The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new set of benefits for holders of its prestigious Golden Visa, expanding the services available to them and aligning with the country’s ongoing commitment to attract top global talent. These new measures are designed to enhance the experience of long-term residents and provide them with additional support when travelling or facing emergencies abroad.
Golden Visa holders who already enjoy a 10-year residency permit, will now have access to a suite of consular services typically reserved for Emirati nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced these groundbreaking changes at GITEX Global 2025, one of the largest annual technology events held in Dubai. The collaboration between MoFA and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ensures that expatriates holding the Golden Visa will benefit from crucial assistance when outside the UAE.
Among the most significant additions to the Golden Visa benefits is the provision of consular services for residents when travelling abroad. If a Golden Visa holder loses or damages their passport while overseas, they can now obtain an electronic return document, enabling them to return to the UAE within seven days. This new measure is touted as ‘unprecedented’ and provides vital support for those facing such travel disruptions.
Furthermore, a 24/7 hotline has been set up to assist Golden Visa holders with any urgent queries or emergencies. This service ensures that expatriates have access to around-the-clock help, whether they are seeking assistance for non-emergency situations or in the midst of a crisis. The government aims to make the travel experience for Golden Visa holders as smooth and stress-free as possible, regardless of where they may be in the world.
Golden Visa holders will also be included in the UAE’s national evacuation and emergency plans, an important development for those caught in emergencies abroad, such as natural disasters or political unrest. Coordination with UAE diplomatic missions ensures that Golden Visa holders are prioritized for evacuation or other forms of assistance during times of crisis.
Additionally, the UAE has streamlined the process for repatriating and handling the remains of Golden Visa holders who pass away while overseas. This service includes coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure that all consular and procedural requirements are handled efficiently, providing much-needed support to the families of the deceased during a difficult time.
This new set of services demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to its international residents, aligning with the nation’s broader goals of enhancing its position as a competitive global hub for talent. By offering these benefits, the UAE not only strengthens its appeal to investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs but also showcases its ability to provide a high level of service to those who contribute to its growth.
The UAE Golden Visa, introduced as a means to attract exceptional talent, has evolved over the years. Initially aimed at investors and professionals who made significant contributions to the country, the visa has expanded to include a wider range of individuals. It is now available to entrepreneurs, outstanding students, scientists, and experts in various fields. Recently, new criteria have been introduced, specifically targeting sectors such as education, gaming, content creation, and healthcare. This shift makes the Golden Visa accessible to a broader spectrum of skilled individuals who can contribute to the UAE’s continued development.
Dubai, in particular, has been at the forefront of these new criteria, actively working to attract professionals from diverse industries. Teachers, content creators, nurses, and gaming professionals are now eligible for the Golden Visa, further reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global leader in attracting talent. The flexibility in eligibility requirements reflects the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to its talent strategy.
This extension of benefits for Golden Visa holders serves as a clear message to the global community: the UAE is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports long-term residents and encourages those who have the potential to contribute to its growth. The country’s focus on global talent and its willingness to invest in its expatriate community sets it apart as a desirable destination for individuals seeking new opportunities.
The UAE’s Golden Visa benefits are a key component of its broader strategy to attract and retain talent from around the world. By providing a range of consular services, emergency assistance, and streamlined processes for repatriation, the UAE has made it clear that it values its long-term residents. With the inclusion of new categories for Golden Visa eligibility, the country continues to evolve as a global hub for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, making it an attractive destination for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
