UAE Golden Visa Eligibility for Investors Professionals Entrepreneurs and Exceptional Talents

Long term residence as a strategic legal decision

Estimated reading time: 28 minutes

For high net worth individuals, founders, property investors, senior executives, artificial intelligence specialists and expatriate families, the United Arab Emirates Golden Visa is not merely an immigration product. It is a long term legal structure for residence, business continuity, family stability, investment planning and personal mobility in the United Arab Emirates, commonly referred to as the UAE. The difference between a successful application and a delayed or rejected file often lies in legal classification, evidence preparation and compliance with the exact Golden Visa requirements currently applied by the competent UAE authorities.

As of 19 October 2026, the principal federal immigration framework remains Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners, together with Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 Issuing the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners, as amended and applied through the competent federal and local authorities. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, referred to in this Article as the Federal Authority, is the federal authority responsible for residence services outside Dubai. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai is the competent authority for many Golden Visa Dubai files. Dubai Land Department is also directly involved in the property investor visa UAE route where the qualifying real estate is located in Dubai.

The UAE Golden Visa is a residence permit. It is not citizenship, it does not automatically remove licensing obligations, and it does not replace corporate, real estate, tax, labour or family law requirements. It is, however, 1 of the most valuable residence structures available in the region because it may allow eligible applicants to reside, work, study, invest, sponsor family members and remain outside the UAE for periods exceeding the ordinary 6 month absence rule applicable to many other residence categories, provided the Golden Visa itself remains valid and the holder continues to satisfy the applicable conditions.

A careful legal assessment should always begin with the correct route. A wealthy individual may qualify as a public investor, a property owner, a company owner, an entrepreneur, a senior skilled professional, a scientist, a digital technology talent, or an exceptional talent. The evidence is different for each route, and an application prepared under the wrong category can fail even where the applicant is commercially successful.

The current legal basis and competent authorities

The UAE immigration system is built on federal legislation, executive regulations and the implementation rules of competent federal and local authorities. Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners provides the legal foundation for entry and residence permits. Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 Issuing the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners provides the executive framework for residence categories, including Golden Residence. Earlier Golden Residence rules should not be relied on without checking whether they have been replaced, consolidated or superseded by the current executive regulations and the current authority service requirements.

According to the current Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, the Golden Residency programme enables eligible individuals to obtain long term residence in the UAE for 10 years, renewable where the applicable conditions continue to be met. The guide also states that eligible applicants outside the UAE may receive a 6 month multiple entry visa, renewable for an additional 6 months, to complete Golden Residency procedures.

In practice, jurisdiction matters. Applications may be processed through the Federal Authority, through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, through Dubai Land Department service channels, or through designated local channels depending on the emirate, the residence file, the place of employment, the location of the real estate, and the type of Golden Visa category. For Golden Visa Dubai property files, Dubai Land Department and approved service centres play a central role in confirming ownership value, title information and property related evidence.

The main legal point is that the Golden Visa is not granted because an applicant is generally wealthy or internationally successful. It is granted because the applicant falls within a legally recognised category and proves the required facts through acceptable official documents. A UAE immigration lawyer or UAE residency lawyer will normally examine the applicant’s financial, employment, property, corporate and family documents before choosing the legal route.

The most common competent authorities involved in Golden Visa matters include:

• The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security for federal residence services.
• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai for Dubai residence files.
• Dubai Land Department for real estate investor files involving Dubai property.
• The Federal Tax Authority for tax contribution evidence in public investor and company owner files.
• The Ministry of Economy for certain inventor and intellectual property based nominations.
• The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for selected industry and Fourth Industrial Revolution specialists.
• The Ministry of Education for degree recognition and education related categories.
• The Ministry of Health and Prevention or local health authorities for certain healthcare professionals.
• The Emirates Scientists Council for scientist and researcher recommendations.
• The Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions for digital technology talent nominations in Dubai related files.

Public investors and company owners

The public investment route is particularly relevant for high net worth individuals, business owners, partners in UAE companies, founders with substantial capital and investors who can evidence a qualifying financial commitment. According to the Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, investors in public investments within the UAE may qualify for a 10 year Golden Residency if they meet 1 of the recognised investment bases and satisfy the supporting conditions.

The principal public investment routes include:

• A financial deposit of at least United Arab Emirates dirham 2,000,000, abbreviated as AED 2,000,000, with an investment fund or 1 of the national banks operating in the UAE.
• Establishing an establishment or company in the UAE with capital of at least AED 2,000,000.
• Being a partner in an existing or newly established establishment or company with a financial share of at least AED 2,000,000.
• Owning an establishment or company that is committed to paying taxes due to the Federal Government of at least AED 250,000 annually.
• Being a partner in an establishment or company that pays tax to the Federal Tax Authority, provided the applicant’s share corresponds to at least AED 250,000 annually from the total tax paid.

For this category, the invested capital must be fully owned by the investor and must not be derived from a loan. This is an important distinction. A corporate structure may be commercially valid, but Golden Visa eligibility requires proof that the qualifying capital is genuinely owned by the applicant. Evidence may include audited financial statements, memorandum of association, commercial licence, industrial licence, free zone share certificates, capital evidence, bank statements, tax certificates and documents proving the source and ownership of funds.

For company owners in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai states that an investor or partner in a UAE company may be required to provide a certified financial report issued by an accredited audit firm in the UAE, a valid trade licence, company bank statements, tax registration documents and evidence relating to free zone capital where applicable. Dubai guidance also refers to evaluation of investment size, employment, administrative efficiency and financial solvency before final approval.

This route should not be confused with an ordinary investor visa Dubai category linked to company sponsorship or shorter term investor residence. The UAE Golden Visa is a long term residence category with higher documentary scrutiny. The applicant must show that the investment is real, compliant, traceable and continuing. If the qualifying deposit is withdrawn, the property is disposed of, the company ceases to satisfy the relevant conditions, or the tax evidence no longer supports the threshold, the residence may become vulnerable to cancellation or non renewal.

A legal review is especially important where the applicant owns shares through holding companies, special purpose vehicles, offshore structures, free zone entities, nominee arrangements or family offices. Immigration authorities typically require a clear connection between the applicant and the qualifying capital. Where ownership is indirect, the file should be prepared with corporate charts, legalised documents, board resolutions and beneficial ownership evidence where required.

Real estate investors and Dubai property owners

The property investor visa UAE route is 1 of the most attractive Golden Visa pathways for international clients purchasing residential or investment property in the UAE. According to the Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, a real estate investor may qualify where the investor owns 1 or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, with ownership registered in the investor’s name. The guide further states that the property may be financed through a loan if the financing is obtained from an approved local bank, and that off plan property may qualify where 1 or more units with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000 are purchased from an approved local real estate company authorised by the competent local authority.

For Golden Visa Dubai applications based on real estate, Dubai Land Department states that the service is available to a real estate investor owning property with a purchase value equal to or exceeding AED 2,000,000 at the time of purchase, for a 10 year renewable residence permit. The same service indicates that the husband or wife, children and parents may be sponsored, subject to applicable requirements. For mortgaged property, Dubai Land Department requires a bank letter indicating AED 2,000,000 paid amount as proof, and the Dubai service terms require property ownership under the applicant’s name and the applicant’s presence inside the UAE.

For Dubai real estate files, the core evidence usually includes:

• Valid passport.
• Electronic certificate of title or title deed.
• Property status statement or relevant Dubai Land Department certificate.
• Personal photograph.
• UAE Emirates Identity Card if already issued.
• Copy of current residence permit if applicable.
• Bank no objection letter and payment statement where the property is mortgaged.
• Health insurance documents for the applicant and sponsored family members.
• Marriage certificate and birth certificates where dependants are included.

Several practical issues commonly arise. First, the property value must be evidenced in the manner accepted by the competent authority. A private sale price, marketing valuation or developer statement may not be sufficient if the authority requires a land department certificate or approved valuation. Second, in joint ownership, the applicant’s own share should meet the applicable threshold. Dubai guidance indicates that where ownership is a share in a joint property, the value of the applicant’s share must not be less than AED 2,000,000. Third, mortgaged property can qualify, but the bank evidence must be carefully prepared and must satisfy the authority’s requirements.

Off plan property requires particular care. The federal guide allows off plan units where the purchase is from an approved local real estate company authorised by the competent local authority. In practice, the applicant should verify that the developer, project registration, payment schedule, escrow arrangements, and property registration documents support a Golden Visa application before relying on the investment for residence planning.

The real estate route is not a substitute for conveyancing due diligence. Before purchasing property for immigration purposes, the investor should verify title status, developer approval, mortgage conditions, payment evidence, valuation risk, registration fees, family sponsorship requirements and the practical ability to renew the residence if the property is sold or transferred. A UAE residency lawyer should also consider whether the property is held personally, jointly with a spouse, through a company, or through another structure that may not satisfy direct ownership requirements.

Entrepreneurs and founders

Entrepreneurs are treated separately from passive investors because the legal focus is innovation, growth potential, future technology and economic contribution. According to the Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, entrepreneurs with established businesses or successful business plans, whether inside or outside the UAE, may qualify for 10 year Golden Residency where they satisfy the recognised conditions.

The current Federal Authority guide identifies 3 principal entrepreneur routes:

• The applicant owns or is a partner in an entrepreneurial venture registered in the UAE, classified as a small or medium-sized enterprise and operating in an approved field, with annual revenues of at least AED 1,000,000.
• The applicant obtains approval for the entrepreneurial project idea from an accredited business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, the Federal Authority, or a relevant local authority, to establish and operate the proposed activity in the UAE.
• The applicant is the founder or 1 of the founders of 1 or more entrepreneurial ventures previously sold with a total value of at least AED 7,000,000.

In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai describes the entrepreneur Golden Residence Permit as being available for entrepreneurs with successful projects or business plans of a technological or future nature based on disruptive innovation, whether from inside or outside the UAE. The Dubai service page refers to a nomination letter from Dubai Future Authority for this category.

The legal challenge for entrepreneurs is proving that the business is not merely a licensed company, but an entrepreneurial venture within the meaning of the Golden Visa framework. A trading licence alone may not be enough. The file should usually include evidence of the business model, ownership, revenue, audited accounts, investment raised, intellectual property, technology, market traction, employee base, incubator acceptance, awards, accelerator participation, sale documents or government nomination.

Founders should also distinguish between the entrepreneur route and the public investor route. If the business has AED 2,000,000 capital or the owner’s share in company assets is sufficient, the investor route may be more suitable. If the company is innovative but has not yet reached that capital level, the entrepreneur route may be more appropriate. If the founder is also a technology specialist or artificial intelligence expert, the exceptional talent or skilled professional routes may also be considered.

The strongest applications tell a legally coherent story. They show who the founder is, what the venture does, why it qualifies as innovative or future oriented, what authority has endorsed it, and how the applicant satisfies the residence conditions. Without this structure, a file may be treated as a general business visa request rather than a true UAE Golden Visa entrepreneur application.

Skilled professionals and senior executives

The skilled professionals Golden Visa route is designed to retain and attract senior human capital. According to the Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, skilled professionals in senior occupational levels may qualify where they fall within the occupational classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The guide specifically refers to chairpersons and chief executives at occupational level 1 and specialists at occupational level 2.

For specialised professionals, the core requirements currently include:

• A valid work permit in the UAE under a valid and approved employment contract.
• Classification as a skilled worker at the 1st or 2nd professional level, according to the occupational classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• At least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, with Ministry of Education recognition or attestation where required.
• A monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 or equivalent in foreign currency.
• Comprehensive and valid health insurance for the applicant and family members throughout the validity period of residence.
• Professional licence where the profession requires licensing, such as certain medical, pharmacy, teaching and regulated occupations.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai states for specialised scientists and specialised professionals that the Golden Residence Permit is valid for 10 years and can be extended if the same conditions are met. Dubai guidance also states that the authority may take measures during the validity period, and that if the salary falls below AED 30,000 or the contract is cancelled, the Golden Residence Permit may be cancelled.

For senior executives, the legal issue is often classification. A job title such as director, manager, consultant or specialist does not automatically prove eligibility. The applicant must fit the relevant professional level and provide documents that align with the approved employment contract, work permit, salary certificate, bank statement, degree recognition and professional licensing where applicable. Inconsistent documents are a common reason for delay.

The salary threshold should be treated as a strict evidentiary matter. Authorities may review salary certificates, wage protection records, bank statements, employment contracts and company documents. If the applicant receives allowances, bonuses, commissions, overseas payments or partner drawings, the evidence should be reviewed before filing. A UAE immigration lawyer can help determine whether the remuneration package is likely to be accepted as monthly salary for the purpose of the Golden Visa category.

Professionals should also consider timing. If the employment contract is new, if the salary has recently changed, if the degree is not yet recognised by the Ministry of Education, or if the applicant is moving between employers, it may be better to regularise the employment position before filing. A premature application may create a negative record or require avoidable re-submission.

Artificial intelligence specialists digital technology talent and exceptional talents

Artificial intelligence professionals, data scientists, digital transformation leaders, advanced technology researchers and technology founders may have more than 1 possible Golden Visa route. The correct classification depends on whether the applicant is applying as a skilled professional, scientist, industry and Fourth Industrial Revolution specialist, entrepreneur, digital technology talent, inventor, or exceptional talent.

The artificial intelligence specialists UAE visa route is not a single generic category for everyone working in technology. In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai states that digital technology talents are within the exceptional talents category and require a nomination letter from the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions. The same Dubai guidance confirms that the exceptional talents Golden Residence Permit covers people of culture and art, innovators and inventors, athletes and talents in the field of digital technology, and that the permit is valid for 10 years and may be extended if the same conditions are met.

For artificial intelligence and technology applicants, the evidence may include:

• Nomination from the competent authority.
• Professional portfolio showing artificial intelligence systems, platforms, products or research.
• Patents, intellectual property filings or software ownership evidence.
• Published research, technical papers or product documentation.
• Employment contract and salary evidence where applying as a skilled professional.
• Degree recognition in computer science, engineering, data science, artificial intelligence or a related field.
• Evidence of leadership in digital transformation, advanced technology or Fourth Industrial Revolution projects.
• Company documents where the applicant is a founder or technology entrepreneur.

Applicants in industry and advanced technology may also be relevant to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology route. The Federal Authority guide refers to leading specialists in the fields of industry and the Fourth Industrial Revolution based on recommendation from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or relevant local authorities. This is highly relevant for specialists in industrial artificial intelligence, robotics, smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, digital twins, advanced automation and data driven manufacturing systems.

Exceptional talent categories are attractive because they may not always depend on property value, company capital or employment salary. However, they are not discretionary awards granted merely because the applicant is impressive. They depend heavily on recognition, recommendation and nomination by the competent authority. According to the Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, exceptional talents include individuals in culture and arts, innovators and inventors, athletes, talents in digital technology and exceptional talents in other fields of importance as determined by relevant government authorities.

Dubai guidance further requires nomination letters from the relevant bodies, such as the Ministry of Culture, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority or Emirates Media Council for cultural and artistic persons, the Ministry of Economy or relevant local authority for innovators and inventors, the Ministry of Sports or Dubai Sports Council for athletes, and the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions for digital technology talents.

For cultural and creative applicants, Dubai guidance refers to factors such as at least 5 years of professional experience in intellectual or creative production, published or distributed works within the last 3 years, recognition by critics, media or specialised entities, collaboration with prestigious organisations and active membership of recognised international arts organisations or associations. These requirements show that the authority is assessing objective distinction, not general professional activity.

For inventors, the file should focus on patents, commercialisation, economic value, technical novelty and official recommendation. For athletes, the file should focus on achievements, championships, ranking, federation positions, sports medicine contributions or endorsement by the relevant sports authority. For digital technology talents, the file should focus on national relevance, innovation, measurable impact, technical leadership and the competent artificial intelligence or digital transactions nomination.

Final approval remains with the immigration authority even where a nomination is obtained. The immigration authority may review the file, verify supporting documents and assess whether all approved conditions and criteria are met. Exceptional talent applications should therefore be prepared as legal evidence files, not publicity portfolios. Media coverage, awards and professional recognition are useful, but they must be connected to the legal criteria. Documents should be translated where necessary, attested where required, and organised according to the competent authority’s checklist.

Family sponsorship procedure and timing

One of the most significant benefits of the UAE Golden Visa is family stability. According to the Federal Authority Golden Residency Guide, Golden Residency holders may obtain residence permits for spouses and children regardless of age, as well as for parents, subject to applicable procedures. The guide also states that if the sponsor holding Golden Residency dies, sponsored family members may remain in the UAE for the duration of the validity of the residence permits granted to them.

The typical procedure includes the following stages:

1. Initial legal assessment of the correct Golden Visa category.
2. Collection and review of passport, residence, employment, property, company, tax, education and family documents.
3. Obtaining any required recommendation, nomination, land department certificate, tax certificate, audit report, bank letter or degree recognition.
4. Filing through the Federal Authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Land Department or another competent channel.
5. Payment of government fees.
6. Medical fitness examination where required.
7. Emirates Identity Card process.
8. Residence permit issuance.
9. Dependent applications for spouse, children, parents and domestic workers where applicable.

Applicants outside the UAE should consider the 6 month multiple entry visa route mentioned by the Federal Authority, which may be renewable for an additional 6 months to complete Golden Residency procedures. Applicants already inside the UAE may need status adjustment depending on their current visa or residence position. Where a previous residence is cancelled, the applicant must ensure that status is regularised before any grace period expires.

Processing times vary by category and authority. Dubai Land Department indicates a service time of 7 to 10 business days for its property investor Golden Visa service. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai service pages indicate different expected completion times depending on category, including 5 working days for certain investor and talent services and 48 hours for specialised scientist and professional categories. These are administrative service indications and should not be treated as guaranteed approval timelines where additional verification is required.

Overstay risk must be managed carefully. The Federal Authority’s residence renewal service states that a fine of AED 50 per day applies for remaining in the UAE after the end of the applicable grace period following expiry or cancellation of a residence permit. The same service identifies a 180 day grace period for Golden, Green and Blue Residence holders and their family members after expiry or cancellation, subject to the applicable rules. A prudent applicant should not rely on grace periods as a planning tool. Renewal and status correction should be started early.

Legal risks refusals cancellation renewal and strategic support

The UAE Golden Visa is renewable, but renewal depends on continued eligibility. This is the point most often overlooked. A Golden Visa granted on the basis of property, deposit, company ownership, salary, employment contract, professional licence or nomination can be affected if the underlying condition changes.

Key risk areas include:

• Selling or transferring qualifying property before renewal or before satisfying authority conditions.
• Withdrawing or changing a qualifying bank deposit.
• Reducing company capital or changing the applicant’s ownership share.
• Failure to maintain the required annual tax contribution where the file is based on tax evidence.
• Salary falling below AED 30,000 for specialised professional applications.
• Cancellation or non renewal of the employment contract supporting a skilled professional file.
• Loss of professional licence where the occupation is regulated.
• Inadequate health insurance for the applicant or family members.
• Unattested or inconsistent education certificates.
• Mismatch between job title, work permit classification and actual professional role.
• Mortgage documents that do not prove the required paid amount or approved financing conditions.
• Nomination letters that expire or do not match the filed category.

If an application is refused or delayed, the response should be legal and documentary rather than emotional. The applicant should identify whether the issue is category selection, missing evidence, insufficient threshold, authority nomination, document attestation, salary proof, title evidence, property valuation, corporate ownership, tax contribution or immigration status. A corrected filing may be possible where the defect is curable.

In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai makes clear in certain service guidance that the authority reserves the right to take measures to ensure that individuals covered by Golden Residence provisions continue to meet conditions throughout the validity period. This is especially important for investors and specialised professionals. A Golden Visa holder should therefore keep evidence of continuing compliance, including property certificates, bank letters, company accounts, tax certificates, salary evidence, health insurance and valid passports.

Golden Visa holders should also keep family documents current. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, custody documents, dependency certificates for parents, no objection letters where required and health insurance records should be maintained in a form acceptable to UAE authorities. International clients should expect translation, notarisation, legalisation and consular attestation requirements depending on the issuing country.

A UAE Golden Visa application should be approached as a legal evidence project. The strongest file is not necessarily the largest file. It is the file that matches the correct legal category, proves the threshold with official documents, anticipates authority questions and avoids contradictions between immigration, property, corporate, tax and employment records.

For high net worth individuals, the central question is whether the public investment, deposit, company ownership, tax contribution or real estate route is legally strongest. For property investors, the key issues are title, valuation, mortgage evidence, off plan eligibility and family sponsorship. For company owners, the decisive documents are often audited accounts, licence records, shareholding documents and Federal Tax Authority evidence. For senior professionals, the focus is occupational classification, salary proof, degree recognition and contract validity. For entrepreneurs, the legal strategy turns on innovation evidence and competent authority approval. For artificial intelligence specialists and exceptional talents, nomination strategy is often the most important part of the case.

A UAE immigration lawyer can assist with category selection, document review, authority communication, legalisation requirements, status correction, family sponsorship planning and renewal risk management. The role of legal counsel is not merely to submit forms. It is to protect the client from choosing the wrong route, relying on insufficient evidence, misunderstanding Golden Visa Dubai requirements, or assuming that commercial success automatically satisfies immigration law.

For international families and investors, early legal advice is particularly valuable before purchasing property, restructuring company shares, accepting a UAE employment contract, relocating family members, transferring assets or applying for nomination as a digital technology or artificial intelligence talent. Proper planning can align residence, investment, tax, employment and family objectives before the application is filed.

The UAE Golden Visa remains 1 of the most sophisticated long term residence systems in the region. Used correctly, it can support business expansion, wealth planning, professional mobility and family continuity. Used without legal preparation, it can lead to delay, refusal, cancellation risk or unnecessary restructuring. Applicants seeking an investor visa Dubai route, a property investor visa UAE route, a skilled professionals Golden Visa route, or an artificial intelligence specialists UAE visa should therefore treat the application as a strategic legal matter and obtain tailored support from a qualified UAE residency lawyer or UAE immigration lawyer before filing. Common document and renewal errors should also be checked against the most frequent Golden Visa requirements UAE mistakes before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UAE Golden Visa citizenship?

No. The UAE Golden Visa is a residence permit. It is not citizenship, and it does not replace corporate, real estate, tax, labour, licensing or family law requirements.

What is the main property threshold for a UAE Golden Visa?

A real estate investor may qualify where the investor owns 1 or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, subject to the applicable authority evidence and ownership requirements.

Can a Golden Visa holder sponsor family members?

Yes. Golden Residency holders may obtain residence permits for spouses and children regardless of age, as well as for parents, subject to applicable procedures and requirements.

Can a Golden Visa be affected after approval?

Yes. Renewal and continued residence may be affected if the underlying qualifying condition changes, such as property sale, deposit withdrawal, salary reduction, employment cancellation, company ownership changes or loss of required professional licensing.

Do artificial intelligence specialists have a single generic Golden Visa route?

No. Artificial intelligence professionals may have more than 1 possible route, including skilled professional, entrepreneur, digital technology talent, industry and Fourth Industrial Revolution specialist, scientist, inventor or exceptional talent, depending on their evidence and nominations.