We Get This Question Every Day! Let’s Clear It Up
If you are working in the UK and earning more than 30,000 AED per month, you might be wondering: Can I apply for a Dubai Golden Visa based on my UK salary?
The simple answer is: NO.
To apply for a Golden Visa through salary, you must be a UAE resident and your salary must be from a UAE company - not from the UK or any other country. If you work for a UK company and receive your salary in the UK, this salary does not count toward Golden Visa eligibility in Dubai.
We receive tons of inquiries from professionals in the UK, especially those earning 30K-40K AED per month, asking whether they can get a Golden Visa based on their UK income. Since this is such a common question, we’ve created this article to clear up the confusion and show you alternative ways to secure a Golden Visa in Dubai.
Meet Junaid: A Real Example
Let’s talk about Junaid, a marketing manager from London. He earns 35,000 AED per month from a UK-based company and dreams of getting a Dubai Golden Visa. He contacted us, excited that his salary met the 30K AED requirement. But here’s the issue: Junaid does not live in the UAE and does not receive his salary from a UAE company.
So, even though he meets the salary requirement, he CANNOT apply for a Golden Visa through salary because he is not a UAE resident. However, Junaid still has options! Instead of giving up, he explored another route to secure his UAE Golden Visa...
Other Ways to Get a Golden Visa in Dubai
If you are a UK professional and want a Dubai Golden Visa, don’t worry! There are alternative ways to apply:
1. Real Estate Investment (Best Option!)
If you invest AED 2 million (approximately £430,000) in Dubai real estate, you can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. You can buy one or multiple properties that total AED 2M. The property can be mortgaged, as long as you have paid AED 1M upfront.
The visa is renewable every 10 years as long as you maintain ownership. Many UK residents choose this option because it provides residency, security, and investment growth in Dubai’s booming real estate market.
2. Start a Business in the UAE
If you set up a company in Dubai (for example, a consultancy, tech firm, or e-commerce business), you can become a UAE resident and apply for a Golden Visa later. You need to start a business under a UAE-free zone or mainland license. Your business should be active and generating income.
Many UK entrepreneurs are relocating their businesses to Dubai because of its tax benefits, global market access, and high quality of life.
3. Special Talent or High Achiever Category
If you are an exceptional professional in medicine, science, technology, arts, or sports, you may qualify for a Golden Visa based on expertise. You will need endorsement from a relevant UAE authority.
For example:
Doctors & Engineers (DHA or UAE Ministry of Health approval)
Artists & Creatives (Dubai Culture endorsement)
Tech Professionals (UAE AI & Advanced Technology approval)
How Can UK Citizens Get UAE Residency?
If your goal is to live in Dubai, you don’t need a Golden Visa right away. There are multiple ways to become a UAE resident:
Freelance Visa – If you work remotely, you can get a UAE freelance permit and live in Dubai.
Employment Visa – Get hired by a UAE company and become a resident through their sponsorship.
Investor Visa – Start a business in Dubai and sponsor yourself.
Retirement Visa – If you’re 55+, with 1M AED in savings or a property worth 1M AED, you can apply.
Once you become a UAE resident, you may later qualify for a Golden Visa through salary (if earning 30K AED from a UAE employer) or through business investment.
Final Thoughts – What’s the Best Route for You?
If you are a UK professional making 30K AED per month from a UK job, you cannot apply for a Golden Visa based on salary. However, you can still get the Dubai Golden Visa through real estate investment, business setup, or special talent categories.
Many UK professionals are relocating to Dubai for its tax benefits, safety, and luxury lifestyle. If you’re considering your options for UAE residency, we can guide you through the best route based on your career and investment goals.
Need help? Contact us today, and let’s find the best path for your UAE residency!
