The UAE golden visa is no longer a club for millionaires only. While previously 10-year residency was mainly obtained through large investments in real estate or business, the country has now extended the program to professionals: nurses, teachers, and even esports athletes. For those planning to live and work in the Emirates or simply want a long-term status in the region, this changes the game.

What changed and when

According to the source, the UAE has broadened the criteria for the golden visa: 10-year residency is now offered not only to property buyers starting at $545,000 but also to representatives of certain professions — notably nurses, teachers, and esports professionals. The exact effective date is not specified in the source; check the official UAE immigration portal for details.

Who is affected

  • Real estate investors — entry threshold from $545,000 (around 2 million dirhams, check the current exchange rate).
  • Healthcare workers — nurses with verified qualifications and experience.
  • Teachers — school and university educators meeting the requirements.
  • Esports professionals — pro players with achievements and contracts.

Applicant nationality is not restricted: the program is open to foreigners from most countries, but each case is reviewed individually. The stay period is up to 10 years, renewable if the qualifying conditions are maintained.

Required documents and proof

The exact package depends on the category. Generally, you will need:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • Proof of eligibility: property purchase agreement (for investors), employment contract and diplomas/certificates (for professionals), team contracts and achievements (for esports athletes).
  • A police clearance certificate (for some categories).
  • Health insurance valid in the UAE.
  • Proof of financial standing — bank statements or income certificate.

All documents typically require translation into Arabic or English with certification. Check the exact list with the official application center or portal.

Fee amount and how to pay

The visa fee amount is not specified in the source. Refer to official tariffs: they vary by category and processing time. Payment is usually accepted by bank card on the portal or at the application center. For applicants from countries with card restrictions (e.g., Russia), a foreign-issued card may be required — a VirtCardPay virtual card can be used for visa fees and bookings in the UAE if the service accepts Visa/Mastercard.

Important: before paying, ensure your card supports 3-D Secure and has sufficient limit. Keep the fee amount plus 10–15% on your balance for possible fees and currency conversion (dirham → dollar/euro).

Where to apply

Applications can be submitted through the official UAE immigration portal (ICP) or accredited centers. In some cases, applications are processed via the UAE consulate in your country of residence. Processing time is not specified in the source; in practice, it may take from several weeks to several months depending on the category.

Payment side of the trip

Beyond the visa fee, plan for:

  • Hotel booking or accommodation — many UAE hotels require pre-authorization on the card (a hold for the deposit). Make sure your card has sufficient funds.
  • Flights and taxis — pay with a card that supports international payments. Careem and Uber are popular in the UAE and accept foreign cards.
  • eSIM — for connectivity on the go, it's convenient to activate an eSIM before the trip; payment is usually made by a foreign-issued card.
  • Refunds — if you cancel a booking, refunds to a virtual card may take up to 30 days; factor this into your budget planning.

Currency nuances: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, so conversion from other currencies may be unfavorable. Where possible, pay in dirhams or dollars to avoid double conversion.

Bottom line

The UAE golden visa is becoming more accessible to professionals but requires careful document preparation and fee payment. If you plan to apply, secure a card accepted in the UAE in advance and budget for all stages — from the visa fee to hotel pre-authorization.

Names of services, games, and franchises belong to their respective rights holders and are mentioned solely to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.

FAQ

Can I pay the visa fee with a Russian card?

As a rule, no — due to payment system restrictions. Use a foreign-issued card or a virtual card such as VirtCardPay if it is supported by the portal.

How long does golden visa processing take?

The source does not specify. Check the official ICP portal or the application center.

Is health insurance required for the golden visa?

Yes, most categories require a valid health insurance policy covering the UAE.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or immigration advice. Verify current requirements on official resources.

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Sources

This material is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Data and service terms may change, so check primary sources before making a payment or investment decision. Mentions of third-party brands and services do not imply official partnership, support, or endorsement by VirtCardPay; partner platforms are marked with a “Partner” badge.
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