Immigration

United Arab Emirates | Navigating changes: updated eligibility criteria for UAE Golden Visa

Summary

Recent developments have brought significant changes and uncertainty to the UAE Golden Visa framework, especially within the Highly Skilled Professional and Executive categories. While some eligibility requirements remain intact, authorities are indicating a heightened scrutiny of salary composition and the possibility of stricter evidentiary standards. These changes highlight the evolving and unpredictable nature of the Golden Visa criteria.

The detail

Highly Skilled Professional Category – Dubai

Applicants seeking a Golden Visa under the “Highly Skilled Professional” category – including, but not limited to, doctors, senior executives, engineers, and software/artificial intelligence professionals – must now meet stricter salary and employment history requirements.

Applicants are required to demonstrate:

• A minimum basic salary of AED 30,000 per month, excluding all allowances such as housing and transportation.
• Evidence that a basic salary of at least AED 30,000 per month has been paid for the previous two years, supported by MOHRE-issued employment contracts and company payslips.
• Continuous employment of more than two years with the current employer at the time of application.

Previously, applications under this category were approved based on a net monthly salary of AED 30,000, where allowances could be included in meeting the threshold.

Executive Category: Updates for Senior Executives in Dubai

Senior executives, including positions such as CEO, General Director, Executive Director, President, and other similar roles, are now eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa under the “Highly Skilled Professional” category.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Earn a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000 per month, excluding allowances.
• Have completed at least two years of employment with their current employer.

Previously, senior executives were required to earn more than AED 50,000 per month to qualify for a Golden Visa in Dubai. The Dubai General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has now reclassified this group to simplify the application process and broaden eligibility.

What this means

For employees: Golden Visa eligibility is now more closely linked to tenure with the current employer. In addition, applicants must meet a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000. Employees who do not yet meet this threshold may need to wait before applying under the Highly Skilled Professional categories.

For employers: Employers are advised to proactively inform employees of these updated requirements to prevent premature or ineligible Golden Visa applications, which may result in processing delays or refusals.

These updates underscore the evolving nature of the UAE Golden Visa framework, which can change without prior notice. As eligibility criteria and application requirements continue to shift, thorough eligibility assessments prior to submission are increasingly critical.

How we can help

At Vialto Partners, we support businesses and employees in navigating the complexities of UAE immigration policies and their real-world impact. Our services include:

• Reviewing Golden Visa eligibility for your workforce, including employees moving between jurisdictions or entities.
• Offering guidance on workforce planning in response to changing eligibility and tenure requirements.
• Sharing timely updates and insights on Golden Visa policy developments to help maintain compliance.

For personalised advice on how these changes may affect your employees or business operations, please reach out to your Vialto Partners advisor.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner

Rekha Simpson
Director, Middle East Immigration

Umme Salma
Senior Manager, Middle East Immigration

Nasrine Abdi
Manager, Middle East Immigration

Ida Eriksson
Senior Associate, Middle East Immigration

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