The Ras Al Khaimah government has officially launched the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa. As of 2024, educators in private schools who have worked and resided in Ras Al Khaimah for three years are invited to apply for the new Golden Visa Program.
What is the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa?
The Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa is a residency program that seeks to retain the absolute best educators in the Emirate.
The long-term program grants a 10-year, self-sponsored residency permit to eligible professionals.
This program is all about recognizing outstanding performance and contributions to the education sector of Ras Al Khaimah.
According to Dr. Abdulrahman Al Naqbi, a board member of RAK DOK, a government entity created to improve the quality of education in the Emirate, “This initiative highlights the essential role educators play in enhancing the quality of education for all students in Ras Al Khaimah. It values the significant contributions of teachers and aligns with our broader goal of building a world-class education system in the region.”
Educators in Ras Al Khaimah now have the opportunity to be self-sponsored while living and working in the Emirate, rather than relying on sponsorship.
Eligibility for the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa
The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge have set out the following criteria to apply for the new Educator Golden Visa.
Principals and School Leaders
Individuals that fall under this category include:
- Heads of Departments
- School directors
- Vice principles
Eligibility requirements
- Must hold an official appointment letter from the Ministry of Education or RAK Department of Knowledge.
- The applicant must have lived and worked in Ras Al Khaimah for a minimum of three years
- Must possess an advanced degree, this includes a PhD or Masters.
- The applicant must have made significant improvements to the school’s performance rating.
- The principal or school leader must have a letter from the School Board confirming the exceptional contributions of the applicant.
Each of these eligibility criteria have extensive documentation requirements that should be provided along with the application.
School Teachers
Private school teachers are also invited to apply for the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility requirements
- Must hold an official appointment letter from the Ministry of Education or RAK Department of Knowledge.
- The applicant must have lived and worked in Ras Al Khaimah for a minimum of three years
- Must possess an advanced degree, this includes a PhD or Masters.
- The applicant must have made a significant contribution to the school’s performance and must provide proof of this. This can be in the form of:
- Improved student learning outcomes
- Positive feedback from learners, parents, and school leaders
- Proof of awards
- Positive impact on students
- Determination to further professional developments
- Introduction to new teaching methods
Each of the above requires substantial evidence, with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge enquiring with the school and its leaders to ensure validity.
The Future of the UAE Golden Visa Program
The UAE Golden Visa has opened its doors to many more qualifying individuals from across the globe. This includes investors, exceptional talents, high achieving students, and many more.
The Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa is the newest addition, displaying just how determined the seven Emirates are to ensure the very best for the country’s future. From exceptional educators, financial security to fantastic investment opportunities, the UAE Golden Visa program shows no signs of slowing down.
Read our UAE Golden Visa Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa
Can I apply for the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa if I am already on another visa?
Yes, if you are already on an investor visa or another type of visa in the UAE you can apply for the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa as long as you have lived and worked in RAK for at least three years.
Can I apply if I work at a private school outside Ras Al Khaimah?
The program is only available to educators that have been working at a private school within Ras Al Khaimah for at least three years. Even if you live in Ras Al Khaimah, you still need to have worked at a private school within the Emirate to qualify.
Can school administrators apply for the RAK Educator Golden Visa?
No, the program is specifically for those directly involved in school leadership and teaching.
Can I apply under the principals and school leaders if I did not improve the overall MoE quality rating?
No, one of the qualifying criteria is improving the overall quality rating of the school before applying.
Can any nationality apply for the RAK Educator Golden Visa?
Absolutely, the program is open to all nationalities that meet the specific criteria for their desired program.
How long does it take to get the RAK Educator Golden Visa?
If your application is submitted in full then approval takes around two weeks.
Do I need to pay to submit my RAK Educator Golden Visa application?
Generally, no, there is no charge for the eligibility review. However, there may be a processing fee when you submit your documents to the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port (ICP).
What if my degree is from outside the UAE?
All degrees from outside the UAE are required to be certified by the UAE Ministry of Education before the time of the application.
Can my family qualify for the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa?
Absolutely, once you are approved for the Ras Al Khaimah Educators Golden Visa your family members can qualify under sponsorship.
