Important Updates
Important Updates
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 1, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions for Select Nationals
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 1, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions for Select Nationals
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

UAE Golden Visa Changes: Key Insights for Highly-Skilled Professionals

June 13, 2024

UAE Golden Visa Changes: Key Insights for Highly - Skilled Professionals

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Nofisatu Mojidi

Nofisatu Mojidi

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 (0) 4 818 1785

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Related content

  • Are you eligible for Long-Term Residency in the UAE?

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nofisatu Mojidi

Nofisatu Mojidi

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 (0) 4 818 1785

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Related content

  • Are you eligible for Long-Term Residency in the UAE?

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nofisatu Mojidi

Nofisatu Mojidi

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 (0) 4 818 1785

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Related content

  • Are you eligible for Long-Term Residency in the UAE?

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Nofisatu Mojidi

The UAE's Golden Visa program, launched in 2019, has become a hallmark for attracting top-tier talent from around the world. There are several pathways for obtaining a Golden Visa, one being specifically targeted towards ‘Scientists and Specialists,’ and highly-skilled professionals in fields such as science, engineering, IT, law, healthcare and education may apply.

This blog explores the recent changes to this popular pathway, focusing on the adjusted minimum monthly salary requirements and the new process for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) recognition of educational certificates.

Shift in Salary Requirements

Previously, to qualify for a Golden Visa under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, applicants needed to evidence a minimum gross salary of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,169) per month.

This amount included any allowances paid in addition to basic salary, making the threshold more accessible for many highly-skilled professionals. However, as of May 2024, the official stance on Article 17 of Cabinet Resolution 65-2022 has changed, and applicants must now show a monthly basic salary, excluding any allowances, of AED 30,000 to be eligible.

This shift represents a notable tightening of eligibility criteria, and the exclusion of allowances from the salary threshold narrows the pool of eligible applicants. As of June 2024, those in the pre-approval stage of their Golden Visa application may face challenges securing their final approval, and current Golden Visa holders might struggle to meet the new requirements at the time of renewal.

New Educational Certificate Recognition Process

Individuals applying under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway must now have their legalized educational certificates recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) if they are issued outside the UAE.

This process involves several steps, starting with an equivalency assessment through an accredited MOE vendor, which typically takes about 30 days. Once the certificate is assessed, applicants receive a ‘positive’ report, which then allows them to apply for MOE recognition. This final step takes an additional seven to 10 days.

Implications of Changes

The shift to a minimum basic salary requirement of AED 30,000 sets a higher barrier to entry. Previously, allowances and other compensation components could help prospective applicants meet the threshold, but now, the focus is solely on basic salary. This adjustment suggests that the UAE is streamlining its eligibility criteria for Golden Visas to attract exceptional talent who can significantly contribute to its economy.

The new requirement for educational certificate recognition by the MOE adds another layer of complexity to the process. This step, while helpful in ensuring the authenticity and equivalency of foreign qualifications, extends application lead time by adding procedural steps before the Golden Visa pre-approval process can even be started. For many, particularly those unfamiliar with the UAE's immigration processes, this might be a complex task.

Alternative Pathways to the Golden Visa

For those who find themselves ineligible under the revised ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, there may be other avenues to explore, including the possibility of securing a nomination directly from a principal government authority based on niche experiences, skillsets or qualifications.

Fragomen can help assess the likelihood of securing such a nomination and can also assist with obtaining it. This route can accommodate a wider range of professionals, including:

      • residents or non-residents of the UAE;
      • individuals with Residence Visa job titles not aligned with the MOHRE list;
      • applicants presenting either an internal salary certificate or a UAE Freezone/Mainland-issued salary certificate;
      • those with a monthly gross salary of AED 30,000, where the basic salary constitutes at least 50% of the total compensation; and
      • applicants who choose not to have the MOE recognition process completed for their legalized education certificate, or whose education certificate states ‘Diploma,’ ‘College’ or ‘Institute’ rather than ‘University.’

Ready to Take the Next Step on your Golden Visa Journey?

Navigating these new requirements can be complex and time-consuming, but understanding and preparing for these changes is crucial.

The changes described above are substantial, and they reflect the nation's approach to drawing in top-tier talent and ensuring that Golden Visa recipients will make substantial contributions to both its economy and society.

The path to securing a UAE Golden Visa is undoubtedly more challenging with these recent changes, but with the right guidance and support, it is still achievable.

To determine if you are eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa for Highly-Skilled Professionals or the likelihood of securing a nomination, use Fragomen’s FREE Long-Term Residence Assessment Eligibility Tool.

Need to know more?

For further information on UAE long-term residency requirements, please contact Senior Private Client Manager Nofisatu Mojidi at [email protected].

This blog was published on 13 June 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Nofisatu Mojidi

Nofisatu Mojidi

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 (0) 4 818 1785

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Related content

  • Are you eligible for Long-Term Residency in the UAE?

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nofisatu Mojidi

Nofisatu Mojidi

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 (0) 4 818 1785

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Related content

  • Are you eligible for Long-Term Residency in the UAE?

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nofisatu Mojidi

Nofisatu Mojidi

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 (0) 4 818 1785

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Related content

  • Are you eligible for Long-Term Residency in the UAE?

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.