Yes, through three specialist routes described by GDRFA Dubai: scientists and researchers nominated by the Emirates Council of Scholars, industrial specialists nominated by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and digital technology talent nominated by the UAE council for artificial intelligence and digital transactions.
All three lead to a 10-year visa. NXTSTAR helps you choose the route your record supports and prepares the nomination and visa applications.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Scientists and researchers
- A PhD from one of the top 500 universities worldwide, or a Master's from one of the top 250, earned within the last 10 years.
- The degree is in engineering, technology, life sciences or natural sciences.
- A Field Weighted Citation Index of 1.0 or higher and an h-index of 10 or higher.
- A nomination from the Emirates Council of Scholars, then ICP approval.
GDRFA notes an exemption from the degree conditions for researchers with a Scopus h-index of 20 or more, or with notable achievements in research and development.
Industrial and advanced technology specialists
Specialists in industry and Fourth Industrial Revolution fields apply with a nomination from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology or the relevant local authority, followed by ICP approval.
Digital technology talent
People with exceptional talent in digital technology, which includes AI and software, apply with a nomination letter from the Emirates council responsible for artificial intelligence and digital transactions.
If you do not fit a specialist route
Many engineers qualify more easily as skilled professionals, where the test is a bachelor's degree, a professional-level job and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. That route needs no nomination.
Documents for every specialist route
- Passport copy
- The nomination letter
- The ICP approval, where the route requires it
- Valid comprehensive health insurance
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 assess which route is realistic, organise the academic and citation evidence, and file the nomination and visa applications.
Nominating bodies make their own decisions. We cannot predict them and a nomination is not a guarantee.
Common questions
I have a PhD but few citations. Can I apply as a researcher?
GDRFA Dubai lists citation measures as a condition for that route. Consider the skilled professional category instead.
Does my degree need to be attested?
For the skilled professional category, GDRFA requires Ministry of Education recognition of a foreign degree. Expect to show attested degrees on any route.
Is there a route for software developers?
Yes. Digital technology talent is its own route, with nomination by the council for artificial intelligence and digital transactions.
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.
Working in research, engineering or AI?
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.