Dubai: Found a Golden Visa category that you might be eligible for? Great! But before you begin your application, there’s an additional mandatory step you must consider: you will need to apply for a nomination letter.

Here’s everything you need to know about the nomination process for Golden Visas.

What is the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is the UAE’s long-term residency programme that enables eligible foreign nationals to live, work, invest and study in the UAE without a local sponsor. It targets specific categories of expatriates, such as investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and others.

The visa is issued for five or 10 years, depending on the category you fall under, and is automatically renewable.

What is the nomination process when applying for a Golden Visa?

Most Golden Visa categories require a nomination or endorsement from a relevant government authority before visa processing can begin.

Musa Dayani, a Dubai-based public relations officer, explained: “A nomination means that the government body has checked your credentials and has decided you are eligible for the category [you are applying for]. Only if the authorities approve it, you will be able to get the Golden Visa.”

For instance, doctors, scientists, researchers, and other specialists in healthcare must obtain an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or other relevant health authority to confirm they are practicing healthcare professionals. Once their nomination is approved, they can apply for a Golden Visa via the ‘Exceptional talents and specialists’ route.

Which categories require nomination from the authorities?

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), categories that require a nomination include:

  • Creative professionals in culture and arts: Creatives like artists, authors and digital creators require an approval letter from the relevant emirate’s department of arts and culture, or a nomination from the Ministry of Culture.
  • Healthcare professionals: Doctors, scientists, researchers and others in the healthcare industry require a nomination from MOHAP.
  • Outstanding students: Exceptional high school students and graduates require endorsement from the Ministry of Education.
  • Entrepreneurs: A nomination letter is required for entrepreneurs who have an approved business plan or proposed activity endorsed by a certified UAE business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, or competent local authorities in your emirate of residence. In Dubai, a nomination from the Dubai Future Authority is required.
  • Inventors and innovators: Individuals must provide a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy stating that their patent provides added value to the UAE’s economy.
  • Athletes: Individuals must provide an official nomination letter from the Dubai Sports Council or relevant sports body in your emirate of residence.
  • Pioneers of humanitarian work: A recommendation from the Ministry of Community Empowerment is required.

What documents are required for a nomination request?

Before applying for a nomination, ensure you have gathered all the documents needed to prove your eligibility for your chosen category. These documents are a standard requirement for the nomination process, according to the ICP:

Passport copy (with at least six-month validity).

Passport-sized photograph.

Valid health insurance coverage.

Updated CV or resume, outlining any awards, medals, or certifications.

Supporting documents for eligibility, which can include the following, based on the relevant category:

  • Attested Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral degrees.
  • Certificates, medals or awards proving excellence in your field.
  • Membership contract in an international or regional organisation.
  • Salary certificate that highlights your employee status for the minimum duration outlined in your selected category.
  • Title deed proving property ownership.
  • Trade licence, bank and tax records, and financial reports for business owners and entrepreneurs.

How to apply for a nomination letter

You can apply for a nomination or recommendation directly via the relevant authority, through its website. Another option is applying through the ICP’s Smart Services portal, which gives you access to federal government bodies.

Follow these steps to apply for a nomination letter via the ICP:

  • Visit the ICP’s Golden Visa services dashboard, at smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/goldenServicesDashboard. Log in with your UAE PASS.
  • Navigate to ‘Golden Services’, then select ‘Inside UAE’. Select ‘Nomination Request’ and start the service.
  • You will be required to fill in your personal and professional information, and select the category you are applying for.
  • Next, upload attachments that prove your eligibility, based on the category criteria.
  • Pay the fees and submit the application.

The processing time is approximately two working days.

Fees: Dh150