How rules for obtaining UAE's 10-year golden visa have been updated

Revised salary requirements mean you now need to earn a higher basic wage to qualify

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From property ownership to salary requirements, rules for obtaining the 10-year golden visa in the UAE have undergone important changes in 2024 as authorities make the residency process more accessible and streamlined.

Hundreds of thousands of golden visas have been issued since 2019, when the Emirates introduced the programme. The residency visa is valid for 10 years, which is renewable, and is aimed at encouraging exceptional workers and foreign investors to establish deeper ties to the country.

“One of the significant updates is those investing in off-plan properties can now apply for the golden visa, provided they meet certain criteria,” said Haider Hussain, partner at immigration services company Fragomen.

“The golden visa provides stability and security for visa holders and their families. It allows multiple-entry into the UAE.

“The visa covers family members, including a spouse, children and even parents, allowing them to enjoy the same benefits as the primary visa holder.”

Mr Hussain added that the amendments made this year fit in with the UAE’s aim to attract global investment and talent.

Value of property investment

The UAE scrapped the requirement for a minimum down-payment of Dh1 million ($272,294) for people to qualify for a golden visa through real estate investment.

An investor can acquire property, through various means, valued at Dh2 million or more to qualify for the golden visa. You can meet the threshold either with a single property or by combining several.

Several investors can also pool resources for a single property and benefit from the golden visa.

Property investments that are currently valued at Dh2 million will also be accepted, regardless of the purchase price listed on the title deed. Investors must have their property valued through the Dubai Land Department’s official evaluators. This makes it easier for a broader range of investors to qualify for a golden visa.

Rules on off-plan properties

Those investing in mortgaged and off-plan properties are now eligible for golden visas, as long as they meet certain criteria. This includes making a down-payment of at least 50 per cent of the property value, or obtaining a bank guarantee for the remaining amount.

The property should also be at least 50 per cent complete. It is important to remember that, for off-plan properties, eligibility is subject to approval by authorities, who may ask for additional documentation.

This opens up the residency visa to people who may not have the full capital upfront to invest in completed projects. It also contributes to the growth of the UAE’s economy, as more investors are drawn to new projects, ensuring a flow of capital into the construction and real estate sectors.

It also reflects commitment from investors willing to wait for homes to be completed, aligning with the UAE’s goal of attracting serious investors.

Salary criteria

UAE-based professionals must have a basic monthly salary of Dh30,000, excluding allowances, to be eligible for the long-term residency. The salary cannot include add-ons such as school fees allowances, housing, transport or other benefits. Applicants must provide six months of bank statements as proof of income.

Previously, the criteria considered a monthly gross salary of Dh30,000 or more, including allowances.

Outstanding teachers

UAE officials announced that teachers could also be eligible for the golden visa due to the crucial role they play in society. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Teachers who have made an outstanding contribution in their respective fields are also eligible for golden visas.

The decision was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to mark World Teachers' Day, adding that it was in recognition of the crucial role played by teachers in “shaping young minds” and “nurturing future generations”.

The visas will be awarded to teachers in private early childhood centres, schools, and higher education institutions in Dubai.

Teachers must ensure their university degree, whether issued within the UAE or abroad, is recognised by the Ministry of Education. This allows immigration officials to accurately assess the education qualifications in the special talent category.

The benefits

• Multiple entry into the UAE, with no restrictions on travelling in and out of the country.
• Golden visa holders do not need a local sponsor, which gives them more autonomy.
• Visa holders and their dependents can work, live and study in the UAE and have access to the country's government and private sector services.
• The visa also covers spouses, children and parents to enjoy the same benefits as the primary visa-holder.