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

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.