Dubai’s immigration service has quietly reinstated a strict salary benchmark for the coveted Golden Visa category aimed at scientists and high-level specialists: applicants must now evidence a **basic** monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 for the past two years, excluding allowances. The change reverses a 2024 relaxation that had permitted total compensation to count.([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-06/ae/golden-visa-scientists-specialists-route-tightens-salary-test-basic-pay-must-hit-aed-30k/?utm_source=openai))
Officials argue the tougher metric protects programme integrity by ensuring only top-tier talent receives 10-year residency. Professionals must also have held a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) Level 1 or 2 job title for the same two-year period.
Practically, employers will need to supply stamped salary certificates and Wage Protection System reports delineating basic pay. Individuals on variable-pay structures—common in sales and oil-field services—may have to renegotiate contracts or seek alternative visa routes, such as the investment-based Golden Visa or the newly launched AI Specialist Visa.
![Golden Visa ‘Scientists & Specialists’ Route Restores AED 30k Basic-Pay Test]()
For organisations without dedicated mobility teams, VisaHQ’s UAE specialists can step in to audit WPS records, verify that basic-pay thresholds are met, and prepare MoHRE-compliant documentation. Their digital platform also offers a streamlined Golden Visa checklist and appointment scheduling; learn more at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/.
Global-mobility departments should reassess eligibility lists and budget forecasts, as renewing scientists who fall short could face downgraded status or exit deadlines. Experts also warn of inequity between emirates: Abu Dhabi still recognises total salary, prompting speculation of inter-emirate “visa shopping”.
Despite the stricter test, demand remains robust. Consultancy Fragomen reports a 15 % week-on-week rise in enquiries since the rule’s publication, suggesting that corporate-sponsored researchers value the stability of decade-long residency too highly to abandon applications.
Officials argue the tougher metric protects programme integrity by ensuring only top-tier talent receives 10-year residency. Professionals must also have held a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) Level 1 or 2 job title for the same two-year period.
Practically, employers will need to supply stamped salary certificates and Wage Protection System reports delineating basic pay. Individuals on variable-pay structures—common in sales and oil-field services—may have to renegotiate contracts or seek alternative visa routes, such as the investment-based Golden Visa or the newly launched AI Specialist Visa.
For organisations without dedicated mobility teams, VisaHQ’s UAE specialists can step in to audit WPS records, verify that basic-pay thresholds are met, and prepare MoHRE-compliant documentation. Their digital platform also offers a streamlined Golden Visa checklist and appointment scheduling; learn more at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/.
Global-mobility departments should reassess eligibility lists and budget forecasts, as renewing scientists who fall short could face downgraded status or exit deadlines. Experts also warn of inequity between emirates: Abu Dhabi still recognises total salary, prompting speculation of inter-emirate “visa shopping”.
Despite the stricter test, demand remains robust. Consultancy Fragomen reports a 15 % week-on-week rise in enquiries since the rule’s publication, suggesting that corporate-sponsored researchers value the stability of decade-long residency too highly to abandon applications.
