Outstanding educators who have made exceptional contributions to Dubai’s private education sector will be grated the prestigious Golden Visa.
This initiative recognises educators who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of Dubai through education.
Dubai Golden Visa for teachers
The Golden Visa reflects the emirate’s dedication to fostering talent, investing in human capital, and celebrating the educators who inspire and empower future generations.
Educators in early childhood centres, schools, and higher education institutions may be eligible for the Golden Visa based on the following criteria said the Knowledge and Human Development Authority:
- Demonstrating exceptional academic achievements and innovative contributions to education
- Proven success in raising the quality of education at their institutions
- Creating a positive impact and recognition from the wider educational community
- Proven contributions to improving student outcomes, including academic progress and the attainment of recognised qualifications
The prestigious Golden Visa is expected to be highly sought after and applications will open on October 15. Here’s everything we know so far
Who can apply for a Dubai Golden Visa for educators?
- School principals and leaders
- Early childhood centre managers
- Academic heads of higher education institutions
- Teachers
- Full-time faculty and senior administrative leaders at higher education institutions
What are the eligibility criteria for ECC managers, principals and academic heads of higher education institutions?
- Qualifications (for HEI): Must have an advanced degree, such as a PhD/professional doctorate/master’s or relevant professional qualifications
- DSIB Rating (for principals): Must have improved the school’s rating to Good or better in the Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau annual inspections. Must have maintained or further improved this rating
- Research contributions (for HEI): Must provide evidence of contributions to research, including published research in reputable journals, research grants and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitions
- Student success: Must provide clear evidence of improved student outcomes, including academic progress, and graduation outcomes
- Leadership impact: Positive feedback from students, parents, staff, and other stakeholders about the principal’s leadership and the overall school environment
- Recognition and awards: Must have received a prestigious education award. Either the individual must have improved the school’s rating to Good or better in theDubai Schools Inspections Bureau annual inspections; must have maintained or further improved this rating; recognition through grants, competitions, or fellowships
- Support for key student groups: Demonstrate clear, measurable improvements. Such as receiving a formal nomination from the school’s board of governors, citing exceptional leadership and specific reasons for the nomination
- Community work: Demonstrate positive contribution to the wider community through educational projects, partnerships, or social initiatives
What is the eligibility criteria for teachers and faculty?
- Qualifications: Teachers must have an advanced degree, such as a PhD/professional doctorate/master’s) or relevant professional qualifications
Professional excellence: The teacher must provide a nomination by principal with board of governors’ approval and endorsement; evidence of student success in internal and external examinations and assessments; positive feedback from students, parents and school leadership indicating satisfaction with their teaching performance. Meanwhile, faculty of higher education institutions must provide evidence of contributions to research, including published research in reputable journals, research grants and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitions
- Student support: The teacher must provide evidence of success in improving the academic performance of Emirati students; success in supporting the academic and social development of students of determination
- Recognition and awards: Must have received a prestigious education award, such as a national education award or an international education award, recognition through grants, competitions, or fellowships
- Community work: Must have contributed to the school community or the wider community through educational or social initiatives
What is the application process for a Dubai Golden Visa for education?
Schools, ECCs, and HEIs can nominate eligible staff members who meet the above criteria. To support an application candidates must submit the required documentation:
- KHDA school rating reports (for principals)
- Award certificates
- Survey results and testimonials from students and parents
- Staff testimonials (for principals, ECC managers, and academic heads)
- Evidence of community involvement
- Documentation showing improved student outcomes
- Recommendation and nomination letters from board of governors
Applications will be evaluated by a dedicated committee and its recommendations will be forwarded to KHDA. The KHDA will then review and coordinate with relevant authorities and eligible educators will be informed of the successful outcome of their application.
The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and is renewable if the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Educators who obtain a Dubai Golden Visa will then be able to apply for residency permits for family members (spouse and children), allowing them to stay in the UAE for the duration of the residency.
ECCs, schools, and higher education institutions will be able to nominate eligible educators from mid-October until mid-December every year.
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