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In 2025, the UAE golden visa expanded to new sectors, adding five new professional categories to its residency program, including nurses, teachers, digital creators, and gamers. With this new move, the country aims to retain top talent from all over the world and give them the chance to live in the UAE and pursue their careers.
Let’s have a closer look at the newest additions and why it is a progressive development.
Expansion of the UAE golden visa
The UAE golden visa expanded to new sectors, reflecting the country’s broader Vision 2030 goals, which are economic diversification and attracting global talent for all key sectors, such as healthcare, education, luxury industries, and others. By opening doors to such creative professionals, the United Arab Emirates intends to position itself as an unprejudiced and advanced destination.
New golden visa categories
These categories are now part of the UAE Golden Visa program:
Golden Visa for nurses with long-term service
The UAE golden visa expanded to new sectors, announcing a new category for nurses on May 12, International Nurses Day. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of the UAE, declared a 10-year visa for nursing staff who have served for more than 15 years in the Dubai Healthcare sector. He praised nurses and acknowledged their critical role in enhancing the quality of healthcare and contributing to a healthier society.
Golden Visa for outstanding teachers and educators
The Golden Visa for private education professionals was launched in October 2024 by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Under this category, educators working in private schools, universities, and early childhood centres who have made exceptional contributions to the UAE’s education sector can apply for a 10-year long-term residency plan, based on their academic achievements, innovation, and efforts to raise educational standards. Besides, they can avail the liberty to sponsor their family members under this visa.
Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah, through the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK), introduced its own Golden Visa initiative for teachers, principals, department heads, and school directors working in private schools to recognise and retain exceptional talent in the education sector.
To know more about the specific criteria and application details, connect with our experts in Dubai, UAE.
Golden Visa for content creators
The UAE’s 10-year creative residency program was introduced at the 1 billion Followers Summit in January to position the UAE as a global hub for digital storytelling and media production. Managed by Creators HQ, this visa allows digital content creators, filmmakers, and social media influencers to live and work in the UAE for a long duration with full independence and professional support.
Golden Visa for e-sports and gaming professionals
The Golden Visa for gaming professionals was launched as part of the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), offering 10-year residency to individuals in the gaming and e-sports industry. However, this visa category holds specific criteria for applicants to qualify. For instance, they must be 25 years old or above. They must possess an accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture.
The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi has also introduced its Golden Visa initiative to support gaming talent in the Emirate. Sheikh Hamdan introduced this category to enhance the UAE’s position in the global gaming sector and transform it into a global centre for e-sports.
Golden Visa for luxury yacht owners in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, through the Abu Dhabi Golden Quay initiative, introduced a Golden Visa category for luxury yacht owners, targeting high-net-worth individuals in the luxury marine sector. Launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Yas Marina, this visa enables key executives in yacht manufacturing and services, shareholders in yacht companies, agents, insurers, and service providers to apply for the 10-year Golden visa by meeting the established criteria, such as owning a 40 metres or long private yacht.
UAE Golden Visa: Updated Salary requirements
The salary requirements for the Golden Visa have significantly changed in 2025, by excluding allowances and focusing solely on the basic salary.
As per the new developments, to qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, applicants must earn a minimum monthly basic salary of AED 30,000, excluding any additional allowances, such as housing, transportation, or other benefits. This means that if your total compensation package exceeds AED 30,000 but the basic pay falls short, you will not be eligible for this visa.
The new salary requirements for the Golden Visa primarily affect those in managerial roles or specialised fields. With these changes, the UAE government intends to attract high-calibre individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the social development and economic growth of the country.
Key benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE
Irrespective of the category you fall under, the UAE Golden visa offers a wide range of advantages to its holders -
- 10-Year Renewable Residency: Validity of 10 years with the option of renewal, offering long-term security in the UAE.
- Self-Sponsorship: Gives complete freedom to choose a profession, switch jobs, or even start a business in the UAE without restrictions, thereby eliminating the need for a UAE employer or local sponsor.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor spouse, children (of any age) and even domestic staff, and bring the entire family under one secure residency plan.
- Freedom to Live, Work, or Study Anywhere in the UAE: Holders have the choice to live anywhere in the UAE, be it Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate. Moreover, they are not tied to a particular employer.
- Multiple Entry Visa During Application: A 6-month multiple-entry visa to freely enter and exit the UAE until the Golden Visa application is being processed.
- Property Ownership Rights: Opportunity for real estate investors to buy property in designated areas across the UAE, including those usually restricted to expatriates.
- Access to Exclusive Government Benefits: Eligible for special healthcare packages, discounted school fees, and exclusive offers on business services.
- Business and Career Opportunities: Freedom to set up a company, invest in projects, or take on leadership roles in UAE firms with more stability and fewer restrictions.
Applying for the new categories: Procedure
As the UAE golden visa expanded to new sectors, the candidates applying for the new category visas need to follow a structured process, which includes the following steps:
Check Your Eligibility
Start by confirming your eligibility to apply for the Golden visa:
- Nurses: At least 15 years of continuous service in any recognised healthcare facility in the UAE.
- Teachers/Educators: Certified by KHDA or RAK DOK and working in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah.
- Digital Content Creators: Have proof of consistent work, such as followers, engagement, or creative projects, and acknowledgment from Creators HQ.
- E-sports/Gaming Professionals: Aged above 25 and accredited by Dubai Culture or Abu Dhabi DCT.
- Luxury Yacht Owners/Executives: Proof of ownership of a yacht, or professional role in maritime services.
Secure Approvals or Recommendations
For certain categories, you may require a recommendation letter or official approval from relevant authorities:
- KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) for teachers.
- RAK DOK (Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge) for educators in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Dubai Culture/Abu Dhabi DCT for gaming professionals.
- Creators HQ for content creators.
Prepare and Submit Your Documents
You need to provide a strong set of documents, which includes the following:
- A valid passport copy
- Existing UAE residency visa and Emirates ID
- Proof of profession, such as employment letters, service records, contracts, etc.
- Academic certificates or licenses (for teachers/educators and healthcare workers)
- Portfolio, channel statistics, or media reach (for content creators)
- Yacht ownership documents or professional licenses (for maritime professionals)
Apply Through Official Channels
Once all the documents are ready, submit your application through any of the following online channels:
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) - For applications across the UAE.
- GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) - For Dubai-specific applications.
Pay the Required Fees
The fees for Golden Visa applications vary depending on the category and emirate. However, the general cost may include application charges, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance.
Wait for Approval and Collect Your Visa
Upon approval from the authorities, receive your Golden Visa and your Emirates ID with 10-year residency status.
Simplify your journey to the UAE
As the UAE golden visa expanded to new sectors, adding five new categories, it has become more inclusive than ever. The country now invites exceptional individuals and leading professionals from around the world to contribute to its developing economy and be part of its future.
Nevertheless, if you are confused about understanding the requirements and regulations under the new categories, our experts are here to make this ride easy for you. From suggesting rewarding career opportunities and assessing your eligibility to preparing your application and fulfilling the required criteria, they will be your constant companion alongside your Golden Visa journey.
Start building your future with us. Get in touch with our team today!.
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