This program is specifically designed for entrepreneurs and talents in the technology sector, as well as other key industries. It offers access to a cutting-edge business ecosystem supported by RAK DAO and aims to cultivate top-tier talent within each field, enriching the local talent pool. The Web3 Entrepreneur Program, in partnership with the government of Ras Al Khaimah, also provides a rare and valuable benefit: access to a UAE Golden Visa, which is a highly sought-after, 10-year residence visa. This visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor or employer.
No. The Golden Visa is a renewable 10-year residence visa. It does not lead to citizenship or act as a permanent residency.
A freelance work permit allows individuals to operate as self-employed professionals without a full-time employer or sponsor, offering flexibility in work arrangements. A detailed list of activities can be found here.
Yes, upgrading to a standard business license with a wider range of activities costs approximately US$1,500.
Yes, the Web3 Entrepreneurs Program facilitates opening a bank account in the UAE, subject to Central Bank approval.
Yes, with the UAE Golden Visa, you can be employed by a company, receive a labor card, and have your salary transferred to your bank account, subject to company approval.
Yes. Azerbaijan, Giorgia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Malaysia, Thailand, Seychelles, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Macau, Mauritius, Montenegro, Oman, Qatar and Serbia
Individuals who are professionals in Web3 industries, including those with experience in blockchain and fintech, as well as experts from other key leading industries, are eligible to apply.
No, a visit to the UAE is not required before preliminary approval. Applicants can initiate the process remotely.
Applicants must submit the required documents for initial screening. Upon preliminary approval, typically within 30 days, the applicant must travel at their own expense to the UAE on a visit visa for final formalities such as health screening. The total processing time for the Web3 Entrepreneurs Program is approximately 4-6 weeks.
Yes, all costs are included in the application fee.
The Golden Visa processing center, which handles the applications, will also process the Emirates IDs issued by The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship for the applicants.
The applicant's sponsor is responsible for canceling existing visas. The Golden Visa applicant must liaise with their sponsor to ensure that the existing visa is appropriately canceled.
The applicant will be notified when to proceed with their existing visa cancellation. This will only be required once we have received the official approval from government authorities in RAK.
No, financial guarantees are not required when Golden Visas are issued.
A one-year medical insurance will be provided together with the Golden Visa upon approval.
The application would be forfeited if the required document is not delivered within 30 days.
We will retain $2,000 for the service fee and return the rest of the visa fee.
You will need to pay 50% of the visa fee plus processing fees when submitting your documents. Upon preliminary approval, you will need to pay the remaining 50% of the visa fee.
The Golden Visa is valid for ten years and must be renewed every ten years.
No, a sponsor is not required for renewal, but you must meet the application requirements.
Yes, the Emirates ID is renewed with the Golden Visa and will have the same validity as the visa.
Yes, the Golden Visa can be extended to include the sponsorship of spouses, children, and parents who will enjoy the privilege of having the same 10-yearlong visa term.
The cost to add dependents to the Golden Visa ranges from approximately $1,600 to $1,900 for each dependent.
There is no limit to the number of children who may be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder. Children can be sponsored for the same duration as the sponsor's visa validity as long as they are not married.
Upon receiving their Golden Visa, successful applicants may begin the process of sponsoring family members.
The visa for family members is the same—10 years.
Golden Visa applicants may choose to either place family members on hold or cancel their visas: - If placed on hold, a refundable financial guarantee needs to be submitted until their visas are issued. - No financial guarantee will be required if their visas are canceled.
Yes, Golden Visa holders are permitted to sponsor up to three domestic helpers. Standard rules and regulations for sponsorship apply. The visa for domestic helpers is valid for two years.
The number of people (excluding dependent children) to be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder is subject to approval by The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship.