The UAE Golden Visa program was launched to attract top talents, investors and skilled professionals from around the world. While many people primarily associate it with investment opportunities or property ownership, the Golden Visa goes much further – it also offers it to high income earners. If your monthly income is at least AED 30,000, you can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa and enjoy long-term residency in the country.

In this blog, we will explain how high income revenues - such as managers, experts and business leaders - can get a golden visa based on their salary. We will also highlight the main benefits of the program, including long-term residence, the opportunity to sponsor family members and UAE's dynamic and growing economy.

What Happened to The UAE Golden Visa And The 30,000 AED Salary Rule?

In 2022, the UAE expanded its Golden Visa scheme to attract highly skilled professionals from various industries such as medicine, law, education, IT and engineering. Its objective was to welcome top talents and give them the benefit of long-term residence in the country.

However, the salary rule has now changed. Previously, if your total monthly salary - which includes allowances such as accommodation and transportation - reached 30,000 AED, you could apply. Now, the focus is only on the basic salary. So even if your total income exceeds 30,000 AED, you will not be eligible for a 10-year visa unless your basic salary meets that figure.

This change raises the bar and makes it harder for some professionals to qualify.

Who Is Affected By This Change?

This amendment primarily affects:

• Professionals whose total income is based more on allowances than on basic salary.
• Applicants who were in the pre-approval stage under the old rules.
• Current Golden Visa holders who cannot meet the new basic salary criteria at the time of renewal.

DBS Group note that professionals such as doctors, engineers, managers and directors are more likely to easily meet the new limits. But for others - especially those with low basic salaries and high allowances - this update could make it more difficult to qualify for the visa.

Eligibility Criteria for High-Income Earners

UAE Golden Visa recognizes contributions from high-income professionals to the development of the country. To get a visa through your salary, you must fulfill certain eligibility conditions.

1. Minimum Monthly Salary Requirement

If you are applying for a Golden Visa through salary, the following requirements must be met:

Minimum Salary: Your monthly income must be at least AED 30,000. This area makes Golden Visa available for a wide range of skilled professionals in different industries in the UAE.

Stable Employment: You must have a valid position and a formal employment contract with a recognized employer in the UAE. Freelancers or individuals with informal work schemes may not be eligible under this route unless they can prove even income that meets the required salary level.

2. Occupations Eligible for the Golden Visa

The UAE aims to attract exceptional talent and professionals who play an important role in the economy. Therefore, Golden Visa covers a number of high-income categories, including:

Specialized Professionals: Experts in fields such as medicine, engineering science, information technology and research may be qualified. High-paid doctors, surgeons, IT specialists, engineers and researchers are among the best candidates for Golden Visa.

Business Executives: Senior executives, company directors and high-level managers who meet the wage requirement can apply. Entrepreneurs who operate or expand successful businesses in the UAE are also eligible for this visa category.

Highly paid employees in key industries: In addition to well-known sectors such as IT and healthcare, professionals in key sectors such as finance, education, real estate and hospitality can also qualify for the Golden Visa - provided they meet the income requirement.

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Documents Required for Golden Visa

If you are applying for a Golden Visa in Dubai, make sure you prepare the following documents:

MOHRE Contract or Freezone Salary Certificate

Submit your employment contract from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) or pay certificate from your respective Freezone Authority. Your document must clearly show a basic salary of 30,000 AEDs or more.

Bank Statement

Include your last six months of bank statements showing continuous transfers of your AED 30,000 basic salary. Double check that your full name appears on each page of the statement.

Degree Equivalence Certificate

Get your university degree certified and verified by the UAE embassy in the country where it was issued. You will also need to obtain a degree equivalence certificate approved by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer. Attach a copy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photograph.

10-Year Golden Visa Categories

Golden Visa for Professionals

Professionals and skilled workers are eligible for a Golden Visa if they have a valid job contract in the UAE. The role must fall under occupational level 1 or 2 as defined by MOHRE. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.

Golden Visa for Real Estate Owners

Individuals with assets of at least AED 2 million are eligible for a Golden Visa. This may include one or more completed or off-plan properties purchased from approved UAE real estate developers worth AED 2 million or more.

How to Manage the New Golden Visa Salary Rules

Here are some smart ways to keep your Golden Visa journey on track:

Check the basic salary: Confirm your official basic salary with your HR team. Remember that your basic salary does not include extra allowances or bonuses.

Negotiate your wage structure: If your basic salary is less than AED 30,000, talk to your employer about adjusting your package so that your basic part meets the new threshold.

Explore other alternatives: Some skilled professionals may still be qualified if nominated by a recognized government official.

Keep the papers updated: Make sure the contracts, degree certificates and professional licenses are valid and correct certificates.

Get expert help: DBS Group can guide you through a personal strategy, including alternatives such as UAE Blue Visa or other long-term residency programs.

Final Thoughts

UAE Golden Visa offers professionals and high income the best opportunity to build a life and career in one of the fastest growing economies. With a minimum monthly salary requirement of 30,000 AED, qualified leaders, entrepreneurs and skilled workers can enjoy long-term benefits-to-foot stability and safety to a world-class living standard.

For qualified individuals, Golden Visa is a way of living, working and blooming in the UAE, while contributing to the thriving economy. Whether you are a business manager, expert or professional, UAE provides endless opportunities for growth and success.

At DBS Group, we help professionals and executives navigate the Golden Visa process with ease. If you are ready to take the next step towards living in the UAE, contact us today, our experts will help you easily secure your Golden Visa.

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