UAE announces important changes in Golden Visa!

UAE announces important changes in Golden Visa!

UAE government has introduced some major changes in the golden visa criteria and the process. MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security at GITEX Global 2025, the largest annual technology event in Dubai, made some of the major announcements regarding UAE Golden Visa changes. 

As per the officials, the new criteria have become stricter but also expanded its benefits significantly to provide Emirati-level benefits. Read on to understand how it can benefit you. 

UAE Golden Visa Updates 

Here are all the announced new visa rules in UAE: 

Golden Visa Holder now gets consular services. 

Yes, Golden Visa holders now get consular services that were previously available only to UAE nationals. Here’s a quick rundown of what is covered under these consular services: 

Electronic Return Document for Lost or Damaged Passports 

In case of loss or damage of passport, Golden Visa UAE holders can now apply for an Electronic Return Document. It’s a temporary digital travel authorisation document which would be recognised by airlines and UAE immigration authorities as a legitimate entry document. 

24/7 Consular-Support Hotline 

Additionally, the MoFA has established a hotline, reachable on 0097124931133 0097124931133, for Golden Visa holders who need immediate assistance or have an inquiry. 

Emergency and Crisis-Response Services 

As part of UAE’s humanitarian approach, the UAE Golden Visa holders can now access emergency and crisis response services previously limited to UAE nationals.  

Repatriation and Humanitarian-Assistance Coverage 

As a result, all circumstances are covered and all care and protection is provided. In coordination with relevant health and official authorities, the services also cover the repatriation of mortal remains of Golden Visa holders who pass away abroad, to expedite processes and ease the burden on bereaved families. 

Who qualifies under the new Golden Visa rules? 

The eligibility criteria of Golden Visa have become stricter to ensure it’s only attained by worthy, or high-net worth individuals. Check if you are a fit for the Golden Visa as per the changes. This section will include everything, from UAE Golden Visa salary requirements to profession eligibility, read on to know it all. 

Changes in Salary Requirements for Golden Visa in UAE for “Specialist” Professionals 

Eligible professions include investors, entrepreneurs and professionals from skilled fields such as medicine, engineering, science, IT experts, among others.  

For skilled professionals and under “specialist” categories, the new Golden Visa regulations require a minimum AED 30,000/month salary which is now calculated only on basic wage—allowances are no longer included.  

Previously, total salary (including housing, transport, etc.) could be counted. This makes qualifying more challenging for some applicants.​ 

Salary proof must be supported by bank statements and a salary certificate from the UAE employer. 

NOTE: Recently, the government has added several new categories eligible for the Golden Visa including teachers, influencers, content creators, and gaming professionals. 

Educational Golden Visa requirement changes 

Students with exceptional talents are eligible for the Golden Visa. However, the criteria and procedure to obtain it has become stricter. Students must now go through a two-step Ministry of Education (MOE) recognition process:
 

• Initial equivalency check by a certified vendor (about 30 days). 
• MOE recognition (another 7-10 days). 

What is the exact difference between the previous Golden Visa and the current one? 

Here’s a tabular breakdown that clearly shows the changes between the previous Golden Visa and the current one in a glance.  

New changes can make obtaining Golden Visa slightly more difficult, especially for professionals from specialist fields along with the students. However, one category that has remained almost the same is “real estate investors”. 

If you invest in a property with a purchase value of minimum or more than 2 million AED, you can apply for a Golden Visa right away. With the announcement of new benefits in Golden Visa, it has only gotten better.  With only one property purchase you can experience Golden Visa as Emiratis (Nationals).  

Need guidance with property purchase? Talk to our experts — with over 20 years of experience in Dubai’s real estate market, find your best options with Chestertons MENA.