UAE Expands Golden Visa Program to Attract Global Talent in Healthcare, Education, Gaming, and Luxury Sectors

The announcement, made in May 2025, widens the scope of the long-term residency scheme to include professionals from healthcare, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and the luxury maritime sector.

Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa allows individuals to reside in the UAE for up to 10 years without the need for employer sponsorship. This latest update reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and is aligned with the national Vision 2030 strategy to attract 100,000 skilled professionals over the next five years.

Five New Categories Added to Golden Visa Scheme

1. Veteran Nurses Honoured with 10-Year Residency

Marking International Nurses Day on May 12, the UAE announced long-term residency for nurses with over 15 years of service. Spearheaded by Dubai Health under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan, this move recognizes the vital role of nursing staff in the country's expanding healthcare sector, which supports around 3.7 million medical tourists annually, according to the Dubai Health Authority.

2. Educators in Private Schools and Universities

Teachers, principals, and academic professionals in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are now eligible for the Golden Visa. The initiative, managed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and RAK DOK, promotes educational excellence and offers family sponsorship, reinforcing the UAE’s global standing in education — currently ranked 10th by UNESCO.

3. Social Media and Digital Content Creators

Unveiled during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the creative residency stream allows influencers and digital creators to apply without employer sponsorship. Overseen by Creators HQ, this track supports freelancers and digital entrepreneurs in a media sector that generates $2 billion annually, according to the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

4. E-Sports Professionals and Gamers

Professionals aged 25 and above can now apply for long-term visas through Dubai’s DPG33 initiative or via Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT). With the UAE’s gaming industry valued at $1.8 billion and playing host to 20% of global e-sports events, this move aims to position the country as a top-tier gaming hub.

5. Luxury Yacht Owners and Maritime Executives

Under Abu Dhabi’s “Golden Quay” initiative, individuals owning yachts longer than 40 meters, along with key industry executives, can secure 10-year visas. The initiative is part of the UAE’s plan to grow its $1.2 billion luxury maritime tourism industry.

Driving Economic Diversification and Long-Term Settlement

The new visa categories support the UAE’s broader strategic goals:

• Healthcare and Education: Long-term residency options help retain seasoned nurses and academic professionals, enhancing Dubai's status as a global medical and educational destination.
• Creative Economy and E-Sports: With approximately 500,000 annual visitors to gaming events in Dubai, the inclusion of content creators and gamers is expected to fuel growth in digital entertainment.
• Maritime Tourism: Luxury yacht ownership contributes to the 8% GDP growth recorded in the UAE’s non-oil sectors, per real estate consultancy CBRE.

Notably, most new visa categories allow family sponsorship, encouraging professionals to settle and integrate into UAE society—setting the country apart from others in the Gulf region, where long-term residency is still limited.

Streamlined Application Process and Global Appeal

Golden Visa applications can be filed through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal or accredited government partners in Dubai. Depending on the category, applicants must provide:

• Verified qualifications or long-term service records
• Proof of significant contributions or achievements (for creators and educators)
• Ownership documentation (for yacht applicants)

The average processing time is approximately 30 days — significantly faster than other high-skilled immigration pathways, such as Singapore’s Global Talent Programme (up to 90 days) or Canada’s Express Entry system.

According to LinkedIn data, about 70% of Golden Visa recipients remain in the UAE after initial issuance, highlighting the program's success in retaining top talent.

Positioning the UAE as a Global Innovation and Lifestyle Destination

Since its inception, the Golden Visa program has issued over 20,000 visas, per the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The policy complements other national initiatives:

• Global connectivity: Emirates and Etihad operate flights to over 150 international destinations.
• Entrepreneurship: Dubai hosts more than 15,000 startups, according to the Dubai Development Authority (DDA).
• Gaming prominence: Abu Dhabi hosts a fifth of all global e-sports events, solidifying its role in the global gaming scene.

Combined with the UAE’s tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and political stability, the expanded Golden Visa program enhances the country's appeal to global professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking long-term opportunities in a future-forward environment.