Golden Visa Owners Get Enhanced Consular Benefits

Expanded Consular Services for Golden Visa Holders

The United Arab Emirates has taken another step to provide even more comprehensive support to foreigners with long-term residency permits, known as the Golden Visa. On October 14th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the introduction of new consular services for Golden Visa holders, aimed at addressing emergencies that occur abroad and providing humanitarian assistance. The measure aims to make foreign nationals living, working, or studying long-term in the UAE feel like full members of the country, even when they are abroad.

Emergency Support and Special Phone Line for Golden Visa Holders

The most significant new feature is that Golden Visa holders are now entitled to emergency support available through UAE consulates. This is particularly important in cases of natural disasters, political crises, terrorist acts, or other extraordinary circumstances in which foreign citizens need urgent assistance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline for Golden Visa holders: +971 2 493 1133. Through this line, they can directly contact the ministry's call center, where they can receive information and assistance in Arabic and English.

Repatriation and Funeral Services for Deceased Golden Visa Holders

One of the most significant elements of the new services is that the UAE undertakes the organization of repatriation and funeral arrangements for foreign nationals with a Golden Visa who die abroad. This not only speeds up procedures for grieving family members but also provides emotional support and reflects a humane approach. The aim is for families to handle necessary affairs quickly and smoothly with minimal administrative burden.

Participation in organizing funerals and ensuring repatriation is particularly important for families in difficult financial or logistical situations who cannot solve the situation independently. In this way, the UAE also demonstrates a long-term commitment to Golden Visa holders.

Return with Electronic Document in Case of Passport Issues

The new service package also includes the provision of an electronic return document in case a Golden Visa holder loses or damages their passport abroad. This document can be applied for on the ministry's official website and is issued through a fast-track process so that the individual can safely return to the UAE. This service is especially valuable for those who left the country for business, holiday, or medical treatment.

What is a Golden Visa?

Launched in 2019 in the UAE, the Golden Visa has become available to an increasingly broad audience. The visa offers long-term residency, either for five or ten years, which eligible persons can renew automatically. One of its main advantages is that visa holders do not need a sponsor, employer, or permanent job to live, work, or study in the country.

Eligible groups include:

government investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional students, professionals in scientific or engineering fields, healthcare workers, frontline workers (e.g., healthcare, defense), content creators, gamers, and digital creators, superyacht owners (introduced in Abu Dhabi in 2024), exceptional teachers (with special permission from Ras Al Khaimah).

How to Apply for a Golden Visa?

The application process is well-organized and available through multiple channels. Interested parties can initiate the procedure on the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) website or at designated service centers. In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs offices also accept applications.

To obtain the visa, applicants must prove their eligibility, whether based on investment, scientific achievements, academic excellence, or other categories. The process can also be completed online, and expedited processing is often available.

Expanding Target Audience, More Services

The UAE aims for the Golden Visa to be more than just a document; it's a life-improving qualification offering security, flexibility, and stability to committed foreigners. The new consular services serve this goal: they show that the state takes responsibility for those not currently in the UAE but are part of it long term.

The new system carries a particularly strong message: if someone commits to the UAE – investing, working, studying, or contributing to its development – they can count on the state's support in difficult situations.

Summary

The Golden Visa has long been more than just a residency permit – it's a recognition of an individual's active contribution to the UAE's development. The newly introduced consular services elevate this status to an even higher level: whether it's emergency assistance, passport replacement, or a dignified farewell for deceased nationals, the UAE ensures that Golden Visa holders receive truly special treatment. This step is not just a technical development but carries a deep humanitarian message – privileges come with responsibilities, and the UAE is ready to shoulder them.

(Source of the article: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) statement.)