Dubai: The UAE has set a new minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 for professionals seeking the coveted Golden Visa, a move that aims to further refine the country’s long-term residency program. This change, introduced in 2024, is expected to attract top-tier talent while also reshaping the landscape for expatriates working in the Emirates.
New Salary Requirement for Golden Visa Eligibility
Previously, the Golden Visa was issued based on an applicant’s gross salary, which included various allowances like housing, transportation, and other benefits. However, the updated policy now requires that the net salary—excluding allowances—must be at least AED 30,000 per month. This adjustment emphasizes the UAE’s focus on attracting highly skilled professionals to bolster its economic growth.
According to Nofisatu Mojidi, Senior Manager at Fragoman, a leading immigration services firm in Dubai, “This change signifies a shift towards ensuring that those who qualify for the Golden Visa possess substantial and consistent financial stability, reflecting the UAE’s strategic goals in enhancing its talent pool.”
Feroze Khan, Operations Manager at Arabian Business Center, confirmed the updated salary criteria, noting that this shift is aligned with the UAE’s broader objectives of drawing in the world’s most talented individuals.
Impact on the Expatriate Community
The Golden Visa program, launched in 2022, was designed to attract exceptional talent from across the globe, contributing to the UAE’s economic diversification and positioning it as a global hub for innovation and excellence. However, the new salary threshold may limit access for many existing expatriates who have been contributing to the UAE’s economy but do not meet the new financial criteria.
While the updated policy is likely to attract a higher caliber of professionals, it also means that thousands of workers who do not earn the requisite AED 30,000 per month will no longer be eligible for long-term residency. These individuals, many of whom play crucial roles in various sectors, may need to continue working under short-term visas.
The Future of UAE’s Golden Visa Program
The adjustment in the salary requirement reflects the UAE’s commitment to elevating its economic status by ensuring that the professionals who choose to settle long-term in the country are among the most capable and financially stable. As the Golden Visa program evolves, it remains a key component of the UAE’s strategy to attract and retain global talent.
For professionals eyeing the UAE as a destination for career growth and long-term residency, meeting the new salary benchmark will be essential. The updated policy not only underscores the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its economy with top-tier talent but also highlights the competitive environment that expatriates must navigate to secure their place in the Emirates.
