The UAE government introduced the Golden Visa program to attract and keep top talent from all over the world, and to position healthcare professionals in one of the top regions.It is a golden opportunity that is unique in the sense that it grants a 10-year, renewable residency visa for the most sophisticated healthcare systems.
Recent changes set to be in place by 2024 will enable the system to be easier for nurses to access due to their significant contribution to the UAE’s healthcare industry. Suppose you’re currently operating in a hospital within the UAE or looking to relocate to the UAE. In that case, this guide will cover every aspect of eligibility, including verification, post-approval, and post-approval.
Detailed Eligibility Requirements for Nurses in 2024
Here are given the eligibility and requirements for the Golden Visa for Nurses.
Professional Qualifications
Educational Requirements:
(a) Nursing Bachelor’s Degree (BSN) OR
Three-year nursing degree from an accredited school
(b) Foreign documents must be certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the  Embassy of the country where the document was issued.
Licensing:
(a) The registration is valid with the DHA (Dubai ), DOH (Abu Dhabi ), and MOHAP (Federal)
(b) Specialized nurses (ICU, ER, OR) may receive priority
Experience Thresholds:
A minimum of 15 years’ experience as a nurse is required for general candidates.
More than 5 years UAE Expertise in Abu Dhabi-based nurse
Ten years of experience for nurses who have postgraduate certificates
Employment Status
You must have a job with:
(a) Hospitals operated under the direction of the government (e.g., Dubai Health, SEHA)
(b) Private healthcare centers that hold a license (minimum 100 beds)
(c) Academia medical centers, as well as teaching obligations
Additional Considerations
(a) The age limit of 55 years is the minimum age for new applicants.
(b) No criminal record in any of the countries in which you reside.
(c) Insurance coverage for health that complies with UAE standards
Comprehensive Benefits Breakdown:Â
The Golden Visa for Nurses in UAE has many benefits, some of them are discussed here in detail.
Residency Advantages
The Golden Visa provides the following benefits for Nurses.
(a) 10-year renewal of residence permit for 10 years
(b) There is no limit on the time you can stay outside of the UAE
(c) Automatic renewal of the visa without needing to apply again
Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship is provided to the Nurses with following benefits.
(a) Include children and spouses under 25.
(b) Sponsors are parents who have medical insurance
(c) Provide one Domestic assistance person, free of cost
Career Flexibility
Golden Visa provides career flexibility.
(a) Change employers with no visa cancellation
(b) Work as a freelancer in nursing specialties.
(c) Set up medical clinics or medical firms.
Attractive Life Styles
Golden Visa offers some of the following benefits.
(a) Access Priority for services offered by the government
(b) Discounted Mortgage Rates for home purchases
(c) Airport VIP services( in UAE airports
Step-by-Step Application Process (2024 Update)
Stage 1: Pre-Application Preparation
For submission of application for Golden Visa, following requirements should be met.Â
1. Document Collection:
(a) Attested academic certificates by a Notary Public.
(b) Experience letters from each of the previous employers.
(c) AED 15,000 per month income. Salary certificates that show a minimum AED 15,000 monthly income
2. Credential Attestation:
(a) Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation
(b) UAE Embassy legalization in the country of
(c) Arabic translator of papers that aren’t English
Stage 2: Online Submission
1. Platform Selection:
(a) Federal clients will apply through ICP Smart Services
(b) Dubai residents will apply through GDRFA Dubai portal
(c) Abu Dhabi candidates will use TAMM system
2. Application Components:
Following documents must have before applying.
(a) Digital copies of each document
(b) Recent passport-style photograph
(c) Employer No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
Stage 3: Payment & Processing
Fee Structure:
(a) Application fee: AED 350
(b) Fees for issuance: AED 1000
(c) Emirates ID: AED 370
Processing Timeline:
- Standard processing: 15-20 working days
- Priority services: seven days a week (additional AED 500)
Stage 4: Post-Approval Requirements
1. Medical Testing:
(a) Chest X-rays are mandatory, and blood tests are required
(b) COVID-19 vaccination proof
2. Biometric Enrollment:
(a) Fingerprinting at approved centers
(b) Emirates ID Photo captur
3. Visa Stamping
- E-visas for new applicants are issued.
- Residence stamping for UAE residents.
Common Challenges & Expert Solutions
Major Reasons for Application Rejection.
- Incomplete Documentation (32 percent of cases)
Solution: Application to follow the ICP document checklist. ICP document checklist
- Issues with verification of experience (28 percent of the time)
Solution: has letters written on the letterheads of companies
- A Salary Threshold Level of Uncertainty (19 percent of cases)
Solution: Add all allowances to your pay proof
How LBMS Can Help You Get a UAE Golden Visa as a Nurse
LBMS (Licensed Business Management Service) specialises in simplifying the process of the Golden Visa application process for nurses. Our professionals assist with document preparation (degree attestation and license validation, as well as letters of experience), eligibility verification, and submit application via ICP/GDRFA portals. We help you navigate the complexities of procedures, maximize approval opportunities and offer complete support, from initial assessment until visa stamping – ensuring that the process is smooth and stress-free. Allow LBMS to speed up your 10-year residency, so you can concentrate upon your career as a nurse throughout the UAE.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The UAE Golden Visa represents a fantastic opportunity for nurses to pursue lasting careers in the rapidly changing healthcare system. With the 2024 update, which will allow the program to be easier to access than it ever was before, nurses who are trained should:
- Self-assess eligibility on the basis of official guidelines
- Begin document collection immediately
- Check with HR departments to find out how you can get assistance
- Submit applications within the ideal processing time.
If you’re looking for individualized advice, consider arranging meetings to meet with UAE professionals in immigration or with the PRO official at the hospital where you work. Your nursing career in the UAE begins with the initial step towards obtaining a permanent residency.
Last Updated: June 2024 | Sources: UAE Cabinet, Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship, Dubai Health Authority
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Q: Can part-time nurses qualify?
The answer is No.The only full-time at licensed facilities employees are qualified.
Q Do you offer an option that is age-restricted for exceptional candidates?
Yes, nurses with a specialization (e.g., ECMO, neonatal) can apply after age 55.
Q: What is the renewal of your work visa?
Automatic 10-year renewal if you are employed and have a clean record.
Which nurses from private clinics may be considered to fill a job?
Yes, Only if the clinic is JCI-accredited with 50+ beds..