The Skilled Professionals category of the UAE Golden Visa is designed for highly qualified employees working in the UAE’s private or public sectors. This 10-year residency pathway allows experts in fields such as engineering, medicine, IT, and business management to secure their future in the UAE independently of their employer’s visa sponsorship.
Quick Summary
Duration: 10 Years (Renewable).
Salary Requirement: Minimum AED 30,000 per month (Basic Salary).
Skill Level: Must be classified under MOHRE Skill Level 1 or 2.
Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
Sponsorship: Self-sponsored residency for the professional and their family.
The Three Golden Rules of Eligibility
To qualify as a “Skilled Professional,” an applicant must satisfy three specific criteria simultaneously:
The Salary Threshold (The “Basic Pay” Rule): As of 2025, the authorities strictly look at the Basic Salary listed on your MOHRE employment contract.
Incorrect: Basic AED 25,000 + Housing AED 10,000 = AED 35,000 (Does not qualify).
Correct: Basic AED 30,000 + Housing AED 5,000 = AED 35,000 (Qualifies).
MOHRE Skill Levels 1 & 2: Your job title must fall under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) occupational classifications:
Level 1: Managers, Executives, and Directors.
Level 2: Professionals in Sciences, Engineering, Health, Education, IT, and Law.
Educational Attestation: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree. For the Golden Visa, this degree must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and, in many cases, require an Equivalency Certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education if the degree is from outside the UAE.
The Fine Print (What You Need to Know)
Bank Statements: You are typically required to provide bank statements for the last 6 months to prove that a consistent salary of at least AED 30,000 has been deposited into your UAE account.
NOC Not Required: Unlike standard visas, you do not need a “No Objection Certificate” from your employer to apply for the Golden Visa, although you must have a valid UAE employment contract.
Practicing Licenses: Professionals in regulated fields (like Doctors, Teachers, or Engineers) must provide a valid UAE Practicing License as part of the application.
Common Questions
What if my “Total Salary” is AED 40,000 but my “Basic” is only AED 28,000? Under the current 2025 guidelines, you would not qualify for the Skilled Professional category. The basic salary on your contract must hit the AED 30,000 mark. You may, however, qualify under other categories like “Specialized Talent” if you have exceptional achievements.
Does my degree need to be related to my job? Yes. To be classified as Level 1 or 2 by MOHRE, your educational background must generally align with your professional role in the UAE.
Can I apply if I have only been in my job for one month? While there is no official “minimum time” in the law, most immigration officers prefer to see at least 3 to 6 months of salary history in your UAE bank account before approving the 10-year residency.