Everything you need to know about Dubai’s Cultural Visa
With the launch of Dubai’s Cultural Visa, creatives across the fields of arts and culture in Dubai now have the opportunity to excel in their respective careers. So, whether you’re looking for information about the application process, or just want clarification on the required documentation, our comprehensive guide to the Cultural Visa in Dubai has you covered.
WHAT IS DUBAI’S CULTURAL VISA?
Approved in 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai’s Cultural Visa is a long-term residence visa for creative talents and entrepreneurs based in the Dubai.
Its duration is 10 years and it is issued by The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
ELIGIBILITY FOR DUBAI CULTURAL VISA: WHO CAN APPLY FOR A CULTURAL VISA IN DUBAI?
Creatives, artists, performers and professionals from the following sectors are eligible to apply for Dubai’s Cultural Visa:
- Art and Design
- Culture
- Heritage
- Performing Arts
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING FOR A CULTURAL VISA IN DUBAI
Those applying for a Dubai Cultural Visa must meet at least five of the following requirements.
CREATIVE PROFILE
The applicant’s creative profile must showcase their artistic journey — which should be no less than five years in duration. The creative profile must contain their credentials and highlight their academic contributions or participation in creative activities. A creative profile should include:
- Name, specialisation and nationality.
- Garnered experience.
- Artistic productions the applicant has been involved in.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Applicants should also mention any regional and/or international awards, prizes, certificates and recognitions obtained from renowned organisations — with dates and accompanying details.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
The applicants should provide documents as proof of their involvement in community-held creative or cultural programmes. Along with the documents, applicants should also provide a detailed overview of the programme’s goals or agendas and the type of creative work done to support them.
The applicant should also submit a brief about their community contributions, including voluntary work, the field of work, number of volunteered hours and impact of the work.
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
When applying for Dubai Cultural’s Visa applicants should provide:
- Attested educational certificates.
- Accreditations (if any obtained).
- Proof of the most recent degree in the field of specialisation.
- A list of training certificates or courses pertaining to the relevant technical field.
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
Applicants must list all the memberships obtained from non-profit organisations (NGOs) or any other local or international creative and/or cultural organisations.
EMPLOYMENT TIME
Applicants must also mention the type of their employment — whether they work as a freelancer or in a full-time capacity. They must also include the business entities they’ve supported or worked with.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Applicants must also include a one-year bank statement as proof of their minimum annual income of AED 120k.
Please contact Dubai Culture at info@dubai.culture.ae for any questions or queries.
HOW TO APPLY FOR DUBAI CULTURAL VISA?
To apply for Dubai’s Cultural Visa, an applicant should submit their application to culturalvisa@dubaiculture.ae containing the list of documents mentioned below:
- A copy of the Emirates ID, passport and residence visa
- Applicant’s resume
- Home address
- Contact details
Subsequent to submitting all the required documentation and information, the process is as follows:
- Applicants will be notified by email or phone as to whether their application has been approved or rejected.
- If their application is approved, an accreditation permit will be issued.
- Applicant will need to attend the accredited office in-person for the issuance of the long-term residence visa.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
When applying for Dubai’s cultural visa, applicants should remember:
- Dubai Culture retains the right to remove or amend any of the terms stated on its website.
- Getting a permit issuance or approval from Dubai Culture doesn’t qualify as final approval. It is a prerequisite to other procedures required to obtain approvals from local and/or federal authorities.
For more information or queries, you can call Dubai Culture on +971-4-515- 5000 or email at info@dubaiculture.ae.
FAQs ABOUT LONG-TERM CULTURAL VISA DUBAI
WHO CAN APPLY FOR DUBAI’S CULTURAL VISA?
Individuals pursuing culture, art (fine or performing arts), literature, heritage, history, knowledge-related sectors or other intellectual industries are eligible to apply for Dubai’s Cultural Visa.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER CONDITIONS TO GETTING A CULTURAL VISA IN DUBAI?
There is an optional condition that requires you to offer 36 hours of service in any creative or artistic field in the UAE.
That brings an end to our guide on Dubai’s Cultural Visa. The issuance of a Cultural Visa is an important step towards encouraging local and international talents to be a part of Dubai’s creative horizon.
There are many types of Dubai visas. Here is a complete checklist of all types of special Dubai visas offered by Dubai’s authorities.
To avoid any complications, make sure to acquire relevant information about different passports and visas services in the UAE.
