UAE Golden Visa 2025 Update: What’s New and How it Works
The United Arab Emirates introduced its long‑term Golden Visa in 2019 to attract global talent. The visa grants a renewable ten‑year residence permit and self‑sponsorship. It allows holders to sponsor family members and unlimited domestic helpers. Holders may stay outside the UAE for more than six months without cancellation.
The initial target groups included investors, entrepreneurs and outstanding students. The programme now covers more categories to support economic diversification and knowledge‑based growth.
GITEX Global 2025 is the region’s largest technology expo. At this event, authorities announced the biggest Golden Visa overhaul since the programme began. The MoFA and the ICP announced new consular support services. They also introduced stricter income rules for some professionals and a broader list of eligible categories.
This guide explains the major updates. Furthermore, it compares old and new Golden Visa programmes and offers practical advice on qualifying.
Why the UAE’s Golden Visa Matters?
Before diving into the recent changes, it’s helpful to understand the visa’s underlying value proposition:
- Long‑term security with flexibility. Golden Visa holders receive an entry visa valid for six months to finalise residence issuance. They also get a renewable five‑ or ten‑year residence visa without a UAE sponsor. They may stay outside the UAE for more than six months without cancellation.
- Family and household sponsorship. Holders can sponsor spouses and kids of any age. They may also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers. Dependants may stay in the UAE until the visa expires. This applies even if the visa holder dies.
- Economic freedom. Golden Visa recipients can own 100% of businesses in mainland Dubai or Abu Dhabi. They can open personal bank accounts without local sponsorship. They may purchase property and invest in UAE companies. Holders can also access premium services like fast‑track immigration channels.
1. New Global Consular Support: Safety Net for Golden Visa Holders
During GITEX Global 2025, the MoFA and the ICP announced a new consular support initiative. It offers international protection for Golden Visa holders. Moreover, the programme extends full consular protection to non‑citizens for the first time. MoFA gives a general promise of emergency assistance. Below are the details about each service:
- Emergency consular assistance: Golden Visa holders can access urgent help from UAE embassies and consulates abroad, including for lost passports, legal issues, and crisis evacuations.
- Electronic Return Document (ERD) in 30 minutes: If you damage or end up losing your passport, you can request an Electronic Return Document. Use UAE Pass to log in to the MoFA site or app. Attach a lost passport report, your Golden Visa details and a recent photo. MoFA issues the digital ERD in about 30 minutes. The service is free and valid for a single entry within seven days. You cannot use the ERD to transit through other countries.
- 24/7 hotline for Golden Visa holders: MoFA operates a dedicated hotline at 00971 2 493 1133. You can call it at any time for assistance. When calling from abroad, use the +971 country code.
- Repatriation of mortal remains: If a Golden Visa holder dies abroad, family members should call the hotline. Alternatively, they can contact the nearest UAE mission. The mission coordinates documents like passport copies, death certificates and medical records. It arranges the return of the remains to the UAE. The mission offers administrative support, but families pay the costs.
- Emergency and crisis-response services: MoFA’s emergency unit collaborates with UAE missions. They include Golden Visa holders in official evacuation plans. Holders facing natural disasters or political unrest may receive immediate assistance. Officials may also include them in evacuation operations.
- Family inclusion: Consular services apply to the primary visa holder and their family. Spouses and dependent children can access MoFA assistance and hotline support.
These services make the UAE the first country to offer this consular support to resident visa holders. As a result, Golden Visa holders now get the same crisis assistance as Emirati nationals.
2. What This Means for Residents and Employers?
- Peace of mind when travelling: Travellers can obtain a temporary travel document within minutes and contact the MoFA at any hour. The quick process reduces travel risks.
- Company duty of care: Employers who send staff abroad can rely on UAE assistance in emergencies. KPMG advises HR teams to inform Golden Visa employees about the hotline. They should also explain the return document process.
- Enhanced global mobility: The visa offers extended validity and allows you to stay outside the UAE. New consular services make the programme secure for international professionals.
3. New Categories Added in 2025
The Golden Visa’s core categories include investors, entrepreneurs, executives, scientists and outstanding students. In 2025, authorities added five specialised groups to support critical industries and creative sectors.
Nurses with Long‑Term Service
Dubai Health launched a programme to address healthcare talent shortages. It grants Golden Visas to nurses who have served in Dubai for 15 years. Qualified nurses get fast‑track processing. The programme encourages them to remain in public and private hospitals.
Teachers and Educators
Teachers working at private schools, universities or early‑childhood centres can get a 10‑year Golden Visa. They must demonstrate exceptional academic contributions. KHDA announced the programme in October 2024. It expanded in 2025. Educators can apply through KHDA or RAK DOK.
Content Creators and Digital Artists
Digital content creators, filmmakers and social‑media influencers can obtain a 10‑year Golden Visa through Creators HQ. Creators HQ launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Applicants must show notable creative work. They need endorsement from the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
Gaming and e‑Sports Professionals
The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 opens the Golden Visa to e‑sports and game design professionals. Applicants must be at least 25 years old. They must obtain accreditation from Dubai Culture. The initiative aims to make Dubai a global gaming hub. It seeks to attract talent in game development, streaming and competitive e‑sports.
Luxury Yacht Owners and Industry Executives
The Abu Dhabi Golden Quay Initiative targets owners of private yachts at least 40 metres long. Executives and shareholders in yacht services can also apply. They can sponsor family members under the same visa. The programme encourages investment in the luxury marine sector.
Earlier expansions opened the Golden Visa to humanitarian pioneers, outstanding high‑school students and front‑line heroes. The 2025 rules also include teachers and healthcare professionals, along with sustainability experts.
4. Stricter Salary Requirements for Specialist Professionals
Professionals in medicine, engineering, science and information technology previously qualified for the Golden Visa based on total remuneration. This included housing and transport allowances. In 2024, the UAE changed the rules to ensure only high‑earning specialists benefit:
- Minimum basic salary of AED 30,000 per month: Allowances no longer count toward the salary threshold. Only your base wage can meet the requirement.
- Proof via salary certificate and bank statements: Provide a salary certificate from your UAE employer. Submit bank statements showing monthly deposits.
This change makes it harder for some professionals to qualify. It aligns the programme with the goal of attracting highly paid specialists. Entrepreneurs and investors are not affected by the salary rule.
5. Exceptional Students and Researchers: Recognition Process
Students with exceptional academic achievements can still obtain the Golden Visa. The Ministry of Education introduced a more rigorous recognition process. Applicants typically need:
- Academic excellence: Applicants must show high GPA scores or top rankings in recognised universities.
- MOE equivalency assessment: Degrees issued outside the UAE must undergo equivalency certification to meet local standards. An equivalency certificate shows that a foreign degree meets UAE and international standards.
- Endorsement from the MOE: After the assessment, the MOE issues a certificate of recognition. This certificate confirms that the degree is eligible for the Golden Visa.
The MOE has not published a timeline for recognition. Applicants should expect the process to take several weeks. Start well before graduation.
6. Tips for Prospective Applicants
- Assess your eligibility early: Review the relevant category, such as investor, entrepreneur, specialist professional or creative talent. Ensure you meet its criteria. Investors may need to own property worth at least AED 2 million. Alternatively, invest AED 2 million in an approved fund. Entrepreneurs need an innovative project worth at least AED 500,000. They also need approval from authorities and a business incubator.
- Prepare documentation: Collect bank statements, salary certificates, property deeds or investment fund letters as needed. If you studied abroad, start the equivalency or recognition process with the MOE early. Secure transcripts and degree certificates.
- Use official channels: Submit applications through the ICP website or the UAEICP mobile app. Avoid unlicensed consultants and verify information on the UAE government portal. You can also confirm details with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
- Leverage consular services: Save MoFA’s hotline (00971 2 493 1133). Understand how to request an Electronic Return Document if you lose your passport. Do this while travelling.
7. Outlook: Why the UAE’s Strategy Makes Sense?
This move shows its intent to be a global talent magnet. The Golden Visa offers a mix of security, flexibility, economic opportunity and family stability. This combination sets it apart from typical residency programmes.
The programme’s stricter income requirements ensure that the visa targets top‑tier specialists. The new categories align with strategic sectors such as healthcare, education and creative industries. They also serve luxury tourism.
The UAE continues to expand and digitalise its services. It is likely to remain one of the world’s most attractive long‑term residency destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I request an Electronic Return Document if I lose my passport?
Log in to the MoFA website or app using UAE Pass. Attach a lost passport report and your Golden Visa details. Provide a recent photo on a white background. MoFA issues a digital return document within about 30 minutes. MoFA issues it for free. It is valid for a single entry back to the UAE within seven days.
Q2: Is the ERD valid for travel to other countries?
No. You can only use the return document to re‑enter the UAE. It cannot be used to travel through or transit third countries.
Q3: What number do I call in case of an emergency while abroad?
Golden Visa holders should call MoFA’s dedicated hotline 00971 2 493 1133 for immediate assistance. The hotline operates 24/7 and supports both urgent crises and general inquiries.
Q4: Do the new consular services cover my family?
Yes. Consular services extend to spouses and children registered as dependents. The emergency hotline also covers them.
Q5: What is the minimum salary required for specialist professionals?
Specialists in medicine, engineering, and IT must earn at least AED 30,000 per month in basic salary. Allowances and housing benefits no longer count toward this threshold. Applicants must provide a salary certificate. They must also provide bank statements to prove earnings.
Q6: How long can Golden Residency holders stay outside the UAE without losing their residency?
Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months. They do not lose their residency benefits.
Q7: Can investors still qualify if they finance their property?
Yes. Real estate investors need property worth at least AED 2 million. They may also purchase property through a loan from approved local banks. Authorities issue the visa for five years and allow renewal under the same conditions.
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