Introduction
Over the last few years, the UAE Golden Visa has established itself as one of the most attractive long-term residence offers worldwide. It attracts and retains talent from across the globe and provides a renewable 10-year residence without requiring any national sponsor.
Among the eligibility categories, the salary-based Golden Visa has gained visibility among skilled professionals already working in the UAE. There is no need to invest or start a business, it offers an accessible path to long-term residency for high-earning employees.
This blog explores the salary criteria, eligibility requirements, and application process for the Golden Visa in 2025.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa, launched in 2019, is a special residency visa allowing foreign nationals to live, work, and invest in the UAE for a period of 10 years, which can be renewed upon expiry. There is no need for sponsorship by employer or family as compared to traditional residency.
Benefits include:
- Full business ownership.
- Freedom to change jobs or start a venture.
- Family sponsorship (spouse, children, and even parents).
- Access to top-tier health, education, and financial services.
Eligibility categories such as:
- Skilled professionals
- Investors and entrepreneurs
- Scientists and researchers
- Artists and creative talents
- Outstanding students and graduates
What Are the Salary Requirements in 2025?
-
Minimum Monthly Salary
AED 30,000 per month in basic salary (excluding allowances and bonuses).
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Documentation
Applicants must provide:
- Labour contract showing the basic salary
- Salary certificate issued by the employer
- Six months of bank statements showing consistent salary deposits that match the contract
Who Qualifies Under the Skilled Professional Route?
Meeting the salary requirement is only the first step. Applicants must also meet employment, education, and classification requirements.
1. Skill-Level Classification by MoHRE
Your job title must be classified under Skill Level 1 or Skill Level 2, as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
| Skill Level 1 | Skill Level 2 |
| Chief Executive Officer | Marketing Executive |
| Mechanical/Electrical Engineer | Software Developer |
| Medical Doctor | Financial Analyst |
| University Professor | Technical Support Specialist |
| Legal Advisor | Graphic Designer |
This classification ensures that the applicant belongs to a high-skill sector with in-demand expertise.
2. Educational Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, issued by an authorized institution.
Requirements include:
- Degree must be attested by relevant authorities in the home country and the UAE.
- A certificate of equivalency must be obtained from the UAE Ministry of Education.
3. Employment Status in the UAE
The applicant must be:
- Employed by a UAE-based company in the public or private sector.
- Holding a valid UAE residency visa.
- Actively working under a formal labour contract approved by MoHRE.
Required Documents for Salary-Based Golden Visa
- Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Emirates ID
- Current UAE Residence Visa copy
- Labour Contract (issued by MoHRE, showing job title and basic salary of AED 30,000+)
- Salary Certificate (issued by employer; must confirm basic salary clearly)
- Six Months’ Bank Statements (reflecting consistent salary deposits)
- Attested Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
- Equivalency Certificate (from UAE Ministry of Education)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer
- Valid Health Insurance (covering applicant and dependents, if applicable)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Tenancy Contract or Emirates ID Address Proof
- Clean Police Clearance Certificate
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure:
- Your monthly salary is AED 30,000 or more
- Your job title is listed under MoHRE Skill Level 1 or 2
- You have a recognized and attested bachelor’s degree
- Your employment contract and salary details are consistent across all documents
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect and organize all necessary documents, ensuring they are:
- Recently issued (not older than 60 days where applicable)
- Clear, legible, and in the correct format (PDF or JPEG as required)
- Stamped and signed by your employer or issuing authorities
Step 3: Submit the Application
There are three main ways to apply:
- ICP Smart Services Portal (Federal level): icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai Portal (Dubai visa holders): gdrfad.gov.ae
- In-person at Amer Centers (Dubai) or Tasjeel Service Centers (other emirates)
You will need to:
- Create an online profile
- Fill out the Golden Visa form
- Upload all documents
- Pay the application fees
Step 4: Medical Exam and ID Process
- Receive an appointment for medical fitness testing
- Submit biometric data for a new Emirates ID
- Undergo background checks
Step 5: Visa Stamping and Emirates ID Issuance
- Your existing UAE residence visa will be canceled
- The 10-year Golden Visa will be stamped in your passport
- Your new Emirates ID with 10-year validity will be issued
Golden Visa Application Fees
| Item | Cost (AED) |
| Application fees | 2,800 – 4,000 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 1,000+ |
| Visa stamping | 500 – 800 |
| Medical test | 300 – 800 |
| Optional PRO service | 500 – 2,000 |
Advantages of Holding the UAE Golden Visa
- 10-year residency peace of mind
No more worrying about visa renewal every couple of years. Ten years of continuous residency gives you room to plan ahead with confidence.
- Independent residency
You don’t require an employer or Emirati sponsor. The visa is in your name, allowing you total freedom and control over your status.
- Freedom to work, change jobs, or become an entrepreneur
The Golden Visa is not restricted to your employment. Whether you switch employers, work on a freelance basis, or start your own business, the decision is yours.
- 100% business ownership
If you’re willing to take the entrepreneurial leap, you can start and completely own a business in the UAE without a local partner.
- Easy family sponsorship
You can sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents under your Golden Visa, providing your whole family the chance to live together in the UAE.
- Freedom to travel
You can leave the UAE for a maximum period of six months without forfeiting your residency status, a huge relief for frequent travelers.
- Access to all necessary services
Whether it is opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license, joining schools, or accessing health care you will have uninterrupted access to services as any long-term resident.
Conclusion:
The UAE Golden Visa route based on salary is a straightforward and systematic route for professional employees who wish to gain long-term residency within the Emirates. With a minimum AED 30,000 basic salary requirement, the applicants also need to fulfill designated job categories under MoHRE Skill Levels 1 or 2, possess a valid academic qualification, and submit regular employment and financial records.
This residency program provides considerable benefits, such as independence from employer sponsorship, ownership of businesses, family sponsorship, and long-term permanence. With the UAE still evolving its immigration policy to attract the best global talent, the Golden Visa has proven to be a useful instrument to retain talented professionals that contribute to the main areas of the national economy.
For those who qualify, the Golden Visa provides both personal and professional liberty while at the same time presents an opportune avenue to create a safe and secure permanent future in the UAE.
Think You’re Eligible for the Golden Visa?
Get expert help with your application from salary verification to document submission.
REFERENCES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum salary required to apply for a UAE Golden Visa as a skilled professional?
You must have a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, excluding allowances like housing or transportation.
2. Does total salary count, or only the basic salary?
Only the basic salary is considered. Allowances, bonuses, and commissions are not counted toward the AED 30,000 minimum.
3. What job titles qualify for the Golden Visa under the salary route?
Your job must fall under MoHRE’s Skill Level 1 or 2. Examples include doctors, engineers, software developers, marketing managers, legal advisors, and financial analysts.
4. Is a university degree mandatory?
Yes. You must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and obtain an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education.
5. Can I apply if I’m on a freelance visa or self-employed?
No. For the salary-based Golden Visa, you must be employed by a UAE-registered company and have a formal labour contract approved by MoHRE.
6. Can I sponsor my family with the Golden Visa?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children (no age limit for unmarried daughters and students), and parents.
7. What if I change jobs after getting the Golden Visa?
You can change jobs freely. The Golden Visa is not tied to your employer, as long as you maintain valid UAE residency and meet visa conditions.
8. How long can I stay outside the UAE without losing my Golden Visa?
You can stay outside the UAE for up to 6 consecutive months without affecting your residency status.
9. What is the validity of the Emirates ID issued with the Golden Visa?
You will receive a 10-year Emirates ID, valid for the same duration as your Golden Visa.
10. How long does the Golden Visa application process take?
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documents, medical tests, and Emirates ID procedures.
