UAE Golden Visa: Graduated from a university abroad? You could qualify for 10-year residency

Dubai: It may come as a surprise that graduates from top international universities outside the UAE can also apply for a coveted 10-year residency through the UAE Golden Visa. However, simply completing an overseas degree is not enough to meet the entry requirements. To be eligible, applicants must fulfil specific criteria related to university ranking, academic performance and the timing of their graduation.

To qualify for the international university graduates category, graduates must have obtained their bachelor's degree from an international university that is among the world's top 100 as per an internationally recognised ranking published by the UAE Ministry of Education. Additionally, they need to have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or its equivalent during their studies.

The degree should be no older than two years at the time of application and must be officially recognised, accompanied by an attestation and a Ministry of Education equivalency certificate in the UAE. While globally renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge are recognised, graduates should verify the official list and requirements directly from the UAE government to ensure eligibility.

Simply graduating from a prestigious university alone does not guarantee the Golden Visa. Applicants must submit a nomination request through the relevant immigration authorities, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security or the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Once the application is assessed, it may be approved, granting the recipient a 10-year renewable residence permit. This residency allows for long-term stay, work, study, and investment opportunities in the UAE, as well as the ability to sponsor eligible family members and domestic workers. Importantly, the Golden Visa holder can also provide their immediate family members with a six-month multiple-entry visa to complete residency procedures in the UAE.