Global Consular Support for UAE Golden Visa Holders
The UAE has announced a major upgrade to the Golden Visa program, Global Consular Services for Golden Visa holders and their dependents abroad.
Whether you travel often, live overseas for work, or simply want peace of mind, this change offers new layers of protection.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what the new services include, who qualifies, how to access them, and why this matters for long-term residents and investors in the UAE.
What is the Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, innovators, skilled professionals, top students, and more.
Key features include:
- Valid for 5 or 10 years, renewable, with no need for a national sponsor.
- Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without visa cancellation (under certain conditions).
- The ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
- No requirement for an employer or local sponsor for many categories.
The Announcement
On October 14, 2025, during GITEX Global 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) officially unveiled global consular services for Golden Visa holders. The initiative is being hailed as the first of its kind offering UAE-backed consular assistance to long-term residents, a privilege previously reserved for Emirati citizens. With this new support system, Golden Visa holders can now access:
- Emergency assistance abroad
- 24/7 crisis response and hotline support
- Passport replacement or electronic return documents
- Repatriation and humanitarian services
What the New Global Consular Services include
These new services are designed to complement, not replace, consular assistance from one’s home country.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Emergency & Crisis Support | A MoFA call centre is available around the clock to help Golden Visa holders abroad in urgent situations. |
| Dedicated Hotline | A direct communication channel with the UAE authorities overseas for immediate assistance. |
| Passport Replacement / Electronic Return Documents | If your passport is lost or damaged abroad, you can request an electronic return document to re-enter the UAE. |
| Repatriation Support | Assistance for the transport of mortal remains or coordination for families during emergencies. |
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- UAE Golden Visa for Influencers
- UAE Investor Golden Visa with an AED 2M Bank Deposit
- UAE Golden Visa for Published Authors
- UAE Golden Visa for Doctors or Healthcare Professionals
- UAE Golden Visa for Athletes via Dubai Sports Council
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility applies to:
- Individuals holding a valid UAE Golden Visa.
- Family members officially included under the visa (spouse, children, dependents).
Not eligible or currently unclear:
- Holders of regular residence visas.
- Individuals whose Golden Visa has expired or is pending renewal.
- Those on temporary or business visas until further clarification is issued.
To access these services, your Golden Visa must remain valid and active.
How This Compares Globally
Few countries offer citizen-level consular protection to non-citizens. The UAE’s move sets a new precedent, recognizing long-term residents as valued members of its national community.
While other nations provide limited help to resident permit holders, the UAE now extends full-scale support abroad, signaling a bold shift in how residency benefits are defined.
This step blurs traditional lines between residency and citizenship privileges, offering Golden Visa holders tangible reassurance that they’re protected even beyond UAE borders.
Why Does This Matter?
For entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, the UAE’s move adds new value to long-term residency:
- Mobility assurance: Businesspeople who travel frequently now benefit from an added layer of safety and support abroad.
- Competitive residency offering: The UAE’s Golden Visa strengthens its global appeal by combining freedom of mobility with enhanced protection.
- Talent retention: Skilled professionals gain stronger reasons to live and work in the UAE for the long term.
- Peace of mind for families: Spouses, children under Golden Visa coverage now share protections abroad.
In Conclusion
This new layer of global protection marks a defining moment for long-term residency in the UAE. It shows how the country continues to value and invest in the people who call it home, not just within its borders, but wherever life and business may take them. If you’re ready to make the UAE your long-term base, there’s never been a better time to apply for your Golden Visa.
At EZONE, we make the process seamless from eligibility checks and document preparation to full end-to-end visa assistance.
Start your UAE Golden Visa journey with EZONE, one of the top expert business setup consultants in Dubai today.
FAQs
No. These consular services are included within the Golden Visa framework, they’re not a separate paid feature.
Only valid Golden Visa holders qualify. It’s important to maintain your visa status.
No. This is not a path to citizenship. It’s an added benefit for long-term residents.
MoFA can coordinate with allied embassies or arrange cross-representation to assist you.
