Key Highlight

• IT professionals need a minimum AED 30,000 basic salary (excluding allowances) with WPS compliance.
• Get decade-long residency with ability to sponsor spouse, children, parents and domestic helpers under the same visa.
• AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, software engineers, data scientists and 7 other tech roles qualify under UAE’s digital strategy.
• Switch employers freely, start businesses, or work as freelancer without losing residency status or requiring visa transfers.

The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation through its ambitious national strategies. 

The UAE Digital Economy Strategy 2031 aims to boost the contribution of the digital economy from 12% to 20% of non-oil GDP by 2031. This strategic vision includes attracting 100,000 coders to empower the UAE’s digital workforce.

Furthermore, the UAE sees technology experts as essential for its transformation into a knowledge-based economy that moves beyond oil dependency. The Golden Visa program for IT specialists reflects this priority by offering long-term residency to attract and retain top global talent in critical technology sectors.

Keep reading this article if you are an IT professional wanted to get UAE golden visa. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance purposes only. This article does not constitute professional immigration advice, and we strongly recommend consulting with licensed immigration consultants or legal professionals for personalized guidance regarding your specific circumstances.

Who Qualifies as an IT Expert for Golden Visa?

1. Eligible IT Specializations

The UAE recognizes specific IT specializations that qualify for Golden Visa applications. These fields align with the country’s strategic technology priorities:

• Artificial Intelligence specialists – Core focus of UAE AI Strategy 2031
• Big Data experts – Essential for smart city initiatives
• Computer Engineering professionals – Foundation of digital infrastructure
• Electronic Engineering specialists – Supporting IoT and smart systems
• Software Engineering professionals – Driving application development
• Electrical Engineering experts – Powering digital transformation
• Cybersecurity specialists – Protecting national digital assets
• Data Scientists and Machine Learning engineers – Enabling AI implementation
• Cloud Computing architects – Supporting digital government services
• Blockchain developers – Advancing fintech innovation
• Digital Health professionals – Transforming healthcare delivery

2. MOHRE Classification Requirements

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) classifies IT professionals into specific levels that determine Golden Visa eligibility:

Level 1: Legislators, Managers, and Business Executives

•  IT managers, CTO/CIO roles
• Senior technical leaders
• Digital transformation executives
• Minimum AED 12,000 salary typically required
• Advanced qualifications expected

Level 2: Professionals in Scientific, Technical and Human Fields

• Technical specialists and engineers
• Senior developers and architects
• AI/ML researchers
• Minimum AED 7,000 salary typically required
• Post-secondary certification required

You can verify your job title classification through the MOHRE official website or by checking with your employer’s HR department. Your employment contract and work permit must clearly reflect your classification level.

Complete Eligibility Criteria 

1. Salary Requirements 

The most significant change in 2025 is the basic salary requirement of AED 30,000 minimum. This excludes all allowances such as housing, transport, or other benefits.

Key Requirements:

• Basic salary must be exactly AED 30,000 or higher
• Gross salary (including allowances) no longer qualifies
• Bank statements must show salary transfers for 6 months minimum
• Transfers must be labeled as “Salary” in bank records
• WPS (Wage Protection System) compliance is mandatory

The WPS system ensures transparent salary payments through authorized financial institutions. Your employer must register with WPS and transfer your salary electronically through accredited banks or exchange houses. This creates an official record that immigration authorities use to verify your salary eligibility.

2. Educational Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree Minimum Requirement:

• Must be in an eligible IT specialization
• Degree from accredited institutions only
• Both distance learning and traditional degrees accepted (with exceptions for specialized professions)

Master’s/PhD Advantages:

• Preferential processing for higher qualifications
• Potential salary requirement flexibility in some cases
• Enhanced credibility for specialized roles

UAE Ministry of Education Equivalency Certificate:

This is mandatory for all foreign degrees. The process involves:

1. Home Country Attestation: Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2. UAE Embassy Attestation: In your home country
3. UAE MOFA Attestation: Upon arrival in UAE
4. Equivalency Application: Through MOE website
5. DataFlow Verification: 30+ days processing time

3. Experience Requirements

Minimum 2 Years with Current Employer:

• Continuous employment documentation required
• Employment contract must be valid and attested
• Company must have good MOHRE classification (Tier 1 or 2)

Portfolio of Technical Achievements:

Document your professional accomplishments through:

• Project portfolios
• Technical certifications (AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud)
• Published research or patents
• Industry recognition or awards

Required Documentation Checklist

1. Personal Documents

Essential Items:

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Current UAE residence visa copy
• Emirates ID copy (both sides)
• Recent passport photographs meeting ICP specifications
• Comprehensive health insurance certificate covering you and dependents

2. Professional Documents

Employment Documentation:

• Employment contract in Arabic and English, attested by MOFA
• Salary certificate from employer clearly stating basic salary
• 6 months bank statements showing WPS salary transfers
• Company NOC (No Objection Certificate) on letterhead
• Professional licenses if applicable to your IT specialization

Critical Note: Your salary certificate must explicitly state your basic salary amount. Many rejections occur when documents only show gross salary or fail to differentiate between basic pay and allowances.

3. Educational Documents

Degree Verification Package:

• Original degree certificates with attestation chain
• UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate
• Academic transcripts with grade verification
• Professional IT certifications (AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, etc.)
• DataFlow verification report if required

The DataFlow process typically takes 30-40 working days and costs AED 1,000-1,500 for multiple document verification. This system conducts Primary Source Verification (PSV) to authenticate your educational credentials directly with issuing institutions.

Also Read: UAE Golden Visa Scams Go Viral—Here’s How to Avoid Losing Money

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pre-Application Preparation

Document Collection Timeline: 45-60 Days

Start your preparation early. The attestation and equivalency process alone can take 4-6 weeks. Create a checklist tracking each document’s status through the attestation chain.

Choosing Application Location:

• Dubai (GDRFA): Apply if working in Dubai or Northern Emirates
• Abu Dhabi (ICP): Federal application available nationwide
• Each has slightly different requirements and processing times

Online Application Process

ICP Smart App vs GDRFA Website Application

For Abu Dhabi/Federal Application (ICP):

1. Visit https://icp.gov.ae/en/ or download “ICP UAE Smart” app
2. Create account and submit nomination request
3. Upload required documents in specified formats
4. Pay application fees securely online
5. Await nomination approval (up to 7 days)
6. Complete full visa application if nominated

For Dubai Application (GDRFA):

1. Access GDRFA portal and register account
2. Select Golden Visa professional category
3. Upload documents meeting specific requirements
4. Complete online payment process
5. Track application status through portal

2. Post-Application Steps

Medical Examination Requirements:

• Mandatory for all applicants aged 18 and above
• Must be conducted at government-approved health centers
• Includes chest X-ray, blood tests for infectious diseases
• Results processed within 2-5 days
• Certificate valid for 30 days only

Emirates ID Process:

• Renewal/issuance automatically linked to visa approval
• Requires biometric appointment at ICP center
• Processing takes 5-7 working days
• Collected in person with passport verification

Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: Key Differences

1. Dubai Application (GDRFA)

Specific Requirements:

• Focus on professionals working in Dubai’s technology sector
• Direct application through GDRFA without nomination stage
• Shorter processing times (typically 5-15 days)
• Close integration with Dubai’s smart city initiatives

Dubai’s IT Industry Opportunities:

Dubai positions itself as a global fintech and smart city hub. The emirate’s technology sector benefits from initiatives like the Dubai 10X program and smart city transformation projects.

2. Abu Dhabi Application (ICP)

Federal Application Advantages:

• Nomination system provides additional verification layer
• Recommendations from Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions
• Focus on research and development achievements
• Integration with national AI strategy objectives

Government Entity Recommendations:

Abu Dhabi applications can benefit from recommendations by:

• Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology
• Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions
• Local competent authorities in technology sectors

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Ineligible Job Titles:

Many rejections occur because job titles don’t align with MOHRE classifications. “Data Analyst” may not qualify, while “Data Scientist” does. Ensure your employment contract reflects appropriate Level 1 or Level 2 classifications.

Salary Documentation Issues:

• Basic salary below AED 30,000
• Salary not properly labeled in bank statements
• Missing WPS compliance documentation
• Allowances incorrectly included in basic salary calculation

Educational Certificate Problems:

• Degree not attested properly in home country
• Missing UAE MOE equivalency certificate
• DataFlow verification incomplete or failed
• Distance learning degrees from non-accredited institutions

Prevention Strategies

Document Verification Checklist:

1. Verify job title matches MOHRE Level 1 or 2 classification
2. Confirm basic salary meets AED 30,000 minimum
3. Ensure all educational certificates follow complete attestation chain
4. Obtain MOE equivalency certificate before application
5. Complete DataFlow verification if required
6. Verify WPS compliance with HR department

Professional Title Optimization:

Work with your employer to ensure your job title accurately reflects your role and qualifications. Consider requesting title changes to better align with MOHRE classifications if necessary.

Also Read: A Guide to UAE Golden Visa for AI and Cybersecurity Experts

Costs and Timeline Explaned 

1. Complete Cost Analysis

Application Fees:

• Dubai GDRFA: AED 2,800-3,800 if applying from UAE
• Abu Dhabi ICP: AED 3,800-4,800 if applying from outside UAE
• Nomination request through ICP is free of charge

Additional Costs:

• Document attestation: AED 500-1,500 depending on country
• MOE equivalency certificate: AED 1,000-2,000
• DataFlow verification: AED 1,000-1,500
• Medical examination: AED 500 per person
• Emirates ID renewal: AED 370 for standard processing

Family Sponsorship Additional Costs:

• Entry permits for dependents: AED 500-1,000 each
• Medical tests for family members: AED 500 each
• Emirates ID for dependents: AED 370 each

2. Realistic Timeline Expectations

Complete Process Timeline:

• Document preparation: 45-60 days (including attestations)
• Application processing: 5-30 days (varies by emirate)
• Medical examination and Emirates ID: 5-7 days
• Total timeline: 60-90 days from start to visa completion

Expedited Processing:

Some emirates offer express processing for additional fees, reducing timelines to 5-6 working days for urgent applications.

Benefits Specific to IT Professionals

1. Career Advantages

Job Mobility Without Visa Sponsorship:

Golden Visa holders can change employers without requiring new visa sponsorship. This flexibility is particularly valuable in Dubai’s dynamic technology sector where opportunities frequently arise.

Freelancing and Consulting Opportunities:

IT professionals can establish freelance licenses and offer consulting services across multiple emirates. This is especially beneficial for specialists in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.

Startup Founding Capabilities:

Golden Visa status simplifies company formation processes. You can establish technology startups without requiring local partners or sponsors, accessing Dubai’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

2. Family and Lifestyle Benefits

Comprehensive Family Sponsorship:

• Spouse and children (no age limit for daughters, sons up to 25)
• Elderly parents with proper documentation
• Unlimited domestic helpers for large families
• Same visa duration for all dependents

Educational Opportunities:

Access to world-class international schools and universities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many IT professionals value the multilingual education environment for their children.

Tax Advantages:

No personal income tax on salaries, making the UAE particularly attractive for high-earning IT professionals. This benefit significantly increases net income compared to other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply with a salary below AED 30,000?

No. The 2025 requirement is strict: basic salary must be AED 30,000 minimum. Gross salary including allowances no longer qualifies.

2. What if my basic salary is lower than gross?

You cannot qualify under the salary route. Consider alternative pathways like research achievements or investment options.

3. Can freelancers apply for Golden Visa?

However, you may qualify as an entrepreneur if your freelance business meets investment thresholds or receives government recognition.

4. Is DevOps considered eligible IT specialization?

DevOps falls under software engineering or systems engineering, which are eligible specializations. Ensure your job title reflects this in your employment contract.

5. Do AI/ML certifications help the application?

Professional certifications strengthen your application but don’t substitute for degree requirements. They demonstrate ongoing professional development and specialization.

6. What’s the fastest application timeline?

With all documents ready, Dubai GDRFA applications can be processed in 5-15 days. Abu Dhabi ICP requires nomination approval adding 7 days, but some offer express processing.

7. Can I expedite the process?

Yes, express processing is available for additional fees in most emirates, reducing timelines to 5-6 working days for urgent cases.

8. What happens if documents expire during processing?

You must submit updated documents immediately. Medical certificates are particularly time-sensitive with only 30-day validity.

9. How to track application status?

Use the respective portals: ICP Smart App for federal applications or Gthe GDRFAwebsite for Dubai applications. Both provide real-time status updates.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The UAE’s commitment to becoming a global technology hub creates tremendous opportunities for qualified IT professionals. 

By following this comprehensive guide and ensuring compliance with all requirements, you can successfully navigate the Golden Visa application process and establish your career in the UAE’s thriving technology ecosystem.

Given the complexity and high stakes of Golden Visa applications, consider engaging with authorized immigration consultants who specialize in IT professional applications. They can provide personalized guidance and help avoid common pitfalls that lead to rejection.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to navigate the way of getting a UAE Golden Visa as an IT professional.