تم تحديث هذا المقال في 25 فبراير 2025، الساعة 11:50 ص
|||The United Arab Emirates has long been a coveted destination for professionals, due to its booming economy and endless opportunities. This country’s prosperity came as a result of the forward-thinking policies, including the Golden Visa Program. In recent news, the Golden Visa Program has been extended to include teachers and educators who have made remarkable contributions and demonstrated exceptional performance in the education sector. So, what is this visa? Which teachers are eligible to apply for it? What are the requirements? This article aims to answer all your questions.
ما هي تأشيرة الإمارات الذهبية؟
إن الإقامة الذهبية في الإمارات aims to mainly attract talent, highly skilled people, and high net-worth individuals who want to move to the Emirates. Introduced in 2019, Golden Visas offers a renewable 10-year residency permit to individuals who made remarkable contributions to the UAE, have valuable skills, or work in crucial industries. Investors, scientists, athletes, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes are some of the people who can apply for a Golden Visa.
UAE Golden Visa for Teachers: Details
As part of the Education 33 strategy goal, which aims to make Dubai a leading destination for educators globally, and with the aim of recognizing and retaining exceptional talent in Dubai’s education sector; the Golden Visa program has been extended to teachers in the private sector.
On the occasion of International Teachers’ Day, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, made the announcement on social media saying that a decision was made to issue “golden visas to educators who have demonstrated excellence in Dubai’s private education sector.” He added that he valued UAE teachers’ “commitment to nurturing future leaders and instilling important values”. He also mentioned that he considers them a major contributor to the success of Dubai’s education strategy E33.
Golden Visa for Outstanding Educators: How To Apply
Starting October 15, 2024; teachers working in early childhood centers, private schools, and international higher education institutions will have the chance to apply for a UAE Golden Visa. Here are all the details you need to know in case you wish to apply or know someone who qualifies.
UAE Golden Visa for Teachers: Application Process
Nomination: The first step in the application process is to have the institution you work at nominate you; so start by discussing this opportunity with the head of your institution. They can initiate the nomination process through the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) system.
Internal review: Each school or university must establish an internal committee that reviews various educators’ applications. The ones that meet the criteria can be submitted to KHDA’s e-Services system for the authority’s review.
Dubai Golden Visa for Teachers: Eligibility Criteria
Various educators working in the private sector can apply for the Golden Visa and each category has its own set of eligibility criteria.
School principals and leaders, early childhood center (ECC) managers, and academic heads of higher education institutions
- مؤهلات: Applicants must have an advanced degree such as a PhD, professional doctorate, or master’s; or relevant professional qualifications, such as a CPA or professional fellowships – applies to higher education institutions only.
- DSIB Rating, recognition, and Awards: Applicants must have maintained or improved their school’s rating to good or better in the Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau annual inspections. Applicants’ efforts must have been recognized through grants, competitions, or fellowships – applies to school principals only.
- Research Contributions: Applicants must have research contributions, such as published papers in reputable journals, research grants and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitions – apply to higher education institutions.
- Student Success: Applicants must provide evidence of improved student outcomes, academic progress, and graduation outcomes.
- Leadership Impact and Feedback: Applicants must provide proof of positive feedback on leadership and the overall school environment.
- Official Nomination: Applicants must be formally nominated by the school’s board of governors, clearly mentioning their exceptional leadership and reasons for nomination.
- Community Work: Applicants must have positively contributed to their community through educational projects, partnerships, or social initiatives; or offered support to key student groups.
Teachers and Faculty Members
- مؤهلات: Applicants must have an advanced degree such as a PhD, professional doctorate, or master’s; or relevant professional qualifications, such as a CPA or professional fellowships – applies to higher education institutions only.
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Professional Excellence
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For teachers: Applicants must be formally nominated by the principal. The nomination must be approved and endorsed by the board of governors. Applicants must present evidence of student success in internal and external exams as well as positive feedback on their performance from students, parents, and stakeholders.
- For faculty members of higher education institutions: Applicants must have research contributions, such as published papers in reputable journals, research grants and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitionsSupport of Students: The applicants must have successfully improved the academic performance of Emirati students or contributed to the academic and social development of students of determination.
- Recognition and Awards: The applicants must be the recipient of a prestigious education award (a national education award or an international education award) or recognition through grants, competitions, or fellowships.
- Community Work: Applicants must have positively contributed to their community through educational projects, partnerships, or social initiatives.
UAE Golden Visa For Teachers 2025: Documents Required
A list of documents must be presented by schools, early education centers, and higher education institutions on behalf of the staff members they find eligible to apply for the Golden Visa. These documents are:
- KHDA school rating reports (for principals)
- Award certificates
- Survey results and testimonials from students and parents
- Staff testimonials (for principals, ECC managers, and academic heads)
- Evidence of community involvement
- Documentation showing improved student outcomes
- Recommendation and nomination letters from the Board of Governors
Dubai Golden Visa For Teachers: Fees
When applying for a Golden Visa, some fees might be incurred. Here’s a list of these fees and what they correspond to.
Medical Checkup – 700 AED: This fee covers a complete medical checkup for communicable diseases and a general health assessment.
Emirates ID valid for 10 years – 1043 AED: The Emirates ID card is mandatory for all UAE residents. This fee covers the cost of the card and the application process.
Visa Application valid for 10 years – 2785.75 AED: The fee covers the cost of the application process, visa stamping, and other administrative charges.
Administrative Fees – 1100 AED: This fee encompasses any administrative costs not included above such as processing fees, document verification, and others.
Golden Visa for Teachers in the UAE: Application Review Process
All Golden Visa applications undergo a stringent review process comprising 4 steps, which span around 45 working days after all documents are submitted for approval.
First, all presented applications will be evaluated by a dedicated committee. Following this review process, the committee will present its recommendations to the KHDA for its review. The KHDA will coordinate with the relevant entities and present a final list of eligible educators. These educators will be informed that they have been approved for a Golden Visa and asked to liaise with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to obtain their Golden Visa.
فوائد التأشيرة الذهبية في الإمارات
A UAE Golden Visa offers its holder many benefits. You will no longer need a national sponsor to live and work in the UAE; which translates into more freedom and flexibility in your career. Given its long-term validity, you won’t need to renew it frequently. A golden visa also allows you to become an investor in the UAE and grants you access to healthcare and education facilities. You’ll also be able to obtain the same residency for your spouse and children.
CHECK OUT: UAE Residents Visa-Free Countries (2025)
الخاتمة
The educators’ Golden Visa is certainly a kind and appreciative gesture towards professionals who spend years of their lives shaping the minds of the future. This opportunity is highly anticipated by many individuals who work in the education sector. Any teacher, faculty member, principal, or school manager is advised to seize this chance starting October 15, 2024; as educational institutions will have the chance to nominate their teachers, managers, and faculty members for a Golden Visa every year between mid-October and mid-December.
الأسئلة الشائعة
1. What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is an initiative launched by the UAE granting long-term residence visas to individuals and professionals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
2. Who can apply for the Golden Visa for educators?
The Golden Visa for Educators is dedicated to people who work in the field of education in Dubai such as principals and leaders of private schools, managers of private early childhood centers, academic heads of higher education institutions licensed by KHDA, teachers from private schools and ECCs, and full-time faculty at higher education institutions licensed by KHDA.
3. How long is the Golden Visa valid?
The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed if the eligibility criteria are met.
4. How do I start the application process?
The application process is initiated by a nomination from your institution through the KHDA system. Talk to the head of your educational institution and ask them to support your application.
5. What happens once my application is submitted?
All applications are first reviewed by an internal committee at the educational institution to ascertain that they meet the criteria. Then, they are submitted to KHDA through their e-Services system; which will review the application and issue approvals; after coordinating with the relevant entities. Eligible educators will be informed of the outcome.
6. Do I need to provide original documents with my application?
Colored scans of original documents are acceptable; however, the original documents might be requested for further authentication.
7. Are there any fees involved in the application process?
Yes, the Golden Visa application process will entail some fees which are detailed on the website of the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs.
8. My current visa is about to expire. Should I wait for my Golden Visa or renew my current visa?
KHDA recommends renewing your current visa to avoid any issues. Meanwhile, you can wait for your Golden Visa application to be processed which may take some time.
9. How long does it take to process the Golden Visa application?
After all documents have been duly presented, the process would typically take 45 business days.
10. What happens after my nomination is approved?
If your nomination is approved, you will be informed and advised to approach the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs to continue the Golden Visa process.
11. If my application is approved, who will cover the cost of the Golden Visa?
The cost of the Golden Visa is covered by the applicant in case of approval. You can discuss with your educational institution the possibility of having them cover the visa fees.
12. Can I sponsor my family if I get a Golden Visa?
Yes. Once you obtain the Golden Visa, you can apply for residency permits for your spouse and children. If you need more details, go to the official website of the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
13. I am an educator working in an educational institute, but my residency is under my spouse’s sponsorship. Can the institution still nominate me?
Yes, your institution can nominate you, provided that you hold a license from KHDA to teach.
14. Do I need to meet all the criteria to submit my application?
Do I need to meet all the criteria to submit my application?
15. Is there an appeals process to have my application reconsidered in case it is rejected?
No, you cannot appeal these decisions or ask for your application to be reconsidered. Decisions are taken following a rigorous review process.
16. Is there a specific window to apply?
Yes, educational institutions can nominate any educator they find eligible between mid-October and mid-December of every year.
17. Are teachers eligible for a Golden Visa?
Yes, as part of the Education 33 strategy goal, teachers licensed to work in Dubai are eligible to apply for a Golden Visa through their educational institutions.
