UAE Adds New Requirement for Golden Visa Program

UAE-based professionals eligible for the Golden Visa must have a basic Per-monthly salary of Dirham’s 30,000 to apply for Golden Visa. According to immigration experts and residents who faced rejections, the minimum salary requirement does not include allowances.

What is the UAE’s Golden visa?

The UAE’s ‘Golden visa’ is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits which include:

  • an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance
  • a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
  • the privilege of not needing a sponsor
  • the ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months in order to keep their residence visa valid
  • the ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their ages
  • the ability to sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers
  • the permit for family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, if the primary holder of the Golden visa passes away.

For queries regarding visas, please contact Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the UAE’s embassies and consulates.

For Dubai visas, contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD).

Effects of change

According to Mojidi, the change to the minimum basic salary requirement raises the bar for prospective Golden Visa applicants. “This new standard highlights the UAE’s aim to attract exceptional talent with substantial earning potential. It also means that current applicants at the pre-approval stage will receive final approval.” Difficulties may be encountered in obtaining, and existing Golden Visa holders may struggle to meet the new requirements during renewal, potentially affecting their eligibility.

Concerns & Inquiries

Mojidi noted a “noticeable increase” in client inquiries regarding these changes. “Many people are concerned about meeting the new basic salary requirements, particularly those who were previously eligible under the old standard by including allowances. In response, we are guiding clients towards alternative routes to the Golden Visa. For example, in Dubai, we help get nominations from key government officials for people with unique skills or abilities.

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