The UAE has taken a significant step forward in its long-term residency programme by announcing major new benefits for Golden Visa holders.
The move, unveiled during the GITEX Global 2025 event in Dubai, reflects the country’s ambition to not only attract global talent and investment, but also to provide long-standing expatriates and their families with a deeper sense of security and inclusion.
What’s New: Expanded Global Consular Support
The key enhancements include:
- A dedicated 24/7 hotline (Call Centre 0097 12 493 1133) enabling Golden Visa holders and their families to reach UAE officials directly at any time from anywhere in the world.
- The introduction of an electronic Return Document for Golden Visa holders whose passports are lost or damaged while abroad, designed to facilitate re-entry into the UAE.
- Inclusion of Golden Visa holders in crisis-evacuation and emergency support plans, including assistance with repatriation and burial of mortal remains abroad, services that until now were limited to UAE nationals.
These changes signal an important shift. The UAE is moving from simply offering long-stay residency, to offering a global safety net for selective expatriates who commit to making the UAE their base.
Why It Matters – For Residents, Investors & Families
For residents and families, this means increased peace-of-mind: long-term residency no longer means only “live and work in the UAE,” but also “we have your back if something abroad goes wrong.” Legal experts describe the move as a “qualitative leap”.
For investors and property owners, this is an added layer of confidence. When a country enhances residency benefits for long-term visa holders, it tends to boost the real-estate value proposition and overall attractiveness for relocation or investment planning.
For the UAE’s strategic objectives, the benefits align neatly with its aim to become a magnet for global talent, entrepreneurs and international families not just short-term visitors. The leadership’s theme for 2025, “Year of Community – Hand in Hand”, underpins this inclusive policy shift.
Eligibility Remains Broad: Pathways & Categories
While the new consular benefits are for existing Golden Visa holders, the broader visa programme continues to evolve and here’s what you need to know:
- Traditional eligibility remains for investors (e.g., property investment, bank deposits) and talent categories (exceptional professionals, specialised workers).
- Recent years have seen the inclusion of new professional tracks, such as digital creators/influencers, e-sports professionals, and luxury-yacht sector executives.
- Family sponsorship is also improving: in some cases holders can sponsor spouse, children and domestic help, and there are growing protections for families if the primary holder passes away.
Important Considerations Before You Apply
- The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (5- or 10-year, and with some pathways even longer) not equivalent to citizenship.
- Holding the Golden Visa does not automatically unlock all possible benefits of citizenship (e.g., certain political rights), but this recent upgrade brings consular services closer.
- If applying via investment (particularly real-estate), due diligence remains essential — property market conditions, tax implications and residency needs should all be reviewed.
- Ensure your documentation is complete: passport validity, medical tests, biometrics, job contract (where relevant), and attestations if required.
What This Means for Real Estate and Investment
With enhanced benefits for Golden Visa holders, the UAE’s real-estate market becomes an even more compelling destination:
- Long-term residency backed by global support makes property investment less about “visa and exit” and more about establishing a lifestyle base.
- Developers, brokers and relocation consultants might see increased demand from high-net-worth individuals and global professionals looking for stability.
- For families considering relocation, the added security layer helps justify overseas investment and moving costs.
DMAXX Properties
At DMAXX Properties, we specialise in premium real-estate advisory across the UAE. Whether you’re exploring Dubai’s high-rise urban homes or Abu Dhabi’s waterfront opportunities, our team provides tailored insights aligned with the evolving Golden Visa landscape. We help you navigate eligibility requirements, investment options and the best areas to match your lifestyle and long-term residency goals.
