HR and recruitment specialists conveyed that many skilled employees and special talents in the UAE are unaware that they are eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa. The UAE had recently expanded the Golden Visa scheme, allowing more categories of people to get the coveted 10-year visa but eligible employees often do not apply for long-term residency as they are not sure if they qualify or do not know how to go about applying for it.
Nicki Wilson, managing director, Genie Recruitment, said companies would do well to help eligible employees get long-term visas. Doing so would "show that the company is looking at the longevity of talent as opposed to filling in a requirement short term." “There is a prestige that comes with having a Golden Visa and if an employer can help facilitate the issuing of a Golden Visa either by ensuring an employee is on the minimum salary of Dh30,000 or offering the PRO assistance to the application, this is a benefit that should be looked at,” said Wilson.
Based on the recent changes that came into effect, more skilled professionals can get the long-term residency, with the minimum monthly salary requirement dropping from Dh50,000 to Dh30,000. Disciplines include medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences. Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE, and be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
According to Nazar Musa, CEO of PRO Partner Group, the 10-year visa will cost between Dh2,800 and Dh3,800 for applicants currently in the UAE. On the other hand, the Golden Visa will cost between Dh3,800 and Dh4,800, for applicants outside of the UAE.
As per Musa this is a government processing fee, hence the additional cost for applications is from outside the country. The exact amount is also dependent on the category in which the applicant is applying.
