UAE Golden Visa Through Waqf Donations

Golden Visa Through Waqf Donations in the UAE: How to Secure 10-Year Residency as a Philanthropist

In the past few years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has attracted talent, innovation, and investment from all over the world. With the growth of its business ecosystem, the UAE has made advances in capitalizing on its long-term residency programs, or "Golden Visa", to acknowledge investors and professionals, as well as dedicated donors. One of the most innovative new paths is via contributions to Islamic endowments (waqf). At Flyingcolour Business Setup, we have witnessed how this path gives spectacular opportunities for people who want to provide charitable contributions in addition to enjoying secure, long-term residency in the UAE. This guide will walk you step by step through how to be a part of and benefit from the “Waqf Golden Visa” pathway.

What makes this pathway appealing is its dual purpose, the donor gives back genuinely to society with all the rights and flexible nature of a 10-year renewable UAE residency. It does not operate as a traditional investment or employment-based visa but makes philanthropy the focus. For many high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners who place value on legacy giving and international mobility, this is an attractive alternative. In this blog, we will outline what 'waqf' is, what the qualifications are, how to apply through the appropriate authorities, and what considerations you may want to keep in mind before deciding.

What is “Waqf” And Why is it Important for the Golden Visa?

"Waqf" is an Islamic legal term referring perpetual charitable endowment. An individual or entity donates an asset like land, cash, a building, or anything of value, for perpetual public-benefit use in purposes like education, healthcare, religious, social welfare, or community development. When an asset is established as a waqf, it can not be sold, inherited, or transferred to a personal benefit. It can be used to generate income to be spent for public benefit. 

In the context of the UAE, the government has partnered with important stakeholders, such as Awqaf Dubai (the Endowments & Minors Affairs Foundation) and General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai), to formalize a residency track for donors to approved waqf or humanitarian projects. The concept of when an individual makes a meaningful donation to a certified waqf, they receive the benefit of the generosity outcome, as well as the benefit of long-term residency.

Why is this significant? For many philanthropists, it represents an alignment of their values (giving back) and their life experience (mobility, residency, stability). For a country, attracting global philanthropists supports the appeal to impactful and global individuals while connecting their efforts to the UAE’s development and humanitarian vision and objectives.

Who Can Apply, and What are the Eligibility Criteria?

To qualify for this category of “Waqf Golden Visa” (also called “financial supporters of humanitarian work”), applicants have to fulfill a defined set of criteria. According to the announcements and the guidelines:

• Make a minimum donation of AED 2 million (or the equivalent in donor) to a certified waqf or humanitarian project approved by Awqaf Dubai or other accredited body. 
• You should have a degree from a university or equivalent higher education qualification. 
• Receive a nomination from Awqaf Dubai (or another authorized humanitarian body), confirming that their donation qualifies under the criteria and the project qualifies under the scheme.
• Either a resident or a non-resident can apply to the scheme. Both donors who are based in the UAE and those from abroad are can apply. 
• You have to scan and upload all necessary documentation (eg, ID or passport, donation certificate, academic credential, and/or letter of nomination).
• You can fill the application through the GDRFA Smart Services portal (or via an accredited center).

Although these are the general requirements, it is important to check specific project eligibility, documents requirements. check endowment to which an individual is donating to recognized under the applicable scheme. Because of the novelty of the program, the specific interpretation may change.

Advantages of Receiving the 10-Year Waqf Golden Visa

This offers several beneficial features for donors and their families:

1. 10-year renewable residency visa in the United Arab Emirates. This will give you peace of mind and long-term stability.
2. No local sponsor needed. Unlike traditional resident visas, which typically require the involvement of an employer or local sponsor. This option provides independence to the applicants. 
3. Ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the UAE. This will give you flexibility in matters of life. 
4. In many cases, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and sometimes parents under the same conditions. The visa holders can sponsor children, as well as their parents, under the same circumstances.    
5. Flexibility to remain outside of the UAE for long periods of time and still maintain the visa (this characteristic suits global donors). 
6. You will get a benefits of formal recognition as a philanthropic contribtors to develop the social opportunities in India. 

The above mentioned benefits make this pathway more than just a visa. It is also a  lifestyle and legacy for people who want to contribute to the UAE's social development. 

Step-by-Step: How to Proceed with the Application Process

Step 1: Choose an Approved Waqf Project

Look for endowments managed by Awqaf Dubai or accredited organizations and make sure the project is designated as a financial supporter of humanitarian work. Also, check the minimum donation amount and project type.

Step 2: Make your Donation and/or Endowment Transfer

You have to make a clear document for the donation. You need a original receipts, certificates of transfer, asset valuations (if not donated in cash), and governance proofs. You have to make sure that names, ID numbers, and passport numbers match will all your documents.

Step 3: Obtain Nomination from Awqaf Dubai

Provide your proof of donation, academic credentials (degree, ID), and request a nomination under the specified category. Awqaf Dubai will assess your eligibility and issue a nomination letter if suitable.

Step 4: Apply to GDRFA Smart Services or Amer Center

If you have a nomination, you can apply online or in person.You have to upload the documents, passport, photo, ID, nomination letter, donation certificate, academic qualification, etc.The joint committee will review your application.

Step 5: Wait for Approval and Receipt of the Golden Visa

When it is approved, you will obtain the Golden Visa that is valid for 10 years and is renewable under the Waqf category.You will then move on to medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and stamping of residency, capable of being obtained after UAE residency procedures.

Step 6: Use and Maintain Residence Status

You can connect and remain in the UAE while receiving an education, begin to work, and continually be in residence. Just ensure you meet the requirements of compliance and the donation still must be valid. The endowed asset should still be for endowment and charitable purpose, and you must follow any renewal or continuation agreements.

What Are the Key Considerations Before You Apply For a Golden Visa

This procedure is incredibly appealing, but it is important to keep the following things in mind:

1. Due Diligence on the Waqf Project: Since this is a charitable route, transparency is important.Confirm how the endowment is managed, how income will be used, and that the asset is properly endowed.It means it cannot be sold or inherited (i.e., a key characteristic of waqf).
2. Documentation and Details of Matching: The nomination and visa are based on accuracy. If the name do not match, there will be delays or rejection. A discrepancy between passport numbers, receipts for the donation, or if the asset is not accurately valued can all create issues.
3. Minimum Donation Threshold and Asset Type: Make sure you know if the asset can be cash, real property, or other assets. Also, determine if a non-cash contribution (such as real property, e.g., buildings or land) requires an appraisal and/or a title or lender's consent or other approvals.
4. Ongoing Compliance: Once you get the visa, you need to ensure that the endowment continues to be the intended use. Additionally, you have to behave in compliance with UAE laws and practices.
5. Family and Lifestyle Considerations: Understand how this residence option affects your larger life objectives such as children's schooling, health care, working in the UAE, travel flexibility, tax issues back home, etc.

Why Flyingcolour Business Setup is Your Preferred Partner

At Flyingcolour Business Setup, we focus on providing entrepreneurs servicing, investors, and philanthropists as we navigate the complicated frameworks for residence and business setup in the UAE. Here is how we add value:

1. We stay up-to-date on all relevant visa and residency regulation changes in the UAE.It also includes this brand new Waqf Golden Visa category.
2. We complete eligibility assessments to determine if your donation and asset type determine eligibility, and your background also qualifies.
3. Our team can co-ordinate with the Awqaf Dubai and other relevant authorities to confirm project eligibility and get nomination for you.
4. Our team will manage the application process with GDRFA and other authorities. 
5. We will make sure that documents are completed, submitted on time, and the approval is issued in a timely manner.
6. We can provide tax Residency Advisory and Golden visa services in the UAE. So you can maximize benefits and avoid any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Golden Visa Through Waqf Donations in the UAE

1. What is the minimum donation amount to receive a Golden Visa using Waqf?

The UAE government has not set an earmarked and fixed minimum amount because this depends on the size and type of the endowment. We recommend you to consult or authorized waqf entities or Flyingcolour® for the updated requirements.

2. Can corporate entities apply via Waqf donations?

Yes, organizations that donate eligible amounts to Waqf-approved charitable (or philanthropic) projects are eligible for the Golden Visa program.

3.What is the timeframe for processing the Golden Visa through Waqf donations?

Generally, the processing timeframe is between 2 to 6 weeks. It is also depends on the length of verification and approval by government agencies.

4.Can I renew my Golden Visa after 10 years?

Yes, you can renew your visa if you have met the required conditions or if you continue to be involved in charitable activities.

 5. Why you should choose Flyingcolour®?

We have years of experience working with the Golden Visa and setting up businesses. Our experts will make the process easy and keep you fully supported with legal documentation.

Therefore, to learn more about UAE Golden Visa Through Waqf Donations, Book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour Business Setup team advisors.

The article was published on 30/10/2025. It is important to note that the federal policies and updates mentioned may have changed since then. For the most current information, please contact our consultant!