The UAE has recently updated the eligibility criteria for its prestigious Golden Visa program, specifically targeting professionals who aspire to obtain long-term residency. The key change revolves around a new minimum basic salary requirement of Dh30,000 per month, which excludes any additional allowances that were previously considered in the overall compensation package.
Traditionally, compensation packages in the UAE have been a blend of basic salaries supplemented by allowances for housing, transport, and other necessities. However, the recent revision focuses solely on the basic salary, making it more challenging for many professionals who might have met the previous requirements through a combination of salary and allowances.

Insight from Industry Experts

Nofisatu Mojidi, a senior manager at Fragomen’s Dubai office, highlighted the shift in the Golden Visa’s salary criteria. “The salary requirements for the UAE Golden Visa have indeed changed. Previously, applicants under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway needed a minimum gross salary of Dh30,000 per month, which included allowances. Now, the focus has shifted to a basic salary of Dh30,000 per month, excluding any allowances,” she explained.
This new criterion has significant implications. Professionals whose total earnings meet the Dh30,000 threshold only through allowances are now ineligible for the coveted 10-year visa. This shift in policy was further confirmed by a customer care agent from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), although an official statement from the ICP is still awaited.
Firosekhan, the operations manager at Dubai-based Arabian Business Centre, also confirmed the stringent enforcement of this new requirement. He noted that professionals holding titles like ‘manager’ and ‘director’ or those in high-demand fields such as engineering and medicine are more likely to meet the criteria and secure long-term residency.

Broadening the Golden Visa Scheme

In 2022, the UAE expanded the Golden Visa program to include skilled professionals across a range of sectors including medicine, science, engineering, IT, business, education, law, culture, and social sciences. This expansion aimed to attract top-tier talent to the UAE, reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for innovation and excellence.

Implications and Concerns

Mojidi pointed out that the new salary requirement could create hurdles for both new applicants and current Golden Visa holders. “This new criterion highlights the UAE’s intent to attract individuals with substantial earning potential. It may also pose challenges for those in the pre-approval stage, as well as for existing Golden Visa holders during renewal, potentially affecting their eligibility,” she remarked.
The change has already sparked a wave of concerns among prospective applicants, with many seeking clarification on how to meet the updated requirements. Mojidi noted a noticeable increase in client inquiries about the new criteria, particularly from those who previously qualified by including allowances in their salary calculations.
To address these concerns, Mojidi’s firm is exploring alternative pathways to the Golden Visa for their clients. “In Dubai, we’re assisting clients in securing nominations from key government authorities for individuals with unique skills or qualifications,” she added.
This strategic pivot reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to attracting highly skilled professionals while maintaining the exclusivity of its Golden Visa program.