Big update for Golden Visa applicants! Starting January 2025, you must have a basic salary of 30,000 AED to qualify.
Here’s what changed: Before this, the rule was different. In October 2024, the requirement was changed to a 30,000 AED gross salary (which means your total salary including allowances). But now, only the basic salary is counted - allowances like housing and transport are not included.
This change is important because many people who qualified before based on their total salary might no longer be eligible if their basic salary is lower than 30,000 AED.
Need more details or help with your application? Contact our team for the latest updates and step-by-step guidance!
If you’re receiving this amount in your bank account, you’re well on your way to securing a Golden Visa. Below are the key documents and steps you’ll need to make it happen.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that offers a 10-year visa to investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students. It allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as earning a basic salary of AED 30,000 or holding a degree in specialized fields like IT or engineering. Additionally, there are other ways to become a UAE resident, including through property investment, business setup, or employment opportunities.
Many people on community forums recently shared that the rules for getting a Golden Visa in Dubai have been tightened. One of the main requirements now is having a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. On top of this, applicants must have worked continuously at the same company for at least two years, and within that period, they must have been in a managerial role earning AED 30,000 or more for at least six months.
Some applicants have reported that the authorities require only six months of salary statements above AED 30,000, despite the two-year company tenure rule, which can feel inconsistent. Others mention that additional approval documents, such as a company-issued NOC and a clear job title, are essential. These changes appear recent and are applied differently depending on the case, leading to confusion. Yet what remains consistent is that the overall gross salary, company continuity, and managerial role are becoming key filters in today’s Golden Visa assessments.
For your Golden Visa application in Dubai, you'll need the following documents:
Ensure your Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) contract or salary certificate from the freezone authority clearly shows a basic salary of 30,000 AED or more.
Provide bank statements from the last 6 months, showing that your basic salary of 30,000 AED has been consistently transferred. Make sure your name appears on every page.
Obtain an equivalency certificate for your university degree, attested by the UAE Embassy in the country where the degree was issued and by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer, along with a copy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photo.
In 2023, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai issued 158,000 UAE Golden Visas. This figure is nearly twice the total issued in 2022, which stood at 79,617, and far surpasses the 47,150 visas granted in 2021.
Here are five key Golden Visa categories for the UAE, including a newly introduced one (Waqf) from October 2025:
The Golden Visa offers numerous advantages for long-term residents and investors in the UAE. Here are some of the key benefits that make this visa an attractive option:
Long-Term 10 years Residency: Enjoy long-term residency without the need for constant visa renewals.
Business and Investment Opportunities: Access to various business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
Family Residency: Ability to sponsor family members, including spouse, children, and parents.
Ownership of Property: Right to own property in the UAE, enhancing your investment options.
Access to UAE's World-Class Facilities: Benefit from the UAE's high-quality healthcare, education, and lifestyle facilities.
You can get a UAE Golden Visa through investment. If you invest in real estate worth at least AED 2 million, you can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. This allows you to live, work, and bring your family to the UAE without needing a sponsor. It's a great way to become a UAE resident by investment in the country's growing property market
If you're ready to apply for your Golden Visa and need professional assistance, reach out to CSPzone. Our team is here to help guide you through the process and ensure a smooth application. Contact us today, and we'll be happy to assist you.
