Professionals in the UAE aiming for the coveted Golden Visa must now meet a revised criterion: a basic monthly salary of Dh30,000, excluding any allowances. This change marks a shift from previous requirements where the total compensation package, including allowances, was considered.
The updated rule has caused concern among eligible professionals, particularly those who previously qualified under the old criteria. Nofisatu Mojidi, a senior manager at the Dubai office of immigration services firm Fragomen, noted in a Khaleej Times report, “The salary requirements for the UAE Golden Visa have indeed changed… the requirement has shifted to a basic salary of Dh30,000 per month, excluding any allowances.”
This adjustment has raised the bar for prospective Golden Visa applicants, making it harder for some to secure the 10-year residency. Firosekhan, an operations manager at Dubai-based Arabian Business Centre, confirmed that only applicants with a basic salary meeting the new threshold are being granted the visa.
Mojidi added that the change reflects the UAE’s focus on attracting highly talented individuals with significant earning potential. However, it also means that existing Golden Visa holders might face challenges during renewal if they do not meet the new basic salary requirement.
With these changes, immigration experts like Mojidi are guiding clients toward alternative pathways to secure the Golden Visa, such as obtaining nominations from key government authorities for those with exceptional skills or qualifications.
The Golden Visa scheme, which was expanded in 2022 to include professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, and IT, now requires applicants to also have a valid employment contract, a professional permit, and comprehensive health insurance, among other criteria.