Dubai is introducing a Golden Residency Visa specifically for professionals in the gaming industry. If you are familiar with the gaming code “Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start,” you might be eligible for this 10-year visa that allows long-term residency in the UAE without frequent renewals.

This visa is part of a broader initiative to enhance the gaming sector in Dubai, which is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars globally. The city government aims to boost its Gross Domestic Product by Dhs3.6 billion (approximately $1 billion) from gaming by 2033, alongside generating 30 000 new jobs in the industry.

However, the gaming visa is designed for professionals involved in game development rather than casual gamers. To apply for the visa, individuals must meet stringent criteria. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and must directly submit their application through the Dubai government’s gaming website.

The application requires several documents, including a valid passport (and residence permit if available), a professional CV, a portfolio showcasing work from the past five years, and a cover letter. The gaming visa falls under the culture and arts category, necessitating prior accreditation from Dubai Culture for a successful application.

Potential applicants can choose from various sub-categories, such as Game Developer, Game Designer, and Game Producer, among others. While eSports athletes and gaming champions may be prominent figures in the gaming world, they are not eligible for this specific visa.

Once an application is submitted, individuals will need to provide detailed career information, including years of experience, artistic works, academic certifications, and memberships. Following this, applicants must upload the necessary documents before receiving a notification via email regarding the success of their application.

If approved for the Dubai Culture gaming visa accreditation, applicants can then initiate the Golden Residency Visa process. Further details on obtaining the Golden Residency Visa can be found in the comprehensive guide provided by the Dubai government. Good luck to all aspiring gamers!