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Golden Visa for Professionals (Specialist)

Skilled professionals such as doctors, engineers, scientists, IT specialists and other degree-qualified experts can qualify for a UAE Golden Visa. The main route requires a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, a valid UAE employment contract, a job in the first or second occupational level, and a recognised bachelor's degree or higher.

Back to Golden Visa — Complete Guide

How the skilled professional route works

This is the most common Golden Visa route for employees. If you hold a skilled job and earn at least AED 30,000 a month, you can move from a standard, employer-tied residence visa to a 10-year, self-sponsored Golden Visa — so you keep your residency even if you change jobs. The key checks are your salary, your occupational classification, and your qualifications.

Get your paperwork right before applying: your degree (and any professional licence, such as a DHA, DOH or MOH licence for medical staff) usually needs attestation, and your salary certificate must clearly show you meet the threshold. If your salary is close to the line, compare the salary route and exceptional talent pages, or see every option on the Golden Visa guide.

Eligibility

  • A monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (basic pay plus fixed allowances)
  • A valid UAE employment contract with a licensed employer
  • A job classified in the first or second occupational level (skilled category)
  • A recognised bachelor's degree or higher, attested for use in the UAE
  • Any field-specific licence where required — for example a DHA, DOH or MOH licence for medical staff

Required Documents

  • Employment contract or offer letter showing salary and job title
  • Recent salary certificate or bank statements
  • Attested degree certificate (and professional licence where relevant)
  • Passport copy and a passport-size photo
  • Current UAE residence visa or entry stamp
  • Attested marriage and birth certificates to sponsor family

Steps

  1. Confirm your occupation level and that your salary meets the AED 30,000 threshold
  2. Attest your degree and any professional licence (issuing country and MOFA)
  3. Gather your employment contract and salary evidence
  4. Submit the application via ICP or Dubai GDRFA
  5. Complete the medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID
  6. Receive your visa and sponsor family if needed

Fees & Timeline

Government and service fees for the visa, medical and Emirates ID are usually a few thousand dirhams; attesting your degree may add a separate cost.

Approval commonly takes about 1–2 weeks once documents are ready; the full process runs roughly 2–4 weeks.

Gotchas / Notes

  • Occupation lists and the AED 30,000 salary rule can change — verify the current criteria for your job.
  • Your degree (and any licence) usually must be attested through the issuing country and MOFA.
  • Salary generally means basic pay plus fixed allowances — confirm what your employer certifies.

FAQs

What salary do I need for the professional route?
Generally at least AED 30,000 a month, with a valid UAE employment contract and a recognised degree.
Which jobs qualify?
First and second occupational-level roles — for example doctors, engineers, scientists, IT specialists and similar skilled professions.
Do I need a university degree?
Usually yes — a recognised bachelor's degree or higher, attested for use in the UAE.
How long is the visa valid?
Up to 10 years, renewable for as long as you keep meeting the criteria.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes — you can sponsor your spouse and children, and in many cases your parents.
Does the salary include allowances?
It is typically basic salary plus fixed allowances — check exactly what your employer certifies.

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