If you’re an executive in the UAE looking to apply for the Golden Visa, there are important requirements you need to meet to ensure your application is successful.
Beyond meeting the financial criteria, such as your salary, you’ll also need to validate your academic qualifications, which is a crucial step in the process.
Why You Need an Equivalency Certificate
To qualify for the Golden Visa under the ‘Chief Executive’ category, your bachelor’s or master’s degree must be properly attested. This involves getting your degree authenticated by both the UAE embassy in your home country and the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, you will need an equivalency certificate from the UAE’s Ministry of Education (MOE), which verifies that your degree meets UAE standards.
“The MOE equivalency certificate is essential for the Golden Visa application, especially for executives,” explained Sirajudeen Ummer, Public Relations Manager at Galaxy Digital Business Services in Dubai. He emphasized that this certificate proves that your degree aligns with the UAE’s academic requirements.
Abdulhusen Munpurwala, Business Development Manager at PRO Deskk Document Clearing Services LLC, noted that the demand for the Executive Golden Visa in Dubai is high, making the MOE equivalency certificate a critical part of the process. However, obtaining this certificate can take time—typically two to three months—so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Golden Visa Requirements for Executives
According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), executives and business specialists can apply for the Golden Visa under the ‘specialized talents’ category if they meet the following criteria:
- A valid passport.
- An employment contract in the UAE.
- A salary certificate showing a monthly income of at least Dh30,000.
- A licence to practise your profession (if required).
- An attested academic degree (with MOE recognition).
- Bank statements showing salary transfers for the last six months.
Steps to Obtain the Equivalency Certificate
The MOE offers an online service to recognize university degrees from institutions outside the UAE. This certificate confirms that your degree complies with MOE guidelines and international standards.
Here’s how to get it:
- Degree Verification:
- Use one of the MOE’s trusted partners, QuadraBay or DataFlow, for degree verification. After completing this, you’ll receive a reference number.
- Certificate of Recognition from MOE:
- Visit the MOE’s official website and log in using your UAE Pass account.
- Enter your reference number and date of birth.
- Confirm your details, pay the application fee, and receive your certificate via email.
Cost Breakdown
- Bachelor’s degree equivalency: Dh100
- Master’s degree equivalency: Dh150
- PhD degree equivalency: Dh200
Once you have your equivalency certificate, the Golden Visa application process typically takes five to seven working days, provided you meet all other requirements. This makes the certificate an essential part of a smooth and successful application.
