Published on 27. December 2024Last updated on 16. March 2026
UAE Golden Visa
What is the Golden Visa in UAE?
The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign talents to live, work, or study in the country while enjoying a range of exclusive benefits. These include:
- A six-month entry visa with multiple entries, allowing you to proceed with your residence issuance
- A long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
- No need for a sponsor
- The ability to stay outside the UAE for longer than the usual six-month period without losing your residence status
- The right to sponsor your family members, including spouses and children of any age
- The ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers
- If the Golden Visa holder passes away, their family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration.
For more information or inquiries about visas, you can contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) or the UAE embassies and consulates.
For Dubai visas, reach out to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD).
Golden Visa Categories and Requirements
The requirements for the Golden Visa vary based on the applicant’s category, such as investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students.
For Investors:
- Public Investment: If you invest in a fund or hold a commercial or industrial license with capital of at least AED 2 million, you can receive a 10-year Golden Visa.
- Real Estate Investment: Owning property worth at least AED 2 million can qualify you for a 5-year renewable Golden Visa.
For Entrepreneurs: If you own a project based on innovation and risk, you may be eligible for a 5-year Golden Visa, provided you meet additional criteria like approval from an accredited business incubator.
For Outstanding Specialized Talents: This includes doctors, scientists, athletes, inventors, and specialists in fields like AI, engineering, and biotechnology. Depending on your field, you may need endorsement letters from the Ministry of Health, Emirates Council of Scientists, or relevant authorities in your field.
For Outstanding Students:
- High School Students: If you are a top performer with a grade of at least 95%, you can get a 5-year Golden Visa.
- University Students: Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from an accredited university may qualify for a 10-year visa.
For Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes: Humanitarian workers with at least five years of experience or individuals who have received recognition from humanitarian organizations may be granted a 10-year Golden Visa. Frontline workers such as healthcare professionals who have contributed during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic may also qualify.
The ‘One Touch’ Golden Visa Service: This service simplifies the application and renewal process for Golden Visas, saving time and effort. It handles everything from visa applications to document issuance and renewals. Applicants can apply through the ICP website or the ICP app available on Google Play and the App Store.
For more details, you can refer to the links provided by the UAE’s relevant authorities or consult the specific emirate’s services for more specific guidelines.
Related digital services
- eServices related to Golden visa – ICP
- Check your eligibility for Golden visa – ICP
- Golden visa services – GDRFA
- Apply for a recommendation of a Golden visa (for creatives) – Ministry of Youth and Culture
UAE Golden Visa for Doctors and Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals are among the most eligible candidates for the UAE Golden Visa under the Outstanding Specialized Talents category. Doctors, specialists, surgeons, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who meet the relevant criteria can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa — without needing an employer sponsor.
To qualify as a healthcare professional, applicants typically need an endorsement letter from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) — depending on the emirate where they practise. The endorsing authority confirms that the applicant’s speciality is classified as an outstanding talent under UAE criteria.
General requirements for healthcare professional Golden Visa applicants include a valid UAE medical licence, a minimum salary threshold (typically AED 30,000 per month or equivalent), and evidence of professional standing such as publications, awards, or leadership roles. Requirements may vary by speciality and authority — always verify current criteria directly with the relevant health authority before applying.
UAE Golden Visa for Turkish Medical Professionals in Dubai
The UAE is home to a significant and growing community of Turkish medical professionals, many of whom practise in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. For Turkish doctors already holding a DHA, DOH, or MOH licence, the Golden Visa offers a pathway to long-term residency that removes dependence on employer sponsorship — a major advantage for those running private clinics or considering career changes.
Turkish healthcare professionals who have established themselves in the UAE — particularly those in high-demand specialities such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, reproductive medicine, or surgery — are well-positioned to meet the outstanding talent criteria. The ability to sponsor family members and maintain residency during extended periods outside the UAE makes the Golden Visa particularly attractive for Turkish expatriate families.
If you are a Turkish doctor in Dubai exploring Golden Visa eligibility, the first step is to contact your licensing authority (DHA, DOH, or MOH) to confirm whether your speciality qualifies and to obtain the necessary endorsement. You can then proceed with the application through the ICP portal or the GDRFA for Dubai residents.
Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Golden Visa
Can doctors apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. Doctors and healthcare professionals are eligible for the UAE Golden Visa under the Outstanding Specialized Talents category. Applicants need a valid UAE medical licence, an endorsement letter from the relevant health authority (DHA, DOH, or MOH), and typically a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000. Qualifying professionals can receive a 10-year renewable Golden Visa.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
The UAE Golden Visa is available in two durations: a 5-year renewable visa (typically for real estate investors and certain entrepreneurs) and a 10-year renewable visa (for investors with AED 2 million+ public investment, outstanding talents, and top students). Both visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as eligibility criteria are maintained.
Does the UAE Golden Visa require a sponsor?
No. One of the main advantages of the UAE Golden Visa is that it does not require an employer or local sponsor. Golden Visa holders can live, work, and operate a business in the UAE independently. They can also sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
Can I stay outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for longer than the standard 6-month period without losing their residency status. This is a significant benefit compared to regular UAE residence visas, which can be cancelled if the holder stays abroad for more than 6 consecutive months.
Where can Turkish doctors in Dubai apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Turkish doctors in Dubai can apply through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) smart services portal or via the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) Dubai. The first step is obtaining an endorsement letter from the DHA confirming eligibility under the outstanding healthcare talent category.
Turkish Doctors in Dubai — Find Your Specialist
Whether you are a patient looking for a Turkish-speaking doctor in Dubai, or a medical professional researching the UAE healthcare landscape, our directory covers all major specialities. Browse Turkish doctors by speciality:
- General Practitioner (GP) — Primary care and referrals
- Cardiologist — Heart disease and cardiovascular conditions
- Neurologist — Brain and nervous system disorders
- Obstetrician & Gynaecologist — Women’s health and maternity
- General Surgeon — Surgical procedures and operations
- Dermatologist — Skin, hair, and nail conditions
- Paediatrician — Child health from birth to adolescence
- Endocrinologist — Diabetes, thyroid, and hormonal conditions
- IVF and Infertility Specialist — Reproductive medicine and IVF
- Ophthalmologist — Eye conditions and vision care
View the full directory of Turkish doctors in the UAE to find a specialist in your area.