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A UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year residency program introduced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president and ruler of Dubai, in 2019. It allows foreigners, including investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals, to enter, stay, and work in the United Arab Emirates without the tension of frequent visa renewal during that time. It is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), with support provided by the recognized authorities, as per the applicant’s field. For instance, healthcare professionals with recognitions from DHA, MOHAP, or DOH requirements can get a visa from the ICA.
The government offers 3 types of golden visas to healthcare professionals, including the professional golden visa, the exceptional talent golden visa and the investor golden visa. Doctors can take any of this, depending on their status, whether they enter as investors, entrepreneurs, or skilled professionals, after they are eligible. However, it is not only about eligibility, but you also have to complete all the requirements to get the visa.
The requirements include an attested degree, UAE employment contract, Emirates ID, bank statements, and proof of health insurance. However, the requirements can differ depending on the type of visa you apply for. Once you complete the requirement, you can proceed with the golden visa process. The application process involves preparing documents, submitting the online application, completing the medical test, and providing biometrics.
After approval and visa stamping, the Emirates ID is issued. After this, the Golden Visa becomes active. The processing time depends on the visa category, ranging from 30 to 40 days. The application costs somewhere between AED 500 to AED 10500 or more, depending on your visa choice and renewal time. For instance, the cost is AED 9,884.75 if doctors avail themselves of an investor visa, as per the Dubai Land Department.
Our Experts have covered everything you need to know about the UAE Golden Visa for Doctors, including eligibility, requirements, the application process, costs, validity period, and rejection reasons, providing a complete resource for expatriates. But if you are still having doubts, feel free to get our free visa consultation.
What is a Golden Visa for doctors in Dubai?
UAE Golden Visa for Doctors in Dubai is a 10-year self-sponsored visa issued by the UAE government to licensed medical professionals without needing a local sponsor. It is a strategic residency program started in 2109 to attract global healthcare talent by allowing them to practice, research, or establish healthcare services in the UAE with full professional independence to contribute to national growth in the field of medicine. Along with this, it allows you to sponsor your family, travel in and out of the country freely, and enjoy stable living conditions without depending on an employer visa.
What are the types of golden visas available for doctors?
The types of Golden Visas available for doctors in the UAE include the Professional Golden Visa, the Exceptional Talent Golden Visa, and the Investor Golden Visa, depending on the doctor’s role. As a doctor, you will receive an Investor Visa if you want to open your own clinic, while if you are a doctor with notable achievements or recognition, you will qualify for the Exceptional Talent Golden Visa. However, if you meet the general professional requirements, you can obtain the Dubai Golden Visa for Professionals. In short, doctors can take 3 types of golden visas in Dubai (UAE)
- Professional Golden Visa
- Exceptional Talent Golden Visa
- Investor Golden Visa
What are the key legal aspects of the Golden Visa for doctors?
Golden Visa operates under a series of UAE Cabinet Decisions issued in 2019 and updated in 2022 that define eligibility, verification, approval, and residency rights. These rules ensure transparency, accuracy, and lawful long-term residency. The 3 main legal aspects are.
- The ICP is the federal body responsible for issuing, managing, and renewing Golden Visas
- Doctors must be approved by the relevant UAE health authority, depending on the location
- Golden Visa residency is issued independently, meaning doctors do not need an employer, clinic, or hospital to sponsor their stay
What are the benefits of the Golden Visa for doctors?
The Benefits of the Golden Visa for Doctors extend far beyond long-term residency, giving medical professionals stronger career stability, full personal freedom, and better opportunities in the UAE. It also supports family security, financial planning, and smoother professional growth. Below are the 9 main Benefits for Doctors after having a UAE golden visa.
- 10-year renewable residency
- No need for a sponsor
- Freedom to work or open a medical clinic
- Ability to sponsor family and domestic workers
- Longer stay outside the UAE without visa cancellation
- Priority in accessing certain health sector
- Stronger financial security
- Stability for career planning and relocation
- Easier investment in clinics, labs, or other ventures
What are the Golden Visa requirements for doctors?
The Golden Visa requirements for doctors vary depending on the category of application. Doctors can apply as professionals, investors, or exceptional talents, each with specific eligibility criteria, documentation, and salary or investment thresholds to secure long-term residency in the UAE. To obtain a golden visa, doctors must fulfill these requirements. The main requirements that are required are mentioned below by our expert visa consultants.
Requirements for Doctors Applying as Professionals
- Valid medical license from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP
- Employment contract in a licensed UAE healthcare facility
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (basic salary, excluding allowances)
- Degree in medicine (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or specialization) attested by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Proof of clinical experience, research work, or medical achievements
- Emirates ID (if already a resident)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Good Conduct Certificate, if required
- Valid health insurance
Requirements for Doctors Applying as Investors (Clinic Owners)
- Proof of ownership of a licensed medical clinic or healthcare facility in the UAE
- Minimum investment of AED 2,000,000 in the clinic or healthcare company
- OR proof of holding shares worth AED 2,000,000 in a UAE medical business
- OR proof of paying annual corporate tax of at least AED 250,000
- Trade license and establishment card of the clinic
- Financial statements showing investment value
- Passport and Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Valid medical license (if the doctor also practices)
Requirements for Doctors Applying as Exceptional Talent
- Proof of outstanding medical achievement or clinical excellence
- Recognition from the UAE Ministry of Health, the UAE Council for Health, or international medical bodies
- Awards, patents, high-value publications, or breakthrough medical contributions
- Recommendation letter from a UAE government authority or a recognized scientific body
- Valid passport
- Attested medical qualifications
- Evidence of specialization in a high-demand medical field
How to apply for the Golden Visa for doctors in Dubai?
The process of applying for a Golden Visa for doctors involves several clear steps. First, determine the correct visa category, including professional, investor, or exceptional talent, and gather the required documents. Next, complete medical tests and submit all documents for review. After approval, proceed with visa stamping and Emirates ID registration. The procedure may vary slightly depending on the visa category. The main steps are
- Choose a visa category and eligibility
- Gather all required supporting documents
- Apply online for processing
- Authorities review and verify credentials
- Complete medical examination at the clinic
- Receive visa approval and stamping
- Complete the Emirates ID biometrics procedure
- Sponsor family members if desired
Choose a visa category and eligibility
First, identify which Golden Visa category suits you: Professional, Investor, or Exceptional Talent. You need a valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000. Investors are eligible if they wish to open a clinic or invest in a business or real estate worth at least AED 2 million. Exceptional talents include doctors with notable achievements, awards, or patents approved by the relevant UAE authorities.
Gather all required supporting documents
Collect all necessary documentation according to your visa category. This includes passport copies with at least six months validity, UAE residency visa copy (if applicable), attested educational certificates, employment contract, salary certificate, six months of bank statements, investment proofs for investors, recommendation letters or approvals from UAE authorities for exceptional talents, health insurance coverage for the doctor and dependents, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer if required.
Apply online for processing
Once requirements are fulfilled, apply online through the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship portal or via an authorized service provider. Fill the application form in an accurate way, and all supporting documents must be uploaded to avoid delays.
Authorities review and verify credentials
Your submitted documents will be verified by the UAE authorities to ensure the applicant meets all eligibility criteria. You may require approvals from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates Scientists Council, or other relevant authorities if applying as Exceptional talent applicants. Investor applicants must verify business ownership, company shares, or real estate investments.
Complete medical examination at the clinic
Undergo a medical fitness check at a UAE-approved clinic. This includes general health assessments, laboratory tests, and sometimes a negative PCR test before biometrics. The medical examination ensures that you meet health requirements for residency.
Receive visa approval and stamping
Once the application is approved, you will get the Golden Visa stamped on your passport. Depending on the category, the visa can be valid for 10 years, providing long-term residency in the UAE.
Complete the Emirates ID biometrics procedure
Then you have to complete biometrics, including fingerprints, photographs, and signatures, for the Emirates ID issuance. This ID is mandatory for residency and other official purposes in the UAE.
Sponsor family members if desired
As a Golden Visa holder, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic helpers. Additional documentation, such as marriage and birth certificates, along with valid health insurance for all dependents, is required.
What is the cost of a Golden Visa for doctors in Dubai?
The cost of a Golden Visa for Doctors in Dubai is AED 5,000–7,500 for the skilled-professional category, including visa processing, medical test, Emirates ID, and admin fees (excluding insurance), but expect AED 9,884.75 if you are applying Golden visa as an investor in the medical sector as a doctor.
Additional expenses may include health insurance, document attestation or translation, and optional service/typing center fees. The table provided below shows the average cost for each; however, it varies depending on processing fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, and basic document handling.
| Golden Visa Type | Average Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Professional Golden Visa | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Exceptional Talent Golden Visa | 5,000 – 7,500 |
| Investor Golden Visa | 6,000 – 10,000 |
How Many Days Does It Take for Doctors to Get a Golden Visa?
It takes 4 to 8 weeks for professionals, 6 to 10 weeks for investors, and 6 to 12 weeks for exceptional talents on average to obtain a golden visa as a doctor in Dubai, though the processing time can vary depending on different factors. These include verification of educational degrees, employment contracts, business or investment documents, medical fitness checks, and approval from authorities such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates Scientists Council, or other relevant bodies.
What is the Difference Between a Golden Visa and a Standard Residency Visa?
The Golden Visa and the Standard Residency Visa in the UAE serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages. While both allow foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE, the Golden Visa provides long-term residency, greater independence, and enhanced privileges compared to the standard visa, which is typically shorter and more restrictive.
| Feature | Golden Visa | Standard Residency Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 10 years | 1–3 years |
| Sponsorship Requirement | Not required | Required (employer or family) |
| Family Sponsorship | Unlimited dependents | Limited dependents |
| Business Ownership | 100% ownership allowed | Often requires local partner or sponsor |
| Travel Flexibility | Can exit/re-enter freely | Prolonged absences may affect visa validity |
Can Doctors Establish a Company in Dubai with a Golden Visa?
Yes, doctors holding a Golden Visa in Dubai can establish and fully own a company in the UAE. However, they have to follow a specific regulatory framework, including obtaining a business license, complying with the specific jurisdiction regulations, and adhering to activity-specific requirements without requiring to have a local partner or sponsor, allowing 100% business ownership. For details on how to set up a business in the UAE, you can refer to our Company Setup Guide. Our experts have provided details about everything you need to know as an expatriate.
FAQs
Yes, UAE Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents. However, it is necessary for them to meet the visa’s eligibility requirements, including valid health insurance and proof of relationship, allowing parents to reside in the UAE long-term.
Yes, applicants are required to be physically present in Dubai (UAE) to submit their Golden Visa application.
