UAE offers golden visas to doctors

In recognition of the efforts and sacrifices of resident doctors, who have been frontline heroes in the fight against COVID-19, the UAE government has invited them to apply for the golden visa. This is as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Granting golden visas to those with scientific competencies and distinguished expertise is part of the new action plan of the government.

This will give doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job stability, and driving the development and innovation of various sectors in the country, especially healthcare.

This initiative aims to attract and retain top talents in the medical field, and strengthen the national healthcare sector.

All doctors licensed by the UAE health regulatory bodies can apply for the golden visa between July 2021 and September 2022 through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website: smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Dubai-licensed doctors may apply through: smart.gdrfad.gov.ae. The concerned government departments will receive and review the applications and issue golden visas for those who qualify.

Moreover, seven offices, affiliated with the ICA, will be established across the Emirates for doctors who wish to apply for the golden visa in person.

The UAE government had recently announced its decision to grant golden visas to 100,000 coders,   both residents and non-residents of the UAE.

The UAE has been granting conditionally-renewable long-term residence visas for 5 or 10 years for certain categories, including investors, entrepreneurs and specialised talents. The system allows UAE residents and foreigners with their families who wish to work, live and study in the country, to have a long-term residence visa without the need of an Emirati sponsor.