Key Points
- The UAE now grants Golden Visas to healthcare workers with over 15 years of UAE experience
- New Golden Visa eligibility added for educators, digital creators, e-sports experts, and luxury yacht owners
- Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay program enables visa access for qualified yacht professionals
Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to broaden access to its long-term residency offerings by expanding eligibility under the Golden Visa program. Effective May 12, 2025, nurses employed at Dubai Health with over 15 years of service are now eligible for 10-year Golden Visas. This marks a broader push by the UAE to retain skilled talent and support key industries.
The expanded program also opens new paths for several non-traditional sectors. Educators in Dubai’s private schools, early childhood centers, and universities can now qualify based on academic excellence and are permitted to sponsor family members. In a nod to the country’s growing creative economy, digital creators, including filmmakers and influencers, are now eligible for long-term residency through the UAE’s creative residency pathway. E-sports professionals aged 25 and older must be accredited by Dubai Culture to qualify.
In a maritime-focused initiative, Abu Dhabi launched the Golden Quay program, targeting luxury yacht owners and executives working in related sectors such as yacht manufacturing, insurance, and brokerage. Eligible vessels must be at least 40 meters in length, and family sponsorship is permitted.
This strategic expansion aims to attract a diverse talent pool across professional, cultural, and commercial domains, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a dynamic and sustainable economy.
Looking Ahead
Employers, investors, and foreign professionals should closely monitor evolving eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa, as more sectors may be included in future updates. Companies operating in education, creative industries, digital innovation, and maritime sectors should consider how these expanded pathways can benefit employees and support long-term workforce stability in the UAE. Additional clarifications and procedural guidance may follow as the programs are further implemented.
