The Golden Visa program opened up a world of possibilities, especially in the UAE. But did you know that as a Golden Visa holder in the UAE, you also get an exclusive identification card packed with benefits? Let’s introduce you to the Esaad Card!
This handy tool offers various privileges, from government services to substantial discounts across numerous sectors, boosting your financial savings and quality of life.
In this article, we will cover what a Golden Visa and an Esaad card are, how to apply for them, and how to benefit from them.
Introduction to Esaad Card for Golden Visa
What is a Golden Visa in the UAE?
A Golden Visa in the UAE is a long-term residency program that allows investors and their families to live in the UAE while enjoying many opportunities. These opportunities span business, career, education, healthcare, tax, and lifestyle sectors, enriching the lives of the visa holders and their future generations.
The Golden Visa Program in the UAE offers two residency options: a 10-year residency program and a 5-year residency program. To qualify for the 10-year option, you must invest at least AED 10 million (USD 2,722,570) in public investments or qualify as someone with exceptional skills and talents. For the 5-year option, you’ll need to invest a minimum of AED 2 million (USD 544,514) in a property in the UAE.
What is an Esaad Card?
The Esaad Card is a unique identification card that can be issued to Golden Visa holders in the UAE. It’s not just an identification card but a key to many benefits and privileges. These include access to government services, expedited processing at airports, and discounts on various services and products. The Esaad privilege card is part of a loyalty program launched by the General Directorate of Dubai Police. It is designed to enhance the quality of life and ensure happiness for its holders.
The Esaad Card offers comprehensive discount packages for lifestyle, healthcare, fashion, beauty, tourism, and other brands.
As a cardholder, you can enjoy up to 70% worth of discounts across various sectors.
The card can be used at restaurants, cafes, fast food chains, automobile-related brands, schools and institutes of education, couture and fashion stores, health and fitness centers, retail stores, restaurants and entertainment centers, residential services, travel and tourism companies, online shopping platforms, and more.
Who is Eligible for an Esaad Card?
- Government Employees: This includes all government employees under the General Directorate of Dubai Police. Once registered, these employees and their first-degree relatives (spouse, parents, and children) can also utilize the Esaad Card offers.
- Golden Visa Holders: Holders of the UAE’s Golden Visa are eligible to apply for the Esaad Card, which provides them with a range of exclusive benefits and discounts.
- Retirees and Senior Citizens: Retired individuals and senior citizens can benefit from the discounts and services offered by the Esaad Card.
- People of Determination: This group, which includes individuals with disabilities, is eligible for the Esaad Card, which provides them with access to special discounts and privileges.
- Limited-Income Residents: Residents with limited income are also eligible to enjoy the benefits of the Esaad Card, which can help them save on a variety of services and products.
How to Apply for an Esaad Card
1. Check Your Eligibility for the Esaad Card
Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Esaad Card. You must be either a government employee, Golden Visa holder, retiree, senior citizen, disabled, or a limited-income citizen.
2. Gather Required Documentation
Prepare copies of your passport, Golden Visa, Emirates ID, and any other identification documents that may be required. Depending on your status (e.g., government employee), gather any documents that prove your eligibility, such as a letter from your employer.
2. Register on the Official Esaad Membership Website
To apply for the Esaad card, you have to register on the official Esaad membership website. Once you navigate to the website, you need to click ‘register’, and then you will have the option to choose between ‘company registration’ and ‘registration of happiness cardholders.’
Company Registration: This option is designed for companies that want to enroll their employees in the Esaad Card program. This process requires submitting company-specific documents such as a valid company license, the company logo, and the passport and Emirates ID of the registering individual, along with an image of the organization.
Registration of Happiness Card Holders: This option is tailored for individuals seeking to obtain the Esaad Card personally. This option is for anyone else who is eligible for the Esaad Card. This registration requires personal documentation such as Emirates ID and may include other personal details.
Once you have filled in the application, press send.
3. Recieve Approval
Once your application is approved, your Esaad Card will be issued. It generally takes up to 10 working days for the card to be issued and delivered to your registered address. You’ll be notified via SMS when the card is dispatched. This timeframe allows for the processing and verification of your application details before the card is sent out
Esaad Card Discounts
The Esaad Card offers discounts on over 10,000 businesses and establishments. See some of the most loved discounts below:
Dining Discounts
- Caribou Coffee: 20% off
- Papparoti: 20% off
- BurgerFuel: 20% off
- Nando’s: 20% off
- Chili’s: 15% off
- Gourmet Burger Kitchen: 15% off
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill: 15% off
Fashion and Beauty Discounts
- Petit Bateau: Up to 25% off children’s wear
- Sacoor Kids: 15% off kids’ attire
- Gymboree: 20% off children’s clothing
- United Designer: 20% off fresh styles
Jewelry Discounts
- Bvlgari Jewelry: Up to 45% off selected items
- Damas Jewelry: 10% off
- Jawhara: Up to 50% off diamonds and pearls
Hotel Discounts
- Miramar Hotel Bangkok: Up to 40% off
- Royal Caribbean Cruises: Up to 40% off
- Four Seasons Hotel Amman: Up to 40% off
- Avani Deira Hotel: Up to 35% off in Dubai
Airline Discounts
- flydubai: 25% off
- Thai Airways: 20-25% off
- Etihad Airways: 15-20% off
- Flynas: Up to 20% off regional travel
- Emirates Airlines: 10% off flights
Entertainment Discounts
- Discounts on tickets for cinemas, theme parks, and various shows.
Healthcare Discounts
- Reduced prices on doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and more.
Educational Discounts
- Discounts on school fees, textbooks, and other educational resources.
Travel and Accommodation
- Special rates on hotel accommodations, car rentals, and additional benefits such as free upgrades or airport transfers.
Esaad Card Benefits
The Esaad card offers several advantages for holders and their families. Here are some of the most valuable benefits that come with the card:
Global Mobility Enhancement
The Esaad Card facilitates ease of travel and is recognized in 92 countries, greatly enhancing global mobility for its holders, which is particularly beneficial for Golden Visa holders who require frequent international travel.
Investment and Business Leverage
Particularly valuable for investors, the Esaad Card supports enhanced returns on investments through special privileges in the real estate sector and other business opportunities within the UAE.
Comprehensive Family and Healthcare Support
The card provides significant savings on educational expenses, making it crucial for families with school-going children by reducing tuition fees and other school-related costs. Discounts on healthcare services, pharmacies, and home nursing make medical care more accessible and affordable, ensuring that families, particularly those with elderly members or young children, can prioritize health without financial strain.
Enhanced Living Experience in the UAE
Holders enjoy a variety of lifestyle enhancements, including complimentary parking at select locations and special privileges at health-related services and fitness centers, which contribute to a superior quality of life in the UAE. They also receive discounts on hospitality and entertainment, such as hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, and tourist attractions, which can significantly enhance the quality of leisure time spent by families. These benefits allow families to enjoy more frequent outings and vacations together, enriching their life experiences and creating lasting memories without overstretching their budgets.
Automotive Cost Reduction
Discounts on automobile services, including maintenance and driving schools, provide financial relief for families managing the costs associated with vehicle ownership and usage. This is particularly beneficial for families with multiple cars or those with young adults learning to drive. It not only reduces the cost of maintaining a car but also makes driving education more accessible and affordable.
Daily Savings on Lifestyle Expenses
With reductions at retail outlets and on e-commerce platforms, families can manage household budgets more effectively. This extends to a wide range of products, from daily necessities to luxury items, ensuring that families can afford better quality products and services. For families, this means regular savings on a broad spectrum of shopping needs, enhancing their overall lifestyle while managing expenses efficiently.
Simplified Access to Services
The card simplifies interactions with government services, reducing the need for extensive paperwork and saving time for its holders.
Security and Efficiency
The card features advanced security protocols to protect personal information, providing peace of mind for users in their daily transactions and interactions. With the Esaad Card, everyday transactions become more efficient, whether it’s accessing services or making purchases, enhancing productivity and convenience for the cardholder.
So, whether you’re an investor, a parent, or simply someone looking to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of the UAE, the Esaad card is an invaluable asset.
Your card can be used with over 10,000 brands and businesses in the UAE and in 92 countries worldwide, offering discounts in sectors such as education, health, housing, food catering, amusement parks, hotels, tourism, and shopping malls.
Renewal Process for the Esaad Card
1. Check Expiration
Cardholders should start by checking the expiration date of their current Esaad Card. It’s advisable to initiate the renewal process well before the card expires to avoid any lapse in benefits.
2. Visit the Official Website
Go to the official Esaad Card portal. Most renewals can be handled online, making the process more convenient and faster.
3. Submit Renewal Application
Fill out the renewal application form online. You will likely need to update or confirm your personal details, such as address and contact information, and possibly submit new documents reflecting your current status or position.
4. Document Submission
Depending on the specific requirements, you may need to upload new documents, such as a recent photograph, proof of continued eligibility (such as employment verification for government employees), and any other required legal documents.
5. Receive Confirmation
After submitting the application and payment, you will receive a confirmation via email or SMS. This confirmation might include a temporary digital version of the card until the physical card is issued.
6. Card Issuance
The new card will typically be mailed to your registered address or made available for pickup at a designated location, depending on the practices in place.
Implications of Lost/Stolen Esaad Card
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it’s important to report the incident promptly to the relevant authorities. This can be done by visiting the nearest Customer Happiness Center of the ICA and requesting a replacement. The authority will deactivate the old card and issue a new one with the same ID number.
The replacement fee is USD 82 (AED 300), plus an application fee of USD 19 (AED 70) if submitted through typing centers or USD 11 (AED 40) if submitted online through the e-form on the ICA’s website. An additional USD 41 (AED 150) is charged for express service. The new card will have the same validity period as the replaced card’s remaining validity.
Importance of Golden Visa for International Travel
The Golden Visa is of great importance for international travel. It allows you to enter and exit the UAE without a separate visa. This mainly benefits wealthier individuals and their families, providing them with a safe haven and enriching their lifestyle and business opportunities.
Moreover, a Golden Visa enables you to travel visa-free to many European countries and provides free movement within the Schengen area for a period of 90 days per 180 days. This easy access to travel is a significant advantage for Golden Visa holders, allowing them to explore new markets and opportunities.
The Esaad Card for Golden Visa holders in the UAE is an essential document that provides numerous advantages and facilitates the Golden Visa acquisition process. It’s a valuable opportunity for investors and their families to establish a long-term presence in the country, offering a range of benefits, including the ability to live and work in the UAE, access to healthcare and education services, and the opportunity to establish and grow businesses in the country.
Final Thoughts on the Esaad Card for Golden Visa Holders
So, if you’re reading about the Esaad Card and you don’t fit the eligibility requirements, you may consider getting a UAE Golden Visa. It’s your chance to tap into exclusive benefits and privileges across multiple sectors within the UAE and beyond. From travel to education, healthcare to lifestyle, the Esaad Card is your key to a world of opportunities.
FAQ’s
Which Countries Have a Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a global phenomenon, with legislation in over 100 countries, including over 60% of EU member states.
Do I Need to Have a Golden Visa to Get an Esaad Card?
No, you do not need to have a Golden Visa to get an Esaad Card. The card is available to a broader range of individuals, including Dubai Police employees, other government employees, military and civilian retirees, people of determination, and senior citizens. While Golden Visa holders are eligible for the Esaad Card and may find it particularly beneficial, having a Golden Visa is not a prerequisite for obtaining the card. The card aims to provide benefits across various sectors to a wide array of eligible residents and visitors in the UAE.
