What's changed

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) administers the UAE Golden Visa programme, which grants long-term residence — typically ten years — to qualifying foreign nationals across several pathways including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialists, exceptional talents, and outstanding students. The Scientists and Specialists pathway is one route within the framework.

For applicants in Dubai who are not nominated by a government entity, three cumulative requirements have been layered over the past 18 months. First, since 10 July 2024, foreign academic credentials must be supported by an equivalency certificate confirming that the degree comes from an accredited international university and meets relevant academic standards; legalised transcripts may also be required. Second, since 23 January 2025, applicants must demonstrate a continuous two-year employment record with the same local entity. Third, since 18 December 2025, the applicant must have held a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) professional level 1 or 2 job title for at least two years before submitting the application.

The equivalency-certificate process is administered separately and typically takes around 30 days through accredited assessment vendors recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education.

Who's affected

The Dubai-emirate-specific requirements apply to non-government-nominated applicants under the Scientists and Specialists pathway only. Applicants holding a government nomination are not subject to the layered requirements, nor are applicants under other Golden Visa pathways such as investor, exceptional talent, or outstanding student categories. Applicants in other UAE emirates may face different operational requirements; the three-layer rule set described here is Dubai-specific.

The Scientists and Specialists pathway draws applicants from corridor nationalities concentrated in skilled professional sectors, particularly Indian, British, Pakistani, Lebanese, Egyptian, and Filipino nationals working in healthcare, engineering, scientific research, and academic institutions in the UAE. Applicants whose current job classification falls outside MOHRE professional level 1 or 2 — or who have been in their current role under two years — are no longer eligible under this pathway in Dubai unless they obtain a government nomination.

When it takes effect

The three requirements are cumulative and currently in force. As of 3 May 2026, all three apply concurrently to non-government-nominated Scientists and Specialists Golden Visa applicants in Dubai. Operational changes to documentation requirements, equivalency-vendor lists, or MOHRE job-title classifications can be issued at any time by the implementing authorities.