Philanthropists can now secure a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by donating AED 2 million or more to approved Waqf (Islamic endowment) projects. This new pathway rewards major charitable donors with long-term residency—without requiring business investment or employment ties.
UAE Launches Golden Visa Pathway for Waqf Donors
What Prompted the UAE to Create a Philanthropy-Based Golden Visa
The UAE has long positioned itself as a global centre for innovation, economic opportunity, and humanitarian leadership. In line with this vision, authorities introduced a new Golden Visa category in October 2025, specifically designed for individuals who contribute significantly to Waqf projects.
The Role of Waqf in Islamic and UAE Philanthropy
Waqf is an Islamic philanthropic tradition whereby an individual donates assets or capital to a charitable cause in perpetuity. These funds are typically used to support public benefit projects such as schools, clinics, or community services. The UAE government, through a formal agreement between Awqaf Dubai and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), now enables donors who contribute AED 2 million or more to approved endowments to obtain a long-term residency visa. This collaboration forms part of a broader initiative to align national immigration policy with sustainable development goals.
Eligibility Criteria for the Waqf Donor Golden Visa
Minimum Donation and Project Requirements
To qualify for the Golden Visa under the Waqf donor category, individuals must meet several criteria. The most fundamental requirement is a minimum donation or endowment of AED 2 million to a certified humanitarian cause in the UAE. These funds must be allocated to an officially recognised Waqf project under the supervision of Awqaf Dubai or a similar body.
Educational Qualification and Official Nomination
Applicants must also hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. This educational requirement reflects the government’s objective of attracting qualified and engaged residents who can contribute intellectually and socially to the country’s development.
The donation must be endorsed by Awqaf Dubai, which will nominate the individual to GDRFA-Dubai for the Golden Visa. This nomination process ensures that the donation aligns with the country’s philanthropic goals and meets all legal and operational guidelines.
How to Apply for the Golden Visa as a Waqf Donor
Making the Donation and Securing Nomination
The application process begins with making a qualifying Waqf donation. Donors must work directly with Awqaf Dubai or an authorised institution to identify a project and formalise the endowment agreement. Once the transaction is completed and verified, Awqaf issues a nomination letter certifying the donor’s eligibility.
Submitting Your Application and Completing the Process
With this nomination in hand, applicants submit their documentation to GDRFA-Dubai. Required documents include proof of the Waqf donation, academic qualifications, passport copies, and a personal photograph. If applying from abroad, donors can request a six-month entry permit to complete the formalities inside the UAE. The application is reviewed jointly by Awqaf and immigration officials to ensure compliance.
After completing medical fitness checks and paying standard government fees, successful applicants receive a 10-year renewable residency permit.
What to Expect From Start to Finish
Week 1: Donation agreement signed with Awqaf Dubai
Week 2: Nomination letter issued
Week 3: Visa application submitted with supporting documents
Week 4: Medical checks and biometric registration
Week 5: Golden Visa issued and Emirates ID activated
What Waqf Donors Get With a UAE Golden Visa
Residency Privileges and Flexibility
Golden Visa holders under this category enjoy all the standard privileges associated with long-term residency in the UAE. They are granted the right to live, work, or study anywhere in the country without needing a local sponsor or employer.
Family Sponsorship and Domestic Help
Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and in many cases, their parents. New rules also allow male children to remain under parental sponsorship up to age 25. Dependents enjoy the same long-term residency rights.
Donors also gain freedom of travel without the usual six-month stay requirement. They can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency status. In addition, Golden Visa holders may sponsor multiple domestic workers and access exclusive services such as dedicated support lines and fast-track immigration services.
Authorities Managing the Philanthropy Visa Pathway
Roles of GDRFA and Awqaf Dubai
The initiative is managed jointly by GDRFA-Dubai and Awqaf Dubai. GDRFA oversees the residency process, while Awqaf is responsible for vetting donations and nominating eligible philanthropists. A dedicated committee from both entities reviews applications and monitors the long-term social impact of each endowment.
In the words of Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of Awqaf Dubai: “This partnership reinforces Dubai’s commitment to honouring those who drive social change through sustainable giving.”
Legal Foundation and Oversight
The legal foundation for this pathway stems from Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which expanded the Golden Visa programme to include financial supporters of humanitarian work. This ensures that the scheme is built on formal legislative backing and subject to regular oversight.
Comparing Waqf Philanthropist Visas With Other Golden Visa Routes
How Waqf Compares to Other Visa Types
| Visa Type | Financial Requirement | Degree Required | Sponsor Needed | Residency Duration | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waqf Philanthropist | AED 2 million donation | Yes | No | 10 years | Humanitarian recognition |
| Real Estate Investor | AED 2 million property | No | No | 10 years | Investment returns |
| Entrepreneur | AED 500k+ capital | Sometimes | No | 5–10 years | Startup & business growth |
| Skilled Professional | High salary + degree | Yes | No | 10 years | Job & career growth |
How the Waqf Visa Compares to Investment-Based Categories
The Waqf donor visa shares a similar financial threshold with investment-based visas, such as those for real estate or business investments. However, unlike profit-driven investments, Waqf contributions are purely philanthropic. There is no financial return to the donor, but the social return is substantial.
Differences in Qualification Requirements and Intent
Entrepreneurs and skilled professionals must demonstrate business success or recognised expertise to qualify for their respective visa routes. In contrast, the Waqf category focuses on the scale and impact of the donor’s charitable contribution. Donors are still required to hold a university degree, aligning the standard with other high-skill categories.
This visa stands apart by appealing to those who want to create social impact rather than economic gain. It also serves as a meaningful complement to the UAE’s existing humanitarian visa pathways, such as those offered to volunteers and frontline workers.
Why Global Donors Are Looking to the UAE for Philanthropic Residency
Strategic Appeal of Philanthropy-Based Residency
The UAE offers a unique value proposition to global philanthropists. Long admired for its stability, safety, and forward-looking governance, the country is now positioning itself as a destination for philanthropic leadership.
Endowing a Waqf project in the UAE allows donors to contribute to long-lasting community impact while gaining a strategic base in one of the world’s most connected and dynamic hubs. Many high-net-worth individuals and charitable foundations are exploring this route as a way to align their personal values with tangible social outcomes.
Combining Legacy With Practical Residency Benefits
For donors who also maintain business interests, the visa provides operational flexibility and peace of mind, allowing them to live and invest in the UAE while supporting causes that matter to them.
Why Waqf Donations Open More Than Doors
The UAE’s new Golden Visa for Waqf donors does more than offer long-term residency. It symbolises a shift in how countries reward humanitarian capital. By enabling philanthropists to secure 10-year residency through meaningful, enduring contributions, the UAE is reinforcing its status as a hub of opportunity, generosity, and vision.
For those ready to leave a legacy beyond profit, this visa offers a powerful incentive. If you’re considering making a lasting impact through philanthropy, speak with Virtuzone today to explore your eligibility and start your application.
FAQs
How long does the application process take?
Timelines vary, but most applications are processed within a few weeks of receiving the official nomination.
Can I donate from abroad and still qualify?
Yes. Both residents and international donors can participate. A six-month entry permit is available to finalise the visa from within the UAE.
What kinds of projects are considered eligible?
Waqf donations can support education, healthcare, religious institutions, and community development, provided they are approved by Awqaf.
Is the AED 2 million donation refundable or revocable?
No. Waqf donations are permanent charitable endowments and are non-refundable under Sharia law.
What happens if the endowment project I supported is cancelled or fails?
The donor’s visa status remains unaffected if the donation was made in good faith to a certified Waqf initiative. Awqaf assumes responsibility for managing the assets and redirecting the funds appropriately.
Can multiple people pool funds into a Waqf and apply jointly?
At present, the visa is granted to individuals who meet the full donation threshold on their own. Group donations may benefit society but do not currently qualify multiple individuals for a single visa.
Can I qualify if I also meet the investor or talent visa criteria?
Yes. Some individuals may qualify under multiple categories and can choose the one that best fits their circumstances.
