Golden Visa Boom In The UAE

The UAE’s 10-year golden visa has become a highly sought-after residency option, offering long-term stability for professionals, investors, and skilled workers.

The ‘peace of mind’ and stability it provides have led to a ‘golden visa boom,’ according to experts, as it has changed the perspective of those envisioning a future for their families.

Many multinational companies offer long-term residency to employees, marking a significant shift from frequently renewing visas and contributing to a sense of security and permanence.

“The mindset has shifted because previously, residents would primarily earn their livelihood in the UAE but invest in their home country. The golden visa has paved the way for staying longer and made it appealing to invest in property and reinvest in the economy,” Haider Hussain, a partner at immigration services company Fragomen, told The National.

“For multinational companies, supporting employees who qualify is beneficial as they avoid renewing visas every two years. It provides peace of mind as it offers a clear pathway for long-term residency. When you get a golden visa, people consider building a life here.

“Other countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain are also offering premium residencies and golden visas. It’s all part of the golden visa boom happening in the UAE.”

There were questions and confusion last year about basic and gross salary requirements, which have now been resolved. Although no formal announcement was made, companies handling visas have confirmed the current requirements with authorities.

Mr. Hussain outlines the criteria on frequently asked questions about salary and the recent January updates on the length of employment to qualify.

What is the salary I need to qualify for a golden visa?

A key eligibility factor for the UAE Golden Visa is a minimum gross salary of Dh30,000 per month, including allowances in addition to their basic salary. To qualify, authorities require a salary confirmation letter from the employer and a bank statement for the past three to six months as evidence that this is the overall monthly salary credited. The criteria are that the bank statements consistently reflect that at least Dh30,000 is credited every month.

What allowances qualify?

How companies structure pay packages varies. Any fixed allowance that is paid monthly as part of the salary will be considered. Some companies provide housing and transport as a fixed allowance every month as part of the salary. Education and school bus allowance is often a lump sum that companies reimburse based on receipts and is paid once or twice a year. For any allowances to be considered as part of the overall monthly salary, they should be included every month in the salary statement.

Is there a shift from the previous basic salary rule?

An August 2024 decision by UAE authorities confirms that individuals are once again eligible if they have a minimum gross salary of Dh30,000 per month, including allowances in addition to their basic salary. This reverses the earlier May 2024 rule that required applicants to have a monthly basic salary of Dh30,000, excluding allowances.

Why do applications get rejected?

Individuals who applied for the golden visa with a minimum gross salary of Dh30,000 per month may have faced rejections. Rejections could be due to other factors, such as the applicant's job title not aligning with those recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, or failure to provide a no-objection certificate from their employer.

Are there exceptions to the salary rule?

It is extremely difficult to get an exception to this rule as a salary confirmation letter and bank statement are needed. The only exception is if an individual is nominated by a UAE government authority under one of the special categories.

What other criteria are considered?

When applying for a golden visa under the minimum gross salary of Dh30,000 per month, additional criteria include: a three to six-month bank statement, and applicants in Dubai must have a minimum of two years of experience with the same employer within the same local entity sponsoring the visa.