Fragomen Details UAE Golden Visa Salary Thresholds and Emirati Minimum Wage

Immigration consultancy Fragomen has set out the current salary and income criteria for United Arab Emirates work permits and Golden Visas under its global minimum salary update.

For the 'Scientists and Specialists' Golden Visa category in Dubai, applicants without a government nomination must earn a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, strictly excluding housing, transport, and other allowances, effective November 2025. Fragomen noted that authorities previously allowed allowances to be counted between August 2024 and November 2025 before reverting to the stricter approach. Furthermore, as of December 2025, these applicants must demonstrate that they earned a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 during the two years preceding the application.

For Dubai applicants who secure a government nomination, the qualifying threshold is AED 30,000 per month, with at least 50 percent of the total income comprised of basic pay rather than allowances, a rule effective since May 2024. In all other emirates, the Golden Visa threshold remains AED 30,000 per month inclusive of allowances.

Fragomen also highlighted requirements for Emirati nationals employed in the private sector, who must hold a work permit. Effective January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector rose from AED 5,000 to AED 6,000 per month, applying across all new, renewed, or modified work permits.