Since 2019, expatriates have had the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa, a long-term residency visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE for extended periods of either 5 or 10 years. This visa enables holders to work, study, and reside in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. The Golden Visa is issued for a duration of either 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant's eligibility category, and it is automatically renewed if the same conditions are met upon renewal.

This type of visa is designed for specific groups, including investors, entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, and researchers across various scientific fields, as well as exceptional students who demonstrate strong potential in the sciences. The length of the visa depends on the category the applicant qualifies for and the specific terms and conditions associated with it.