Introduction
The Dubai government wants Dubai to become a center for gaming in the Middle East and Africa regions. To help with this, they started giving special long-term visas to people who work in gaming. One of these visas is called the Golden Gaming Visa, which is only for professional gamers and gaming industry workers.
This blog will tell you everything you need to know about getting a Golden Gaming Visa. It will explain who can apply, how to apply, why Dubai is great for gaming, real stories of gamers there, and answer common questions. By the end, you will understand if this visa can help your gaming career and how to apply.
Who Can Apply?
Not just anyone can apply – there are basic rules that must be followed:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 25 years old to apply. This is because gaming should be your career, not something you do as a student.
- Experience Needed: To prove gaming is your career, you need at least 2 years of work experience. This could be things like being a professional player on a team, coaching teams, making gaming videos, or developing games.
- Accepted Jobs: Some jobs that qualify include being a pro player, coach, esports streamer making gaming videos, or developer creating games. Your main work and income must come from activities related to playing or making games.
So in summary, to apply you must be an adult with a couple years spent working already in the gaming industry, not just someone who plays games as a hobby.
How to Apply
Now let’s look at each step of the application process:
- Make an Online Account – First, visit www.dubaigamingvisa.com and sign up with your email address to set up a profile.
- Fill Out the Form – Carefully read all questions and provide true details about your career, experience level, social media profiles related to gaming etc.
- Documents Needed – Attach your resume or CV listing gaming jobs, tournament results, streaming records or reviews as proof of your experience. Also include a copy of passport photo page.
- Pay Fees – The application costs 2000 AED total which covers your whole family too. Pay online or at a visa processing center.
- Visa Decision – They aim to review all details within 4-6 weeks. You’ll get an email on approval or denial with the reasons clearly stated.
- Get Residency Visa – If approved, work with a visa company approved by Dubai to sponsor your 10-year residency card printed in your passport.
Be sure to fill the online form neatly and provide clear evidence so your application gets approved faster. Ask if any part needs clarification.
Benefits of Living in Dubai
Once you secure this visa, Dubai offers numerous great advantages:
- No income tax on any money you earn from playing games, tournaments won or streaming revenue. This means you get to keep more of what you make from gaming.
- Ultra high-speed internet connections with download speeds up to 1Gb/s. Fast and stable net is vital for playing competitive multiplayer games online without lag.
- Take part in major esports events hosted in state-of-art arenas in Dubai throughout the year. Things like the PUBG Mobile Star Challenge bring both talent exposure and cash prizes.
- Access the large nearby Middle East markets full of gaming and esports fans. Growing your community and business in this region becomes much easier living in Dubai.
- Beyond gaming, enjoy world-class facilities, attractions, infrastructure, safety and standard of living in one of the world’s most developed and business friendly cities. Good quality of life means more focus on your career.
Why Dubai is Perfect for Gaming
Dubai offers numerous benefits ideal for professional gamers and industry members:
- Infrastructure – Massive investment has brought lightning fast internet that tops global rankings. Giant downtown gaming centers host major tournaments year-round in spectacular facilities.
- Tax Laws – As a free trade zone, there are no personal income taxes. Keep 100% of profits from careers like streaming, competing or developer/publisher work done locally in Dubai.
- Lifestyle – Ultra modern amenities, attractions and incredible skyline in one of the world’s most developed cities. Also access nearby African and Asian markets with over 2 billion consumers as a center point.
- Growth Industry – Backed by proactive government incentives, gaming sector has expanded rapidly in recent years. Careers, investment and opportunities continue booming alongside esports popularity in the region.
- Multicultural Hub – Population hails from over 200 countries speaking over 200 languages. Easy welcoming environment for international talent seeking new frontiers outside their native countries to advance gaming livelihoods long term.
Success Stories
Meet some gamers excelling after securing this visa:
- Mohammed, 26 (UAE): PUBG Mobile pro who qualified for local circuit, then gained fans streaming full-time in Abu Dhabi. Now moved companies and lives happily in Dubai with family on long-stay.
- Kim, 30 (Philippines): Streamer with 300k subscribers playing Mobile Legends who showcases new server from Dubai. Collaborated making guides helping Asia users. Agency sponsors her growing regional fan meetings and commercial work.
- Hassan, 22 (Pakistan): Helped local team win world championship as coach, receiving college esports scholarship. Graduated top grades then hired by publisher opening Dubai office, progressing fast as manager within a year.
Conclusion
For skilled gamers or creators able to show dedication, this prestigious visa is a rewarding reward. By going through the careful application process with patience and effort, your gaming career may truly level up settling in the ideal conditions and community that Dubai accommodates. Please ask any other inquiries – I aim to help clarify fully so you can make the best choice for your future in esports.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. No, this visa is given to you directly based on your own skills and experience without requiring a company to back you. You can work as freelancer or start your own company later from Dubai.
A. Yes, part of the visa process is adding your spouse and children’s details. So they are able to reside long-term in Dubai alongside you with residential visas.
A. Healthcare coverage is provided by the government for visa holders. You’ll receive a free health card that gives access to any public hospital and treatment for yourself plus family members under this visa.
A. Absolutely! The visa allows full freedom to run your gaming business however you like, whether it involves making content for YouTube or playing in esport events abroad remotely from your home in Dubai.
A. Typical home internet speed tiers range from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps fiber broadband connections with unlimited data. Speeds that fast are perfect for online multiplayer gaming or cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass.
