Are you ready to elevate your gaming career and immerse yourself in Dubai’s vibrant e-sports scene?
If you work in the gaming sector, you may qualify for Dubai’s 10-year Golden Residency Visa.
Through the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), initiated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the city is offering a 10-year Golden Visa for gamers under the ‘culture and arts’ classification. This visa enables you to live, work, and actively participate in the city’s flourishing e-sports community.
To apply for the ‘Dubai Gaming Visa,’ your first step is to request an ‘accreditation certificate’ from Dubai Culture. Follow the steps outlined below to get started.
Eligibility Criteria for the Dubai Gaming Visa
Getting approval from Dubai Culture is just the beginning; it is part of the process for obtaining further approvals from local and federal authorities responsible for residency permits.
Applicants must be at least 25 years old.
Dubai Culture and the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 reserve the right to deny any application without explanation.
Applications must be submitted directly by the applicant; submissions from companies or service centers are not accepted. For more details, visit the DPG33 website at dubaigaming.gov.ae.
Required Documents
– A copy of your passport (along with your residence permit and ID card, if available)
– A detailed professional CV
– A portfolio showcasing your key video game industry work from the last five years (if not covered in your CV)
– A cover letter
Steps to Apply for the Accreditation Certificate
1. Navigate to this link – https://dubaigaming.gov.ae/gaming-residency/ and fill out the Gaming Visa Request Form with these details:
a. Personal Details
– Full name
– Gender
– Residence location
– Nationality
– Passport number, issue date, and expiration date
– Select your emirate from the drop-down menu (If you’re not a UAE resident, select that option and indicate your country).
– Emirates ID
– Mobile number
– Email address
– Educational background (select from the drop-down menu)
– Current job title
– Choose your cultural and creative field from the options provided
– Select a specific role from categories such as game producer, designer, developer, publishing and operations, educator, or animation and illustration.
Finally, provide links to your social media profiles. At least one link is required; if not, you can include your Instagram profile.
2. Career Background
– Provide the following information:
– Years of experience in the field
– Number of artistic works completed
– Number of creative collaborations
– Number of academic qualifications
– Number of local and international professional memberships
– Intellectual dissemination of creative works both locally and globally
3. Upload Required Documents
– Copy of your passport
– Portfolio
– Resume
– Cover letter
– Employment verification letter
– Academic certificates
– Any local and international memberships
4. After completing the form, review everything and click ‘Submit.’ An email notification about your application status will follow.
Upon receiving your accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture, you can proceed with your Golden Visa application.
