Golden Visa for PhD Holders in Dubai

The Golden Visa for PhD holders is regulated by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and its Executive Regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Annex on Golden Residence Permits). Under these rules, the visa may be granted to holders of a doctorate in recognised priority disciplines, provided that the qualification is attested and certified by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). Eligibility is not guaranteed for all PhD holders. Approval depends on whether the doctorate is in a field recognised by the UAE as a national priority, such as science, engineering, technology, health, epidemiology and viruses, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, or big data. In addition to a certified degree, applicants must hold a valid passport, health insurance, and, where applicable, an employment contract in a relevant field. Unlike skilled worker categories, there is no salary threshold requirement for PhD holders. GDRFA issues final approval after the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) verifies compliance with all conditions.

To obtain a PhD residency visa in Dubai, applicants must hold a doctorate that is attested and certified by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). For PhD degrees earned outside the UAE, an equivalency certificate from the MOE is required before submission. The PhD must be in a recognised priority discipline, such as science, engineering, technology, medicine, health, biotechnology, epidemiology and viruses, artificial intelligence, or big data. Only degrees issued by recognised and accredited universities are accepted; qualifications from unaccredited institutions do not qualify.

The UAE Golden Visa for PhD degree holders grants ten years of renewable residency, independent of employer sponsorship. Benefits include the ability to sponsor family members, live, work, and study in the UAE, as well as own and operate businesses. Although Golden Visa holders benefit from more flexible rules regarding stays abroad, applicants should confirm the specifics with the ICP or GDRFA before travelling.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021, Golden Visa eligibility for PhD holders requires a recognised priority field. According to the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) and GDRFA Dubai, the following disciplines are accepted:

— 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

A doctorate in these disciplines must be attested and certified by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). Degrees outside these fields are not considered eligible for the PhD Golden Visa category.

According to the GDRFA, the residence permit fee is AED 1,100. Additional charges include Knowledge Dirham (AED 10), Innovation Dirham (AED 10), and AED 500 for in-country applications. Delivery fees of AED 20 apply. For residence permits exceeding two years, an extra AED 100 is added for each additional year. EGSH provides applicants with a clear breakdown of fees before submission.

According to the GDRFA, processing takes around 48 hours once all requirements are met and all documents are submitted. In practice, however, the overall timeframe is longer, as it includes Ministry of Education certification and possible nomination stages. On average, the full process takes 1 to 2 weeks. At EGSH, a licensed AMER Centre, applicants receive end-to-end support — from verifying eligibility and preparing the required documents to applying through authorised GDRFA channels — ensuring accurate filing and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Holders of the PhD degree with a Golden Visa in Dubai may sponsor their dependents. Eligible dependents include:

— Spouse
— Children — unmarried sons up to the age of 25, and unmarried daughters with no age limit
— Parents — if the sponsor can demonstrate financial capacity

The rules regarding children’s sponsorship may vary, so eligibility must be confirmed with GDRFA/ICP for your specific family case.

All dependents must have valid health insurance when included in the application. Sponsorship remains valid for the duration of the Golden Visa, provided that the sponsor complies with UAE residency regulations.