Dubai’s new golden visa: How you can qualify
GDRFA and Awqaf Dubai partner to reward humanitarian contributions
DUBAI – Dubai has introduced a new route for obtaining its prestigious Golden Visa — a long-term residency permit that allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE for up to ten years without a sponsor.
The latest category expands eligibility to include Waqf (Islamic endowment) donors under the title of “financial supporters of humanitarian work”.
The initiative follows an agreement signed between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai), reinforcing the city’s commitment to recognising humanitarian contributions.
Dubai new golden visa
Officials said the move highlights Dubai’s dedication to fostering generosity, tolerance, and sustainability. Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, described the agreement as “an advanced model of governmental integration aimed at empowering endowers to contribute to community development”.
Awqaf Dubai Secretary-General Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa noted that enabling donors to obtain the Golden Visa “reflects Dubai’s vision of positioning endowment work as an active partner in sustainable development”.
This new category joins other Golden Visa options available across the UAE for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, professionals, outstanding students, and more recently, teachers, content creators, gaming professionals, and nurses.
Who can apply?
Under the new rules, both residents and non-residents who have made qualifying charitable endowments will be eligible. Awqaf Dubai will nominate endowers who meet the criteria specified in Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022 for the Golden Visa category related to humanitarian work.
Once approved, GDRFA-Dubai will issue the long-term residency permits. A joint committee formed between both entities will monitor implementation and ensure that the initiative meets its intended social objectives.