UAE announces 10-year visa for individuals involved in  humanitarian efforts

….Golden visa provides 10-year residency

…philanthropists must donate a minimum of AED 2 million (approx. £450,000) to humanitarian projects

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a new golden visa category, offering a ten-year renewable residency to individuals who contribute to Islamic humanitarian efforts or Waqf.

This new pathway is set to allow both current UAE residents and international philanthropists to secure a ten-year-long visa by supporting certified endowments or humanitarian projects with a minimum donation of AED 2 million (approximately £450,000).

Waqf is an important part of Islamic tradition, which refers to a perpetual charitable endowment, such as property, land, or funds, that is dedicated to public welfare initiatives like healthcare, education, or religious services.

The latest addition will now expand this eligibility to ‘financial supporters of humanitarian work’, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022.

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The landmark policy was announced following a strategic partnership between the general directorate of residency and foreigners affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the endowments and minors affairs foundation (Awqaf Dubai).

The collaboration was unveiled at the GITEX Global 2025 event held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The move forms part of the UAE’s wider strategy to attract global benefactors, encourage sustainable giving, and integrate social responsibility into its national development plan.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of GDRFA-Dubai, described the agreement as a “Pioneering model of government integration that empowers the endowers to play a vital role in community development.”

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Understanding the Waqf contribution

Once established, Waqf assets are managed sustainably for the community’s long-term benefit and cannot be sold or inherited.

In the UAE, Awqaf Dubai oversees these endowments, ensuring transparency, compliance with Sharia law, and proper allocation to meaningful causes.

To be eligible for the Waqf-linked Golden Visa, applicants donating at least AED 2 million to a certified Waqf or humanitarian project must hold a university degree and be nominated by Awqaf Dubai or another authorised humanitarian institution.

Application and benefits
Applicants can initiate the process by making a qualifying donation to an approved Awqaf Dubai project, securing a nomination, and then submitting their application via the GDRFA smart services portal or at any Amer centre in Dubai.

The application requires proof of contribution, academic credentials, and identification papers.

Successful applicants, following a committee review by GDRFA and Awqaf Dubai, will receive the ten-year golden visa.

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The key benefits include the renewal of residency without needing a local sponsor, the freedom to live, work, and study across the UAE, and the ability to sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children, and parents), as well as the maintenance of the visa’s validity even if the holder spends more than six months outside the UAE.

Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, secretary-general of Awqaf Dubai, noted that the initiative “is a natural extension of Dubai’s vision to position endowment work as a key pillar in sustainable development.”

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This addition expands the UAE’s strategic residency scheme, which already includes highly valued individuals such as investors, doctors, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Applications can be filed through the GDRFA Smart Services portal or any Amer Centre in Dubai.

How can you apply

Prospective donors can start the Waqf golden visa process through Awqaf Dubai for nomination guidelines or through GDRFA Smart Services for application tracking.

The first step is to:

Make a qualifying donation to an approved Waqf project managed by Awqaf Dubai.

Obtain a nomination under the ‘financial supporters of humanitarian work’ category.

Apply online or in person with all required documentation.

The joint GDRFA-Awqaf committee will then review and verify the application.

Officials believe the new policy will attract charitable capital, foster international collaboration in social development, and further cement Dubai’s reputation as a global centre for generosity and tolerance.