UAE Golden Visa: Dh30,000 basic salary must for eligible professionals?

[Editor's Note: Since this report was published on August 15, some visa processing centres have started accepting Golden Visa applications from those with managerial roles having a total salary of Dh30,000. According to them, the requirement was revised as on August 16. However, many others are still citing Dh30,000 basic salary as a requirement. Khaleej Times has reached out to multiple stakeholders for clarity and will update this report once more details are available.]

UAE-based professionals who are eligible for the Golden Visa need to have a basic monthly salary of Dh30,000 to apply for the long-term residency. Immigration experts and residents who had their applications rejected told Khaleej Times that the minimum salary requirement excludes allowances.

Compensation packages in the UAE are typically a mix of basic salaries and allowances like housing and transport, among others.

Nofisatu Mojidi, senior manager at the Dubai office of immigrations services firm Fragomen, said: “The salary requirements for the UAE Golden Visa have indeed changed. Previously, under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, applicants needed a minimum gross salary of Dh30,000 per month, including allowances. (Now), the requirement has shifted to a basic salary of Dh30,000 per month, excluding any allowances.”

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The change essentially means that eligible professionals who meet the Dh30,000 threshold through their total compensation package cannot get the 10-year visa.

A customer care agent from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the development. Khaleej Times has reached out to the ICP for an official comment.

Another immigration expert, Firosekhan, operation manager at Dubai-based Arabian Business Centre, also said only applicants with Dh30,000 basic salary were getting the long-term visa. He added that those with designations like ‘manager’ and ‘director’ on the visa; or professions like engineers and doctor find it easier to get the residency.

In 2022, the UAE had expanded its coveted Golden Visa scheme to include skilled professionals in disciplines like medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences.

What the change means

According to Mojidi, the change to a minimum basic salary requirement means that the “bar has been raised” for prospective Golden Visa applicants.

“This new criterion emphasises the UAE’s intent to attract exceptionally talented individuals with substantial earning capacity. It also means that current applicants in the pre-approval stage might face difficulties securing their final approval, and existing Golden Visa holders may struggle to meet the new requirements at the time of renewal, potentially affecting their eligibility,” she added.

Enquiries, concerns

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