With a nomination from the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the relevant local health authority, followed by approval from the federal identity authority, ICP. GDRFA Dubai lists doctors under elite health fields and grants a 10-year visa.
NXTSTAR prepares the nomination request and the visa file for doctors, pharmacists and other licensed healthcare professionals.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Conditions
- A nomination letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the relevant local authority.
- Approval issued by ICP.
- A valid licence to practise, for regulated professions such as physician and pharmacist.
- Valid comprehensive health insurance for you and your family members.
Unlike the skilled professional category, GDRFA does not set a salary threshold for elite health fields. The nomination is what counts.
Documents
- Passport copy
- The nomination letter
- The ICP approval
- Your professional licence
- Health insurance for you and your dependants
Which health authority
The UAE has more than one health regulator. Which one nominates you depends on where you are licensed: the federal ministry, the Dubai Health Authority or the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi. Start with the authority that issued your licence.
If you are not yet licensed in the UAE
The Golden Visa follows the professional licence. A doctor moving to the UAE first completes credential verification and licensing with the health authority, then applies for nomination. If you plan to open your own clinic, the facility licence is a separate project that we can set up.
Keeping the visa
- You must stay able to support yourself and your family without government support.
- Golden Visa holders are exempt from the rule that cancels a residence visa after 180 days outside the UAE.
- The permit can be extended if you still meet the conditions when it expires.
- The authority can check during the term that you still qualify.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We prepare the nomination and visa applications, handle family permits, and set up clinics and medical companies.
We do not handle medical licensing exams or credential verification, and the nomination is the health authority's decision.
Common questions
Do all doctors qualify automatically?
No. GDRFA Dubai requires a nomination from the health ministry or local health authority and approval from ICP.
Is there a minimum salary for doctors?
GDRFA Dubai does not list one for elite health fields. The salary condition applies to the separate skilled professional category.
Can my family be included?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members. GDRFA asks for comprehensive health insurance covering you and your family.
Do nurses and pharmacists qualify?
The category covers health fields broadly and names pharmacists as a licensed profession. Eligibility depends on the health authority's nomination.
How much does NXTSTAR charge?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates government fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 6 October 2026.
Practising medicine in the UAE?
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