The UAE has recently announced a significant update to its Golden Visa program. Golden Visa holders can now access global consular support while traveling or living abroad. This enhancement falls under the newly expanded UAE Golden Visa Consular Services, offering greater protection for residents and their families. This new service comes directly from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and is available to long-term residents and their families.
For entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals who travel frequently, this is a major benefit. It provides peace of mind, safety, and reassurance. The UAE continues to recognize long-term residents not just as visitors, but as key members of its growing international community. In this article, we break down what this update includes, who qualifies, and how it compares globally.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program. It targets investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators, and exceptional students. The visa allows holders to live, work, and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor. It provides a path to stability and long-term growth.
Key benefits include:
- Issued for 5 or 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
- No requirement for a UAE national or employer sponsor.
- Holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without cancellation.
- Ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
What’s New: UAE Golden Visa Consular Services Explained
On October 14, 2025, at GITEX Global 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced Global Consular Services for Golden Visa holders. This is the first time the UAE has extended such support to non-citizens.
Golden Visa holders and their dependents can now request help for:
- Emergencies while abroad
- Passport loss or damage
- Travel disruptions
- Repatriation and humanitarian support
The services include:
- 24/7 Emergency & Crisis Support: Round-the-clock assistance for unexpected situations overseas.
- Dedicated Hotline: Direct connection with UAE consular representatives abroad.
- Passport Replacement & Travel Facilitation: Quick issuance of temporary electronic travel documents.
- Repatriation & Family Assistance: Help during medical emergencies, accidents, or bereavement.
Who Can Access These Services?
These benefits are available to active Golden Visa holders and their officially listed dependents, including spouses and children.
- Eligible: Holders of valid Golden Visas and their dependents.
This ensures that the protection covers both professionals and their families, reflecting the UAE’s holistic approach to long-term residency.
Consular Support for UAE vs. Other Countries
Very few countries offer consular support to long-term residents. Usually, consular services are reserved for citizens only.
| Country | Residency Program | Consular Support for Residents |
| UAE | Golden Visa | Yes, full consular services abroad |
| UK | Investor/Innovator Visa | Only citizens receive support |
| Canada | Permanent Residency | Only citizens get consular help |
| Germany | EU Blue Card | Only citizens assisted |
| USA | EB-5 Investor Program | Citizens only |
How to Access UAE Golden Visa Consular Services
Golden Visa holders can request assistance through:
- The official MoFA website
- Mobile app
- 24/7 hotline
- Local UAE embassies or consulates (if available)
Always keep your Emirates ID, Golden Visa copy, and travel details ready to verify your identity. The system is designed to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, passport issues, or humanitarian needs.
The UAE’s global consular support for Golden Visa holders is a historic move. It shows that the country values its long-term residents and their families. By providing protection abroad, the UAE sets a global standard for residency programs.
At Milestone Homes, we guide investors and professionals through the Golden Visa process, from eligibility checks to document preparation. Our support also includes assistance with business setup, real estate, and portfolio management.
With the UAE Golden Visa and its new global protection, you can live, work, and invest with confidence.
FAQs
No. The services are included automatically with the Golden Visa.
No. It provides long-term residency, not citizenship.
You can still access support via MoFA’s hotline or online portal.
A valid visa is required. Renew before travelling to maintain access to services.
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