Content creators around the world can now apply for a 10-year residency visa to live in the Emirates through the UAE’s Creators HQ project.
The hub was launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai and aims to "empower creators, amplify their impact and establish sustainable frameworks for the booming creator economy".
The centre has been endorsed and supported by more than 15 of the world’s most prominent brands in written or visual content, including Meta, TikTok, X, Spotter, Creator Now, Tube Filter, Epidemic Sound and the New Media Academy.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, posted on X that the UAE welcomes creators whose work can help create a better life and future. He added that the country would build a sustainable economic sector for content creation.
The golden visa scheme for content creators ties in UAE’s goal of attracting 10,000 influencers to the country.
How can creators apply for the 10-year residency visa?
Application: Head to the official website of Creators HQ and file your application to join the hub.
Review and endorsement: The Creators HQ team will review the application and endorse your eligibility for the visa.
Processing of visa: You will be informed when the application is approved, after which you can complete the steps to finalise the visa process, which include a medical test and visa cancellation (if holding a different UAE residence visa).
The review process for approval could take anywhere from four to 10 weeks, according to the official website.
Who is eligible?
This special visa is given under the ‘content creators and creative talent’ category, and is open to any type of content creator including social media influencers, filmmakers, photographers, podcast hosts and writers. Your application could benefit if you have a proven track record of impactful content creation, have received awards in the field, and can show potential for generating engaging content that contributes to the creative community in the UAE.
The golden visa programme was launched in 2019 and offers a 10-year visa that allows residents to live and work in the UAE without a sponsor. The visa has no restrictions on travelling in and out of the country and can also cover spouses, children and parents to enjoy the same benefits.
To conduct business and earn income in the UAE, content creators will need influencer permits and a freelance or trade licence that covers their business operations.
Besides being liable to fines of up to Dh5,000 ($1,360) for operating without permits, having the proper documentation can bring in more opportunities for creators. If you are making money through social media in the UAE, you will also need a licence from the National Media Council, which costs Dh15,000 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – but costs can vary depending on the emirate.
Other services
The Creators HQ in Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai includes studio spaces for rent, starting from Dh1,500 a day. Creators can utilise meeting rooms and collaborative spaces that can comfortably seat from eight to 80 people.
The hub provides company set up and registration support, permit and relocation services for content creators planning to set up shop in the UAE.
The Creators HQ is designed to attract and support diverse talent, and targets key players in the creative industries, such as advertising and marketing firms, media and music producers, animation studios, and fashion and lifestyle brands.
The Creators HQ initiative stems from the Content Creators Support Fund, worth Dh150 million, launched under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid during the 1 Billion Followers Summit last year. The fund is dedicated to supporting creators, innovators and creative initiatives, amplifying the growth of the digital content sector.
Designed as a full turn-key institution for content creators, the Creator HQ is set to host more than 300 events and workshops annually. Other initiatives include creative camps for youth, mentorship opportunities, funding and workshops covering vital skills such as branding, video production, storytelling, audience engagement, monetisation and sponsorship, and crafting specialised, highly effective content.
The initiative seeks to collaborate with technology companies to establish a fully integrated creative network. This includes partnerships with social media platforms, streaming services, gaming and esports firms, virtual and augmented reality developers, and AI and machine-learning start-ups. Entrepreneurs specialising in software development, talent management and media innovation are also a significant focus.
The UAE last year established the 1 Billion Award, a $1 million prize celebrating content creators who have made a positive impact on society, and champion empathy and compassion. Simon Squibb, the British entrepreneur and social media creator, won the award this year. His company HelpBnk, powered by AI, is described as a haven for business discussions and advice.
How rules for obtaining UAE's 10-year golden visa have been updated
