Golden Visa: Newly Introduced 10-Year Golden Visa for Teachers in Dubai! Check Your Eligibility

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced the eligibility criteria and the date for teachers in private schools to start applying for the Golden Visa. Teachers can begin applying from 2024 October 15 for this special long-term visa.

The Golden Visa for educators was introduced as a way to recognize and reward outstanding teachers who have made significant contributions to Dubai’s education system. The announcement was made on World Teachers’ Day, following an order from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council.

Purpose of the Golden Visa for Educators

The initiative aims to honor teachers who demonstrate:

• Excellence and innovation in their work
• Dedication to shaping the future of Dubai through education
• Positive contributions to student success and academic achievement

The visa is part of Dubai’s broader commitment to nurturing talent, investing in human capital, and celebrating the role of educators in inspiring and empowering future generations. The Golden Visa for educators will be valid for 10 years and is renewable as long as the eligibility criteria are maintained.

Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is open to various educational professionals working in private schools, nurseries, and universities in Dubai. Eligible roles include:

• School principals and school leaders
• Early childhood center managers
• Academic heads of higher education institutions (HEIs)
• Teachers (from both schools and early childhood centers)
• Full-time faculty members and senior administrative leaders at universities

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Golden Visa, educators must meet certain criteria based on their roles:

1. Teachers and Faculty Members:

   • Exceptional academic achievements and contributions to innovation in education.
   • Proven success in improving the quality of education at their institutions.
   • Demonstrating a positive impact on student outcomes, such as academic progress or recognized qualifications.

2. School Principals and Leadership:

   • Must have improved the school’s Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau (DSIB) rating to at least “Good” or maintained/further improved it.
   • Evidence of leadership impact, including positive feedback from students, parents, and staff.
   • Recognition and awards, such as a prestigious education award or participation in grants, competitions, or fellowships.
   • Proven contributions to community work through educational projects or partnerships.

3. Higher Education Institution Leaders:

   • Must hold an advanced degree (e.g., PhD, professional doctorate, or master’s) or relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CPA).
   • Must provide evidence of research contributions, such as published work in reputable journals, research grants, and collaborations.
   • Demonstrate leadership by improving student outcomes (graduation rates, academic progress).

Application Process

KHDA has outlined a multi-step process for applying for the Golden Visa:

1. Nomination:

   • The process begins with a nomination from the candidate’s educational institution. Interested educators should discuss their interest with the head of their institution.
   • If the institution supports the application, it will nominate the educator through the KHDA’s e-Services system.

2. Internal Review:

   • The institution will form an internal committee to review all the nominations and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Submission to KHDA:

   • Once reviewed internally, the institution will submit the applications to KHDA. KHDA will assess the applications and coordinate with other relevant entities to finalize the list of educators eligible for the Golden Visa.

4. Approval:

   • If approved, KHDA will notify the selected educators and provide them with instructions to continue the visa process through the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Required Documents

Candidates will need to provide colored scans of their original documents during the application process. Original documents may be requested at later stages for verification purposes.

Application Fees

The Golden Visa application fees are available on the official GDRFA website. The cost of the visa will typically be covered by the educator unless their institution has agreed to bear the fees.

Application Timeline

• Application period: Mid-October to mid-December every year.
• Processing time: 45 working days from the submission of all required documentation.

Sponsoring Family Members

Once an educator receives the Golden Visa, they will also be eligible to sponsor residency permits for their family members (spouse and children), allowing them to stay in the UAE for the duration of the visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I start the application process?

• You need to express your interest to your institution, and they will nominate you through the KHDA system if they support your application.

2. What happens after my application is submitted?

• Your institution will review your application, and if it meets the criteria, it will be forwarded to KHDA for final approval.

3. Do I need to submit original documents?

• You can submit colored scans, but original documents may be required at a later stage.

4. Are there fees involved in the application process?

• Yes, the fees are outlined on the GDRFA’s official website.

5. My current visa is about to expire. Should I wait for the Golden Visa or renew my current visa?

• It’s recommended to renew your current visa to avoid any legal issues, as the Golden Visa application process may take time.

6. How long does it take to process the Golden Visa?

• The process takes about 45 working days after all documentation is submitted.

7. What happens if my application is approved?

• You will receive instructions from KHDA to continue the process through GDRFA.

8. Who covers the cost of the Golden Visa?

• KHDA only nominates candidates. The applicant or the institution will need to cover the visa fees unless there is an agreement that the institution will pay.

9. Can I sponsor my family if I get the Golden Visa?

• Yes, you can apply for residency permits for your spouse and children.

10. I’m under my spouse’s sponsorship. Can I still be nominated?

• Yes, as long as you have a valid KHDA teaching license.

11. Do I need to meet all the criteria to submit my application?

• The more criteria you meet, the higher your chances of being selected.

12. Can I appeal if my application is rejected?

• No, decisions are final after a thorough review and cannot be reconsidered.

This program reflects Dubai’s commitment to attracting and retaining top educators who can contribute to the ongoing development of its education sector