WhatsApp quoteIn practice, the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable UAE residence visa for scientists and researchers with a PhD or master's degree and significant research achievements, nominated by the Emirates Scientists Council. Unlike a standard UAE residence visa, the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa does not depend on an employer or a company sponsor, and it allows you to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency. In short, if you qualify for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children of any age and parents, and employ unlimited domestic workers.
Why Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa
Eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa requires PhD or master's degree in engineering, technology, life sciences or natural sciences. Put simply, benefits of the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa include 10-year residency, family sponsorship and access to UAE research funding programmes. The Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa is issued by the federal ICP or by GDRFA Dubai, and the supporting approval depends on your category.
How Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa works with GoldenKey
Step 1Eligibility assessment
We review your profile against the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa rules and give you a straight answer on eligibility before any fees are paid.
Step 2Nomination or approval letter
We obtain the approval or nomination letter from the relevant authority, which is the step that varies most by category. Your portal shows the status of this step for documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa in real time.
Step 3Application and medical
The visa application is filed with ICP or GDRFA, you complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Step 4Stamping and family
As a rule, your 10-year visa is issued, and we process residence visas for your family members under your sponsorship. For documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for papers for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Attested degrees
- Passport copy
- Recommendation letter
- Medical fitness certificate
- Research publications list
Pricing
In practice, use the table below to compare packages for documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. As we tell every client, pricing for paperwork for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 10,000 |
|---|---|
| Government fees (approx.) | AED 5,000 |
| Approximate total | AED 15,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa. In practice, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is a licensed business setup consultancy, not a reseller, which means your Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa application is prepared, checked and submitted by our own team. To be clear, our quotations for documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for paperwork for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa happen the same day they are ready.
From day one, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through documents for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa take?
4 to 8 weeks including council review, depending on how without delay the approving authority responds.
Can I include my family in the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age and parents, each receiving a UAE residence visa for the same duration.
Do I need to live in the UAE to keep the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa?
No minimum stay applies. Golden Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without the visa being cancelled.
Is the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa renewable?
Yes. The visa is renewed for a further 10 years as long as the original criteria continue to be met.
What does the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa cost in total?
Government fees and GoldenKey's service fee are shown in the pricing section on this page and confirmed in writing before we start.
