Quick Answer: To qualify for the UAE Golden Visa as a professional, you need a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000/month (not including allowances), a bachelor’s degree, and a job classified under MOHRE Level 1 or Level 2. Processing costs AED 4,500-7,500 total. The visa is valid for 10 years and doesn’t require any investment.
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: you don’t need to invest AED 2 million to get a UAE Golden Visa. If you’re a working professional earning well in a skilled field, you can qualify based purely on your salary and qualifications, no property purchase, no bank deposit, no business investment required.
The professional route has become one of the most popular pathways to the Golden Visa, especially after the UAE clarified and tightened the requirements in late 2024. But there’s some confusion out there about exactly what ‘AED 30,000 salary’ means and which jobs actually qualify.
The guide outlines salary requirements, eligible professions, required documents, and to application process, emphasizing the visa’s flexibility to change jobs and start businesses to empower and reassure applicants about their options.
Salary Requirements: The Key Change in 2025
Let’s address the most significant point of confusion first. The salary requirement for professionals changed in late 2024/early 2025, and many people still don’t understand the new rule.
Basic Salary, Not Total Package
The requirement is a basic salary of AED 30,000 per month—many get confused here. Your total compensation doesn’t count; only the basic salary on your contract matters, helping you feel clear and confident about eligibility.
Only the basic salary figure on your employment contract matters. So if your contract shows:
- Basic Salary: AED 25,000
- Housing Allowance: AED 8,000
- Transportation: AED 2,000
- Total Package: AED 35,000
You would NOT qualify, even though your total exceeds AED 30,000. Your basic salary is only AED 25,000.
This change caught many people off guard. Before 2025, the requirement was interpreted as gross salary (total package). Now it’s strictly basic salary only.
Proof of Salary
You’ll need to prove you actually receive this amount. The required documentation includes:
- Salary certificate from your employer stating your basic salary
- Bank statements for the last 6 months showing consistent salary deposits
- Your salary deposits must clearly show at least AED 30,000 hitting your account monthly
If your bank statement shows a total of AED 35,000 but includes allowances paid separately, you may need additional documentation to confirm the core amount is AED 30,000+.
Executives: Higher Threshold
For senior executives (C-suite, directors, managing directors), the threshold is actually higher—AED 50,000 basic salary per month. This applies if your job title and responsibilities fall within the executive category rather than the professional specialist category.
Which Jobs Qualify? MOHRE Skill Levels
Having a high salary isn’t enough; your job must also be classified in the correct category. The UAE uses MOHRE’s (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) occupational classification system, based on international standards.
Only Level 1 and Level 2 classifications qualify for the Golden Visa:
Level 1: Managers & Business Executives
These are senior leadership roles:
- Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
- Managing Directors
- General Managers
- Department Directors
- Finance Directors/CFOs
- Operations Directors
- Business Unit Heads
Level 2: Professionals in Specialized Fields
This is where most Golden Visa professionals fall. The eligible fields include:
| Field | Example Professions |
| Sciences | Researchers, Scientists, Lab Directors, Data Scientists |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Chemical Engineers |
| Health/Medical | Doctors, Surgeons, Pharmacists, Dentists, Specialists |
| Education | University Professors, School Principals, Senior Educators |
| Information Technology | IT Architects, Senior Developers, Cybersecurity Specialists |
| Business & Management | Senior Analysts, Management Consultants, Finance Managers |
| Law | Lawyers, Legal Consultants, Corporate Counsel |
| Culture & Sociology | Researchers, Cultural Specialists, Sociologists |
Jobs That Don’t Qualify
Even with a high salary, these typically don’t meet the Level 1/2 classification:
- Sales representatives and account managers (usually Level 3)
- Administrative assistants and office managers
- Retail managers and hospitality staff
- Technicians and support roles
- Most blue-collar positions, regardless of pay
Not sure about your job classification? You can check through the MOHRE portal or ask your company’s HR/PRO to verify your classification level. This step is crucial to confirm your eligibility for the Golden Visa under the professional pathway.
Education & Qualification Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is mandatory for the professional pathway. There’s no way around this—even if you’re earning AED 100,000/month, you won’t qualify without a degree.
Degree Requirements
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- The degree must be from a recognized/accredited institution
- Foreign degrees must be attested and verified
Degree Attestation Process
If your degree is from outside the UAE, you’ll need to get it properly attested. This is a multi-step process:
- Get your degree attested by the issuing university
- Have it attested by your country’s foreign ministry
- Get the UAE Embassy attestation in your home country
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation
- Ministry of Education (MOE) equivalency certificate
The degree attestation process, including the MOE equivalency certificate, is crucial and takes about 30 days. Proper completion ensures your application is accepted, helping you feel supported and confident in your preparation.
Professional License Requirement
If you work in a regulated profession, you must also hold a valid UAE practicing license. This applies to:
- Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals (from DOH/DHA/MOH)
- Pharmacists (from the relevant health authority)
- Teachers and educators (from the Ministry of Education)
- Engineers (from the relevant emirate engineering authority)
- Lawyers (from the Ministry of Justice)
No practicing license for a regulated profession = no Golden Visa, regardless of salary.
Golden Visa Costs for Professionals
The professional pathway is one of the most affordable routes to the Golden Visa, as it requires no investment. Here’s what you’ll actually pay:
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Application Fee (inside UAE) | 2,800-3,800 | If you are already a UAE resident |
| Application Fee (outside UAE) | 3,800-4,800 | Includes an entry permit |
| Medical Examination | 300-700 | Blood test + chest X-ray |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | 1,000-1,500 | Biometric ID card |
| Health Insurance | 1,000-3,000/year | Mandatory, varies by coverage |
| Degree Attestation | 500-2,000 | If not already done |
| Typing/Service Fees | 200-500 | Admin and processing |
| TOTAL | 4,500-7,500 | First year, excluding insurance renewals |
Compare this to the property investor route (AED 2 million+ investment), and you can see why the professional pathway is so popular. You’re essentially paying just the processing fees.
Using PRO Services
Many professionals hire a PRO service company to handle the application. This adds AED 500-1,500 to your costs, but they manage all the paperwork, appointments, and follow-up. If you’re busy with work and don’t want to deal with government portals, it’s worth considering.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
The application process is straightforward if you have all your documents ready. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before you start, confirm that you meet all requirements:
- Basic salary AED 30,000+ (check your contract)
- Job classified as Level 1 or 2 (check with MOHRE/HR)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Valid UAE practicing license (if applicable)
- Currently employed in the UAE with a valid residence visa
Step 2: Gather Documents
Prepare these documents before applying:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Current UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Employment contract showing basic salary of AED 30,000+
- Salary certificate from the employer
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Attested bachelor’s degree with MOE equivalency
- Professional license (if regulated profession)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Valid health insurance certificate
Step 3: Submit Application
You can apply through:
ICP Portal (icp.gov.ae): Federal portal for all emirates. Log in with UAE Pass, select Golden Visa service, upload documents, and pay fees.
GDRFA Portal (gdrfad.gov.ae): Dubai-specific portal. Same process as ICP.
Amer Centers: Walk-in service centers across Dubai. Bring original documents.
PRO Service Companies: They handle everything on your behalf.
Step 4: Medical Examination
After initial approval, you’ll need to complete a medical fitness test at an approved health center. This includes a blood test and chest X-ray. Results are typically ready within 24-48 hours.
Step 5: Biometrics & Emirates ID
Visit an ICP or GDRFA center to provide biometrics (fingerprints, photo) for your new 10-year Emirates ID.
Step 6: Receive Golden Visa
Once everything is processed, your Golden Visa will be stamped in your passport, and you’ll receive your new Emirates ID. Total processing time is typically 3-4 weeks from application to visa in hand.
Employment History Requirements
There’s been some confusion about employment tenure requirements. Here’s the current situation:
The 2-Year Rule
While not officially mandated in all cases, many applicants report that Dubai authorities prefer candidates who have:
- Completed at least 2 years with their current employer
- Been in a qualifying role (earning AED 30,000+) for at least 6 months
This isn’t always strictly enforced, but having a longer tenure with your current employer strengthens your application. If you just started a new job last month, you might want to wait a bit before applying.
Can You Change Jobs After Getting a Golden Visa?
Yes! This is one of the key benefits of the Golden Visa. Unlike regular employment visas, your Golden Visa isn’t tied to your employer. You can:
- Change jobs without affecting your visa status
- Take a career break between jobs
- Start your own business
- Work as a freelancer
The visa is tied to you, not your employer. Even if you leave your job, your 10-year residency remains valid.
Benefits of the Professional Golden Visa
Why go through this process? Here’s what you get:
10-Year Residency: No more renewing every 2-3 years. Your visa is valid for a full decade and can be renewed if you still meet the criteria.
Self-Sponsorship: You’re not dependent on an employer. If you quit or get laid off, you keep your visa.
Family Sponsorship: Bring your spouse, children (any age), and parents to the UAE under your visa. They get the same 10-year validity.
Extended Absence Allowed: Unlike regular visas that cancel if you’re outside the UAE for 6+ months, Golden Visa holders can stay abroad longer without losing status.
Full Business Ownership: Start and fully own a business in the UAE without a local partner.
Consular Services: New in 2025—Golden Visa holders get 24/7 emergency consular assistance when traveling abroad.
No Sponsor Required: Complete independence. No employer or UAE national sponsor required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a Golden Visa as a professional?
AED 30,000 basic salary per month, not including allowances. For executives, the fee is AED 50,000.
Does my total salary package count?
No. Only basic salary counts. Housing, transportation, and other allowances are excluded.
Which jobs qualify for the professional Golden Visa?
Jobs classified under MOHRE Level 1 (managers/executives) or Level 2 (professionals in sciences, engineering, health, education, IT, law, business, culture).
Do I need a degree?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is mandatory. It must be attested and have MOE equivalency if from outside the UAE.
How much does the professional Golden Visa cost?
Approximately AED 4,500-7,500 for processing, medical, Emirates ID, and related fees. No investment required.
How long does the application take?
Typically, 3-4 weeks from submission to receiving your visa, assuming all documents are in order.
Can I change jobs after getting the Golden Visa?
Yes. The visa is tied to you, not your employer. You can change jobs, take breaks, or start your own business.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children of any age, and parents for the same 10-year validity.
What if I don’t meet the AED 30,000 salary requirement?
Consider the Green Visa instead, which requires only AED 15,000/month for skilled workers and offers 5 years of residency.
Official Resources
ICP Portal: icp.gov.ae Main portal for Golden Visa applications
GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae Dubai-specific applications
MOHRE: mohre.gov.ae Job classification verification
Abu Dhabi Residents Office: adro.gov.ae Abu Dhabi Golden Visa
Ministry of Education: moe.gov.ae Degree equivalency
Disclaimer: Golden Visa requirements are subject to change. The salary threshold was updated in late 2024, and further changes may occur. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals before applying
Last Updated: February 2026.