In January 2019, UAE announced a ten year visa scheme for select residents. And now, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai announced that more people can apply for this visa. His Highness approved the Golden Visa to all PhD holders in the UAE. UAE graduates from with a GPA of 3.8 and above are also eligible to apply for the visa. Isn’t that great?
Today, we approved granting the 10-year Golden Visa to all PhD holders in the UAE. Also, the Golden Visa will be granted to top graduates from UAE-accredited universities with a GPA of 3.8 and above.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 15, 2020
What Is The Golden Visa?
The UAE is not a country that typically grants long term visas to its residents. However, the novel idea of Golden Visa was introduced early last year. These are long term visas that are available to specific individuals within the UAE. Here’s a list of who is eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa.
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Professional talents
- Researchers in various fields of science and knowledge
- Outstanding students
We launched a new “Golden Card” system to grant permanent residency to investors and exceptional doctors, engineers, scientists and artists. The first batch of 6,800 investors with Dh100 billion worth of investments will be granted the “Golden Card.”
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 21, 2019
More Professionals Now Eligible For The Golden Visa
On 15 November, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed took to Twitter to announce a list of professionals who will be eligible for the Golden visa. As per the new rule, all doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity and biotechnology will be eligible for UAE’s10 year visa.
In addition, residents who hold degrees in specialised subjects including artificial intelligence, big data and epidemiology and viruses will also be considered. The changes will come in to effect from December 1 in the UAE.
“This is a first batch and it will be followed by other categories. We want talented people and great minds to stay in the UAE and join us in the process of development and achievements,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Previously, the UAE permitted only entrepreneurs, scientists and specialised talent and investors to apply for the visa.
UAE Grants 10-Year ‘Golden Visa’ For Doctors
Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai granted 10-year Golden Visa for 212 doctors working with the Dubai Health Authority. The initiative is an effort to appreciate and express gratitude towards the healthcare workers in the country.
212 special DHA doctors were granted the 10-year visa, for combatting Covid 19. Earlier in March, Sheikh Mohammed had launched an online campaign to commend the voluntary efforts of the healthcare industry. He personally gave a thank you note to all those who are risking their lives for the safety of others.
