Applying for the UAE Golden Visa as a medical professional follows a fairly steady routine. You check that you meet the basic requirements, send your documents through ICA or GDRFA, wait for the approval stage, and then finish everything off with the medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
The UAE Golden Visa program itself was created to attract people with specialised skills, and healthcare sits high on that list. The UAE has spent years building hospitals, research facilities, and a healthcare system that draws talent from all over the world. For many doctors and specialists, the visa offers something rare in this region: long-term security and the chance to grow professionally without constantly renewing short-term permits.
Medical professionals are given particular emphasis because their work sits at the centre of national development. Improving patient care, contributing to research, and strengthening healthcare resilience are all part of the country’s long-term goals, and the visa is one of the tools used to support that progress. It rewards experience and helps keep skilled people in the system for the long haul.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear explanation of the requirements, the documents you’ll need, and how the application moves from one stage to the next. You’ll also get a sense of how Creative Zone supports medical professionals throughout the process, making sure no detail is overlooked and every step runs smoothly.
What is the UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals?
The UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals is a long-term residency permit that lets licensed doctors and specialists live and work in the country without relying on a local sponsor. It’s valid for 10 years and can be renewed, giving practitioners a level of stability that short-term visas don’t offer.
The program was created to bring experienced medical talent into the UAE and give them the freedom to develop their careers. With this visa, professionals can work across approved facilities, take part in research, or pursue other opportunities without being tied to a single employer.
It also extends to family members. Holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and household staff, making it easier to settle in the UAE for the long term. In practice, the Golden Visa offers both independence for medical practitioners and support for the country’s growing healthcare system.
Eligibility criteria for medical professionals
Medical professionals qualify for the UAE Golden Visa when they meet the residency program’s official requirements for licensing, qualifications, experience, and contribution to research and innovation, and meet the strict Cabinet guidelines.
Licensed doctors and healthcare specialists
Applicants must hold a valid UAE medical license from one of the country’s regulatory bodies: DHA (Dubai Health Authority), DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi), or MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention). In most cases, an approval letter from MOHAP is also needed to confirm the applicant is authorized to practice medicine in the country. Some emirates may ask for additional endorsements depending on the role.
Specialists with recognized qualifications
A medical degree is essential. The UAE requires at least a bachelor’s degree in medicine, and it must be accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Higher qualifications, such as a Master’s or PhD, can strengthen the application and show deeper expertise.
Professionals with significant work experience
Doctors and specialists with 10+ years of relevant experience are prioritized. Experience in clinical practice, leadership roles, or specialized areas of medicine helps demonstrate the applicant’s value to the healthcare sector.
Contribution to research and innovation
Those who have published studies, participated in clinical research, or contributed to medical advancements may also qualify under this category. Recognition from scientific bodies or medical councils further supports the application.
Approval from the UAE authorities
Final approval comes from the relevant health authority overseeing the applicant’s field of practice. This step confirms that the professional’s background, qualifications, and licensing status meet national standards.
Documents required for the UAE Golden Visa application
Medical professionals must provide a complete set of documents to verify their identity, qualifications, employment status, and eligibility for long-term residency:
- Valid passport – Used to confirm identity, nationality, and remaining passport validity for visa issuance.
- Passport-sized photographs – Required for visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, and application records.
- Medical license copy (DHA, MOHAP, or DOH) – Demonstrates that the applicant is legally authorized to practice medicine in the UAE.
- Educational certificates (attested) – Proves academic qualifications, including degrees that support eligibility. Attestation confirms authenticity.
- Employment contract or letter of experience – Verifies current employment with a UAE healthcare institution and may confirm salary, years of experience, and job title.
- Good conduct certificate – Confirms the applicant has no criminal record and meets security requirements.
- Health insurance and Emirates ID (if applicable) – Valid health insurance is required for residency, while an Emirates ID is needed for identity verification if the applicant already lives in the UAE.
Step-by-step process to apply for the UAE Golden Visa
Applying for a UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals follows a straightforward sequence: confirm eligibility, submit your application through ICA or GDRFA, complete verification checks, obtain initial approval, and finalise your residency through medical testing, Emirates ID processing, and visa stamping.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility and gather documents
The first stage is simply making sure you meet the basic requirements set by the UAE. This means checking that your medical license is active and issued by DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, confirming that your employment contract fits the criteria, and making sure your qualifications are properly attested. Having everything prepared upfront saves time later and helps the application move without interruptions.
Creative Zone’s team goes through each document with you, checking for accuracy and compliance so there are no surprises once the file is submitted.
Step 2: Submit the application through ICA or GDRFA
When your documents are in order, the next move is to submit the application through one of the UAE’s official residency platforms. Most applicants outside the UAE use ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security), while those in Dubai use GDRFA Dubai. Both platforms let you upload your paperwork, monitor the progress of your file, and receive updates as it moves through the review stages.
Step 3: Undergo document verification and background checks
After submission, the authorities carry out their verification process. They look at your credentials, check the validity of your education records and medical license, and review your employment history. Background and security checks form part of this step as well. It’s essentially the stage where the authorities make sure all information is accurate and meets the country’s residency standards.
Step 4: Receive initial approval and pay visa fees
If everything checks out, you’ll receive an initial approval notice. At this point, you pay the required fees – typically between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the emirate and specific category. These fees cover the residency processing, medical test, and Emirates ID.
Step 5: Complete medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping
The final stage involves the standard UAE residency steps. You complete the medical fitness test, provide your biometrics for the Emirates ID, and hand over your passport for visa stamping. Once that’s done, your Golden Visa is issued, giving you a secure 10-year residency and the freedom to continue your work in the UAE with long-term certainty.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals
With the UAE Golden Visa, medical professionals receive a long list of advantages, such as a 10-year renewable residency, the ability to sponsor their families, greater flexibility to work and invest, a multiple-entry visa for initial entry, and access to the UAE’s cutting-edge healthcare and education landscape.
10-year renewable residency
Golden Visa holders receive a 10-year residence permit that can be renewed. This long window gives medical professionals the room to focus on their work, map out their careers, and settle into life in the UAE without having to worry about frequent renewals or sponsor changes.
Family sponsorship and dependents
One of the strongest advantages is the ability to sponsor family members. Medical professionals can bring their spouse, children of any age, and even household staff under the same residency framework. It makes the move far more practical for families and ensures everyone can build long-term stability together.
Freedom to work, invest, and own property
Golden Visa status comes with more independence. Holders can work across approved healthcare facilities, take on private-sector roles, or contribute to research projects. They’re also free to invest, start a business, or own property in designated areas, giving them broader flexibility over their professional and financial plans.
Multiple-entry visa for initial entry
Before the full residency is issued, applicants receive a multiple-entry visa valid for six months. This temporary visa allows them to travel in and out of the country while completing medical checks, biometrics, and other final steps in the process.
Access to UAE’s advanced healthcare and education sectors
For medical professionals, living in the UAE means working within one of the region’s most advanced healthcare environments – modern hospitals, specialised centres, and active research hubs. Families also benefit from a strong education system, making the Golden Visa a practical option for those planning a long-term move.
Cost of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals
The cost of securing a UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals generally ranges between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the emirate, application route, and service fees. Here is a breakdown of the main costs:
- Application processing fees – Covers government charges for reviewing the file, verifying credentials, and issuing initial approval. These fees vary slightly by emirate.
- Medical exam fees – Includes the required UAE medical fitness test, which all residency applicants must complete before the visa is issued.
- Emirates ID fees – Covers biometric registration and issuance of the Emirates ID card linked to the Golden Visa.
- Visa stamping fees – Applies when the passport is submitted for final residency stamping after approval.
- Renewal fees (every 10 years) – Golden Visas are renewable, and applicants will pay standard renewal charges when reapplying after the 10-year period.
How the UAE Golden Visa supports the healthcare sector
The UAE’s Golden Visa plays a direct role in strengthening the country’s healthcare ecosystem. By giving medical professionals long-term residency, the system helps retain experienced talent and encourages specialists to put down roots. For hospitals, clinics, and research centres, this stability means they can build stronger teams and maintain consistent standards of care.
Long-term residency also creates space for deeper involvement in research and innovation. When doctors and specialists know they can stay in the country for many years, they’re more likely to participate in clinical studies, join academic programs, or contribute to new medical initiatives. That kind of continuity is difficult to achieve with short-term visas.
The program fits neatly into the UAE’s broader national goals. Vision 2031 places a major emphasis on innovation, advanced medical services, and building a resilient healthcare workforce. After the pandemic, the country also prioritised preparedness and long-term health security. Offering extended residency to medical professionals supports both aims by attracting people who can raise standards and help the system adapt to future challenges.
Why choose Creative Zone for your UAE Golden Visa application
Creative Zone supports medical professionals through the Golden Visa process by simplifying what can feel like a long list of steps and requirements. Our team reviews your documents, checks your eligibility, and makes sure everything is aligned with the latest rules before anything is submitted. That attention to detail helps prevent delays and keeps your application moving in the right direction.
Creative Zone’s consultants also handle the practical side of the process – preparing paperwork, coordinating with ICA or GDRFA, and communicating with the relevant health authorities when needed. For applicants, this means fewer points of confusion and a much smoother experience from start to finish.
Our wider expertise also comes into play for professionals who plan to build a long-term career in the UAE. Many medical practitioners eventually explore private practice or other ventures, and Creative Zone’s background in business setup in Dubai gives applicants access to guidance on licensing and future expansion.
With dedicated support and a proven track record since 2010, Creative Zone gives doctors and specialists a seamless way to secure their UAE Golden Visa and plan for the next stage of their professional journey.
Ready to apply for your Golden Visa? Contact Creative Zone today for expert support and guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can all doctors apply for the UAE Golden Visa?
Doctors can apply if they meet the official eligibility criteria, including holding a valid UAE medical license, earning the required minimum salary, and providing an approval letter from the relevant health authority. Additional qualifications or recognitions can further strengthen the application.
How long does it take to get a UAE Golden Visa for medical professionals?
Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their Golden Visa within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the completeness of their documents and the speed of verification by UAE authorities.
Can I apply while working in a private hospital?
Yes. Medical professionals employed in private hospitals or clinics can apply as long as they hold a valid medical license and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Does the Golden Visa cover my family members?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and household staff. Family residency remains valid even if the primary visa holder passes away.
Can medical specialists apply without a UAE employer?
In some cases, specialists with advanced qualifications, significant research contributions, or recognized awards may apply without a UAE employer. However, most applicants strengthen their case with a valid employment contract and active UAE medical license.
