According to a recent Khaleej Times report, immigration experts and rejected Golden Visa applicants in the UAE are highlighting new financial prerequisites. The Golden Visa, a long-term residency permit, now mandates a minimum monthly base salary of 30,000 AED. This figure excludes additional benefits like housing and transportation, which were previously part of the eligibility calculations. Given the rising cost of living in the UAE, especially skyrocketing property prices in dubai, these changes may present financial challenges for applicants.
Exclusion of Benefits from Minimum Salary Calculations
Noufissato Moujidi, Senior Manager at Dubai-based immigration consultancy Fragomen, explains, “The eligibility requirements for the UAE’s Golden Visa have changed. Previously, applicants under the ‘Scientists and Specialists’ category needed a gross salary of at least 30,000 AED per month, including benefits. Now, the requirement strictly applies to a 30,000 AED base salary without considering any additional allowances.“
New Restrictions for Qualified Professionals
This revision seems not to apply to qualified professionals who would otherwise have satisfied the previous threshold by considering the total compensation package, but for whom it denies a longer residency permit. An official customer service representative of the ICP has confirmed these changes and duly noted the newly set criteria for the Golden Visa qualification.
As per the words of Firozkhan, Operations Manager at Arab Business Center in Dubai, “A few candidates such as Managers or Directors, or other professionals from among engineering or medical fields that are in high demand with a base salary of 30,000 AED, might have a better chance at getting the long-term residence visa approval.”
Revised Golden Visa Eligibility for Select Professions
In 2022, the UAE expanded its Golden Visa scheme to include skilled professionals in fields like medicine, science, engineering, IT, business management, education, law, culture, and social sciences. These roles often represent some of Dubai’s higher-paying positions.
Moujidi notes that the new base salary requirement raises the bar for applicants. “This new criterion underscores the UAE’s goal of attracting high-income, highly skilled individuals,” she adds. “However, it may create challenges for current pre-approved applicants who are now facing additional hurdles in their final approval. Existing Golden Visa holders could also encounter difficulties meeting these new conditions upon renewal, potentially impacting their eligibility.”
Concerns About Meeting New Criteria
According to Moujidi, there has been a noticeable rise in inquiries from clients regarding these updates.
“Many clients are anxious about their ability to meet the new base salary requirement, particularly those who were previously eligible under the former benefits-inclusive criteria. In response, we’re guiding clients towards alternative pathways for securing the Golden Visa. For instance, in Dubai, we assist uniquely skilled individuals in securing government nominations.”
Additional Conditions for Golden Visa Applicants
In addition to the new minimum base salary requirement, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Employment Contract and Valid Work Permit: A current employment contract and a valid work permit are mandatory for applicants.
- Occupational Level: Applicants must fall under Level 1 or 2, according to the Ministry of Labor’s job classification system.
- Education Requirement: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field is required.
- Professional Licenses: Applicants must hold a valid professional license in fields like medicine, pharmacy, or teaching.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the applicant and their family is also required.
Conclusion
With higher base salary requirements, new stringent conditions will be applied to qualify for a Golden Visa in the UAE. Thus, many previously qualified professionals might miss out on applying for this residency permit, while fresh candidates have further restrictions piled on them. The UAE aims at this change to add high-income, highly skilled individuals. But this may lower applications for Golden Visas and affect the talents in certain sectors. Raising the minimum salary for Golden Visa signifies the shift of direction in the UAE’s immigration strategy toward building a knowledge economy by attracting such specialized skills.
