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UAE Golden Visa for Doctors
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UAE Golden Visa for Doctors

Updated On: Feb 23 2026Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa for Doctors is a special long-term residency program designed to recognise and reward skilled medical professionals who contribute to the country’s healthcare sector. With the doctor’s golden visa, qualified doctors can enjoy stability, career growth, and the freedom to live and work in the UAE without frequent visa renewals. This golden visa not only offers long-term security but also opens doors to better professional opportunities, advanced facilities, and an improved quality of life.  

Whether you are an experienced specialist or a dedicated medical practitioner, this visa can be your gateway to building a successful and fulfilling career in the UAE. In this guide, we will walk you through the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and everything you need to know to get started with confidence. 

Quick Summery:

  1. Long-Term Residency and Career Stability – The UAE Golden Visa for Doctors offers 5- or 10-year residency, allowing medical professionals to live, work, and build a career in the UAE without frequent visa renewals.
  2. Eligibility and Requirements – Applicants must hold a recognised medical degree, a valid UAE medical license (DHA, DOH, or MOHAP), relevant professional experience, and demonstrate excellence and contribution to the healthcare sector.
  3. Major Benefits – Golden Visa holders enjoy professional freedom, family sponsorship, long-term security, the ability to work in public or private hospitals, and opportunities to open their own clinics.
  4. Application Process and Documentation – The process includes eligibility verification, license approval, online application submission, medical tests, biometrics, fee payment, and document submission such as academic certificates, experience letters, and police clearance.

What Is the Golden Visa for Doctors in the UAE?

The UAE’s golden visa is a long-term residency permit designed to attract highly skilled medical professionals from around the world. Under this program, eligible doctors can live, work, and practice in the UAE without a local sponsor.

This special visa is part of the UAE’s initiative to strengthen its healthcare sector and position the country as a global medical hub.

Understanding the Doctor Golden Visa

The doctor’s golden visa is typically issued for 10 years and can be renewed. It offers medical professionals’ long-term stability and the freedom to build a successful career in the UAE.

With this visa, doctors can:

  • Work in public or private hospitals and clinics
  • Open their own medical practice (subject to licensing)
  • Sponsor family members
  • Enjoy long-term residency security

This makes the golden visa for doctors an attractive option for experienced specialists and consultants.

Who Is Eligible for the Golden Visa for Doctors in the UAE?

Doctors who wish to apply for the UAE Golden Visa must meet specific academic, professional, and regulatory requirements. This long-term residency is mainly offered to highly qualified and experienced medical professionals who contribute to the country’s healthcare sector.

To be eligible, applicants generally need to fulfil the following criteria:

  • Recognised Medical Qualification: The applicant must hold a medical degree from an accredited and internationally recognised university or institution.
  • Valid UAE Medical License: Doctors must hold an active professional licence issued by a UAE health authority, such as DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, that allows them to practise legally in the country.
  • Relevant Work Experience: Applicants should have proven clinical experience in their field, usually supported by employment records, experience certificates, or hospital affiliations.
  • Professional Excellence and Achievements: Doctors with outstanding accomplishments, advanced specialisations, research publications, awards, or leadership roles in healthcare are given preference.
  • Contribution to the Healthcare Sector: Medical professionals who have significantly contributed to patient care, medical innovation, training, or public health initiatives are more likely to qualify.
  • Recommendation or Nomination (If required): In some cases, a recommendation or nomination from a recognised UAE authority, medical institution, or government body may be needed to support the application.

Overall, specialists, consultants, senior physicians, medical researchers, and highly skilled healthcare professionals are more likely to be approved. The Golden Visa is designed to attract top medical talent who can support the UAE’s long-term healthcare development and innovation goals.

Key Benefits of the Doctor Golden Visa

Here are some major advantages of holding a doctor’s golden visa in the UAE:

  • Long-Term Residency: Doctors receive a 10-year residence visa, so they don’t have to worry about renewing it every year or two. This offers long-term security and peace of mind.
  • No Local Sponsor Required: Unlike regular work visas, the Golden Visa does not depend on an employer. Doctors can stay in the UAE even if they change jobs or take a break from work.
  • Family Sponsorship: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and domestic staff, allowing their family to live comfortably with them in the UAE.
  • Career Flexibility: Doctors have greater career freedom. They can:
    • Change employers
    • Open their own clinics
    • Work with multiple hospitals or medical centres (as per UAE rules)
    • This gives them greater professional independence.
    • Professional Recognition

Receiving a Golden Visa shows that the UAE government recognises the doctor’s skills, experience, and contribution to the healthcare sector. It reflects high professional status and credibility.

The Doctor Golden Visa gives medical professionals long-term stability, job freedom, family security, and professional respect. It makes it easier to build a successful life and career in the UAE.

Dubai Golden Visa Requirements for Doctors

The golden visa is designed to attract highly skilled medical professionals who can contribute to the UAE’s advanced healthcare system. To qualify, applicants must meet the clear and well-defined golden visa for doctors’ requirements set by the relevant authorities. Below are the requirements to get a golden visa in Dubai for doctors:

1. Recognised Medical Qualifications

To apply for the doctor golden visa, you must hold a recognised medical degree such as MBBS, MD, or a higher specialisation. The qualifications should be issued by an accredited university approved by the UAE authorities.

In some cases, additional certifications, postgraduate training, fellowships, or board certifications may strengthen your eligibility. Especially if you are applying as a specialist or consultant. All educational documents may require attestation and verification in accordance with UAE regulations.

2. Valid UAE Professional License

A valid and active medical license is required. Doctors must be licensed by one of the UAE’s authorised health bodies, such as:

  • Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
  • Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH)
  • Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

Professional license confirms that you are legally permitted to practise medicine in the UAE. If you are currently practising outside the UAE, you may need to obtain eligibility approval or pass the required licensing exams before applying.

3. Proven Professional Experience

Applicants must demonstrate a solid track record in medical practice. This includes relevant years of experience, hospital affiliations, clinical expertise, and documented achievements.

Doctors with experience in high-demand or critical specialities, such as oncology, epidemiology, internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, and intensive care, may receive priority consideration. Evidence of research publications, leadership roles, or advanced clinical contributions can further strengthen your application.

4. Recommendation or Approval from the UAE Health Authorities

One of the key requirements for the golden visa for doctors is obtaining an endorsement from the relevant UAE health authority.

This recommendation confirms that the applicant has made, or is expected to make, a meaningful contribution to the UAE’s healthcare sector. The approval process typically involves reviewing the doctor’s qualifications, work history, and professional impact.

5. Good Conduct and Professional Standing

Doctors must maintain a clean, legal, and professional record. A certificate of good conduct (police clearance) is required to confirm that there are no criminal cases or disciplinary actions.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate compliance with UAE medical laws, ethical guidelines, and professional standards. Any history of malpractice, license suspension, or regulatory violations may affect eligibility.

6. Medical Fitness Test

As with all long-term residency applications, candidates must pass the mandatory UAE medical fitness test. This ensures that the applicant meets the health standards required under UAE residency laws.

The medical test is conducted at approved government centres and is a standard step in the Golden Visa process.

Meeting this golden visa for doctors’ requirements allows medical professionals to secure long-term residency, career stability, and the opportunity to play a key role in strengthening the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem.

How to Get a Golden Visa for Doctors in the UAE?

If you are a medical professional looking to build a long-term career in the Middle East, the doctor Golden Visa offers an excellent opportunity to live and work in the United Arab Emirates with long-term residency benefits.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Golden Visa for doctors in the UAE.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for the Doctor Golden Visa

Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Golden Visa. Generally, you must:

  • Hold a valid medical degree
  • Be licensed by a UAE health authority (DHA, DOH, or MOHAP)
  • Have relevant work experience
  • Be recognised for professional excellence, research, or contributions to healthcare

Doctors with strong academic backgrounds, specialisations, or leadership roles are more likely to qualify.

Step 2: Get Your Medical License Approved

To qualify for a doctor’s Golden Visa, you must be legally authorised to practice in the UAE.

This means:

  • Registering with the relevant health authority
  • Passing required assessments (if applicable)
  • Receiving a valid professional license

Without this license, your Golden Visa application cannot proceed.

Step 3: Submit Your Golden Visa Application Online

You can apply for the Golden Visa for doctors through official UAE immigration portals or smart service platforms.

The process usually includes:

  • Creating an online account
  • Uploading documents
  • Filling in personal and professional details
  • Submitting the application

Make sure all information matches your official records to avoid delays.

Step 4: Pay the Application and Processing Fees

After submission, you will be asked to pay the required fees, which may include:

  • Application fee
  • Medical test fee
  • Emirates ID fee
  • Visa issuance fee

The total cost may vary depending on your location and visa duration.

Step 5: Complete Medical Test and Biometrics

As part of the doctor Golden Visa process, you must:

  • Undergo a medical fitness test
  • Provide fingerprints and biometric data
  • Complete Emirates ID registration

These steps are mandatory for all residency visa applicants in the UAE.

Step 6: Wait for Approval and Nomination

Your application will be reviewed by relevant authorities. This stage may involve:

  • Background verification
  • Professional assessment
  • Nomination approval

Processing times vary, but most Golden Visa applications are completed within a few weeks.

Step 7: Receive Your Golden Visa and Emirates ID

Once approved, you will receive:

  • Your long-term residence visa (valid for 5 or 10 years)
  • Emirates ID
  • Official residency status

You can now legally live, work, and practice medicine in the UAE without employer sponsorship.

Step 8: Sponsor Your Family (Optional)

With a doctor Golden Visa, you can also sponsor:

  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Parents (in some cases)
  • Domestic staff

This makes the Golden Visa ideal for doctors planning long-term settlement.

Documents Required to Get a Golden Visa for Doctors

Proper documentation is crucial for getting your doctor’s golden visa approved. You should prepare the following:

  • Valid passport (minimum six months’ validity)
  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • UAE medical licence (MOHAP, DHA, or DOH)
  • Attested academic certificates and degrees
  • Experience letters and professional records
  • Proof of achievements, awards, or publications (if available)
  • Police clearance or good conduct certificate (if requested)
  • Emirates ID and current residence visa (for UAE residents)

Ensure all documents are clear, up to date, and correctly attested to avoid delays.

Why the UAE Gives Golden Visas to Doctors?

The UAE offers Golden Visas to doctors to help build a strong, reliable healthcare system.

Here’s why:

  • Improve healthcare quality: Skilled doctors help provide better treatment and care to patients.
  • Attract top medical experts: The UAE wants experienced doctors from around the world to work and live here.
  • Support research and innovation: Doctors contribute to medical research and the development of new treatments.
  • Strengthen hospitals and clinics: Long-term doctors help build stable, trusted healthcare facilities.

By giving doctors a Golden Visa, the UAE encourages them to stay longer, grow their careers, and continue serving the community with dedication and excellence.

Is the Golden Visa for Doctors Worth It?

For experienced medical professionals, the golden visa for doctors is highly valuable. It provides job security, financial stability, and long-term residency in one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare markets.

Whether you are a specialist, consultant, or senior practitioner, the doctor’s golden visa can help you build a strong and lasting medical career in the UAE.

What Are the Fees for a Golden Visa for Doctors in the UAE?

Doctors applying for a UAE Golden Visa usually need to pay a starting fee of around AED 1,250. This amount covers the six-month entry permit, which is the first step in applying for the 10-year Golden Visa.

Kindly note that the final cost may change based on additional services, medical tests, or document processing requirements.

Secure Your UAE Golden Visa for Doctors with Dubiz

The Golden Visa for doctors offers long-term stability, career growth, and a strong future in the UAE’s healthcare sector. By meeting the golden visa for doctors’ requirements, holding a valid medical license, and submitting the right documents, you can apply with confidence.

With expert guidance, the application process becomes simple and stress-free. At Dubiz Business Setup, we support medical professionals at every step, from eligibility checks to final approval, ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations.

Take the next step toward a secure medical career in the UAE.

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

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📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Aksed Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the UAE Golden Visa for doctors?

It is a long-term residency visa (usually for 10 years) that allows qualified doctors to live and work in the UAE without employer sponsorship.

2. Who can apply for the Doctor Golden Visa?

Licensed doctors with recognised medical degrees, relevant experience, and professional achievements are eligible to apply.

3. Do doctors need a local sponsor for this visa?

No, the Golden Visa does not require a local sponsor or employer support.

4. Can Golden Visa doctors sponsor their families?

Yes, doctors can sponsor their spouse, children, and sometimes parents and domestic staff.

5. How long does the Golden Visa application take?

Most applications are processed within a few weeks, depending on document verification and approvals.

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Kajol Kanojia

Kajol Kanojia

Sr. Content Writer

Kajol Kanojia is a highly experienced business content curator and specialist with over five years of hands-on experience in UAE company formation and business setup advisory. Working closely with our consultants and compliance experts, Kajol ensures that every article is accurate, practical, and rooted in real-world business scenarios, not just theory. The goal is simple is to deliver information you can trust and actually use. From setting up a company in Dubai to understanding licenses, visas, free zones, and compliance requirements, Kajol breaks down complex legal processes into clear, engaging, and easy-to-read guides. Every piece of content is well-researched, up to date with the latest UAE laws, and written with entrepreneurs in mind, so readers can make confident decisions without getting lost in jargon.

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