Journalist visa · Germany to United Arab Emirates

Content Creator/Journalist Golden Visa

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 3650 days
• Processing time: 2-4 weeks
• Fee: AED 2,800-4,000 (approx. $762-$1,089 USD)
• Validity: 10 years, renewable
• Entry: Multiple entry

Long-term Golden Visa for journalists, writers, content creators, social media influencers, podcasters, visual artists, and digital content professionals. Launched through the Creators HQ programme following the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Provides a self-sponsored 10-year renewable residency not tied to an employer. Allows the holder to live and work in the UAE. Professional gamers and e-sports professionals (25+) are also eligible under this category.

Eligibility

• Nationality

  Available to all nationalities

• Purpose of visit

  Must be a recognized journalist, writer, content creator, social media influencer, podcaster, visual artist, digital content professional, or professional gamer/e-sports professional (age 25+)

  Includes

  • Journalism
  • content creation
  • media work
• Employment

  Must demonstrate a portfolio of published work, significant social media following, or professional achievements in media/content creation

  Required status: Recognized media/content professional

• Health

  Must pass the UAE medical fitness test

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 4; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photographs with white background

• Travel insurance

  Coverage area: UAE; Minimum coverage: Valid health insurance covering UAE

• Visa fee payment

  Accepted methods: Online payment via ICP, GDRFA, or Creators HQ portal; Amount: AED 2,800-4,000

• Medical fitness

  Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.

  Destination country: UAE; Examining center: UAE-approved medical centre

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Gather passport copies, passport photos, portfolio of published work, social media analytics/following evidence, press credentials, and health insurance

2. Online application

   Apply through the Creators HQ website (creatorshq.ae), ICP smart services portal, or GDRFA. Self-sponsored application

3. Fee payment

   Pay government fees of AED 2,800-4,000 via online portal

4. Processing wait

   Wait 2-4 weeks for application review and approval

5. Document submission

   Upon arrival, complete medical fitness test at an approved centre

6. Biometrics

   Apply for Emirates ID at a typing centre with biometrics capture

7. Visa collection

   Receive 10-year Golden Visa residence stamp in passport

• Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.