Dubai Golden Visa for Gamers: How to Apply, Eligibility Criteria; All You Need to Know

Dubai is fast becoming a global hotspot for digital innovation and creativity. Over the past few years, the city has invested heavily in its tech and media sectors, building places like Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, offering ultra-fast 5G internet, and creating a supportive space for content creators, designers, and developers. Today, it’s not just known for tourism and business, but also for being one of the most exciting places in the world for digital creators and gamers.

To support this growing community, Dubai has launched a new initiative, the Dubai Gaming Visa. This special visa is designed for gamers, streamers, game developers, and other digital creators. It’s part of Dubai’s big plan to become a global gaming hub by 2033. The visa gives talented individuals a chance to live and work in Dubai long-term, while being part of a thriving and creative ecosystem.

If you’re a digital creator looking to take your work to the next level, this visa could open up exciting opportunities for you in one of the world’s most future-ready cities.

What Is the Dubai Gaming Visa?

The Dubai Gaming Visa is a special 10-year residency permit created for gaming professionals and digital creators. It is part of Dubai’s effort to acknowledge and support gaming and esports as creative industries, not just hobbies. Successful applicants also receive a Creative and Talented Accreditation Certificate, which officially recognizes their role as professionals in the gaming space.

Part of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033

The visa is a core element of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG 2033), a decade-long initiative overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation. The initiative’s main goals include:

• Positioning Dubai among the top 10 global gaming hubs,

• Creating 30,000 new jobs and growing the gaming sector’s contribution to GDP by $1 billion by 2033

DPG 2033 focuses on three pillars – talent, content, and technology. The Gaming Visa plays a key role in attracting international gaming talent to strengthen this ecosystem.

Who Can Apply for a Dubai Gaming Visa?

You’re a strong fit if you’re any of the following:

• A pro gamer or esports competitor

• A streamer or digital content creator with measurable reach

• A game developer, designer, or creative technologist

• A coach, analyst, or other professional serving the gaming ecosystem

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants generally must:

Minimum Age 25 and Above:

• Dubai expects applicants to be at least 25 years old,

Proof of Experience & Income:

• Submit a portfolio or CV showcasing your gaming or content creation work (tournament wins, content reach, game releases, etc.).

Health Insurance & Legal Compliance:

• Have valid health insurance for your stay in Dubai. Must pass standard UAE visa checks.

Accreditation by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:

• Your profile is reviewed by Dubai Culture, which issues a Creative & Talented Accreditation Certificate if you qualify.

Dubai Gaming Visa Document Requirements

To apply for the Dubai Gaming Visa, applicants must submit certain documents. Below are the key requirements you’ll need to prepare:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Passport-sized photograph (white background)

• Professional resume or portfolio (showcasing gaming/creative work)

• Proof of income or financial stability (bank statements, earnings reports, etc.)

• Creative & Talented Accreditation Certificate (issued by Dubai Culture)

• Health insurance policy (valid in the UAE)

• Recommendation letter(s) (optional but beneficial)

• Medical fitness test results (post-approval stage)

How to Apply for the Dubai Gaming Visa?

Applying for the Dubai Gaming Visa is a straightforward process, but it involves a few important steps, from getting accredited to securing your residency.

Step 1: Registration & Talent Accreditation

Begin by creating an account on the Dubai Culture site or the official Dubai Gaming Residency portal: (https://dubaigaming.gov.ae/gaming-residency/)

• Fill in your basic information: name, date of birth, residence, and passport details

• Upload required documents (passport copy, CV, portfolio, photos, proof of income, etc.).

Dubai Culture reviews your submission. If approved, you’ll receive a Creative & Talented Accreditation Certificate typically within a few days.

Step 2: Residency Visa Application

After receiving accreditation, you can apply for the 10-year residency visa (Golden Visa) through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Standard steps include a medical fitness test, biometric scan, Emirates ID processing, and fee payment.

At this point, the government will do the final verification and issue your Dubai gaming visa, and you can officially move to Dubai.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Processing typically takes a few weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation via email or through the portal.

Quick Checklist

1. Confirm you’re ≥ 25 years old

2. Prepare CV, portfolio, certificates, cover letter

3. Register at the Dubai gaming residency portal

4. Apply for accreditation certificate via Dubai Culture

5. Submit application with all documents

6. Wait for 2–7 months for accreditation

7. Upon approval, apply for the 10‑year Golden Visa

You might also like: How to Apply a Dubai Golden Visa?

What are the Benefits of the Gaming Visa in Dubai

Here are some key reasons why the Dubai Gaming Visa is a valuable opportunity for digital creators, not just on paper, but in real life:

1. Long-Term Residency (Up to 10 Years)

Enjoy the security of living and working in Dubai with a renewable long-term visa, giving you stability to focus on your career or business in gaming.

2. Recognition as a Professional Creator

Receive a Creative & Talented Accreditation Certificate from Dubai Culture, officially recognising you as a skilled digital creator or gaming professional.

3. Zero Personal Income Tax

In many countries, creators pay a chunk of their income in taxes. In Dubai, there’s no personal income tax, so you get to keep more of your earnings.

4. Access to an Emerging Global Gaming Hub

Dubai is investing heavily in gaming, aiming to create 30,000 jobs and contribute $1 billion to GDP by 2033. If you join now, you’re getting in early while the scene is still growing, which means more chances to stand out and shape the ecosystem.

5. Freedom to Freelance or Start Your Own Studio

Unlike many visas tied to a single employer, this visa gives you the freedom to work independently, collaborate with multiple partners, or launch your own creative business, with full legal backing.

Read also: Top 16 Golden Visa Benefits in the UAE

What is Dubai Gaming Visa Cost?

The cost of the Dubai Gaming Visa in 2025 can vary depending on how you apply. For most applicants, the basic process, which includes the visa fee, medical test, and Emirates ID, costs between AED 2,400 to AED 4,000* (around USD 650 to 1,100).

If you choose the freelance route, which includes a freelance permit, the total cost can go up to AED 10,500 to AED 19,000 (about USD 2,800 to 5,200) per year. Additional fees may apply for document processing, translations, or using service providers.

Here are the estimated costs for obtaining the Dubai Gaming Visa in 2025:

Fee Type	Approx. Cost (AED)	Approx. Cost (USD)
Visa Issuance (10-Year)	1,100	300
Medical Examination	300–500	80–135
Emirates ID & Biometrics	(Typically bundled with visa process)	–
Application & Processing	1,000–2,500	270–680
Freelance Permit (if applicable)	7,500–15,000	2,040–4,080
Misc. Costs (typing center, document attestation, translation)	Varies	Varies

Dubai as a Gaming and Digital Creator Hub

Dubai hosts many exciting gaming tournaments, esports events, and pop-culture expos like Comic Con and Gamer’s Hub Expo. These events are great for meeting other creators, connecting with big brands, and showing off your skills.

As part of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, the city plans to create 30,000+ jobs in the gaming sector and contribute over $1 billion to the GDP. It’s a great time to get involved as the industry is still growing fast. Special business areas like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City make it easy to start a gaming or content business. You can get help with licenses, office space, and even own 100% of your company.

Read also: UAE Digital Nomad Visa

How Shuraa Can Help

Dubai is full of exciting opportunities for gamers, content creators, and developers, and the Dubai Gaming Visa is your chance to be a part of it. If you’re ready to grow your career or start something new, this is the perfect time to take the next step.

At Shuraa, we make the process simple. We’ll help you check if you qualify, guide you through the Gaming Visa application, and even assist with freelance permits or business setup if needed. Reach out to us today and let’s start your creator journey in Dubai, together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)