In its January edition, Fragomen’s MENA newsletter confirms that Dubai immigration authorities have reinstated tougher salary rules for applicants using the Golden Visa’s “Scientists and Specialists” category. Effective immediately, professionals must prove a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 for the past two years; allowances and benefits no longer count toward the threshold.
The stricter calculation reverses an August 2024 relaxation that had allowed total compensation to be considered. Officials say the change protects the programme’s integrity and aligns with the Golden Visa’s aim of attracting top-tier talent. Applicants must also hold a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) professional level 1 or 2 job title for a minimum of two years.
![Golden Visa ‘Scientists & Specialists’ route tightens salary test—basic pay must hit AED 30k]()
For employers, the new rule demands closer payroll auditing. Mobility teams sponsoring high-value engineers, doctors or data scientists will need to secure revised salary certificates that isolate basic pay. HR should also cross-check that labour contracts and MoHRE records are consistent; discrepancies could trigger rejections or costly resubmissions.
Despite the tightening, demand remains strong. Property consultancies report that Golden Visa holders drove 18 per cent of prime residential purchases in Dubai last year, and the Emirates expect the talent-based visa to underpin ambitions to double the number of researchers by 2031.
Tip: Candidates falling short on basic pay may still qualify under other Golden Visa routes (such as outstanding specialised talent or real-estate investment), but lead times and documentation differ. Early case assessment is essential to avoid resetting the 10-year residency clock.
The stricter calculation reverses an August 2024 relaxation that had allowed total compensation to be considered. Officials say the change protects the programme’s integrity and aligns with the Golden Visa’s aim of attracting top-tier talent. Applicants must also hold a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) professional level 1 or 2 job title for a minimum of two years.
For employers, the new rule demands closer payroll auditing. Mobility teams sponsoring high-value engineers, doctors or data scientists will need to secure revised salary certificates that isolate basic pay. HR should also cross-check that labour contracts and MoHRE records are consistent; discrepancies could trigger rejections or costly resubmissions.
Despite the tightening, demand remains strong. Property consultancies report that Golden Visa holders drove 18 per cent of prime residential purchases in Dubai last year, and the Emirates expect the talent-based visa to underpin ambitions to double the number of researchers by 2031.
Tip: Candidates falling short on basic pay may still qualify under other Golden Visa routes (such as outstanding specialised talent or real-estate investment), but lead times and documentation differ. Early case assessment is essential to avoid resetting the 10-year residency clock.
