UAE Golden Visa Salary Requirements 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Offering long-term residency, the UAE Golden Visa is one of the most attractive residency programs for investors, highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents. For individuals looking to secure their future in the Emirates, understanding the salary requirements for the UAE Golden Visa is crucial — especially for those applying under the skilled professional category.
This guide breaks down the minimum salary requirements, eligibility criteria, and new rules for 2025, helping you determine whether your profile qualifies for this prestigious visa.
What is a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa grants 5 or 10 years of renewable residency to foreign nationals. It allows you to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor and offers full ownership of mainland businesses.
Key Benefits:
Long-term residency (5 or 10 years)
100% foreign ownership of mainland businesses
Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and household staff
No local sponsor requirement
Multiple entries during visa issuance
Renewable as long as eligibility is maintained
Who is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
Eligibility extends to:
Investors in real estate or businesses
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Highly skilled professionals (doctors, engineers, executives, IT specialists, scientists)
Outstanding students and graduates
Creative talents in arts and culture
Humanitarian contributors and frontline workers
The Golden Visa program is designed to attract global talent and investors who actively contribute to the UAE’s growth and innovation.
What’s New in UAE Golden Visa Rules for 2025?
The UAE government has simplified the Golden Visa program in 2025 to make it more accessible for property investors and professionals.
Simplified Eligibility: Property owners qualify with investments worth AED 2 million or more (completed, off-plan, mortgaged, or unmortgaged).
No Minimum Down Payment: The AED 1 million upfront payment rule has been scrapped.
10-Year Renewable Residency: Successful applicants receive a renewable 10-year visa.
Wider Property Options: A broader range of properties can now be included under the AED 2 million requirement.
Salary Requirements for Golden Visa UAE (2025)
The minimum salary requirement for the UAE Golden Visa under the skilled professional category is AED 30,000 per month.
This applies to employees classified in the first or second occupational level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Eligible professionals typically include:
Doctors and healthcare specialists
Engineers and IT experts
Executives and senior managers
Scientists and researchers
Salary Requirement in Dubai
Dubai follows the same AED 30,000 monthly salary threshold for Golden Visa applicants. However, authorities may request additional documents such as:
Valid employment contract
Salary proof (bank statements or pay slips)
Attested academic degree (bachelor’s or higher)
Golden Visa Categories & Salary Criteria
| Category | Salary Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skilled Professionals | AED 30,000/month |
| Real Estate Investors | No salary requirement |
| Entrepreneurs | No fixed salary (business valuation considered) |
| Students & Graduates | No salary requirement |
| Scientists & Researchers | No salary requirement |
Can You Apply with Less Than AED 30,000 Salary?
Yes, but not under the professional route. If your salary is below AED 30,000, you may still qualify through other categories:
Real estate investment (property worth AED 2 million or more)
Entrepreneurial ventures
Exceptional talent endorsements
UAE Golden Visa Cost in 2025
The cost generally starts from AED 5,000, but the total varies depending on your category and application type (inside or outside the UAE).
Additional costs may include:
Medical examination fees
Emirates ID charges (10-year validity)
Visa status adjustment (if applying inside UAE)
Translation, attestation, and service fees
Why Apply with Legallands?
Applying for a Golden Visa can be complex — from aligning your salary proof with MOHRE classifications to meeting eligibility criteria for your chosen category. That’s where Legallands comes in.
With extensive expertise in UAE residency and business setup services, Legallands helps you:
Check if your salary qualifies for the Golden Visa
Explore alternative visa routes if you fall short
Prepare and validate all required documentation
Ensure a smooth and fast application process
Final Word
The UAE Golden Visa is more than a residency permit — it’s a pathway to long-term security, business opportunities, and a stable future in the Emirates. Whether applying through the salary route, investment, or exceptional talent, working with a trusted partner like Legallands ensures your journey is stress-free and successful.
FAQs on UAE Golden Visa Salary Requirements
Q1. What is the minimum salary required for a UAE Golden Visa in 2025?
The minimum salary required to apply for a UAE Golden Visa under the skilled professional category is AED 30,000 per month.
Q2. Is the AED 30,000 salary before or after deductions?
The salary requirement is based on your gross monthly income as mentioned in your employment contract and supported by bank statements or salary slips.
Q3. Can I apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai with a salary less than AED 30,000?
Yes, but not under the skilled worker route. You may still qualify through property investment (AED 2 million+), entrepreneurship, or exceptional talent categories.
Q4. Does the Golden Visa salary requirement apply across all Emirates?
Yes. The AED 30,000 minimum salary rule applies across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates.
Q5. Can my family be included in my Golden Visa application?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children (no age limit), and even domestic staff, provided they meet the financial requirements to support them.
Q6. What documents are needed to prove my salary for Golden Visa UAE?
You will typically need:
An attested employment contract
Recent salary slips or bank statements
Attested educational qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher for skilled professionals)
Q7. Is there a salary requirement for real estate investors applying for Golden Visa?
No. Property investors are not required to meet a salary threshold, but they must own property worth at least AED 2 million.
Q8. Can freelancers apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
Yes. Freelancers can qualify under the talent or specialized professional categories, but they must meet the AED 30,000 monthly income requirement or apply through alternative routes like property investment.
