Dubai has launched a special 10-year residency option for professionals in the gaming industry, as part of its bigger plan to grow the local gaming scene and boost its economy. The new “Gaming Visa” falls under Dubai’s Golden Visa scheme, giving eligible experts a long-term stay without frequent renewals.
Who Can Apply?
This visa isn’t for gamers playing at home — it’s for people who build, design, and run the games. Roles that can apply include:
- Game Developers
- Game Designers
- Producers
- Animation and Illustration experts
- Educators in gaming
- Professionals in game publishing and operations
Dubai wants to attract talent that can help grow the gaming sector, create jobs, and bring new tech and ideas into the UAE.
How Does It Work?
To get started, applicants must be at least 25 years old and apply through Dubai Culture. Without this first step, the Golden Visa request won’t be accepted.
What You’ll Need:
Applicants must prepare:
- A valid passport copy (plus residence ID if available)
- A detailed CV
- A strong portfolio showing gaming projects from the last 5 years
- A cover letter
- An employment letter if working somewhere
- Education certificates
- Memberships of any industry bodies
- Social media profiles (Instagram is recommended)
Extra Info Needed:
Dubai Culture will also ask for:
- Total years of experience
- Number of creative works
- Events or projects you took part in
- Any awards or published work
- Any local or international memberships
After submitting everything, applicants will be notified by email about their status. If approved by Dubai Culture, they can then proceed to apply for the official Golden Visa.
Why It Matters
Dubai aims to grow its gaming sector enough to add about $1 billion to its GDP by 2033 and create thousands of jobs. This visa shows how serious the city is about becoming a hub for gaming professionals and companies.
Talented creators, designers and developers can find more details and submit their application through Dubai’s dedicated gaming website.
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