Category: Golden Visa

The UAE’s Golden Visa for doctors is one of the most impactful legal initiatives to date, designed to retain and attract top-tier medical talent. It offers long-term residency and professional mobility, recognizing doctors as vital contributors to the country’s social and economic well-being.

This visa is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which outlines the legal framework for long-term visas, including the eligibility and categories of foreign professionals entitled to residency without the need for a local sponsor.

While the law sets the baseline eligibility at the federal level, its application and enforcement are delegated to individual emirates, each with its own immigration authority. As a result, the specific documentation, approval channels, and procedural nuances vary depending on the emirate in which the doctor is licensed and employed.

Importantly, while this program is intended to attract international talent, it is currently limited to doctors with UAE-based experience. As a general rule, doctors with only foreign credentials and no local employment history are not yet eligible for this visa category.

Legal Framework and Jurisdiction

As mentioned, the Golden Visa program is rooted in Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 and administered by various local authorities, including:

• Dubai: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
• Abu Dhabi: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
• Sharjah and other emirates: ICP and local Typing Centers

While the core eligibility requirements stem from the federal law, each emirate retains discretion on how these are applied and verified, particularly regarding licensing and employment documentation.

Eligibility Requirements

Doctors across the UAE typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Basic Salary: AED 30,000 per month.
• Minimum UAE Experience: At least 2 years in a licensed hospital or clinic within the UAE.
• Health Authority Permit: A valid license from the relevant authority (DHA, DOH, or MOHAP).
• NOC: No Objection Certificate from the current employer.
• MOHRE Labor Contract.
• Bank Statement: Personal 6-month statement from a UAE bank.
• Legalized Medical Degree: Degrees must be legalized but no equivalency certificate is required.

As confirmed by DHA and Amer Centers, foreign-qualified doctors without local experience are not eligible at this time.

Licensing Authorities Based on Emirate

The permit or professional license must be issued by the authority specific to the doctor’s place of work:

• Dubai: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
• Abu Dhabi: Department of Health (DOH)
• Other Emirates: Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

Document Checklist for Dubai

1. Valid DHA license
2. 2-year experience letter from a UAE hospital or clinic
3. Salary certificate (minimum AED 30K)
4. NOC from current employer
5. MOHRE labor contract
6. 6-month UAE bank statement
7. Legalized educational certificates

Application Channels

Applications must be submitted through the designated authority for the emirate:

• Dubai:
  • Amer Centers
  • GDRFA Portal
  • UAEICP Smart App
• Other Emirates:
  • ICP Portal
  • Authorized Typing Centers

Application Fees

• Typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the channel, emirate, and whether dependents are included.

Processing Timeline

• Approximately 7 to 15 working days, assuming documents are complete and valid.

Common Questions & Clarifications

How do I get a health authority permit in Dubai?

In Dubai, obtaining a DHA permit involves the following steps:

1. Self-Assessment Tool: Determine eligibility based on qualifications and experience.
2. Primary Source Verification (PSV): Verify credentials through DataFlow.
3. Computer-Based Testing (CBT): If required, pass the Prometric assessment.
4. Oral Assessment: If mandated, schedule and pass an oral assessment.
5. Registration: Upon successful completion, receive DHA registration.
6. License Activation: A healthcare facility activates the license for clinical practice.

For full details, visit the DHA Sheryan Portal.

Is equivalency required for degrees?

No. Legalization is sufficient. This includes:

1. Attestation from the issuing country’s education authority
2. UAE Embassy attestation abroad
3. Final stamp from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

What is the purpose of the NOC if the Golden Visa grants job mobility?

Despite the Golden Visa offering freedom to work across multiple institutions, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required at the time of application. This reflects the shift from employer-sponsored residency to self-sponsored status. Once the visa is issued, the doctor may move freely between healthcare employers, subject to compliance with MOHRE labor registration rules.

Final Thoughts

The Golden Visa for doctors, grounded in Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021, is a major step forward in recognizing and empowering the UAE’s medical workforce. But as it stands, this privilege is limited to those already working in the country. Doctors interested in applying should ensure they meet their emirate’s specific criteria, hold the appropriate health license, and prepare all documentation in advance.

At LYLAW, we support medical professionals through every phase of the Golden Visa journey — from regulatory compliance and credential legalization to direct liaison with DHA, DOH, MOHAP, GDRFA, MOHRE, and ICP.

On May 12, 2025, a directive was issued by the Crown Prince of Dubai, announcing that nursing professionals employed by Dubai Health will become eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. This initiative recognizes the vital contributions of nursing staff and is part of the country’s broader effort to expand long-term residency opportunities for professionals across key sectors.

The announcement builds on the UAE’s growing legal infrastructure to support and retain dedicated professionals who play essential roles in national development—particularly in healthcare and education.

Who Qualifies for the New Golden Visa for Nurses?

According to the directive:

• The Golden Visa will be available to nursing staff working under Dubai Health.
• Eligibility will be granted to individuals who have served more than 15 years in their roles.
• The initiative reflects the country’s continued commitment to recognizing excellence and long-term service in the healthcare sector.

Qualified nurses will be offered:

• A renewable 10-year residency
• The right to self-sponsor
• Expanded opportunities for career mobility within the UAE

Legal Framework: Implementation in Progress

While the directive establishes eligibility in principle, the operational aspects of the visa are currently being finalized. Areas awaiting further clarification include:

1. The application process – including whether it will be initiated by individuals or coordinated through Dubai Health;
2. Verification of service history – to confirm the 15-year minimum tenure;
3. Official launch timeline – including application opening dates and expected processing timeframes.

These details are expected to be released soon, along with relevant procedural guidance from Dubai authorities.

Consistency Across Key Professions: Teachers, Doctors, and Now Nurses

This recent announcement follows similar Golden Visa initiatives tailored to other sectors, each designed to honor contributions that directly impact national well-being and future readiness.

Educators in Dubai

In October 2024, a long-term residency program was introduced for teachers and school leaders in private education, aligned with Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy. Eligible roles include:

• Teachers
• Principals
• Academic heads
• Early childhood center managers
• Full-time higher education faculty

Educators are nominated by their schools through the KHDA portal, with a structured application process and an evaluation period of approximately 45 days. Successful applicants receive a 10-year renewable visa and may sponsor their family members.

Doctors Across the UAE

Licensed medical professionals with at least 2 years of UAE experience, earning a minimum salary of AED 30,000, are eligible for the Golden Visa across all emirates. Requirements include:

• A valid medical license (from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP)
• A legalized degree
• An active employment contract
• Bank statements (last 6 months)

Applications can be submitted via GDRFA, ICP, or TAMM, depending on the emirate. Processing time is typically 7 to 15 days.

A Global Context: UAE’s Proactive Step Amid a Worldwide Nursing Shortage

Around the world, countries are grappling with an acute shortage of nurses. Healthcare systems in many developed and developing nations are facing staffing crises—prompting calls for immigration reform, workforce incentives, and urgent recruitment drives.

Against this backdrop, the UAE’s decision to offer long-term residency to its experienced nursing professionals stands out. It signals a proactive and values-based approach—not only addressing retention, but affirming the critical role nurses play in sustaining public health.

By legally empowering nurses through self-sponsored 10-year residency, the UAE is doing more than just offering a benefit. It is leading by example, recognizing its healthcare workforce as central to national resilience and development.

Golden Visa as a Legal Tool for Recognition and Retention

The Golden Visa program is becoming a key legal instrument through which the UAE retains and rewards professionals in healthcare, education, and other fields. It provides:

• Long-term residency (10 years, renewable)
• Self-sponsorship
• Family sponsorship rights
• Freedom to work across sectors or institutions

Rather than a one-size-fits-all process, the Golden Visa framework in the UAE is responsive to each sector’s unique structure and needs, with tailored pathways that reflect the nature of the work and the entities involved.

Next Steps for Nursing Professionals

Nurses interested in the Golden Visa are encouraged to begin preparing by:

• Compiling service documentation confirming their employment history
• Staying informed on updates from Dubai Health and relevant government authorities
• Seeking legal guidance for application readiness once the process opens

Conclusion: Continued Investment in the UAE’s Human Capital

The UAE’s expansion of the Golden Visa program to nursing staff is a meaningful legal step in its national development strategy. By honoring long-standing commitment and professional service, the UAE continues to build a legal framework that promotes stability, loyalty, and excellence.

With consistent pathways now established for teachers, doctors, and nurses, the Golden Visa program reinforces the UAE’s broader vision: to be a destination where talent is recognized, contributions are rewarded, and residency is aligned with merit and impact.

Abu Dhabi has launched an exclusive pathway to long-term UAE residency for superyacht owners and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Under the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi Initiative, yacht owners and key industry executives can now qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, granting them residency, investment opportunities, and seamless access to Abu Dhabi’s luxury yachting sector.

This initiative, launched in December 2024 by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Yas Marina, is designed to position Abu Dhabi as a premier global yachting destination.

What is the Golden Quay Initiative?

The Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi Initiative is a first-of-its-kind program aimed at attracting superyacht owners and key yachting executives to invest in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which focuses on expanding the luxury tourism sector and promoting high-value investments in the emirate.

As part of this initiative, superyacht owners and key professionals in the yachting industry can be nominated for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, offering long-term residency without a local sponsor.

Who Qualifies for the Golden Quay Initiative?

To be eligible for nomination, yacht owners and industry professionals must meet specific criteria:

• Superyacht Owners – Vessels must be at least 40 meters in length.
• Key Executives in the Yachting Industry, including:
  • CEOs & major shareholders of yacht-building companies
  • Central yacht agents
  • Yacht service providers
  • Yacht insurance providers
• Immediate family members of nominees are also eligible for the Golden Visa.

Who Handles the Nominations?

Nominations for the Golden Quay Initiative are managed by:

• Yas Marina
• Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)

These entities will evaluate applications and nominate eligible individuals for the Golden Visa.

What Are the Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Yacht Owners?

• 10-year UAE residency for the yacht owner and their family members
• No local sponsor required
• Access to Abu Dhabi’s business and investment ecosystem
• Seamless entry to Abu Dhabi’s marinas and yachting facilities
• Opportunity to engage in the UAE’s luxury tourism sector

The Golden Visa provides long-term stability and security, allowing investors, entrepreneurs, and high-profile visitors to establish business operations, relocate, and expand their presence in Abu Dhabi.

How to Apply for the Golden Visa Under the Golden Quay Initiative

The application process follows a two-step procedure:

Step 1: Golden Visa Nomination

• Applicants submit their interest through Yas Marina or Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
• If eligible, nominees receive an official invitation to apply.

Step 2: Golden Visa Processing

• Approved nominees apply for the UAE Golden Visa via:
  • Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) smart services
  • Accredited UAE service centers

No berthing agreement at Yas Marina is required for eligibility.

Why Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming a global yachting and luxury investment hub, offering:

• State-of-the-art marinas and waterfront developments
• Strategic location with world-class infrastructure
• Tax-friendly environment for investors and business owners
• Exclusive access to premium lifestyle and tourism experiences

By launching the Golden Quay Initiative, Abu Dhabi is setting a new benchmark in the luxury yachting industry, attracting high-net-worth individuals and investors to explore residency, business, and tourism opportunities in the UAE.

Apply for the UAE Golden Visa Under the Golden Quay Initiative

Interested in securing long-term UAE residency through the Golden Quay Initiative?

• Apply via Golden Quay Official Website
• Visit Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) for further details

At LYLAW, we can assist you in navigating the Golden Visa application process, ensuring a seamless experience for superyacht owners and high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residency in the UAE.