Dubai and Abu Dhabi have raised the anchor on a bold new expansion of the Dubai Golden Visa program. The UAE now offers a 10-year residency program to yacht owners and professionals in various fields, including nurses, content creators, gaming professionals, and teachers.
This strategic move falls in line with the broader ambition of the UAE to establish itself as a global hub for innovation and investment, attracting high-net-worth individuals. With this initiative, the UAE strengthens its foothold in the luxury tourism and maritime industries.
How the Golden Visa Program of the UAE Can Benefit Foreign Investors
Originally launched in 2019, the UAE designed its Golden Visa program to provide long-term residency for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized professionals. Now, the authorities announced an expansion of the program in May 2025. The residency program has been extended to include a wider range of categories. Particularly, this includes luxury yacht owners, maritime executives, and other high-value talent like nurses, teachers, content creators, and gaming professionals.
Applicants enjoy a suite of attractive benefits for foreign investors. These include:
- No need for a local sponsor or employer
- Full family sponsorship with the same duration of residency
- No personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax
- Ease of doing business, banking, and property ownership in the UAE
- The residency remains uninterrupted, even if the visa holder spends extended time outside the country
The UAE appears to be an incredible destination for those skilled talent looking to upgrade their lifestyles. Relocating to the UAE also brings in business growth and tax efficiency.
Now, let’s take a look at how the Golden Visa Program of the UAE can benefit foreign investors.
The Golden Quay and Superyacht Residency
Authorities have launched “The Golden Quay” in Abu Dhabi. This is a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), and Yas Marina. The initiative targets yacht owners whose vessels exceed 40 meters in length, along with key players in the same ecosystem.
Eligible individuals include:
- Owners of yachts measuring 40 meters or longer
- CEOs, major shareholders of yacht-building companies
- Central yacht agents, brokers, and service providers
- Yacht insurance and maintenance executives
- Immediate family members of the principal visa holder
The Golden Quay Visa
The Superyacht Golden Visa
Empowering Economic Diversification and Tourism
The new visa strategy in the UAE isn’t just about tourism. It is a calculated measure to fuel the growth of the marine economy of the country, which is currently valued at over $1.2 billion. At the same time, this initiative boosts high-end tourism, waterfront real estate, and marina infrastructure. At the same time, the country attracts UHNWIs with a taste for exclusivity.
The Golden Visa expansion is also part of the UAE’s Vision 2030. This initiative has been taken to attract 100,000 skilled professionals in the next five years to diversify the economy of the country beyond oil. Interestingly, the nation attracted 9.8 million visitors in 2024, and 15,000 startups are currently operating in Dubai. The government is aggressively carving out its identity as a knowledge-based economy that attracts global talent.
Golden Visa Now Available for Professionals from Other Fields
Apart from luxury yacht owners, five new categories of professionals have been added to the Dubai Golden Visa program.
- Nurses with 15+ years of service
- Educators, including school teachers and university staff
- Digital content creators, including podcasters and influencers
- E-sports and gaming professionals
- Luxury yacht owners and industry leaders
Smart Investors Must Apply for Dubai Golden Visa
Foreign investors or entrepreneurs considering a long-term residency in the UAE must apply for the Golden Visa program. Even skilled professionals from different fields and yacht owners can now benefit from the favourable tax environment and world-class infrastructure. Consult a professional like the IMC Group to apply for the Dubai Golden Visa and relocate to the UAE. This is an excellent opportunity for those ready to invest in the Middle East or upgrade their lifestyles.
