United Arab Emirates: Scientists and Specialists Golden Visa Category Now Subject to Minimum Employee Headcount

Sponsoring employers for the direct approval route of the ‘Scientists and Specialists’ Golden Visa category must now have a minimum number of employees; whereas previously, no such minimum employee threshold existed. The new thresholds vary across emirates and free zones – ranging from as low as seven employees (though typically 20) in some Dubai free zones, to as high as 100 employees in Abu Dhabi. These thresholds have not been published in any official guidance and are instead communicated on an ad hoc basis during application processes. For smaller employers (especially those in Abu Dhabi), these thresholds may limit employer support for otherwise eligible applicants and they may need to consider alternate immigration pathways. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].