The United Arab Emirates has revised the eligibility criteria for its prestigious Golden Visa, mandating that applicants must now possess a fundamental monthly salary of AED 30,000, without any allowances.
This alteration in policy has rendered many professionals, who once qualified under the previous regulations, ineligible for the coveted 10-year residency visa.
Experts in immigration and affected individuals have acknowledged the new stipulation, observing that compensation packages in the UAE frequently encompass allowances for housing and transportation. However, these allowances are no longer considered towards the AED 30,000 salary threshold required for the Golden Visa application.
Nofisatu Mojidi, a senior manager at the Dubai office of Fragomen, a leading immigration services firm, has highlighted this shift. “Previously, the minimum gross salary requirement allowed for allowances under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway. Now, the emphasis is on a basic salary of AED 30,000 per month, without allowances,” she stated.
This revised criterion elevates the eligibility threshold, effectively narrowing the pool of professionals eligible for the Golden Visa to those with substantial basic earnings.
Firosekhan, the operations manager at the Dubai-based Arabian Business Centre, confirmed that only applicants who meet this basic salary requirement are currently being approved for the long-term visa. He further noted that professionals with titles such as ‘manager’ or ‘director,’ as well as those in the fields of engineering and medicine, have a greater likelihood of qualifying.
The Golden Visa, launched in 2022, was expanded to encompass skilled professionals across various sectors, including medicine, sciences, engineering, IT, business, law, and education.
The recent amendment has raised concerns among those who previously qualified under the old criteria, who may now face challenges in meeting the new requirements during the renewal process.
Mojidi observed a “significant increase” in inquiries from concerned clients. “Many are apprehensive about their ability to satisfy the new basic salary requirement, particularly those who qualified under the old criteria by including allowances,” she mentioned.
To address this issue, her firm is assisting clients in exploring alternative routes to secure the Golden Visa, such as obtaining nominations from principal government authorities in Dubai for individuals possessing unique skills or qualifications.
In addition to the new basic salary requirement, applicants are required to hold a current employment contract, be classified at the first or second professional level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, possess a bachelor’s degree in their respective field, and have comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members.
