If you’re working in the gaming industry and looking to join Dubai’s fast-growing e-sports scene, you could qualify for a 10-year Golden Residency Visa.
Dubai’s Vision for Gaming: DPG33 and the Golden Visa
Through the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai is offering long-term residency under the culture and arts category. This includes professionals from the gaming world.
To apply, you’ll first need to get an accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture. This is the initial step and does not guarantee final approval, but it’s required to continue the process.
Who can apply:
• You must be at least 25 years old
• You must apply personally (applications through companies or agents are not accepted)
• Dubai Culture and DPG33 may reject applications without giving a reason
Documents required:
• A copy of your passport (and UAE residency and ID, if available)
• Your CV
• A portfolio showing your gaming work from the past five years
• A short cover letter
To learn more or start your application, visit: dubaigaming.gov.ae
To apply for Dubai’s 10-year Gaming Golden Visa, you first need to get an accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture. Follow these steps:
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Visit the official site
Go to https://dubaigaming.gov.ae/gaming-residency and start the Gaming Visa Request Form. -
Fill in your personal details – You’ll be asked to provide:
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Full name
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Gender
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Nationality
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Place of residence
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Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
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Emirates ID (if available)
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Mobile number
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Email address
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Education level
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Current job
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Emirate of residence, or select “I am not a UAE resident” if you’re applying from abroad
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Select your category under “culture and creative industries”
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Choose your role: game producer, designer, developer, publishing and operations, educator, or animation/illustration
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Add at least one social media link (Instagram works if you don’t have others)
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Add your career details – Include:
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Years of professional experience
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Number of creative projects completed
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Number of times you participated in creative or gaming events
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Number of academic certifications
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Local and international memberships
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Published or shared creative works
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Upload the required documents – You’ll need to submit:
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Passport copy
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Resume
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Cover letter
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Portfolio
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Employment letter (if applicable)
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Academic certificates
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Membership proof (if any)
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Review and submit – Check all your details, then click Submit. You will get an update on your application status by email.
Once you receive your accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture, you can begin the Golden Visa application process.
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