WhatsApp quoteAs a rule, 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. 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. Just as important, 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
To be clear, benefits of the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa include 10-year residency, family sponsorship and access to UAE research funding programmes. Day to day, the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa is granted by the federal ICP or by GDRFA Dubai, and the supporting approval depends on your category. Eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa requires PhD or master's degree in engineering, technology, life sciences or natural sciences.
How Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa works with GoldenKey
Step 1Eligibility assessment
GoldenKey checks your documents against the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa criteria and tells you clearly whether you qualify today or what would get you there. Nothing is submitted for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 2Nomination or approval letter
GoldenKey obtains the category-specific approval letter from the competent authority for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa.
Step 3Application and medical
Crucially, we file the visa application with the immigration authority and book your medical test and Emirates ID appointment. Your portal shows the status of this step for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa in real time.
Step 4Stamping and family
Crucially, your 10-year Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa is stamped and we then process residence visas for your spouse, children and parents under your sponsorship.
Documents required
Crucially, for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Recommendation letter
- Research publications list
- Passport copy
- Medical fitness certificate
- Attested degrees
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
| 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa and makes international pricing simple. In our experience, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa. GoldenKey is a licensed business setup consultancy, not a reseller, which means your Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa file is prepared, checked and submitted by our own team. GoldenKey's consultants have handled family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay.
Put simply, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for family sponsorship under the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa take?
4 to 8 weeks including council review, depending on how fast the approving authority responds.
Is the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa renewable?
It can. 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?
Importantly, 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 work or run a business on the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can own companies, work for employers and operate as freelancers without a separate sponsor.
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.
