The UAE’s Golden Visa program, launched in 2019, has become a hallmark for attracting top-tier talent from around the world. There are several pathways for obtaining a Golden Visa, one being specifically targeted towards ‘Scientists and Specialists,’ and highly-skilled professionals in fields such as science, engineering, IT, law, healthcare, and education may apply.
This article explores the recent changes to this popular pathway, focusing on the adjusted minimum monthly salary requirements and the new process for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) recognition of educational certificates.
Shift in Salary Requirements
Previously, to qualify for a Golden Visa under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, applicants needed to evidence a minimum gross salary of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,169) per month. This amount included any allowances paid in addition to basic salary, making the threshold more accessible for many highly-skilled professionals.
However, as of May 2024, the official stance on Article 17 of Cabinet Resolution 65-2022 has changed, and applicants must now show a monthly basic salary, excluding any allowances, of AED 30,000 to be eligible. This shift represents a notable tightening of eligibility criteria, and the exclusion of allowances from the salary threshold narrows the pool of eligible applicants. As of June 2024, those in the pre-approval stage of their Golden Visa application may face challenges securing their final approval, and current Golden Visa holders might struggle to meet the new requirements at the time of renewal.
New Educational Certificate Recognition Process
Individuals applying under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway must now have their legalized educational certificates recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) if they are issued outside the UAE. This process involves several steps, starting with an equivalency assessment through an accredited MOE vendor, which typically takes about 30 days. Once the certificate is assessed, applicants receive a ‘positive’ report, which then allows them to apply for MOE recognition. This final step takes an additional seven to 10 days.
Implications of Changes
The shift to a minimum basic salary requirement of AED 30,000 sets a higher barrier to entry. Previously, allowances and other compensation components could help prospective applicants meet the threshold, but now, the focus is solely on basic salary. This adjustment suggests that the UAE is streamlining its eligibility criteria for Golden Visas to attract exceptional talent who can significantly contribute to its economy.
The new requirement for educational certificate recognition by the MOE adds another layer of complexity to the process. This step, while helpful in ensuring the authenticity and equivalency of foreign qualifications, extends application lead time by adding procedural steps before the Golden Visa pre-approval process can even be started. For many, particularly those unfamiliar with the UAE’s immigration processes, this might be a complex task.
Alternative Pathways to the Golden Visa
For those who find themselves ineligible under the revised ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, there may be other avenues to explore, including the possibility of securing a nomination directly from a principal government authority based on niche experiences, skillsets, or qualifications. This route can accommodate a wider range of professionals, including:
Pros:
This article explores the recent changes to this popular pathway, focusing on the adjusted minimum monthly salary requirements and the new process for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) recognition of educational certificates.
Shift in Salary Requirements
Previously, to qualify for a Golden Visa under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, applicants needed to evidence a minimum gross salary of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,169) per month. This amount included any allowances paid in addition to basic salary, making the threshold more accessible for many highly-skilled professionals.
However, as of May 2024, the official stance on Article 17 of Cabinet Resolution 65-2022 has changed, and applicants must now show a monthly basic salary, excluding any allowances, of AED 30,000 to be eligible. This shift represents a notable tightening of eligibility criteria, and the exclusion of allowances from the salary threshold narrows the pool of eligible applicants. As of June 2024, those in the pre-approval stage of their Golden Visa application may face challenges securing their final approval, and current Golden Visa holders might struggle to meet the new requirements at the time of renewal.
New Educational Certificate Recognition Process
Individuals applying under the ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway must now have their legalized educational certificates recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) if they are issued outside the UAE. This process involves several steps, starting with an equivalency assessment through an accredited MOE vendor, which typically takes about 30 days. Once the certificate is assessed, applicants receive a ‘positive’ report, which then allows them to apply for MOE recognition. This final step takes an additional seven to 10 days.
Implications of Changes
The shift to a minimum basic salary requirement of AED 30,000 sets a higher barrier to entry. Previously, allowances and other compensation components could help prospective applicants meet the threshold, but now, the focus is solely on basic salary. This adjustment suggests that the UAE is streamlining its eligibility criteria for Golden Visas to attract exceptional talent who can significantly contribute to its economy.
The new requirement for educational certificate recognition by the MOE adds another layer of complexity to the process. This step, while helpful in ensuring the authenticity and equivalency of foreign qualifications, extends application lead time by adding procedural steps before the Golden Visa pre-approval process can even be started. For many, particularly those unfamiliar with the UAE’s immigration processes, this might be a complex task.
Alternative Pathways to the Golden Visa
For those who find themselves ineligible under the revised ‘Scientists & Specialists’ pathway, there may be other avenues to explore, including the possibility of securing a nomination directly from a principal government authority based on niche experiences, skillsets, or qualifications. This route can accommodate a wider range of professionals, including:
- Residents or non-residents of the UAE;
- Individuals with Residence Visa job titles not aligned with the MOHRE list;
- Applicants presenting either an internal salary certificate or a UAE Freezone/Mainland-issued salary certificate;
- Those with a monthly gross salary of AED 30,000, where the basic salary constitutes at least 50% of the total compensation; and
- Applicants who choose not to have the MOE recognition process completed for their legalized education certificate, or whose education certificate states ‘Diploma,’ ‘College,’ or ‘Institute’ rather than ‘University.’
Pros:
- The new requirements ensure that Golden Visa recipients are highly qualified professionals who can significantly contribute to the UAE’s economy.
- The process for MOE recognition of educational certificates helps maintain high educational standards and authenticity of foreign qualifications.
- The increased minimum basic salary requirement narrows the pool of eligible applicants, making it more challenging for some professionals to qualify.
- The additional steps for educational certificate recognition add complexity and extend the application timeline, potentially deterring some applicants.
