The UAE introduces a 10-year golden visa for sponsors of humanitarian projects

The United Arab Emirates will introduce a new type of residency under the Golden Visa programme: a renewable 10-year visa for individuals who support Islamic charitable endowments (waqf). The announcement was made at GITEX Global 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, following an agreement signed between Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai).

What is waqf

Waqf is a form of Islamic charitable endowment in which assets are permanently dedicated to the public interest. In Dubai, such funds are managed by Awqaf Dubai: proceeds go toward education, healthcare, and social support in accordance with Sharia principles and standards of transparency.

Who can access the new "golden" residency

Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa was initially aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and skilled professionals. Now, under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, the pool of eligible applicants is being expanded to include "financial sponsors of humanitarian projects."

What the waqf donor visa provides:

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• a 10-year renewable residence permit without the need for a local sponsor;
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• the right to live, work, and study in the UAE;
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• sponsorship of immediate family members;
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• the ability to stay outside the country for more than 6 months without the residency being cancelled;
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• official recognition of the contribution to the humanitarian sector.
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Basic eligibility criteria:

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• a charitable contribution of at least AED 2 million (≈ $545,000) to a certified waqf project or humanitarian initiative;
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• a university degree or higher qualification;
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• nomination by Awqaf Dubai or an authorised humanitarian organisation;
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• supporting documents confirming the contribution and proof of identity for submission to GDRFA.
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In addition to expanding eligibility for "golden" residency, the country has introduced four new short-term visas. These are aimed at brief visits and complement the basic entry channels, while the Golden Visa remains a long-term residency instrument.

How to apply

Applications are open to residents of the UAE and foreign nationals, provided they make a qualifying donation and receive a nomination. Documents can be submitted via the GDRFA Smart Services portal or at Amer centres in Dubai; for nomination matters, contact Awqaf Dubai.

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1. Make a qualifying donation to an approved Awqaf Dubai project.
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2. Receive a nomination in the "financial sponsors of humanitarian activity" category.
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3. Submit an application online via GDRFA Smart Services or in person at Amer, attaching the full document package.
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4. A joint GDRFA–Awqaf committee will review the application and the contribution.
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5. Upon approval, a 10-year Golden Visa is issued; a dedicated committee separately monitors the implementation of the initiative and its social impact.
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