WhatsApp quoteTo be clear, the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after residency options in the world, and the criteria are clear once you know which authority approves your category. As a rule, 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. In our experience, unlike a standard residency 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.
Why Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa
As we tell every client, the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa is issued by the federal ICP or by GDRFA Dubai, and the supporting approval depends on your category. In short, benefits of the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa include 10-year residency, family sponsorship and access to UAE research funding programmes. In our experience, eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa requires PhD or master's degree in engineering, technology, life sciences or natural sciences.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa.
- Research publications list
- Medical fitness certificate
- Passport copy
- Attested degrees
- Recommendation letter
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment.
| 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
For most clients, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, so so many founders choose it as a base for eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa.
Why GoldenKey
After your Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. As a rule, you deal with one named adviser from the first call until your Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. Our quotations for eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything.
Tell us about your plans for eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa take?
4 to 8 weeks including council review, depending on how promptly the approving authority responds.
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.
What does the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa cost in total?
From day one, government fees and GoldenKey's service fee are shown in the pricing section on this page and confirmed in writing before we start.
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 residence visa for the same duration.
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.
