Questions & Answers
Is health insurance required for Golden Visa holders?
Dear all,
Is health insurance required for Golden Visa holders?
They are not employed by a company and do not work in the UAE.
Please provide the reference to the applicable law or a source confirming this.
Thank you!
Hello,
Cabinet Resolution No. (18) of 2022 regarding the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (29) of 2021 regarding the Entry and Residency of Foreigners.
The article related to the Golden Visa (long-term residency – 10 years) within the Executive Regulations states: "The beneficiary of the long-term residency must provide valid health insurance within the country...".
This condition applies to all types of Golden Residency, whether for investors, creative individuals, talents, or families.
Yes, Golden Visa holders in the UAE who are not employed by an employer in the UAE are required to have health insurance.
This obligation extends to them and anyone sponsored under the Golden Visa.
Mandatory: Golden Visa holders are required to have health insurance, whether employed or unemployed, even if they do not work in the UAE.
Exceptions: If they do not have health insurance, Golden Visa holders may be required to provide a pledge to purchase a policy or pay for medical expenses themselves.
Coverage: Health insurance must include comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, surgeries, and emergencies.
Abu Dhabi: In Abu Dhabi, unemployed Golden Visa holders are exempt from the mandatory health insurance requirements, but it is strongly recommended that they obtain health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Sources: This obligation is derived from the UAE's medical insurance laws, which stipulate that all residents must have valid health insurance.
Legal Reference: Medical Insurance Laws in the UAE.
Regulations of the health authority in the emirate where the Golden Visa holder resides.
In Brief: Health insurance is mandatory for Golden Visa holders in the UAE, whether employed or unemployed, with some exceptions in certain emirates, such as Abu Dhabi. However, it is highly recommended to obtain health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all UAE Golden Visa holders, including those not employed in the UAE. The insurance policy must meet specific criteria, including:
- Minimum Coverage Duration: Valid for at least one year from the application date.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covering inpatient and outpatient treatments, surgeries, emergency care, and maternity services.
- Renewable: Ensuring continuous coverage throughout your UAE residency.
The Basic Health Insurance Scheme starts at AED 320 per year, meeting minimum legal requirements. Golden Visa applicants can choose from various insurance plans, including:
- Basic Coverage: AED 320 Scheme with co-payments and a limited provider network.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Plans offering higher coverage limits and broader network access.
According to the UAE government, health insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for Golden Visa applicants and holders across all seven emirates, with no exemptions.
References:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, and
- UAE Government Official Sources.
Golden Visa holders in the UAE are required to have valid health insurance coverage, even if they are not employed or working in the country.
This requirement, mandated by the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi, ensures all residents, including self-sponsored Golden Visa holders, have access to healthcare services.
Those without insurance must either obtain coverage or agree to bear healthcare costs themselves.
This policy aligns with UAE healthcare regulations aimed at protecting all residents regardless of employment status, as per the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi's official announcements.
Yes, it is mandatory for Golden Visa holders to have insurance. We can get you one.
Please contact us.
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including Golden Residency holders. This commitment aims to ensure everyone has access to the necessary healthcare.
Hello,
As per Federal Law No. 23 of 2006 on Health Insurance in the UAE, all residents are required to have health insurance.
This law covers everyone residing in the UAE, including Golden Visa holders, regardless of employment status.
Hello,
Yes, according to the applicable regulations in the UAE, having valid health insurance is a mandatory requirement for activating or renewing a residence visa — including the Golden Visa — in most Emirates, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Even if Golden Visa holders are not employed by a company or do not work within the UAE, health insurance remains a procedural and legal requirement for maintaining valid residency status.
Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East!
Your question concerns whether Golden Visa holders are required to maintain health insurance in the UAE, even if they are not employed or actively working in the country.
We’ve recently advised clients with Golden Visas in similar circumstances, particularly those who reside abroad but maintain their visa for strategic residency or investment reasons.
The current local regulations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai mandate health insurance coverage as a condition tied to residence visa validity—this includes Golden Visa holders, specifically:
- In Abu Dhabi, health insurance is compulsory for all residents, and visa renewal or issuance may be blocked if the applicant is not covered under a valid health insurance policy, regardless of employment status.
- In Dubai, the Dubai Health Insurance Law also obligates every visa holder (including Golden Visa) to have at least basic health coverage from a registered provider. Enforcement is typically done via visa renewal systems that require proof of insurance.
Therefore, even if the Golden Visa holder is not employed or residing in the UAE full-time, they are still required to maintain health insurance for the visa to remain compliant with local immigration rules.
To provide exact legal citations and current administrative enforcement practices, we would review the regulations from the Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Department of Health, as well as immigration portals such as ICP or GDRFA.
We are ready to assist in reviewing your visa file and advising on the minimum insurance requirements to ensure continued compliance. Our legal consultants speak Arabic, English, Russian, Hindi, and Chinese.
Dear Sir,
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for UAE Golden Visa holders, even if they are not employed or working in the UAE. Proof of valid health insurance is required for obtaining and renewing the Golden Visa.
This requirement is confirmed by the UAE government and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The insurance must cover the visa holder and any dependents for at least one year and be renewable.
Please let me know if you need the official references or further assistance.
Best regards,
Thank you for your question!
Yes—holding valid health insurance is mandatory for all Golden Visa holders in the UAE, even if you're not employed or sponsored by a company. You must also provide coverage for any dependents under your sponsorship.
In Dubai, for example, Law No. 11 of 2013 (the Health Insurance Law) requires the sponsor to enroll themselves and their family in an approved health insurance plan, pay all premiums directly, maintain uninterrupted coverage throughout residency, and provide valid insurance cards when the visa is issued or renewed.
Similar requirements exist across other Emirates under federal health insurance regulations.
In short: no health insurance = no visa issuance or renewal. Even if you’re self‑sponsored, the visa will not be granted—or renewed—without satisfying this requirement.
I can guide you through selecting a compliant policy and ensure seamless visa processing and compliance.
Feel free to reach out to me on WhatsApp or by phone at [------------] to discuss further and help you secure the right coverage.
