UAE expands Golden Visa Program: 5 new categories added to attract global talent
In a bid to attract global talent, the UAE has decided to expand its Golden Visa program which offers long-term residency options to professionals in prime sectors. The visa offer was introduced in 2019 and now has been broadened to include five new categories.
These new categories will provide 10-year residencies to people in diverse fields such as healthcare, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and luxury yacht ownership.
This expansion was announced in May 2025. It is a strategic move to boost the UAE's economic development and strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and knowledge-based industries.
Here are the new five categories:
Nurses with Long-Term Service
: The new category includes nurses who have served in the healthcare sector for more than 15 years.
This initiative was introduced this month only on the International Nurses Day to honour the role nurses supporting the country's healthcare system, especially as Dubai attracts millions of medical tourists every year. This long-term residency option offers nurses with stability and the opportunity to live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years.
Teachers and Educators
: Next, the category includes teachers and educational professionals, such as private school teachers, principals, and university staff with academic excellence.
This initiative is designed to boost the UAE's education sector, which ranks 10th globally according to UNESCO. The program offers educators the chance to relocate with their families, further supporting the country's goal of enhancing educational standards and attracting top-tier talent to its schools and universities.
Content Creators
: The UAE has also included content creators in the category. It includes filmmakers, influencers, and digital nomads.
The residency program, launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, will allow professionals to live and work in the UAE without needing a sponsor. This move is part of the UAE's broader strategy to strengthen its creative industries, with Dubai already serving as a major hub for digital content creation.
It is designed to attract global talent in filmmaking, social media, and other digital media fields.
E-Sports and Gaming Professionals
: The UAE is also including Golden Visas to e-sports professionals and gamers.
The applicants must be over the age of 25 and have accreditation from Dubai Culture or similar entities. This category aims to support the rapid growth of the gaming industry, which is valued at $1.8 billion. The UAE's investment in e-sports professionals is part of its strategy to become a leading center for digital innovation and to host global gaming events.
Luxury Yacht Owners
: The last category include owners of luxury yachts over 40 meters in length. This initiative, known as the Golden Quay program, targets high-net-worth individuals in the maritime industry. Yacht owners, as well as executives within the yacht industry, can apply for long-term residency in Abu Dhabi, further enhancing the emirate's appeal as a luxury tourism destination. This program supports the UAE's efforts to bolster its maritime and tourism sectors, valued at over $1.2 billion annually.
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