The United Arab Emirates Golden Visa continues to evolve, especially for the executive / high-manager category. If you’re applying in 2025, there are updated eligibility criteria, salary requirements, and documentation you must meet. Here’s everything executives need to know about the changes, essential documents, and how to ensure a smooth application.
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🔄 What’s Changed for Executive Golden Visa Applicants
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Two Years Tenure Requirement
As of early 2025, executive-level applicants (executive directors, senior managers) applying under the “Scientists & Specialists / Executive Director” pathways in Dubai must have completed at least 2 years of continuous employment with their current UAE employer, especially when applying outside of nomination routes. -
Salary Requirement Focused on Basic Salary
The minimum salary threshold of AED 30,000/month now must be in basic salary, excluding allowances. Gross salary (with allowances) no longer always qualifies in some emirates. This tighter definition has made the threshold stricter. -
Degree Equivalency & Attestation
Applicants must present a bachelor’s degree or higher that is officially attested by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) and/or UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plus any necessary equivalency certificate verifying the credential. Gulf News -
Employer & Free Zone Conditions
If working in Dubai, the tenure rule seems strongly enforced; in many Free Zones, there are additional conditions — such as the employer must sponsor employees, or the company must meet certain criteria. Also, in some cases, for companies based in free zones, the sponsoring entity must have a minimum number of sponsored employees. Vialto Partners
📄 Essential Documents Required
To apply under the Executive / Managerial category, you should have ready:
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Valid passport copy (with required validity)
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Current work visa / residency copy and Emirates ID (if applicable)
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Employment Contract showing your current role / title and salary (basic salary)
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Salary Certificate confirming AED 30,000+ basic salary, stamped/signed by the employer
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer stating your position / role and confirming your application for the Golden Visa
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Attested Degree Certificate(s) + Equivalency Certificate from UAE MOE where required Gulf News
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Bank statements / financial proof, often for the last 3-6 months showing salary deposits or financial stability Virtuzone
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Passport-size photos, copies of current visa/residency permits, and any supplementary documents like proof of managerial role experience or achievements if applicable. Virtuzone
🧮 Who Qualifies & What to Check
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Have you held your executive or managerial role with the same employer for at least 2 years (if applying in Dubai under Executive Director category)?
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Is your basic salary AED 30,000 or more?
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Are your academic credentials fully attested and equivalent as per UAE requirements?
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Does the job title align with eligible categories (senior manager, director, executive-level)?
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Does your employer provide the NOC, and meet sponsoring requirements if you’re in a Free Zone or on a visa needing sponsorship?
⚠️ Common Pitfalls To Avoid
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Counting allowances / bonuses as part of salary instead of basic salary.
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Applying before finishing required tenure with current employer.
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Delaying degree attestation or equivalency certificates.
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Using job titles not aligned with official executive/managerial classifications.
✅ Application Process (Steps)
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Gather all required documents.
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Complete degree attestation & equivalency if needed.
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Secure the employer’s NOC.
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Ensure you meet the minimum basic salary and tenure requirements.
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Apply through the correct UAE Government or Free Zone portal (e.g. ICP / Amer / AXS / other relevant authority).
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Undergo medical check & Emirates ID typing.
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Once approved, receive visa & Emirates ID — Golden Visa typically valid 5 or 10 years depending on category.
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Discover the updated Golden Visa rules for executives in UAE 2025: new salary thresholds, two-year employment requirement, essential documents like degree equivalency & NOC. Full guide for senior managers & directors.
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