As UAE always stands to attract global talent and foster innovation, it provides long-term residency to exceptional talents through its prestigious Golden Visa program. The new updates in 2025 added three new categories: educators, gaming professionals, and luxury yacht owners to attract talent in education, technology, and high-net-worth individuals. Here you can learn more about the new category updates, benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for a Dubai Golden Visa.
Overview of UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program introduced in 2019, that gives visa holders 5 or 10 years of renewable residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It is designed to attract exceptional talent, investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and innovators from across the globe. It enables 100% business ownership and offers exclusive benefits like family sponsorship, access to premium services, and ease of travel.
New Categories updated for UAE Golden Visa in 2025
Golden Visa for Teachers and EducatorsÂ
This category was added in October 2024 by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and is awarded to teachers who have made outstanding contributions to the emirate’s education sector shaping the educational landscape of UAE.
Criteria for Eligibility
- Teachers, principals, and other academic leaders who have significantly contributed to the education sector.
- Educators working in early childhood centres (ECCs), schools, and higher education institutions (HEIs) can qualify based on their contributions like new teaching methodologies, and efforts to raise the educational standards in their institution.
Benefits
The holders can have a 10-year residency with the ability to sponsor family members.Â
Dubai Gaming Visa
The Gaming Visa was introduced to support e-sports and to make Dubai as a global hub for gaming and e-sports. This is an initiative under the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Eligibility
- Candidates must have a minimum age of 25 years
- Applicants must secure an accreditation from Dubai Culture
Benefits
The Visa holder will get a 10 year long term residency and access to Dubai’s gaming ecosystem and tournaments.
Golden Visa for Luxury Yacht Owners
Abu Dhabi has introduced this Golden Visa category for luxury yacht owners through its Abu Dhabi Golden Quay initiative, introduced to attract high-net-worth individuals and professionals in the yachting sectors.
Eligibility
- Yacht owners with vessels 40 metres or longer can apply for the Golden Visa
- key executives in the yachting sector, shareholders of yacht-building companies, major agents, service providers, and insurers
Benefits
The Golden Visa ensures long-term residency for yacht owners and their immediate family members. You can also get access to expand maritime investments in Abu Dhabi and explore premium services in luxury marinas in Abu Dhabi.
Benefits of the Dubai Golden Visa
The Golden Visa gives numerous advantages to its holders, making it the most popular residency program.
- Long-Term Residency: Golden Visa offers 5 or 10 years residency in UAE, which is renewable.Â
- Family Sponsorship: The visa allows your sponsor your spouse, children, and even domestic workers.
- No Local Sponsor Needed: Visa holders can live, work, and study in UAE without any local sponsor.
- Business Ownership: 100% ownership of businesses in the UAEÂ
- Ease of Travel: Enjoy hassle-free travel within the UAE and with re-entry privileges.
- Access to Services: Golden Visa holders can get access to premier health, education, and housing services.
How to Apply for UAE Golden Visa
   1. Determine Eligibility
Find out in which category you fall like investors, skilled professionals, educators, gaming professionals, or entrepreneurs. Check the UAE Golden Visa requirements and ensure you meet the criteria.
   2. Prepare Documents
– Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months).
– Proof of eligibility (certifications, financial statements, or professional licenses)
– Passport-sized photos.
– Filled in visa application form
   3. Submit Your Application
Apply online via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website or through Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal.
  4. Pay the Fees
Complete the payment for the Golden Visa Service in Dubai, which varies based on the visa duration and category.
  5. Collect Your Visa
Once you submit the application, it will be reviewed by the UAE authorities and when approved you will receive your UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is the gateway to long-term residency and unparalleled opportunities ensuring a prosperous and secure future in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. With its expanded categories and streamlined process, it’s now easier to apply and secure a Golden Visa. At Intellect Chartered Accountants, we specialize in providing comprehensive Golden Visa services in Dubai. We are dedicated to help you navigate the UAE Golden Visa application process with ease. Why waiting to apply when you are eligible for applying? Get in touch with us today for all the Golden visa services in UAE.
