Dubai’s cultural visa

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in coordination with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs– Dubai (GDRFA) issues a 10 -year cultural visas to accomplished creative talents from the fields of literature, culture, fine arts, performing arts, heritage, history and knowledge-related sectors as well as intellectual and creative industries. The visa is presently available for existing UAE residents.

 

Requirements for Dubai’s cultural visa

A cultural visa may be granted if the applicant meets at least five of the mandatory conditions set by the authorities. The conditions relate to years of residency in the country, and record of knowledge-related and creative achievements.

 

Optional conditions include a pledge to contribute 36 hours of service in creative or artistic fields in the UAE.

 

How to apply?

To be nominated by Dubai Culture to get a long term residence visa, you need to apply first for the ‘Creative and Talented Accreditation’ service through the email ID info@dubaiculture.ae or the Dubai Culture app available on App Store and Google Play.

 

Attach the following documents with your application:

• a copy of your passport and your residence visa
• a copy of your Emirates ID
• your resume containing your contact numbers.

 

If your application is approved, you will get a certificate of accreditation for receiving a long-term cultural visa to be issued by GDRFA in Dubai.

 

Once visa is granted you, can renew it automatically without the need of an Emirati sponsor.

 

Read details about the eligibility criteria for Dubai’s cultural visa.

 

Find out more details about Dubai’s cultural visa on page 120 of the Directory of Services – Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (PDF, 3.79 MB).