The UAE has expanded its flagship Golden Visa programme with a brand-new track aimed specifically at high-impact philanthropists. Announced on 7 December 2025 by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) and Awqaf Dubai, the ‘Charity Donor Golden Visa’ rewards individuals whose financial endowments fund humanitarian or community projects.
Under the scheme, Emirati or foreign donors nominated by Awqaf Dubai can obtain a renewable 10-year residence permit without the need for a local sponsor. Officials say the initiative implements Cabinet Resolution 65 of 2022 but goes further by creating a joint GDRFA–Awqaf committee to vet applications, verify impact and monitor ongoing compliance. Applicants must show that their contributions align with national priorities such as education, health or social welfare and that support is sustainable rather than one-off.
![UAE unveils Golden Visa pathway for major charity donors]()
For multinationals the new category provides another retention lever for senior executives who regularly contribute to CSR programmes in the Gulf. Global mobility managers can bundle visa eligibility into corporate giving campaigns, potentially shortening assignment lead-times and lowering cost compared with traditional investor visas. Importantly, dependants enjoy the same privileges, including the right to live, study and work in the Emirates.
The move reinforces Dubai’s positioning as an international philanthropy hub alongside its tax-friendly environment. Immigration advisers expect a spike in enquiries from Gulf family offices and global foundations keen to establish satellite teams in the UAE. Companies should, however, counsel staff that the nomination process is rigorous and that proof of sustained impact will be audited periodically.
Practically, HR teams should prepare detailed donation dossiers, secure letters of support from recognised charities and build in four to six weeks for GDRFA processing during the pilot phase. Once issued, visas remain valid even if holders stay outside the UAE for more than six months—an important advantage for travelling executives.
Under the scheme, Emirati or foreign donors nominated by Awqaf Dubai can obtain a renewable 10-year residence permit without the need for a local sponsor. Officials say the initiative implements Cabinet Resolution 65 of 2022 but goes further by creating a joint GDRFA–Awqaf committee to vet applications, verify impact and monitor ongoing compliance. Applicants must show that their contributions align with national priorities such as education, health or social welfare and that support is sustainable rather than one-off.
For multinationals the new category provides another retention lever for senior executives who regularly contribute to CSR programmes in the Gulf. Global mobility managers can bundle visa eligibility into corporate giving campaigns, potentially shortening assignment lead-times and lowering cost compared with traditional investor visas. Importantly, dependants enjoy the same privileges, including the right to live, study and work in the Emirates.
The move reinforces Dubai’s positioning as an international philanthropy hub alongside its tax-friendly environment. Immigration advisers expect a spike in enquiries from Gulf family offices and global foundations keen to establish satellite teams in the UAE. Companies should, however, counsel staff that the nomination process is rigorous and that proof of sustained impact will be audited periodically.
Practically, HR teams should prepare detailed donation dossiers, secure letters of support from recognised charities and build in four to six weeks for GDRFA processing during the pilot phase. Once issued, visas remain valid even if holders stay outside the UAE for more than six months—an important advantage for travelling executives.
