Dubai has issued more than 167,000 Golden Visas to families of specialised professionals since 2021, according to data released by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), highlighting the emirate’s growing focus on attracting global talent, investors and long-term residents, Gulf News reported.
The figures were announced on the occasion of the International Day of Families on May 15, as Dubai authorities highlighted the expansion of digital residency and immigration services aimed at improving family stability and quality of life.
According to GDRFA Dubai, over 167,124 residencies were granted to families of specialised talents between 2021 and the first quarter of 2026. Authorities also issued more than 100,286 residencies to families of real estate investors, 70,247 to families of scientists and specialists, 37,022 to families of investors and 3,259 to families of retirees.
Additional residencies were also granted to entrepreneurs, humanitarian pioneers and outstanding students.
Dubai expands digital residency services
GDRFA Dubai said the emirate is continuing to build a “human-centric” and fully digital residency ecosystem to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities for living, working and settling.
The initiative aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched under the theme “Family is the Foundation of the Nation”, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place Dubai among the top three global cities by attracting talent and investment, as reported by Gulf News.
Authorities said digital services now include visit visas for relatives and friends, family residency issuance, passport renewal and replacement services, amendments to family book records, and movement reports and certificates.
Officials added that the integrated digital system has helped speed up procedures and improve customer experience.
The authority also highlighted the continued expansion of Golden Residency services for investors, property investors, scientists, specialists, entrepreneurs, retirees and humanitarian contributors. First-degree family members are also eligible for Golden Residency benefits.
‘Families remain foundation of society’
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the rise in family and Golden Residency permits reflects growing international confidence in Dubai as a destination for long-term stability.
“Dubai continues to reinforce a global model that places people and families at the heart of development,” Al Marri said.
“At GDRFA Dubai, we are committed to developing a flexible and digital service ecosystem that enhances stability and quality of life while strengthening families’ sense of security and belonging,” he added, as quoted by Gulf News.
He said families remain the foundation of stable and prosperous societies and that improving family-related services remains a key part of Dubai’s long-term vision.
GDRFA Dubai said it plans to continue expanding digital channels and using artificial intelligence to simplify immigration procedures and improve services further.
