UAE Golden Visa: New Rules, Salary 30K & How to Apply

Let’s be honest - everyone is talking about the UAE Golden Visa. At COFTT, we get asked about it almost every day by professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world.

People want to know:

“Can I apply if my gross salary is AED 30,000?”
“Do I need to be in the same company for 2 years?”
“What’s the easiest way to qualify - employment or investment?”

If these questions sound familiar, you’re in the right place.

The truth is, Golden Visa rules are constantly evolving, and unless you're actively keeping up with the latest changes, it's easy to get confused or worse - get your application rejected. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide - to answer the real questions we receive every day and to help you understand exactly how to qualify for the UAE’s most sought-after residency.

Whether you're a high-earning executive, a real estate investor, or an innovative entrepreneur, this article will help you explore your best pathway to long-term residency in Dubai.

So, let’s get into it.

What Exactly Is the Golden Visa in Dubai?

Let’s clear this up right away.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa - valid for 5 or 10 years - granted to professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent.

Unlike the traditional UAE work visa, this one puts you in control. No employer sponsorship required. No fear of losing residency if you switch jobs. It’s designed for high-potential individuals who want to build a life here - not just pass through.

Here’s what makes the Golden Visa special:

a. You get a long-term renewable residency - 5 or 10 years
b. You can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing your visa
c. You can sponsor your family
d. You can sponsor unlimited domestic staff
e. If the primary visa holder passes away, family members can remain in the UAE until their visa expires

Sounds like a real commitment from the UAE, doesn’t it? Because it is.

1. Golden Visa for Professionals – Basic Salary AED 30000

If you’re employed in the UAE and earning well, this might be the most straightforward route for you. But here’s where most people get confused - it’s not just about the salary.

Let’s break it down.
Who qualifies?

a. You must earn AED 30,000/month or more (gross or basic — more on that in a second)
b. You should be in a managerial or executive position
c. You need to be working in the same company for at least 2 years
d. You must have 6 months minimum in your current role
e. A bachelor’s degree is usually required
f. It's better if your company should ideally be well-established (25+ employees is a safe benchmark)

We’ve seen plenty of people with the right salary get rejected because they missed one of these smaller - but crucial - requirements.

Wait… does the salary have to be basic? Here’s where it gets interesting.

Previously, Golden Visa applications focused on basic salary, but lately, we've seen many approvals where gross salary of AED 30,000 was accepted - especially if you’re in a managerial position and have supporting documents and your company is well established.

Still, to play it safe, it’s ideal if your total salary is consistently above 30k for the last two years.

New Update from 1st Jan 2025:

2-Year Rule in the Same Company. This is one of the most frequently misunderstood rules right now.

As of recently, applicants must:

a. Have worked for the same company for a minimum of 2 years
b. Hold a managerial title for at least 6 months

Why? Because UAE authorities want to ensure stability and real contribution, not job-hoppers applying just for the visa.

And yes - this 2 year in same company rule is not officially listed on government websites yet, but real-world applications are getting rejected for this exact reason.

So, if you’re planning to apply - check your timeline and job title carefully before you do.

2. Golden Visa Through Real Estate – A Strong Option for Investors

Not an employee? No problem. If you own property in Dubai, you’ve got another powerful route to the Golden Visa.

Here’s how it works:

a. You must own property valued at AED 2 million or more
b. It can be multiple properties combined
c. You must get a valuation report from the Dubai Land Department
d. If your property is mortgaged, it must be through an approved bank
e. To renew the visa, you must still own the property

This option is ideal for:

Expats not currently working in the UAE, Retirees and International buyers who want UAE residency without corporate ties

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COFTT Tip: Always get your valuation done properly. It’s one of the most common reasons for delays in property-based visa applications.

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3. Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs – Got a Startup with Potential?

The UAE wants to support founders - especially those working on tech, future-focused, and innovation-led businesses.

If that’s you, here’s how to qualify:

a. Your project should be worth AED 500,000+ (verified by a UAE-based auditor)
b. You’ll need approval from local authorities confirming the project's technical or future nature
c. You must be supported by a business incubator or accelerator in the UAE

This route is tailored for entrepreneurs with real traction - not just ideas. If you’ve built something scalable, this path gives you 5 years of stable residency to grow it further.

4. Golden Visa Through Public Investment

Got capital to invest in funds or UAE businesses? This route is built just for that.

To qualify:

a. You must invest AED 2 million into a UAE-accredited investment fund, OR
b. Hold a commercial or industrial license and MOA showing AED 2 million in capital, AND
c. Show AED 250,000+ in tax contributions annually via a letter from the Federal Tax Authority

This is a great path for business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and strategic investors.

5. Golden Visa for Specialists – Scientists, Doctors, and Engineers

If you’re a high-level talent in science, medicine, or technology, you may qualify for a 10-year visa - even without meeting salary or investment thresholds.

Here’s what you’ll need:

a. Doctors: Approval from UAE’s Ministry of Health
b. Scientists: Recommendation from Emirates Scientists Council or Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal
c. Engineers and IT Experts: Work in fields like: Artificial Intelligence, Epidemiology and Virology, Big Data, Software & Computer Engineering, Electrical, Genetics, or Biotechnology

The UAE wants to be a global hub for innovation - and this visa helps it attract the best minds to make that happen.

So... Can You Apply From the UK, USA, or EU? Here’s what many people get wrong.

We get asked all the time:
“I’m a freelancer in London - can I apply for the UAE Golden Visa?”
“I’m a remote employee in the US earning 35k AED/month - am I eligible?”

The answer is: No - unless you’re working in the UAE or hold qualifying UAE-based assets.

1. To apply under employment, your contract and salary must be UAE-based.
2. To apply under freelancing, you need a MOHRE-registered freelance permit - not one from outside the UAE.
3. But if you’re living abroad and own property in Dubai worth AED 2M or more - you can apply through the real estate route.

Looking for alternative residency options in the UAE? If you don’t yet meet the Golden Visa criteria, you might want to explore the UAE Green Visa  - a 5-year self-sponsored visa ideal for freelancers, skilled professionals, and property investors. Or, if you're involved in sustainability or environmental work, the newly launched UAE Blue Visa offers a 10-year residency for individuals contributing to climate action and innovation.

How COFTT Helps You Secure the UAE Golden Visa - Without Guesswork

At COFTT, we’ve helped dozens of clients - from executives to investors - successfully apply for and receive their Golden Visa.

We assist with:

a. Checking your eligibility and preparing your application properly
b. Reviewing your salary breakdowns, job title, and NOC letters
c. Handling real estate valuation reports and property-based applications
d. Submitting complete files to avoid unnecessary rejections

In short: we do the hard part, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

The Golden Visa isn’t just a residence - it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It gives you the freedom to live, work, and build your life in the UAE without worrying about sponsorship or short-term renewals.

But the rules are strict - and the rejections are real. If you want to secure your visa the right way, knowledge, timing, and preparation matter more than ever.

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Ready to apply? Not sure if you qualify? Let COFTT guide you through it - from strategy to submission. We’re here to help you make Dubai your long-term home. Email us at info@coftt.com