Amer Center – Your Destination for Quick, Trustworthy Government Service Transactions in Dubai
November 26, 2025
The 2025 update to the UAE Golden Visa program is designed to refine and strengthen the eligibility standards for long-term residency. By adjusting the salary criteria and clarifying who qualifies as a skilled professional, the UAE aims to prioritize residents with stable, high-value employment and long-term economic contribution. This change ensures the Golden Visa continues to attract top-tier talent while maintaining transparency and consistency in the application process. It also encourages employers and professionals to align their salary structures with the new requirements, making the system more straightforward and reliable for future applicants.
The UAE has officially updated the Golden Visa criteria for skilled professionals starting January 2025, and one of the biggest changes is the new salary requirement. Anyone planning to apply for long-term residency through the professional category must understand these updates clearly, as the new rules significantly impact eligibility.
According to the latest change, the UAE now requires a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000 for Golden Visa applicants under the skilled professional pathway. Unlike previous years, applicants can no longer include housing, transportation, or any other allowances to meet the salary threshold. Only the fixed basic salary mentioned in the employment contract and salary certificate will be considered. This shift is designed to bring more clarity, ensure fairness, and prevent the misuse of allowance-heavy salary structures that previously helped applicants meet the criteria more easily.
With this update, many professionals who previously qualified based on their total compensation package might now find themselves ineligible. Authorities have also emphasized the importance of proper documentation. Applicants must provide a valid employment contract, a recent salary certificate clearly stating the basic salary, and bank statements reflecting consistent salary deposits over the past few months. In some cases, particularly in Dubai, there are indications that applicants may need to show at least two years of continuous employment with the same employer. This highlights the UAE’s focus on stability and long-term commitment.
It is also important to note that the skilled professional category remains limited to select occupations, including doctors, engineers, IT specialists, educators, and certain scientific or technical professionals. Job roles must match the approved professional categories and skill levels to qualify. Even with the right salary, applicants whose professions fall outside these categories may not be eligible under this route.
For those whose basic salary falls below AED 30,000, the Golden Visa remains accessible through several alternative categories. These include real estate investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding talents, creative professionals, investors in funds, and exceptional students. Each of these categories has its own specific requirements, and many applicants who do not qualify through the professional route often succeed in one of these alternatives.
As the new rules take effect, professionals planning to apply for the Golden Visa are encouraged to review their salary structure, update their documentation, and verify their eligibility under the correct category. Consulting an authorized Amer Center can help applicants choose the right path and ensure that all requirements are met before submission. This update represents the UAE’s effort to maintain high standards while continuing to welcome skilled and financially stable residents into the country.
