The Golden Visa for PhD holders is a 10-year renewable residence permit under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 and its implementing regulations. It is available to doctorate holders in recognised priority fields, with qualifications attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. Applications are submitted via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) and finalised by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
This visa is aimed at highly qualified academics and researchers whose expertise supports the UAE’s priorities in science, technology, engineering, health, and related sectors. It grants holders the right to live, work, and study independently of employer sponsorship. Family members, including spouses, children, and in some cases parents, can also be sponsored under the same residency.
Dar Alnukhba Customer Care Center offers full Golden Visa services for PhD holders, from document preparation to final submission, ensuring your visa is issued efficiently in a single visit.
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A 2-year investor visa in the UAE is an official residency permit issued to property owners whose real estate investment in Dubai is valued at AED 750,000 or more at the time of purchase. The visa is processed through the Dubai Land Department (Taskeen) and approved by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). It allows investors to reside legally in the UAE, access government services, and sponsor family members.
Applicants must hold a PhD attested and certified by the UAE MOE. For degrees earned abroad, an equivalency certificate from MOE is mandatory. Only doctorates from accredited universities in recognised priority fields are accepted, while qualifications from unaccredited institutions do not qualify.
The 10-year renewable Golden Visa allows PhD holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without employer sponsorship. It also enables sponsorship of family members and provides the flexibility to own and operate businesses. Golden Visa holders enjoy more lenient rules for long-term travel abroad, subject to ICP and GDRFA regulations.
Eligible fields for the PhD Golden Visa include:
— Science and natural sciences
— Engineering (all major branches)
— Medicine and healthcare
— Epidemiology and virology
— Biotechnology and genetics
— Information technology and computer science
— Artificial intelligence (AI)
— Big data and data science
— Architecture and urban/city planning
Doctorates in these disciplines must be attested and certified by the UAE MOE. Degrees outside these priority areas are not eligible for the Golden Visa.
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