Golden Visa Services for Doctors in the UAE

Doctors are eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa if they hold a valid medical licence issued by a health authority such as MOHAP, DHA, or DOH, and possess an accredited medical degree. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, licensed doctors are included among the professional categories entitled to a 10-year Golden Visa. A fixed minimum salary is not a mandatory requirement, as eligibility is primarily based on professional licensure and compliance with health authority regulations. In most cases, a nomination letter or recommendation from a UAE health authority is requested as part of the application. However, this requirement does not apply universally: for some doctors, particularly those whose licence and employment are already registered with the relevant authority, applications may be submitted directly through GDRFA or ICP systems without a separate nomination letter. EGSH verifies eligibility, advises on whether a nomination is required, and manages the complete application process in line with GDRFA regulations.

The UAE Golden Visa provides a renewable 10-year residency permit. It enables residency without employer sponsorship, permits the sponsorship of immediate family members, and grants the right to own and operate businesses with full ownership. The permit also secures access to education and healthcare services for dependents and allows uninterrupted residency status during extended travel abroad. EGSH assists with the whole application process for the Golden Visa and related family sponsorship through authorised government channels.

A standard medical fitness test is mandatory for all UAE residency permits, including the Golden Visa for doctors. The test must be completed at an authorised medical centre to confirm eligibility. EGSH facilitates this process in cooperation with Smart Salem, a licensed medical centre, where the examination is completed within 10–30 minutes and results are issued electronically within 30 minutes.

The government fee for the Doctors' Golden Visa residence permit is AED 1,100. In addition, Knowledge Dirham (AED 10), Innovation Dirham (AED 10), and a processing fee of AED 500 apply if the application is submitted inside the UAE. A delivery fee of AED 20 is also charged. For residence permits longer than two years, an extra AED 100 is added for each additional year. EGSH provides applicants with a detailed fee breakdown before submission through authorised government channels.

A valid UAE medical licence is mandatory for the Doctors' Golden Visa. The licence must be issued by the appropriate health authority corresponding to your emirate — namely, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for Dubai, the Department of Health (DOH) for Abu Dhabi, or MOHAP for other Emirates — and obtained through the prescribed procedures.

The Golden Visa application for doctors is typically processed within 1–2 weeks once all documents and eligibility requirements are submitted in full. In some cases, if all documents are complete and verified in advance, approval may be issued in just a few days. EGSH ensures applications are filed accurately through authorised government channels to avoid delays.