Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

What is the Web3 Entrepreneurs Program?

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.

Does this Golden Visa offer permanent residency and/or citizenship?

No. The Golden Visa is a renewable 10-year residence visa. It does not lead to citizenship or act as a permanent residency.

What are the key benefits of the Golden Visa via the Web3 Entrepreneurs Program?

  • Renewable 10-year Golden Visa
  • Allows the visa holder and their families to live and work in the UAE
  • Visa holders may sponsor their dependents and extend this 10-year visa to them
  • No minimum stay requirement in the UAE
  • Ability to sponsor domestic helpers
  • Facilitation of personal bank account opening
  • Access to health insurance and a freelance work permit
  • Minimal application documentation required
  • Fast preliminary approval within 30 days
  • Applications can be initiated without the need to travel to the UAE

What can people do with a freelance work permit?

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.

Can I upgrade the freelance work permit to a standard business license, and how much does it cost?

Yes, upgrading to a standard business license with a wider range of activities costs approximately US$1,500.

Can I open a bank account with the UAE Golden Visa?

Yes, the Web3 Entrepreneurs Program facilitates opening a bank account in the UAE, subject to Central Bank approval.

Can I work for a company and receive a salary?

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.

Does the UAE Golden Visa allow me to travel to other countries without obtaining a visa?

Yes. Azerbaijan, Giorgia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Malaysia, Thailand, Seychelles, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Macau, Mauritius, Montenegro, Oman, Qatar and Serbia

Eligibility and Application Process

Who can apply for the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa?

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.

What are the documents required for the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa?

  • A clear passport scan copy
  • A short autobiography (100-150 words)
  • A high-quality digital photo with a white background
  • A clear scanned copy of your UAE Visa and Emirates ID, if applicable
  • Upon preliminary approval, applicants need to travel to the UAE within 60 days to complete the final formalities
  • Applicants above 18 must undergo a medical examination in the UAE
  • Contact number, email address and full home address.

What is the detailed application process for the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa?

  • Submit your passport copy, photo, short bio, email address, and mobile number via email to info@phoenix-oasis.com
  • Once we acknowledge the correct information has been received and accepted, you will be required to transfer your deposit and processing fees
  • We will then submit your application to RAK DAO who will provide you with a username and password to access their portal
  • Forward these details back to us to fill in your official application. Our agents will contact you directly for more information if/when required
  • Following preliminary approval, you will need to visit Dubai to complete medical tests and biometrics
  • Freelance work permit will be issued within 1 – 2 weeks
  • Your UAE Golden Visa will be issued approximately 2 weeks after you successfully complete your medical test and biometrics
  • Physical Emirates ID will be printed and delivered to you once your visa is issued

Do I need to visit the UAE before submitting my application?

No, a visit to the UAE is not required before preliminary approval. Applicants can initiate the process remotely.

What does the application timeline look like?

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.

Does the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa fee include the cost of medical assessment and Emirates ID?

Yes, all costs are included in the application fee.

Who will process the Emirates ID for Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa applicants?

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.

Who is responsible for canceling the applicant's existing visa upon the approval of the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa application?

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.

At what point during the application process should the applicant's existing visa be cancelled?

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.

When a UAE resident is sponsoring family members and other dependents, he/she must provide a financial guarantee for the period of the residency visa. Does this rule apply to Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa holders?

No, financial guarantees are not required when Golden Visas are issued.

What are the requirements for medical insurance when applying for the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa?

A one-year medical insurance will be provided together with the Golden Visa upon approval.

Under what terms would my Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa application be forfeited?

The application would be forfeited if the required document is not delivered within 30 days.

What happens if my Golden Visa application is denied?

We will retain $2,000 for the service fee and return the rest of the visa fee.

How and when should I make the payment?

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.

Renewal and Termination

What is the validity of the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is valid for ten years and must be renewed every ten years.

Do I need a sponsor to renew my Golden Visa?

No, a sponsor is not required for renewal, but you must meet the application requirements.

Is the Emirates ID also renewed with the Golden Visa?

Yes, the Emirates ID is renewed with the Golden Visa and will have the same validity as the visa.

Family and Dependents

Can the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa be extended to applicants' family members?

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.

How much does it cost to add dependents to my Golden Visa?

The cost to add dependents to the Golden Visa ranges from approximately $1,600 to $1,900 for each dependent.

Is there a limit to the number of children who can be sponsored?

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.

When can Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa applicants begin to sponsor family members?

Upon receiving their Golden Visa, successful applicants may begin the process of sponsoring family members.

How long is the visa for family members sponsored?

The visa for family members is the same—10 years.

What will happen to the visas of family members currently sponsored, once the applicant cancels his/her visa during the Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa application?

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.

Can Web3 Entrepreneurs Golden Visa holders sponsor domestic helpers?

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.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can be sponsored?

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.