, which contrasts with standard visas that restrict adult children.
- Visa duration: Children receive a visa matching the primary holder’s 5- or 10-year term.
- Education access: Children can enroll in UAE schools and universities without restrictions.
Spouses:
- Work authorisation: Spouses are free to work or launch businesses without any additional approvals.
- Long-term residency: They enjoy the same visa validity as the primary holder, ensuring stability and security.
- Healthcare and social services: Spouses have full access to the UAE’s healthcare, banking, and other essential services.
Benefits Of A Golden Visa For The Entire Family – Need To Know!
The Golden Visa provides comprehensive benefits beyond work authorisation. These include:
Long-Term Residency:
Dependents enjoy a renewable 5- or 10-year residency, providing stability and security for long-term planning. Unlike regular visas, there is no need for frequent renewals or multiple applications.
No Minimum Stay Requirement:
Family members can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without jeopardising their visa. This is particularly useful for families with international commitments or business interests abroad.
Continuity After the Primary Holder’s Death:
In the unfortunate event of the primary visa holder’s death, dependents can continue living in the UAE until their visa expires, ensuring security and peace of mind.
Access to Education and Healthcare:
Children and spouses have full access to world-class healthcare facilities and educational institutions in the UAE, aligning with the visa’s aim of creating a stable, high-quality living environment.
Professional Growth and Networking:
With the ability to work freely and pursue entrepreneurship, dependents can contribute economically while expanding their professional networks in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.
Work And Business Flexibility For Dependents – Don’t Miss Out!
The UAE Golden Visa gives dependents significant professional freedom, allowing them to work as freelancers or independent consultants without a local sponsor. They can also start their own businesses with 100% ownership, which is not typically possible under standard visas.
There are no restrictions on taking multiple jobs or ventures, giving them the flexibility to grow their careers. Family members can benefit from the UAE’s free zones that offer support, infrastructure, and tax incentives for entrepreneurs. Overall, this visa empowers dependents to pursue diverse professional and business opportunities with ease.
Education And Healthcare Benefits For Dependents:
The Golden Visa is not just about professional opportunities. It ensures holistic family well-being:
- Education: Children can attend UAE schools and universities, from primary education to higher studies, under the same visa.
- Healthcare: Dependents have access to the UAE’s world-class healthcare system without the need for separate health insurance sponsorships.
- Social Services: Family members enjoy the same banking, government services, and residency rights as the primary holder.
How to Sponsor Your Family for the UAE Golden Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of applying for spouse and children under the Golden Visa is more simplified than regular visa applications:
- Eligibility Check: Confirm that the primary Golden Visa holder meets eligibility criteria (investor, professional, entrepreneur, etc.).
- Prepare Required Documents: Typical documents include passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of the primary Golden Visa.
- Submit Application: Applications can be submitted online via official UAE portals or through authorised service centres.
- Medical and Background Checks: Family members may undergo standard health and background checks as part of the process.
- Visa Issuance and Residency: Once approved, family members receive visas valid for the same duration as the primary holder, granting full residency and work rights.
FAQs:
Are there restrictions on the type of jobs dependents can do?
No, dependents can work in almost any sector, including private companies, government roles, or freelance work. They are not tied to a specific employer or visa sponsorship. This ensures full career flexibility for spouses and children.
Can dependents start their own business?
Yes, dependents can establish businesses with 100% ownership in the UAE. They can operate on the mainland or in free zones, benefiting from investor-friendly policies.
Is there a limit to the number of jobs a dependent can hold?
No, there is no limitation on holding multiple jobs or projects. Dependents can manage multiple ventures or switch jobs freely. This flexibility supports career growth and entrepreneurship.
Are Children Granted the Same Length of Visa as the Primary Holder in the UAE Golden Visa Program?
Yes, dependent children receive visas valid for the same 5 or 10 years as the primary Golden Visa holder. This ensures continuity and stability for their education or career planning.
Conclusion:
The UAE Golden Visa offers unmatched freedom and security for spouses and children. They can work, study, or start their own businesses without restrictions, enjoying the same long-term residency as the primary holder.
This visa gives families stability, flexibility, and opportunities to grow professionally and personally. Dependents can fully benefit from the UAE’s education, healthcare, and business-friendly environment. Overall, the Golden Visa makes life easier and more rewarding for the entire family.
