Dubai Offers Golden Visas to Nurses Amid Global Healthcare Worker Shortage

In May 2025, authorities in Dubai launched a new phase of the UAE Golden Visa program targeting long-serving medical professionals, according to VisaGuide.World. Initiated under the directive of Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the move aligns with International Nurses Day and is designed to retain vital healthcare personnel.

New Residents: Golden Visas for Experienced Nurses

The program currently applies to employees of Dubai Health, a government entity managing 6 hospitals, 26 medical centers, and 21 screening centers. Out of over 4,400 nurses and midwives, 1,424 professionals who have served more than 15 years are now eligible for 10-year UAE residency.

The announcement was made at a major nursing conference hosted by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention in partnership with the Emirates Health Services. The event focused on global workforce shortages. The World Health Organization estimates the global nurse shortfall will grow from 10 million in 2020 to 11 million by 2030. According to Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, nearly 25% of this shortage will impact the Middle East.

Dr. Balkhy emphasized that progress in addressing the crisis has been insufficient. Poor working conditions, lack of training and regulation, and growing emigration are exacerbating the problem. He called for sustainable investments in workforce development, leadership, and healthcare delivery systems.

Golden Visa Program Reforms

The UAE continues to refine its Golden Visa system. Recent policy changes introduced more flexibility for students, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers, while tightening rules for property investors.

Key updates:

Off-plan property can now qualify if 50% is paid upfront and the remainder is backed by a bank guarantee.

Ready property purchases must be fully paid without loans.

Minimum salary for professionals raised to AED 30,000/month (approx. $8,000), excluding bonuses.

Entrepreneurs need investments of AED 500,000 (~$136,000) with incubator support.

High-performing students (GPA 3.8+) may sponsor family members.

Applicants must have active UAE contracts (for doctors, engineers, creatives).

Dubai’s Smart Rental Index was also updated in 2025. Buildings are now rated on a five-star scale, and rents vary by up to 20% based on the building’s score—factoring in amenities, condition, and management.

Additionally, the Work Bundle platform streamlines the visa and work permit process. However, individuals entering on tourist or visit visas are no longer allowed to convert to work status from inside the country.

Eligibility overview (2025):

Investors: AED 2 million+ in property/funds

Entrepreneurs: AED 500,000+ with incubator backing

Professionals: Valid UAE job contract & AED 30,000+ salary

Students: High GPA & Ministry recommendation

Concerns About Long-Term Impact

Not everyone views the visa liberalization positively. Experts have warned that Dubai’s surging expat population—over 400,000 people added since COVID—is straining infrastructure and inflating living costs.

Real estate impact (source: JLL):

Villa rents up 94%

Apartment rents up 66%

Property prices surged 54–103%

On the labor market, competition is intense: up to 2,000 applications per job in some sectors. Salaries remain flat, and benefit packages are shrinking. Public services like schooling remain restricted for expats, while private education costs up to $33,000/year.

Analysts warn that without parallel infrastructure investment, long-term residency expansion may compromise the quality of life and social sustainability in Dubai.