All doctors licensed by the UAE’s health regulatory bodies are eligible to apply for the long-term golden visa, the government announced on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. A golden visa will offer doctors and their immediate families a 10-year residency in the UAE.

The golden (10-year) and silver (5-year) visas are the UAE’s long-term residency schemes to recognise and reward professionals, investors and exceptional students who play a key role in the country’s growth and development plans. The visa allows foreigners to live, work, conduct business or study in the UAE without the need for an Emirati or a corporate sponsor.

A long-term golden visa for doctors and their immediate families is expected to help make the UAE a stronger magnet for medical talent, boosting the country’s healthcare sector.

A statement published by Emirates News Agency (Wam) said that all doctors licensed by the UAE health regulatory bodies may apply for the golden visa between July 2021 and September 2022 through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (smartservices.ica.gov.ae).

Dubai-licensed doctors may apply through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs–Dubai (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae). The government departments concerned will receive and review the applications to issue the golden visa for those who qualify, said the statement.

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 recently announced that it will also be giving golden visas to 100,000 coders, and both resident and non-resident coders may apply.