Golden Visa reportedly approved with basic salary under 30,000

Reports circulating among UAE residents say some applicants have received the UAE Golden Visa with a basic salary below the 30,000 dirham monthly threshold. The claims have not been confirmed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) or by any other UAE federal authority, and no change to the published eligibility rules has been announced.

Under the expanded Golden Visa rules that took effect in October 2022, skilled professionals can apply for the 10-year residency if they hold at least a bachelor's degree, are classified at the first or second occupational skill level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and earn a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. Other routes include property investment of at least AED 2 million, as well as categories for entrepreneurs, outstanding students and graduates, scientists, and people with exceptional talents.

The question of whether the salary test applies to basic pay or total package has long caused confusion for applicants, because many Gulf employment contracts split pay into basic salary and allowances for housing and transport. A lower effective threshold would bring a much larger share of mid-career professionals within reach of the long-term visa.

In Dubai, GDRFA Dubai processes residency applications. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security handles them in the other emirates. Individual approvals may reflect case-specific assessments, such as eligibility under a different category, rather than a change in policy.

The UAE launched the Golden Visa in 2019 to attract and retain investors and skilled talent. Its rules are closely watched across the Gulf, including by expatriates in Qatar, where long-term residency is offered through separate permanent residency and property-linked residency programmes.

Residents considering an application should check current criteria directly with GDRFA Dubai, the federal authority's channels, or the official UAE government portal before relying on reports of individual approvals.