If you want a Golden Visa for Dubai and the entire Arab Emirates, then you will now have to show the minimum salary limit as proof. New rule implemented
New changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for professionals to obtain a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Now, those who wish to apply for a Golden Visa will have to meet strict salary conditions. Specifically, applicants must now have a monthly basic salary of Dh30,000, excluding any allowances. This change is a departure from the previous rules, where the total salary package, which also included allowances such as housing and transport, was taken into account.
What has changed?
Previously, under the ‘scientist and specialist’ route, applicants were required to have a total salary of Dh30,000 per month, including allowances. But the new rule now focuses only on basic salary, setting a higher standard for a 10-year visa for professionals.
Impact on applicants
Under this new rule, if a person’s total salary package reaches Dh30,000 but his basic salary is below this limit, he may be ineligible for a golden visa. This change has led to some applications being rejected, as confirmed by residents and immigration experts.
Confirmation of the new terms and their effect
A customer care agent at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the development. Firoze Khan, operations manager at the Arabic Business Centre, said currently only those people are getting long-term visas whose basic salary is Dh30,000 or more. He also said that people holding positions such as ‘manager’ or ‘director’ and those in professions such as engineering and medicine are more likely to meet the criteria.
What to do next?
For professionals seeking a Golden Visa, this change emphasises that they must ensure their basic salary. Those who are currently in the pre-approval stage may face challenges in getting final approval. Also, existing Golden Visa holders may have to reconsider their eligibility at the time of renewal of their visa.
