The UAE has taken another significant step to strengthen its long-term residency program. In a new announcement, Golden Visa holders will now receive the same level of overseas protection and assistance once reserved for Emirati citizens. The initiative, revealed at GITEX Global 2025, underscores the government’s growing focus on stability, security, and inclusiveness for its international residents.
Global Assistance for Golden Visa Residents
The UAE has strengthened its Golden Visa framework by extending full-scale consular protection to its long-term residents abroad. The new service, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), allows Golden Visa holders to receive immediate help during emergencies such as accidents, medical crises, or legal complications while overseas. The initiative also covers support for lost or damaged passports, the issuance of temporary return documents, and coordination with UAE embassies in times of crisis.
Golden Visa holders who misplace their passport while traveling can now apply for an Electronic Return Document through the MoFA website or app using UAE Pass. The process requires uploading a police report of the lost passport, Golden Visa details, and a recent passport photo with a white background. In most cases, MoFA issues the document within 30 minutes, allowing one-time re-entry into the UAE within seven days.
To make the system more responsive, MoFA has also launched a 24-hour hotline (+971 2 493 1133) to assist with emergencies, embassy contact, and travel guidance. In the unfortunate event that a Golden Visa holder passes away abroad, the UAE coordinates the repatriation of remains through its overseas missions or via the same hotline, guiding families through the necessary documentation and procedures.
This marks the first time a Gulf nation has extended such global consular privileges to resident visa holders, reinforcing the UAE’s growing reputation as a country that protects its expatriate community beyond its borders.
Bridging the Gap Between Residents and Citizens
By introducing overseas consular care, the UAE is reshaping the relationship between residents and citizens. Traditionally, visa holders received their benefits only within national borders. Now, Golden Visa holders will enjoy state-backed assistance anywhere in the world, a benefit that elevates their residency status to something closer to a citizenship privilege.
The move reflects a broader policy direction: the UAE is increasingly recognizing long-term expatriates as integral to its national identity and economy. Extending consular protection aligns with its efforts to make the country a global base for innovation, investment, and professional growth, not just a temporary destination.
Setting a New Benchmark in Residency Programs
The UAE’s decision introduces a new standard in the competitive residency-by-investment landscape. While most global programs focus on tax benefits or investment opportunities, few extend diplomatic or humanitarian protection to residents abroad. This evolution gives the UAE a distinct edge over its counterparts in Europe and Asia.
For high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals, the value of a residency is no longer measured only by the length of stay or tax incentives but also by the level of state protection and global access it provides. The UAE’s approach redefines what it means to be a long-term resident in a globalized world.
A Competitive Edge for the UAE’s Global Appeal
For global investors and families weighing relocation options, the introduction of consular services adds a new layer of confidence. It complements the existing 10-year residency term, the right to sponsor family members, and simplified property and business ownership rules.
As international competition for high-net-worth and skilled residents intensifies, the UAE’s policy evolution shows a clear shift toward long-term integration and global protection — strengthening its position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment migration.
