UAE grants Golden Visa to resident doctors

The UAE Government has invited doctors to apply for the Golden Visa in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices in being the frontline heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will grant doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job and living stability, and driving the development and innovation of various sectors, especially healthcare.

This initiative promotes a motivational work environment and high-quality living standards by attracting and retaining the top talent in the medical field, and providing opportunities for medical staff to work and reside in the UAE. It will strengthen the national healthcare sector and make it a global model in terms of efficiency and quality of medical services.

All doctors licensed by the UAE health regulatory bodies can apply for the Golden Visa between July 2021 and September 2022 through the website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae). Dubai-licensed doctors may apply through smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.

Seven offices affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) will be established across the country for doctors who wish to apply for the Golden Visa in person.

The UAE Government recently announced the start of the Golden Visa application process for coders through the National Program for Coders to grant Golden Visas to 100,000 coders, available for both residents and non-residents of the UAE.

The UAE has offered the conditionally renewable long-term residence visa for five or ten years to certain categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talent. The system allows UAE residents and foreigners with their families who wish to work, live, and study in the country to have a long-term residence visa without the need of an Emirati sponsor.

Last November, the Cabinet headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the approval of major procedural changes for residents to obtain the Golden Visa, as well as the inclusion of new categories eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa, including all doctorate degree holders, doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, coding, electricity, and biotechnology, as well as outstanding students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher in accredited universities across the country.