Artur Saraiva What Is a Golden Visa for Students?
While there isn’t a specific Golden Visa scheme exclusively for students, some countries offer added benefits for investors whose children wish to attend college or high school abroad.
These benefits are often form part of broader Golden Visa programs that are designed to attract foreign investment in exchange for residency rights.
In the case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Golden Visa, specifically for students, is a residency program for high-achieving individuals that affords them the opportunity to obtain a long-term visa to study abroad.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Golden Visa as a Student?
If you get a Golden Visa as a student, you can enjoy benefits such as:
- Access to World-Class Education: These types of visas provide access to excellent educational institutions within the country of residence as well as internationally.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Golden Visas open the door for students to get permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship in the host country.
- Easy Travel: Golden Visas allows holders to travel visa-free or via visa-on-arrival to many countries, including those within the Schengen area. A student can more freely move from country to country and travel more easily for studying purposes.
- Extended Stay: In comparison to other visas, Golden Visas allow for students to remain in a country for longer. This can be up to 10 years in some cases.
- Family Support: Golden Visas often allow family members to benefit from the same educational opportunities as the original visa holder.
- Access to Healthcare and Business Opportunities: In addition to world-class education, Golden Visa holders can access high-quality healthcare. It also allows one to build up a network to use for future business and investment opportunities.
10 Best Golden Visa for Students
1. United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s Golden Residence Permit Program, commonly called the UAE Golden Visa, is a long-term residency program offering a five to ten-year residence permit to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, researchers, and outstanding students.
The program is designed to attract skilled individuals and investors by allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE with significant benefits.
One of the notable features of the UAE Golden Visa is its provision for outstanding students. High-achieving students in UAE high schools and universities and graduates from the world’s top universities can apply for the Golden Visa. This is part of the UAE’s broader initiative to retain talent and develop a knowledge-based economy.
UAE Golden Visa for high school students requires outstanding students to have a general secondary school certificate with a score of at least 95 percent. The Golden Visa for university students requires top graduates to have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, provided that the university’s classification is one of the best 100 universities in the world according to the international classification approved by the Ministry of Education.
Requirements: School Students
- Passport that allows access to the UAE
- Secondary school certificate from a public or private school with an overall score of no less than 95%.
- Copy of residence permit as issued by the issuing authority of Dubai.
Requirements: UAE Universities Graduates
- Passport that allows access to the UAE.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree from a university that is classified by the Ministry of Education as one of the top 100 universities in the world and licensed.
- Copy of residence permit as issued by the issuing authority of Dubai.
Requirements: International Universities Graduates
- Passport that allows access to the UAE.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree from a university that is licensed by the Ministry of Education.
- Transcripts proving that the GPA is no less than a 3.5 average and that no more than two years have passed since graduation.
- Copy of residence permit as issued by the issuing authority of Dubai.
2. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is primarily designed for investors who make significant financial contributions to the country. But it also provides residency rights that allow the visa holder and their family members to live and work in Portugal.
Family members included in the Golden Visa application do not need to apply for a separate student visa to attend school or university in Portugal. The Golden Visa provides the necessary legal status to study in the country.
While many universities in Portugal offer programs in English, particularly at the graduate level, proficiency in Portuguese might be necessary for primary and secondary education and certain public universities. Another plus for students is that the country has a low cost of living of about €700–€1,000 a month, which is ideal for students trying to explore and make the best of their years of study.
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of €250,000 in research, venture capital funds, or cultural heritage restoration projects. When investing in investment funds or company shares, the minimum amount increases to €500,000.
- Maintain the investment for at least five years.
- Proof of clean criminal record.
- Proof of health insurance.
Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa 2024 Ultimate Guide
3. Cyprus
The Cyprus Golden Visa grants residency through real estate investment, starting at €300,000. Students included in the application can study at the University of Cyprus or other institutions offering English-taught programs, particularly in business and engineering.
Cyprus provides a friendly student environment, with low living costs of €700–€900/month and high-quality education. The Golden Visa also offers travel throughout the Schengen Area, making it a great base for students wanting to explore Europe.
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of €300,000 in newly-built residential property.
- Students must provide proof of sufficient financial means for living expenses, although this is generally included in the family’s Golden Visa application.
- Proof of health insurance.
4. United States
The EB-5 Visa Program in the United States, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, offers a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in a US business that creates or preserves jobs for American workers. While the program primarily targets investors, it significantly benefits the investor’s family members, particularly students.
To qualify for the EB-5 Visa, an investor must invest a minimum of $1 million or $800,000 in a targeted employment area in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. Once approved and the Green Card is granted, the investor’s children can attend public or private schools, colleges, and universities in the US without applying for a separate student visa like the F-1 visa.
Requirements
- A minimum of $1 million investment in a U.S. business that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- If the investment is made in a rural area or area with high unemployment, the required investment amount is reduced to $800,000.
- Proof of health insurance.
5. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offers an Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI), which allows individuals to obtain citizenship and a passport by making a significant economic contribution to the country. However, it also offers an additional educational benefit: a scholarship for one year at the University of the West Indies (UWI) for one family member.
If the applicant chooses to contribute $260,000 to the UWI Fund as part of the investment requirement, one member of the applicant’s family is entitled to receive a one-year tuition scholarship at the University of the West Indies campus in Antigua or any other UWI campus across the Caribbean.
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of $230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF) donation for a family of four or $3000,000 in approved real estate (held for at least five years).
- Dependents, including children under 30, can be included in the citizenship application and are eligible to study in Antigua and Barbuda.
- No separate student visa is required for local school or university children.
- Health insurance coverage for the family.
6. Malta
The Malta Golden Visa provides residency to investors and their families, allowing students to study in Malta without needing a separate student visa. Malta’s education system offers a range of English-taught programs at the University of Malta and international schools for younger students.
The affordable cost of living of €1,200/month and Malta’s English-speaking environment make it a great choice for international students. The program also allows for travel within the Schengen Area and offers a route to permanent residency.
Requirements
- Purchase real estate worth €300,000 or lease property for at least €12,000/year.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Clean criminal record.
7. Italy
The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the Italy Investor Visa, offers significant benefits for students and their families. With a minimum investment of €500,000 in an Italian company or €250,000 in a startup, the visa grants residency rights in Italy. Once the individual qualifies, they can include immediate family members in the application.
Italy is home to several reputable universities, like the University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome, and students can take advantage of these educational institutions.
Many programs, especially at the graduate level, like business, engineering, and the arts, are offered in English. However, Italian language skills can help make the experience and the integration process easier.
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of €500,000 in an Italian limited company, or at least €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup.
- Proof of financial support.
- Prood of health insurance.
8. Greece
The Greece Golden Visa is another option aimed at investors but also offers residency benefits for students and their families. The program requires a €250,000 minimum investment. Investors don’t need their immediate family members to apply for separate visas. The same application can include the investor’s spouse, children under 21, and even the parents of the main applicant.
Students can attend Greek and international schools, making Greece an attractive option for families seeking quality education. While some programs at Greek universities are offered in English, knowing Greek can be helpful in daily life. Additionally, the low cost of living of about €800/month make Greece an attractive destination for students.
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate or €500,000 in high-demand areas.
- Proof of clean criminal record.
- Health insurance for the entire family.
For everything you need to know about Golden Visas.
9. Malaysia
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a long-term residency scheme designed to attract foreign nationals who wish to live in Malaysia. The program offers a renewable 10-year residence permit that benefits retirees, professionals, and families, including those with children who want to pursue their education in Malaysia.
One of the significant advantages of the MM2H program for families is the ability to enroll their children in Malaysia’s extensive network of international and private schools.
Children of MM2H participants can also attend local Malaysian public schools where the cost of education is generally lower than in many Western countries. MM2H visa holders can also enroll as residents at the University of Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which translates into lower tuition fees than international students. Students can also enjoy the country with a low budget of €400 to €700 per month.
Requirements:
- A minimum monthly income of €30,000 for single applicants and about €60,000 for families.
- The program allows students to study at Malaysian universities without needing a separate student visa, as long as they are dependents under the primary applicant’s Second Home Visa.
- Health insurance coverage during the stay in Malaysia.
10. United Kingdom
The UK has the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa aimed at graduates from top global universities. This visa provides a route for high-potential students to live and work in the UK without requiring a job offer. While it’s not technically a “Golden Visa,” it offers valuable opportunities for students, including access to the UK job market for 2-3 years, depending on the level of qualification.
Unlike the traditional UK Golden Visa or a specific UK citizenship by investment program, the HPI visa focuses on academic achievements. It is an excellent option for students looking to advance their careers in the UK.
Requirements
- HPI Visa does not require a financial investment as it is based on the applicant’s qualifications and career potential, such as a degree from a top global university.
- The applicant must have a degree from a university ranked in the top 50 globally (based on the QS World University Rankings or equivalent).
What Is the Golden Visa Application Process for Students?
Even though Golden Visas are usually associated with investment or entrepreneurship, some countries (as seen above) allow students to apply.
Students will need to provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution and proof of financial stability alongside other documents (such as a copy of their passport) depending on the host country’s requirements.
For more detailed information about the application process, check out our guide on Golden Visas.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Golden Visa
What is the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Student Golden Visa?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the only countries who currently offer Golden Visas just for students. The program offers a 10-year fixed residency to top graduates and students from UAE schools, universities, or internationally recognized universities.
What are the requirements for getting a UAE Student Golden Visa?
Requirements: School Students
- Passport that allows access to the UAE
- Secondary school certificate from a public or private school with an overall score of no less than 95%.
- Copy of residence permit as issued by the issuing authority of Dubai.
Requirements: UAE Universities Graduates
- Passport that allows access to the UAE.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree from a university that is classified by the Ministry of Education as one of the top 100 universities in the world and licensed.
- Copy of residence permit as issued by the issuing authority of Dubai.
Requirements: International Universities Graduates
- Passport that allows access to the UAE.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree from a university that is licensed by the Ministry of Education.
- Transcripts proving that the GPA is no less than a 3.5 average and that no more than two years have passed since graduation.
- Copy of residence permit as issued by the issuing authority of Dubai.
What is the application process for the UAE Student Golden Visa?
To apply for a UAE Student Golden Visa, you need to:
- meet specific requirements depending on whether you’re a school student, UAE university graduate or international university graduate
- gather required documents, including passport, academic records such as diplomas and transcripts, nomination letter (if applicable) and other documents as required by UAE immigration authorities
- submit application through the UAE immigration portal
- pay visa processing fees which is approximately AED 2,800 to AED 4,800
- undergo a medical examination as required by UAE authorities
- complete biometric scanning such as fingerprint scanning and photographs
- wait for notification of approval
Processing times will vary from application to application.
Can you get a visa without a sponsor?
Yes, you can get a visa without a sponsor in some cases.
Many countries offer self-sponsored visas, such as Golden Visas, skilled worker visas, digital nomad visas or student visas.
Are family members allowed to join students who have a Golden Visa?
It is usually permissible for family members to accompany the primary applicant who has acquired residency through a Golden Visa program.
This is one of the appealing aspects of these programs is that they are tailored to individuals who want to relocate with their families.
Is the Golden Visa available to students in all countries?
No, the Golden Visa is not available to students in all countries. Its availability and specific requirements vary by country and often primarily target investors (except in the case of the UAE).
Can students work while holding a Golden Visa?
Yes, students can work while holding a Golden Visa in many countries, but the specific regulations regarding work rights may vary depending on the country and the terms of the visa.
What is the difference between a student visa and a Golden Visa?
A student visa is specifically designed for individuals who want to study in a foreign country, granting temporary residency for the duration of their studies.
A Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program that allows individuals and their families to reside in a country in exchange for a significant financial investment, often providing broader residency rights beyond education.
What are the disadvantages of a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency but does not automatically lead to citizenship, as citizenship typically requires a 30-year residency period and provided that you meet strict criteria.
The high cost of living, lack of tax treaties, and reliance on maintaining investment make it less advantageous for some. Additionally, economic fluctuations can affect stability.
Are scholarships available for students applying for a Golden Visa?
No, there isn’t a scholarship specific to Golden Visas but the UAE does offer a visa for outstanding students and graduates that can open up the door for opportunities such as scholarships.
