UAE Golden Visa for employees
Who qualifies as a skilled professional, what the visa gives your family, and what it costs in Dubai. From official sources, checked October 2026.
An employee in the UAE can get a 10-year Golden Visa as a skilled professional with a valid UAE employment contract, a job at the first or second occupational level in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification, at least a bachelor degree, and a monthly salary of at least 30,000 AED. It needs no employer sponsor, lets you sponsor your spouse and children, and stays valid if you spend more than six months abroad. It is cancelled if the contract ends or the salary drops below the threshold.
Sources: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, skilled workers at higher professional levels; u.ae, the UAE government portal, Golden visa; WAM, the UAE state news agency, linked from the u.ae Golden visa page, UAE Cabinet approves Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, 18 April 2022. Checked October 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the authority named in each source before you rely on a figure.
- Skilled professionals
- Documents
- What it means for an offer
- Benefits for your family
- Keeping it
- Other categories
- Fees and timing in Dubai
- How to check and apply
- Questions
The skilled professional category
GDRFA Dubai lists these conditions for specialists:
- A work permit in the UAE based on a valid employment contract.
- A skilled job at the first or second professional level, in the occupational classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- At least a bachelor degree or equivalent. Degrees from universities outside the UAE need a recognition certificate from the Ministry of Education.
- A monthly salary of at least 30,000 AED or the equivalent in foreign currency.
- A valid licence to practise, for jobs that need one, such as doctor, pharmacist or teacher.
- Valid comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family members.
Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, terms and conditions, specialists. Checked October 2026.
The MOHRE classification follows the International Standard Classification of Occupations of the International Labour Organisation. The category covers all fields, including medicine, science, engineering, IT, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences. Ask your employer which MOHRE skill level your job title is registered at.
Source: WAM, the UAE state news agency, linked from the u.ae Golden visa page, UAE Cabinet approves Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, 18 April 2022. Checked October 2026.
The GDRFA Dubai card does not say whether the 30,000 AED is basic or total salary. Ask GDRFA Dubai before you count allowances towards it.
Documents
- Passport copy.
- A valid UAE employment contract, or a salary certificate from a government, semi-government or free zone employer.
- Bank statements showing your salary transfers for the last 6 months.
- Your degree certificate, at least a bachelor degree, with the Ministry of Education recognition report for degrees from outside the UAE, or attestation for UAE degrees.
- A licence to practise, for professions that need one.
Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, requirements, skilled workers. Checked October 2026.
What it means for a job offer
If an offer pays 30,000 AED a month or more for a senior professional role, ask the employer whether the role is classified at MOHRE skill level 1 or 2. If it is, you may qualify for a residence that does not depend on an employer sponsor, though it still depends on keeping a qualifying job and salary.
Below that, the Green visa for skilled workers needs 15,000 AED a month, a bachelor degree and a job at the first, second or third MOHRE level. It runs 5 years without an employer sponsor, and GDRFA Dubai lists a grace period of 180 days after it expires or is cancelled.
Sources: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing a green residence permit (High Skilled Worker), terms and conditions, additional information; WAM, the UAE state news agency, linked from the u.ae Golden visa page, UAE Cabinet approves Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, 18 April 2022. Checked October 2026.
Either way, the visa does not change what the salary buys. Check the offer in the Dubai salary calculator and see what each salary level leaves in the Dubai salary guides.
Benefits for your family
- You can sponsor your spouse and children regardless of their age.
- You can sponsor domestic workers without a limit on their number.
- There is no limit on how long you can stay outside the UAE and keep the visa valid. GDRFA Dubai says the permit is void only if it expires while you are outside the country.
- If the holder dies, family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permits.
- Golden Visa holders with a valid driving licence from home can get a Dubai licence without training courses, and take the theory and road tests on the same day. See the driving licence guide.
Sources: u.ae, the UAE government portal, Golden visa; WAM, the UAE state news agency, linked from the u.ae Golden visa page, UAE Cabinet approves Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, 18 April 2022; GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, additional information; ICP, Frequently asked questions; RTA, New Driving Licence, updated 8 October 2026, Important to Know. Checked October 2026.
Keeping it
GDRFA Dubai says the authority checks that holders keep meeting the conditions for the whole 10 years. If your salary falls below 30,000 AED or your contract is cancelled, the Golden Visa is cancelled. Holders must also be able to support themselves and their family without government support. Final approval rests with GDRFA Dubai after it reviews the file.
Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, additional information. Checked October 2026.
Other Golden Visa categories, in brief
- Investors. u.ae lists a minimum of 2,000,000 AED for investors in public investments or real estate. Real estate investors can qualify by buying property worth at least 2,000,000 AED.
- Entrepreneurs. A startup registered in the UAE with approval from a business incubator or the relevant authority.
- Exceptional talents. People in culture and art, sport, digital technology, inventors and others, nominated by a federal or local government body.
- Scientists, and specialists in health, education and industry. Nominated by the relevant council or ministry.
- Outstanding students and graduates, and humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
Sources: u.ae, the UAE government portal, Golden visa; WAM, the UAE state news agency, linked from the u.ae Golden visa page, UAE Cabinet approves Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, 18 April 2022; GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels. Checked October 2026.
Fees and timing in Dubai
| GDRFA Dubai fee | AED |
|---|---|
| Residence permit | 1,100 |
| Knowledge and innovation fees | 20 |
| Extra fee if applying from inside the UAE | 500 |
| Delivery | 20 |
GDRFA Dubai gives an expected completion time of 48 hours for the skilled professional category. Health insurance for you and your family is a separate cost.
Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, fees and expected completion time. Checked October 2026.
How to check eligibility and apply
- Check your eligibility with the ICP eligibility service, linked from the Golden visa page on u.ae.
- Gather the documents above, including the degree recognition report and six months of salary statements.
- If your residence is in Dubai, apply to GDRFA Dubai through its website or an Amer service centre, and pay the fees.
Sources: u.ae, the UAE government portal, Golden visa; GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels, service steps. Checked October 2026.
Questions about the Golden Visa
What salary do I need for a UAE Golden Visa as an employee?
At least 30,000 AED a month, with a valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor degree or equivalent, and a job at the first or second occupational level in the MOHRE classification.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa valid?
10 years for skilled professionals, and it can be renewed if you still meet the conditions.
Can I bring my family on a Golden Visa?
Yes. A Golden Visa holder can sponsor a spouse and children regardless of their age, and domestic workers without a limit on their number.
What happens to my Golden Visa if I lose my job?
GDRFA Dubai says a skilled professional Golden Visa is cancelled if the employment contract is cancelled or the salary falls below 30,000 AED. Holders must also be able to support themselves and their family without government support.
Can I stay outside the UAE for more than six months on a Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders do not need to return within the usual six months to keep their residence valid.
Is there a lower salary option than the Golden Visa?
The Green visa for skilled workers needs 15,000 AED a month, a bachelor degree and a job at MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3. It lasts 5 years and does not need an employer sponsor.
How do I check if I am eligible?
ICP runs an eligibility check, linked from the Golden visa page on u.ae. Dubai residents apply to GDRFA Dubai through its website or an Amer centre.
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Sources
- Issuing Golden Residence Permit (Specialized Scientists), including skilled workers at higher professional levels. GDRFA Dubai. Checked October 2026.https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/8ea80daa-f43e-11eb-0320-0050569629e8
- Golden visa. u.ae, the UAE government portal. Checked October 2026.https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/Types-of-visas/golden-visa
- UAE Cabinet approves Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, 18 April 2022. WAM, the UAE state news agency, linked from the u.ae Golden visa page. Checked October 2026.https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303040263
- Frequently asked questions. ICP. Checked October 2026.https://icp.gov.ae/en/faq/
- Issuing a green residence permit (High Skilled Worker). GDRFA Dubai. Checked October 2026.https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/f52024cc-b812-11ed-5210-4cd98f768936
- New Driving Licence, updated 8 October 2026. RTA. Checked October 2026.https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=617
Last checked October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with GDRFA Dubai or ICP before you act. General information, not legal advice.