UAE Golden Visa for elite athletes and sports professionals: Eligibility, perks and everything you need to know

TL;DR:

• UAE offers 10-year Golden Visa under the Special Talent category for athletes and sports professionals.

• Requires outstanding athletic achievements or leadership in sports federations, plus nomination by the Sports Council.

• Applicants must provide sports resume, supporting certificates, and endorsement from Abu Dhabi Sports Council or General Sports Authority .

• Application via ICP portal or Abu Dhabi Residents Office , nomination sent to ADSC for approval.

In a bid to attract world-class sports talent and elevate its global sporting profile, the United Arab Emirates now extends its coveted 10‑year Golden Visa to elite athletes, sports medical specialists, and leaders in international sports bodies under the Specialised Talent category. Through nominations vetted by the General Sports Authority or Abu Dhabi Sports Council, individuals with documented athletic excellence can now secure long-term residency without sponsor dependency, underscoring the UAE’s ambition to position sports as a pillar of national development and global soft power.

What Is the Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program launched in 2019 to attract exceptional global talent in fields critical to the country’s future such as investment, innovation, science, healthcare, education, arts, and sports.

Unlike standard work or family visas, the Golden Visa:

• Is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s category.
  
  
• Does not require a UAE-based sponsor or employer, giving holders independence to live and work freely.
  
  
• Enables family sponsorship, including spouse, children of all ages, and even domestic staff.
  
  
• Allows unlimited entry/exit to the UAE without visa cancellation.
  
  
• Is automatically renewable if the conditions remain fulfilled.
  
  

This visa is not only a residency permit, it’s a recognition of an individual's contribution to society and the national economy. For athletes and sports professionals, the Golden Visa aligns with the UAE’s ambition to be a global hub for sports innovation, infrastructure, and international events.

Who Qualifies?
Golden Visas are open to:

• Investors (real estate and business)
  
  
• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
  
  
• Doctors and healthcare professionals
  
  
• Scientists, researchers, and engineers
  
  
• Creatives in culture and the arts
  
  
• High-performing students and graduates
  
  
• Athletes and sports specialists
  
  

Each category has its own criteria, verified by specific UAE authorities (like the Ministry of Culture for artists or the General Sports Authority for athletes).

The full program is regulated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO).

Special Talent: Athletes and Sports Professionals
Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy one or more of the following:

• Be recognised as outstanding athletic talent with international achievements.
  
  
• Hold a leading role in an international sports federation, committee or organisation.
  
  
• Be an outstanding sports physician with sports-specific expertise.
  
  

These criteria are clearly outlined on official Golden Visa portals hosted by both ICP and Abu Dhabi authorities.

Required Documentation

• A detailed sports resume listing international competitions, awards, and leadership roles.
  
  
• Experience certificates or achievement letters validating sports excellence.
  
  
• Nomination/recommendation letter from the General Sports Authority or Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the latter automatically receives applications submitted via the Abu Dhabi Residents Office web app.
  
  

How to Apply

Prepare all documentation: sports CV, certificates, recommendation from the ADSC or equivalent local authority.

Submit application via:

• ICP UAE Smart portal (federal authority for identity and immigration), or
  
  
• Abu Dhabi Residents Office app, which forwards the file to ADSC for nomination review and forwarding to ICP for formal processing.
  
  

Undergo identity verification, required biometrics, and medical fitness checks.

Upon approval, receive Golden Visa residency permit and Emirates ID, allowing family sponsorship, employment flexibility, and long-term residency rights.

Applications generally take around 30 to 60 days, depending on vetting and documentation status.

What the Golden Visa Offers Athletes

• 10-year residency, renewable, without ongoing employer sponsorship.
  
  
• Permission to live, train, and work in the UAE unrestricted.
  
  
• Family sponsorship rights; spouse, children, parents, and domestic help.
  
  
• Flexibility to exit and re-enter the UAE without visa loss.
  
  
• Eligibility to apply for UAE residency independently of sports contracts or job offers.
  
  

By opening the Golden Visa to high-achieving athletes, sports physicians, and global sports leaders, the UAE is signaling its ambition to enrich its sporting ecosystem and international brand. This initiative embeds elite talent firmly within the nation’s long-term socioeconomic blueprint, offering unmatched stability and mobility for sports professionals. With clear criteria, structured nomination pathways, and digital application platforms, the programme reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to global excellence and soft-power projection through sports. For athletes at the top of their game, this visa is not just residency, it’s recognition at the highest level.

FAQ

• 1. Who qualifies?

Elite athletes, coaches, referees, and sports professionals with international achievements, approved by UAE sports authorities.

• 2. What is the visa duration?

Typically 10 years, renewable if criteria remain fulfilled.

• 3. Is sponsorship needed?

No. Golden Visa holders don’t need a UAE sponsor or employer.

• 4. How to apply?

Apply via the UAE ICP portal or Abu Dhabi Residents Office, with a nomination from a relevant sports body.

• 5. Can families be included?

Yes. The visa covers spouses, children, and domestic workers.