Golden Visa: Five in-demand professions now qualify for UAE’s 10-year residency
Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead expansions to attract global professionals
DUBAI: The UAE's Golden Visa, a prestigious 10-year renewable residency scheme, has welcomed five new professional categories for 2025, offering long-term residency to a broader segment of skilled individuals and high-net-worth professionals.
Originally launched in 2019, the programme was designed to retain top talent and attract global expertise in areas such as medicine, science, technology, and investment. With its expansion, the visa now reflects the UAE’s evolving strategy to position itself as a centre of excellence, innovation, and economic growth.
This long-term residency scheme grants holders and their families unparalleled benefits, including the ability to live, work, or study in the UAE without a national sponsor, and full ownership of businesses in the mainland. With a streamlined application process and growing list of eligible professions, the Golden Visa is fast becoming one of the most sought-after residency programmes in the region.
On May 12, in honour of International Nurses Day, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, announced the inclusion of nurses in the Golden Visa scheme.
Nurses who have served with Dubai Health for more than 15 years will now be eligible for the 10-year visa. The move aims to recognise their pivotal role in supporting community wellbeing and enhancing healthcare services in the country. In his announcement, the Crown Prince praised nurses as “essential partners in building a healthier society” and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to honouring their dedication and service.
Educators
The UAE’s commitment to strengthening its education sector has led to the inclusion of outstanding teachers and academic leaders under the Golden Visa programme. The initiative was introduced in October 2024 by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and later adopted by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK).
Eligible applicants include teachers, principals, department heads, and academic leaders from private schools, early childhood centres, and higher education institutions. The visa rewards individuals with demonstrable academic achievements and contributions to innovation in teaching. In Dubai, the KHDA oversees the application process, while RAK DOK manages the scheme in Ras Al Khaimah.
Educators granted the visa may also sponsor their spouses and children, ensuring long-term stability for families in the UAE’s thriving education ecosystem.
Creative and tech talent
Two new categories added to the Golden Visa programme target the UAE’s fast-growing creative and gaming economies. In January, the Creators HQ initiative introduced a 10-year visa for content creators, filmmakers, and social media influencers. Applicants must demonstrate substantial engagement, a track record of income generation, and compliance with UAE media regulations. A valid licence from the National Media Council is also required.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), led by the Crown Prince, has introduced a separate visa track for e-sports professionals and gaming experts. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and obtain an accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a global gaming hub, supported by Abu Dhabi’s parallel efforts through its Department of Culture and Tourism.
Both visa categories aim to position the UAE as a global destination for digital innovation and storytelling, attracting creatives, tech entrepreneurs, and competitive gamers from around the world.
Golden Quay initiative
Abu Dhabi has added yet another dimension to the Golden Visa programme with the launch of the Golden Quay initiative. Targeting luxury yacht owners and professionals in the maritime sector, this new category offers long-term residency to individuals who own a private yacht of 40 metres or longer.
The initiative, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Yas Marina and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), also includes executives in yacht manufacturing and services, insurance, brokerage, and maintenance companies.
Family members of applicants may be sponsored under this category, offering high-net-worth individuals access to the UAE’s luxury lifestyle and investment opportunities in the marine tourism sector.
UAE Golden Visa: How to apply
Applicants seeking a UAE Golden Visa must submit documentation relevant to their profession. These may include proof of employment, evidence of contributions or achievements, professional licences, and identification documents. Depending on the emirate and category, applications can be submitted via official platforms such as the KHDA portal, Dubai Culture, Creators HQ, RAK DOK, or the Golden Quay portal.
Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days, with application fees ranging from Dh4,000 to Dh6,000. Additional costs for medical tests, document attestation, and Emirates ID issuance may apply. Upon approval, visa holders can renew their residency every ten years and enjoy benefits including family sponsorship, business ownership, and access to top-tier services and facilities.