UAE Offers Golden Residency for Top Secondary Students

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a Golden Residency programme aimed at outstanding secondary school students, granting a five-year residency permit that does not require a sponsor and renews automatically. The initiative, overseen by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), is designed to attract talented individuals and bolster the UAE's long-term economic and professional growth.

Eligible students and their families can live, work, study, and invest in the UAE for the duration of the residency, ensuring long-term stability. To qualify, students must meet two conditions: they need a recommendation letter from their school and proof of academic excellence, specifically a score of 95% or above.

Additionally, applicants must submit excellence certificates along with the recommendation. The Golden Residency is part of a broader initiative that includes various eligible categories, allowing holders to remain in the UAE long-term without employer sponsorship.