Dubai has extended the prestigious UAE Golden Visa to nurses who have dedicated more than 15 years of service to Dubai Health — a sweeping recognition of the emirate's frontline healthcare workforce announced on International Nurses Day.
Sheikh Hamdan Honours Nurses with Golden Visa
The announcement was made on 12 May 2025 — International Nurses Day, observed annually on that date — by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.
Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged that nursing staff are at the centre of the emirate's healthcare system, crediting them with building a healthier society and raising the quality of life for Dubai's residents. He praised their dedication to patient care and their unwavering commitment to public service, stating that Dubai rewards excellence.
Who Is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa
The initiative covers Dubai Health nurses — and midwives — who have completed more than 15 years of continuous service. More than 1,400 nursing employees meet the eligibility threshold and will receive a 10-year residency permit under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Golden Visa holders can live, work, and invest in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor. They may also sponsor spouses, children, and domestic helpers — providing long-term stability so experienced nurses can focus on patient care without the uncertainty of residency renewals.
What the UAE Golden Visa Is
The UAE first introduced the Golden Visa in 2019 as a long-term residency scheme designed to attract and retain exceptional talent. Initially limited to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and creatives, the criteria have been progressively expanded to include professionals whose contributions are vital to national development.
Including experienced nurses in the programme places healthcare at the same level of recognition as the country's most valued economic contributors.
A Signal of Commitment to Healthcare Workers
The timing of the announcement also coincided with the regional launch of the 2025 State of the World's Nursing report, hosted by the UAE in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) — underscoring the country's broader commitment to nursing as a profession.
By extending the UAE Golden Visa to frontline nurses, the UAE reinforces its reputation as a country that values compassion, clinical expertise, and resilience in healthcare. The move is both a gesture of gratitude and a practical strategy to retain top talent in a competitive global market for skilled nurses.
