Key Highlights:

• The Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence now endorses AI specialists with an AED 30,000+ monthly salary requirement.
• Stricter scientist metrics were introduced in 2025, including no employment gaps longer than 6 months.
• The 10-year Golden Visa automatically includes a spouse and children with comprehensive UAE benefits.
• Golden Visa holders are exempt from the 180-day UAE residence rule and can stay abroad indefinitely.

The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a sponsor. 

This program plays a strategic role in positioning the UAE as a global AI and space research hub, particularly through initiatives like the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence.

In 2025, the UAE implemented significant regulatory changes that tightened scientist eligibility metrics while creating tracks for AI and space professionals. 

The Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions now serves as the primary endorsement body for digital technology specialists, establishing a new AI & Digital Technology specialist endorsement route.

Keep reading the article to learn more about securing your UAE Golden Visa. 

Important Notice: The specific requirements, fees, and processing times mentioned in this article should be verified with official UAE government sources before application.

Eligibility Criteria for Chinese Scientists

• Academic Requirements

Chinese scientists seeking the UAE Golden Visa must meet specific academic qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences, or Natural Sciences as classified by the UAE Ministry of Education
• University ranking: Degrees from recognized universities with MOE equivalency certification are required. Specific university ranking requirements may vary and should be verified with the UAE Ministry of Education during the equivalency process.
• A degree equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education is mandatory
• Research Performance Metrics

Scientists must demonstrate exceptional research performance through recognized academic achievements. Specific citation metrics and research performance criteria are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the relevant endorsement bodies. 

Applicants should consult directly with the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions for current evaluation standards.

• AI & Digital Technology Track

For Chinese AI specialists, the specialized digital technology track requires:

• Recommendation from the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions
• Employment contract with valid UAE employment status
• Minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month
• Professional licensing where applicable

Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Document Preparation

• Passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
• Master’s or PhD degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• CV highlighting research achievements

2. Degree Equivalency Process
   Start the Ministry of Education equivalency process 3-4 months early, as it requires:

• Primary Source Verification through Dataflow or QuadraBay
• 30 business days for initial verification
• Additional 20 working days for ministry attestation

3. Citation Metrics Documentation
   Generate official reports showing:

• Scopus H-index screenshot
• Web of Science citation records
• FWCI documentation

4. Endorsement Application
   For AI professionals, submit applications through:

• Abu Dhabi Residents Office app for scientists
• Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions for digital technology specialists

5. Final Submission
   Submit complete application via:

• Digital channels through UAE Pass
• Customer Happiness Centers
• AMER Service Centers

6. Additional Requirements (as per official sources):

• Valid health insurance card (minimum one year, extendable)
• Medical fitness test at authorized UAE health centers
• Police clearance certificate issued in the UAE

Required Documents Checklist

Application Costs and Timeline

Fees Structure

• Residence permit fee: AED 1,100
• Knowledge dirham: AED 10
• Innovation dirham: AED 10
• Processing fee: AED 500
• Delivery: AED 20
• Annual increment: AED 100 for each year beyond two years

Processing Timeline

• Standard processing: Processing time varies depending on application completeness and verification requirements. Contact official channels for current processing timeframes.
• Degree equivalency: Degree equivalency processing time should be confirmed with the UAE Ministry of Education, as timelines may vary based on document complexity and verification requirements.
• Citation verification: 1-2 weeks
• Endorsement review: 2-4 weeks

Family Benefits

The Golden Visa extends comprehensive family benefits:

• Spouse and children: Automatic inclusion in 10-year visa
• Parents: Can be sponsored under specific conditions
• Domestic staff: Sponsorship eligibility
• Education: Access to UAE educational institutions
• Healthcare: Comprehensive health insurance requirements

Note: Always verify the actual cost and timeline from UAE official websites, as they tend to change. 

Also Read: How UAE Golden Visa Holders Save on Global Taxes in 2025 (Legally)

Common Application Obstacles and Solutions

2025 Policy Updates

Tightened Requirements

The 2025 regulatory refresh introduced stricter scientist metrics:

• Employment gaps: No breaks longer than 6 months without valid leave
• Degree verification: Enhanced equivalency requirements
• Citation validation: Stricter verification processes

New Priority Tracks

Specialized tracks are now available for:

• AI professionals: Through Emirates Council endorsement
• Space technology: Via Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology
• Digital innovation: DIFC Innovation Hub pathway

Renewal Requirements

Golden Visa holders must maintain eligibility for renewal:

• Research activity: Continue active research and publication
• Employment status: Maintain valid UAE employment
• Citation metrics: Report major publications/patents to endorsement body
• Residence requirements: No specific minimum stay requirement (exempt from 180-day rule)

Strategic Career Tips for AI & Space Professionals

• Career Development
• Research partnerships: Establish collaborations with UAE institutions
• Patent applications: File intellectual property in UAE jurisdiction
• Industry engagement: Participate in UAE AI and space initiatives
• Professional networks: Join Emirates Council programs and events
• Tax Considerations

Chinese scientists should note that grants from Chinese entities may be subject to UAE tax regulations. Consult with qualified tax advisors regarding foreign income classification and reporting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Chinese scientists apply if their degree is not from a top-ranked university?

A: Exceptional research achievements may be considered during evaluation. Specific criteria for waiving university requirements should be confirmed with the relevant endorsement body, as policies may vary.

Q: How long can Golden Visa holders stay outside the UAE?

A: Golden Visa holders are exempt from the standard 180-day stay requirement and can remain outside the UAE indefinitely without visa cancellation.

Q: Is the AED 30,000 salary requirement mandatory for all scientists?

A: The salary requirement applies to employment-based applications. Research endorsement routes may have different criteria.

Q: Can family members work in the UAE on Golden Visa sponsorship?

A: Yes, sponsored family members can obtain work permits and employment authorization in the UAE.

Q: What happens if citation metrics change after visa approval?

A: Regular reporting of publications and patents to the endorsement body helps maintain renewal eligibility and demonstrates continued research excellence.

Next Step 

The UAE Golden Visa represents a significant opportunity for Chinese scientists in AI and space technology to establish long-term residency in a rapidly growing innovation hub. 

Success requires careful preparation, particularly regarding degree equivalency and citation metric documentation, but offers substantial benefits for career development and family stability in the region.

Note: Always recheck rules on the day you apply, because regulations evolve quickly in the UAE’s dynamic landscape.

Book your Free Consultation call today with the expert of JSB Incorporation for assistance regarding the UAE Golden Visa.