AED 150 Nomination Letter Needed Before Golden Visa Applications Open
Securing long-term residency in the UAE requires an extra compliance step before your actual visa file opens. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) requires applicants across most Golden Visa categories to obtain an official nomination or endorsement letter from a specific governing body first.
Without this initial endorsement, your visa application cannot move forward. Public relations officer Musa Dayani confirmed that a nomination serves as an official vetting clearance where the authority verifies your credentials and confirms your qualification for the specific category before residency processing begins.
Which Categories Need Official Clearance
Clearance requirements depend strictly on your professional track and residency track. The ICP specifies the direct endorsement channels required for each group:
Healthcare professionals including doctors, scientists, and medical researchers must secure an approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or their local health authority to apply under the exceptional talents and specialists route.
Creative professionals in culture and the arts need an endorsement from their emirate’s department of arts and culture or a direct nomination from the Ministry of Culture.
Outstanding high school students and university graduates are required to get an official endorsement from the Ministry of Education.
Entrepreneurs must hold an approved business plan or activity endorsement from a certified UAE business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, or local authorities, while applicants in Dubai must obtain clearance from the Dubai Future Authority.
Inventors and innovators need a formal recommendation from the Ministry of Economy confirming that their patent provides direct value to the UAE economy.
Athletes must obtain an official nomination letter from the Dubai Sports Council or the equivalent sports body in their respective emirate.
Pioneers of humanitarian work require an official recommendation letter issued by the Ministry of Community Empowerment.
Required Documents and Application Process
Before submitting a nomination request online through the ICP portal for the AED 150 fee, applicants must gather standard supporting paperwork alongside category-specific evidence.
Every applicant must provide a passport copy with at least six months of validity, a passport-sized photograph, proof of valid health insurance coverage, and an updated CV detailing relevant industry achievements, awards, or certifications. Depending on the route, you must also attach specific proofs such as attested doctoral, Master’s, or Bachelor’s degrees, international membership contracts, salary certificates, property title deeds, or official trade licences and bank records.
- Gather your core credentials, including a valid passport copy, health insurance, updated CV, and category-specific proof such as degree attestations or trade licences.
- Submit your endorsement request to the specific ministry or local authority designated for your category, or process the nomination request directly online via the ICP Smart Services portal.
- Pay the AED 150 nomination processing fee to receive your official clearance letter.
- Open your formal UAE Golden Visa application once your nomination approval is officially granted.
