For skilled professionals, the UAE offers a unique path to long-term residency through the skilled professional golden visa. Whether you’re in healthcare, science, technology, or engineering, this route allows you to live and grow your career in a globally connected, innovation-driven economy.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the skilled professional golden visa: who qualifies, what’s required, and how to apply with confidence.
What Is the Skilled Professional Golden Visa?
The skilled professional golden visa is a long-term UAE residency program designed for highly qualified individuals in priority sectors. Depending on your field and profile, it grants 5 or up to 10 years of renewable residency without needing a local sponsor.
To qualify, you must hold a degree, meet income thresholds, and have experience in a key industry, typically with an official UAE employment contract.
You get:
- Long-term UAE residency (5 or 10 years)
- Family sponsorship under one visa
- Access to banking, healthcare, and education systems
- Independence from local sponsorship
This visa is designed for professionals who want long‑term stability without being tied to a single employer. It gives you the freedom to plan your career and life in the UAE with confidence.
Who Can Apply?
This visa targets professionals working in roles that drive national development. Eligible applicants usually fall into the following sectors:
- Healthcare (doctors, nurses, pharmacists)
- Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, etc.)
- Science & Research
- Information Technology & AI
- Education
- Business & Legal
These fields are considered essential to the UAE’s future economy. If your skills contribute to innovation, infrastructure, or community development, you’re likely on the right track for this golden visa. Companies like MyGoldenVisa assist professionals in these sectors with navigating the application process smoothly and accurately.
Requirements for the Skilled Professional Golden Visa
You’ll need to meet several baseline criteria. These vary slightly by emirate but generally include:
- A valid employment contract in the UAE
- A minimum salary of AED 30,000 is typically required for Level 1 roles, though some Level 2 applicants may qualify at slightly lower thresholds.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher, attested and recognized in the UAE
- Your role must be classified under MOHRE’s occupational levels 1 or 2
- For regulated professions (healthcare, law, engineering), a valid UAE license is often required
- A clean legal and immigration history
Note: This is not an investor visa. If you’re looking for a capital-based option, explore the Golden Visa for investors.
Benefits of the Skilled Professional Golden Visa
Beyond legal residency, the visa offers significant personal and professional advantages:
For top-tier professionals, it’s a chance to live and grow in one of the world’s most future-ready economies.
How to Apply for this Golden Visa
The skilled professional golden visa application is clear-cut but requires precise documentation. Following each step carefully ensures faster approval and fewer delays.
| Step | What to Do |
| Confirm Eligibility | Check salary (typically AED 30,000+), degree level, and MOHRE classification |
| Gather Documents | Prepare passport, contract, salary certificate, attested degree, etc. |
| Apply Online | Submit via ICP (most emirates) or GDRFA (Dubai), based on your visa location. |
| Medical Exam & Biometrics | Complete mandatory health screening and fingerprint registration |
| Visa Issuance & Emirates ID | Receive your residency visa and ID valid for 5 or up to 10 years |
Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your case and document readiness. A qualified advisor can help ensure nothing critical is missed.
If you’re a founder or startup leader, you may also want to explore the Entrepreneur Golden Visa, which is designed for business innovators.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid delays or rejections by watching out for:
- Submitting unverified or non-attested degrees
- Salary certificate below AED 30,000
- Outdated or incomplete documents
- Applying under the wrong occupation classification
- Skipping the professional license step (for regulated fields)
Most rejections happen due to small oversights. Getting the basics right from the start keeps your application on track.
How MyGoldenVisa Helps Skilled Professionals
My Golden Visa is a trusted UAE-based consultancy with deep experience helping professionals secure long-term residency. With over 2,500 successful cases, a 5-star Google rating, and multiple industry awards, they’ve built a strong reputation for accuracy, speed, and client satisfaction.
Their team handles:
- Eligibility checks and category matching
- Professional documentation review
- Government and ICP portal submissions
- Medical and ID coordination
They work closely with UAE regulators to ensure every file is fully compliant and complete. From engineers to doctors, MyGoldenVisa supports skilled applicants across every major sector with step-by-step guidance and a process built for success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a job offer to apply for the skilled professional golden visa?
Yes. A valid UAE employment contract is typically required.
Q2: Can I switch from a regular work visa?
Yes. Many professionals transition from a standard visa to the skilled professional golden visa for more freedom.
Q3: What if I don’t meet the AED 30,000 salary?
You may still qualify under another Golden Visa category, such as the investor route or specialized talent pathway.
Q4: Can I include my family?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and dependents under your visa.
Q5: Can I work anywhere in the UAE once I have the visa?
Yes, but you still need a valid UAE work permit tied to your employer, as required by UAE labour laws.
Still deciding which path fits you best? Our full UAE Golden Visa overview breaks down all available routes in one place.
Final Takeaway
The skilled professional golden visa isn’t just a residency card. It’s a long-term investment in your career, your family, and your future in the UAE.
If you’re an experienced specialist ready to elevate your opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, this visa is your launchpad.
Explore your options with My GoldenVisa, and take the guesswork out of your next move.