Dubai Will Grant 10-year Golden Visa to Gamers

Brittany Collins

To achieve its goal of becoming a global gaming hub, Dubai has recently introduced a Golden Visa for gamers. Applicants will receive 10-year residence permits, allowing them to move to Dubai for life and work.

Dubai aims to host 100,000 digital creators and become one of the world’s top 10 digital centres in the next decade. To achieve this goal, the emirate has introduced a “Programme For Gaming 2033” initiative which focuses on developing talent, content, and technology in the gaming industry.

What is known about the Dubai Visa for Gamers

The new Golden Visa is designed for gamers and esports professionals, providing long-term stability and opportunities in Dubai’s expanding esports scene. The following categories are eligible for residency:

game developers;
game designers;
game producers;
content creators;
qualified and experienced players.

Applicants for a UAE Golden Visa for Gaming Professionals must be over 25 years old and prove their experience in gaming or game development.

Foreigners can apply for the Dubai Golden Visa for Gamers via the official website of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority or through the Dubai Gaming Visa website.

Other ways to residency in the UAE

Alongside the new UAE Golden Visa for Gamers, the UAE continues to offer Golden Visas for property investors.

To qualify for the UAE Golden Visa by property purchase, individuals must invest at least AED 750,000, or approximately $204,000, in real estate. This investment qualifies a foreigner for a 2-year residence visa. To acquire 10-year residency, one must purchase property for AED 2 million, or about $545,000. Using loaned funds for this investment is permitted.

The Golden Visa by real estate investment can be extended to the investor’s spouse and children. To maintain the status, Golden Visa holders are not required to move to the UAE, visiting the country is enough.