The government of the United Arab Emirates has expanded the Golden Visa to include three new categories of individuals. First introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa scheme was set up to enable investors, entrepreneurs, and professional talent to attain a residency visa valid for five to 10 years, with automatic renewal available.
The three newest categories of individuals able to apply for the UAE Golden Visa are:
- Luxury yacht owners (added December 2024): the Abu Dhabi Golden Quay initiative enables luxury yacht owners to apply for a 10-year visa if they own a yacht over 40 meters long.
- Teachers and educators (added October 2024): Teachers making outstanding contributions to the private education sector will be eligible for long-term residency. Eligibility criteria have been set by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
- Individuals in the gaming industry (added November 2023): as part of the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), individuals working in the gaming industry can obtain an accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture and apply for the Golden Visa.
Currently, the Golden Visa costs US$136,000 to obtain and is popular among affluent individuals looking to reside in the UAE. It is one of several programs set up by the UAE government in recent years to encourage businesses and skilled professionals to enter the country. The initiative aims to attract professionals to the UAE to help diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.