WhatsApp quoteAs we tell every client, 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. GoldenKey has Emirati customers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and our consultants understand the documents released in United Arab Emirates and how to attest them for the UAE. The most common businesses UAE nationals and residents open through GoldenKey are in trading, real estate, investment holding and technology, although Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa supports almost any activity.
Why Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa
Just as important, the most common questions we receive about the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa concern eligibility of specific degrees and research fields, all of which we address below. Eligibility for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa requires PhD or master's degree in engineering, technology, life sciences or natural sciences. In practice, emirati applicants benefit from the fact that Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa already has many Emirati shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise United Arab Emirates documents and name formats instantly.
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. For the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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.
Step 3Application and medical
In our experience, the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa submission is lodged with ICP or GDRFA, followed by your medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics. We keep a written record of this step so your file for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents is audit-ready.
Step 4Stamping and family
Your 10-year visa is issued, and we process residence visas for your family members under your sponsorship.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A police clearance certificate from United Arab Emirates if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport issued by United Arab Emirates with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the United Arab Emirates authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A bank statement from your United Arab Emirates bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Attested degrees
- Passport copy
Pricing
Pricing for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. To be clear, all prices for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
| 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
Day to day, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents for international founders. Importantly, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents. From day one, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents happen the same day they are ready.
In practice, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through the Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa for UAE nationals and residents step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
Can a Emirati citizen own 100% of a company in Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa?
Yes, it can. UAE nationals and residents can own the full share capital of a Scientist & Researcher Golden Visa company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Can my family from United Arab Emirates join me?
Importantly, once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
