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golden visa for professionals
  • By Business Consultant
  • December 11, 2024

The beauty of the UAE goes beyond its breathtaking skyline. Between the skyscrapers, what makes the UAE a strategic location is the presence of multinational professionals from various fields. These skilled individuals are contributing to the nation’s growing economy, working across sectors like healthcare, IT, finance, and more. They are taking the economy of the nation to new heights and serve as the solid foundation for these vital industries. To recognize their contributions and show gratitude, the UAE government has introduced a 10-year-long special residency program “golden visa for professionals”.

The UAE golden visa for professionals is available to engineers, IT experts, healthcare professionals, teachers, and many other skilled workers. Let us find out the process to get one, the latest eligibility criteria, and how it opens doors to world-class living standards.

Golden visa for professionals in UAE

The golden visa program was launched by the UAE government in 2019. A golden visa is a long-term residency visa that allows individuals, such as entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, to stay in the nation for 10 years. It is an initiative by the government to attract and retain top-tier talent from around the world.

The golden visa for professionals is specifically designed for talented workers such as doctors, engineers, scientists, IT experts, and other specialists. It allows them to stay and work in the country for a 10-year period. To be eligible, professionals need to demonstrate their skills, experience, employment status, and salary. These professionals make valuable contributions to the UAE’s economy and various industries and are welcomed by the government with open arms.

Benefits of professional golden visa UAE

Holding a golden visa leads to a life of stability and security in the United Arab Emirates. Here are the advantages of holding a golden residence for professionals:

  • Long-term, worry-free stay: With a golden visa in hand, professionals can stay in the nation for 10 years without worrying about frequent renewals.
  • No need for a sponsor: Professionals can live, work, and stay in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, providing more freedom and flexibility.
  • Easy family sponsorship: Golden visa skilled professionals can sponsor the residency of their family members, such as a spouse, parents, and children, as well as domestic workers.
  • Easy job application: Golden visa holders can apply for jobs in UAE-based companies without the need for a separate work permit.
  • Multiple entry visa: Golden visa applicants receive a 6-month multiple-entry visa, allowing more time for visa processing and completion.
  • Flexible traveling: With a golden visa, you can travel outside the UAE for more than 6 months without it impacting their residency status.
  • Access to services: Access to various services like healthcare, education, and utilities is much easier with a golden visa, not just for the holder, but also for their family.

Eligibility for UAE professional golden visa

Although there are many requirements that must be met to obtain the golden visa for professionals in the UAE, here are the basic eligibility criteria that must first be met:

  • Educational qualification: The minimum educational level required is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the relevant field from a recognized university approved by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE).
  • Equivalency assessment: If the applicant’s degree is from a foreign university, an equivalency assessment from the UAE Ministry of Education will be required.
  • Work experience: For many professions, relevant work experience in the field may be required, which can be up to 5 years. For certain professions, such as healthcare professionals and nutritionists, a valid practicing license must also be held.
  • Salary requirement: The applicant must be earning a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month, and this must be proven with bank statements showing at least 6 months of consistent income. For some nationalities, equivalency may be required.
  • Employment proof: There must be valid proof of employment in the UAE, such as a job offer or employment contract.

Documentation for UAE golden visa for skilled professionals

To support their eligibility and to apply for the golden visa, professionals will need to provide a list of relevant documents. Here are the golden visa requirements for professionals in UAE:

1. Passport and visa copies:

The applicant must provide copies of a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity. Along with that, if there is any current visa, a copy of that must also be provided.

2. Passport-size photographs:

The applicant must provide recent passport-sized photographs, which must be against a white background as per UAE legal requirements.

3. Educational certificates:

Educational certificates will be needed to prove a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and other qualifications related to the field. In the case of a foreign degree, it must be attested by the UAE embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

4. Work experience documents:

The applicant may need to provide proof of work experience in the same field, such as employment certificates or pay slips.

5. Curriculum vitae:

A detailed resume highlighting the applicant’s career journey, personal details, achievements, and skills must be provided.

6. Medical fitness report:

As part of the visa application, a health fitness certificate must be obtained from a UAE-authorized healthcare facility confirming the applicant’s good health for residency in the country.

7. Income proof:

To confirm the minimum salary requirement, the applicant must provide salary slips for the past 6 months, showing salary, allowances, and benefits included in the employment package.

8. Valid license:

For professionals in fields like healthcare, a copy of the current practice license may also be required.

9. Employment contract:

The employment contract must be duly signed by the employer and must clearly reflect the job, role, salary, responsibilities, and duration of employment.

10. Bank statements:

To show financial stability and the ability to fund their stay, bank statements may be required for golden visa for professionals.

11. Emirates ID application form:

Along with the residency visa application, the Emirates ID application form must also be completed and submitted.

12. Proof of accommodation:

A tenancy contract, property owner’s deed, or other such documents may be needed to show accommodation arrangements.

13. Additional documents:

Besides the above, there may be additional documents requested depending on the applicant’s personal situation, such as:

  • NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the previous employer
  • Reference letters
  • Language proficiency proof
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Health insurance for self and family

For a smooth application process, you must be careful with the paperwork. Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents may lead to delays in the process or even cancellations. To ensure a successful golden visa uae application, we recommend getting in contact with one of our legal consultants at Dubiz Business Setup.

Process to obtain golden visa as a professional

There is a structured process for obtaining a golden visa for professionals in the UAE. Below is the step-by-step process to follow to ensure a hassle-free visa application:

1. Check eligibility:

The first important step is to ensure that you are eligible for a UAE golden visa. For example, check if you meet the minimum salary requirement. Only after verifying your eligibility, you proceed further with the process.

2. Prepare the documents:

Gather all the necessary documents needed for the visa application. Also, if any certificates need to be attested, make sure to get them attested in advance.

3. Application submission:

You need to choose either offline or online methods for submission. You can submit the application by visiting the Amer Centre or through the GDRFA/ICP website. Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.

4. Fee payment:

As part of the application submission, you will need to pay the necessary fees. The fees may vary depending on the Emirate you are applying in.

5. Medical assessment:

As part of the visa processing, you will need to undergo medical tests to confirm your fitness for staying in the nation. You must get the assessments done at authorized medical centers.

6. Emirates ID processing:

You must apply for the Emirates ID at a designated service center or immigration office. There, your biometric data (such as fingerprints, facial recognition scans, etc.) will be collected.

7. Visa processing:

After completing the above steps, you must wait for the application review and processing by the immigration authorities. The processing time depends on various factors, such as the profession category you are applying for and your individual case situation.

8. Visa issuance:

Once your visa application is approved, you will receive notification confirming the approval. Your golden visa will then be granted to you.

What are the new rules for UAE golden visa in 2025?

Here are some changes for golden visa for skilled professionals that you must know:

The shift in salary requirement:

The minimum salary requirement for golden visa for professionals is AED 30,000, which excludes allowances, etc. It is just the basic salary. Previously, allowances and other benefits were also considered when computing the AED 30,000. With this change, the eligibility criteria have been tightened, narrowing the scope for eligible candidates.

Educational certification recognition process:

For educational certificates issued outside the UAE, recognition from the UAE Ministry of Education is required. There is a process involving an equivalency test through the MOE body. If the certificate is assessed and the report is “positive”, it gets recognized by the MOE. This ensures the authenticity and equivalency of foreign qualifications.

Golden visa for gamers:

Dubai has recently introduced a 10-year residency for top gamers, game developers, content creators and other such professionals. The aim of this visa is to make Dubai a global hub for gaming innovation. The individual needs to be at least 25 years of age and must have proven experience in the industry.

Golden visa for educators:

Outstanding educators in Dubai can now get 10-year golden visa. They must have demonstrated excellence and innovation and contributed to shaping Dubai’s education sector. It is available for those working in early childhood centres, private schools, and international higher education institutions, such as school principals and leaders, managers, academic heads, teachers, etc.

Cost of professional golden visa UAE:

The government cost of a golden visa for professionals in UAE starts at AED 4,646* (if they hold an equivalency certificate). Please note that the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation and needs. We recommend getting in touch with one of our experts at Dubiz Business Setup for an accurate costing.

Get your golden ticket with Dubiz

Golden visa for skilled professionals offers unmatched value and benefits for professionals in various sectors in the UAE. Some basic salary and work-related conditions must be met, and then the individuals can enjoy a long 10 years of residency in the nation while pursuing their dreams.

At Dubiz Business Setup, we understand the excitement of starting a career in UAE and we also acknowledge the complexities you may face in getting the visas and licenses. That is why we provide a dedicated team of experts who can help you out throughout the journey. Be it a new business setup in Dubai or getting started with professional endeavours, they can guide you through all the legal procedures. Hand over your documentation, approvals, licensing, and company registration in UAE to us and focus on your dreams. Let us connect!

Call us at +971563695485 or WhatsApp us at +971563695485. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which professionals are eligible for UAE golden visa?

Professionals who may apply for a golden visa in UAE include doctors, engineers, educators, gamers, scholars, scientists, IT specialists, managers and business executives, and those belonging to law, sociology, culture, business and management field.

3. Are doctors eligible for a golden visa in the UAE?

Yes, doctors can obtain a golden visa in the UAE. They need to have a minimum salary (AED 30,000), a valid practice license, work experience, and educational qualifications, along with approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention and other requirements.

3. Can employees get a golden visa?

Skilled workers and professionals are eligible for golden visas provided they meet the specific criteria. They must hold a valid employment contract in UAE. They must also be earning AED 30,000 and hold a bachelor’s degree.

4. What is the minimum salary for UAE golden visa?

The minimum salary for  for professionals is AED 30,000. This amount is just the basic salary and does not include any allowances.

5. What is the age limit for golden visa?

Generally, there is no age restriction for the UAE golden visa. You can obtain one under a category as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. However, certain types, such as the gamer’s golden visa, may have an age condition. For the gaming visa, the minimum age requirement is 25 years.

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