The UAE has implemented a long-term residence visa system for five or ten years that is automatically renewed when conditions are met for certain categories that include investors, entrepreneurs and specialized talents. This new system allows residents of the UAE, foreign expatriates and their families wishing to come to work, live and study in the country, the possibility of enjoying long-term residency without the need for a sponsor, with 100% ownership within the emirates, contrary to the custom that requires the presence of a local partner with a share not less than 51% of the business and investment projects within the emirate. To grant a residence for people from the cultural and creative fields, a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth is required.

1. Passport copy.
2. ID copy.
3. A CV (curriculum vitae) including (contact information, biography, prominent creative works, achievements in the cultural and creative fields).
4. Copy of current residency visa (if the applicant is a resident of UAE).
5. Colored personal photo

* If the applicant is not residing in the UAE, a 6-month visa application is required to be submitted to complete the golden residency procedures.

If the applicant is residing in the UAE, the application is made either by the same person as a public service or by the nominating authority.

Golden Visa applicants in the category of ‘Creative People in the field of Culture and Art’ must meet the following criteria:  Applicant must submit evidence for at least  Three of the following:

• Certificate of appreciation/nomination from a prestigious International or regional authority in the field.
• An honorary position in a prestigious International authority because of his/her outstanding creativity.
• An active member of a prestigious international art organization or association.
• His/her creations must have received attention from critics, media or industry professionals.
• His/her works have been shown in prestigious forums locally, regionally or internationally (exhibitions, forums, festivals, events).

To obtain a recommendation letter for the above criteria Click here

Golden Visa applicants in the category of ‘Media’ must meet the following criteria:  Applicant must submit evidence for at least  Three of the following:

• Certificate of appreciation/nomination from a prestigious International or regional authority in the field.
• An honorary position in a prestigious International authority because of his/her outstanding creativity.
• An active member of a prestigious international art organization or association.
• His/her creations must have received attention from critics, media or industry professionals.
• The candidate should have 7 years’ experience in a reputable media agency and be nominated from his workplace or a media agency, and has work published by media outlets periodically (press reports, articles, programs television, etc...).

To obtain a recommendation letter for the above criteria Click here

* In specific cases and after revieing the submission form & evidence, you may be asked to additionally submit a recommendation letter from reputable creative/cultural entities, the Customer Happiness Department will contact you and provide you with the appropriate template “if needed”.