The UAE’s Golden Visa has rewritten the rulebook for long-term residency, attracting the world’s top talent, investors, and entrepreneurs. But with new rules in 2025, a critical question emerges: What is the real salary requirement, and who truly qualifies?
If you’re relying on outdated information or confusing total compensation with basic salary, your application could be at risk. This definitive guide cuts through the noise. We provide clear, actionable insights into the UAE Golden Visa salary requirement for 2025, detailing the strict AED 30,000 threshold, the documents you need, and the alternative pathways available for investors and exceptional talents.
Backed by the latest official guidelines, this is your first and most important step toward securing your 10-year future in the UAE.
Understanding the Golden Visa: More Than Just a Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit that offers a decade of stability. It’s a strategic government initiative designed to attract and retain individuals who can significantly contribute to the nation’s knowledge-based economy.
The benefits are substantial:
- 10-Year Residency: Live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor.
- Unlimited Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children (with no age limit), and domestic helpers.
- Unlimited Stay Outside UAE: Your visa status remains valid even if you stay outside the country for over six months.
- Full Business Ownership: Establish and own 100% of your company on the mainland.
Read Also: Top 16 Amazing UAE Golden Visa Benefits
The #1 Question: What is the Golden Visa Salary Requirement in 2025?
For salaried professionals, this is the most significant update. The rules have tightened, moving the focus squarely onto your guaranteed income.
The mandatory minimum basic salary for a Golden Visa is AED 30,000 per month.
Let’s break down what this really means for you:
- Basic Salary Only: Allowances for housing, transport, and other benefits are no longer counted toward this threshold. Your employment contract must clearly state a basic salary of AED 30,000 or more.
- Proof of Income: You must provide bank statements for the last six months showing consistent salary deposits of at least this amount.
- Occupational Level: Your role must be classified under Level 1 or 2 of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) scheme. This typically includes managers, doctors, engineers, scientists, CEOs, and other senior specialists.
Who is Eligible? A Breakdown of All Golden Visa Categories
While the salary rule is key for employees, it’s not the only path. The UAE offers multiple avenues to qualify.
1. For Salaried Professionals
This is the category most affected by the AED 30,000 basic salary rule.
Key Requirements:
- Minimum Basic Salary: AED 30,000 per month.
- Valid Employment Contract: In a specialised field (e.g., tech, engineering, medicine, education).
- Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent (attested).
- MoHRE Classification: Job in Occupational Level 1 or 2.
2. For Investors
If you’re a high-net-worth individual, the salary requirement does not apply.
Key Requirements:
- Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of AED 2 million in property.
- Public Investment: Investing a minimum of AED 2 million in a UAE-based company or a deposit of AED 2 million with a local bank. Crucially, public investors must also provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) proving an annual tax payment of at least AED 250,000.
3. For Entrepreneurs
This path is for innovative business founders.
Key Requirements:
- Registered SME: Your company must be registered in the UAE as a small or medium enterprise.
- Minimum Project Value: The business must have a value of at least AED 500,000.
- Approval Letter: An approval or letter of support from an official business incubator in the UAE.
4. For Exceptional Talents
This category is for leaders in their field, regardless of salary or investment.
Key Requirements:
- Proven Excellence: Exceptional abilities in science, art, culture, sports, or other vital fields.
- Recommendation Letter: A recommendation from a relevant UAE government entity (e.g., Ministry of Culture, Sports Council, etc.).
The Golden Visa Application Process: A 5-Step Roadmap
- Eligibility Assessment: The most critical step. Determine which category you fit into and gather preliminary evidence. [This is where an expert consultant like Shuraa adds immense value by preventing costly mistakes.]
- Document Collection: Meticulously gather all required documents (see list below).
- Application Submission: Apply online via the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) portals, or through an approved typing center.
- Biometrics & Medical Screening: Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a medical fitness test.
- Visa Issuance: Upon approval, your Golden Visa will be stamped on your passport.
Also Read: How to Get a Dubai Golden Visa
Essential Documents Checklist
- Passport with minimum 6-month validity
- Passport-sized photograph with white background
- Valid UAE residence visa (if applying from within the country)
- Six months of bank statements (for salaried professionals)
- Employment contract showing basic salary
- Attested educational certificates
- Medical fitness test certificate
Expert FAQ: Your Golden Visa Questions, Answered
How much salary is required for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
For salaried professionals, the mandatory requirement is a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000, excluding all allowances. This is a strict rule for 2025.
Can I get a Golden Visa with a salary less than AED 30,000?
The salary rule is specific to the “Skilled Professional” category. You may still qualify through other pathways, such as investing AED 2 million in real estate, being an exceptional talent, or being a successful entrepreneur, where the salary requirement does not apply.
What are the disadvantages of the UAE Golden Visa?
The main considerations are the cost (application fees, medical tests, and potential agent fees) and the strict eligibility criteria. It is not a path to citizenship, and the visa is typically valid for 10 years, after which you must renew.
What happens after 10 years of a Golden Visa in Dubai?
The Golden Visa is renewable. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria at the time of renewal, you can apply to extend your residency for another 10 years.
Can I stay more than 6 months outside the UAE with a Golden Visa?
Yes. This is a major benefit. Unlike standard residency visas, the Golden Visa is not cancelled if you stay outside the UAE for an extended period, offering unparalleled flexibility.
How hard is it to get a Dubai Golden Visa?
The difficulty depends on your profile. For a professional earning over AED 30,000 basic salary with the right qualifications, the process is straightforward. For others, it requires meeting significant investment thresholds or proving exceptional talent. Proper guidance is key to navigating the complexities.
Secure Your Future in the UAE with Shuraa
The UAE Golden Visa is a transformative opportunity, but the application process demands precision and up-to-date expertise. The 2025 salary rule change is a perfect example of why you need a partner who stays ahead of the regulations.
Shuraa Business Setup is your trusted authority for Golden Visa services. We don’t just process paperwork; we provide strategic counsel to ensure your application is robust, complete, and successful.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact Shuraa Today: +971 4 4081900 | WhatsApp: +971 50 7775554 | Email: info@shuraa.com
Let us help you turn the dream of a 10-year future in the UAE into your reality.
Disclaimer & Professional Advice: The information in this article was accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication, in line with announced UAE government guidelines. However, visa policies are subject to change, and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant authorities. Therefore, this content serves only as general information and does not represent legal or professional advice.
For a personalised assessment and the most current information relevant to your specific situation, consult our immigration experts at Shuraa.
