The UAE Golden Visa is a dream opportunity—long-term residency, freedom to live and work, and a better future for you and your family. But here’s the truth: not everyone gets approved on the first try. And most of the time, the rejection could have been avoided.
If you’re wondering, “Why is Golden Visa rejected?” this guide breaks it down. From paperwork issues to simple technicalities, here are the top 13 reasons applicants get rejected—and how to avoid each one.
1. Ineligible Job Title
Many skilled professionals apply under the “manager” or “specialist” category, but their official job title on labor contracts doesn’t reflect this.
Tip: Check your visa and labor contract to make sure your job title is listed under MoHRE Level 1 or 2, such as Manager, Engineer, or Specialist. If not, work with your HR team to update it before applying.
2. Not Meeting Experience Requirements
Most Golden Visa employee categories require at least 2 years with your current employer. Applications often get rejected if this isn’t met.
Tip: Wait until you complete the 2-year mark, especially if applying as a skilled employee. Also, ensure your company has a valid trade license and sufficient staff strength.
3. Incorrect or Unattested Educational Documents
Degrees that aren’t attested or lack equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education will be rejected, even if the applicant meets all other requirements.
Tip: Get your degree attested in your home country, then submit it for equivalency approval through the Ministry of Education portal before applying.
4. Not Meeting Salary Criteria
A minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 is required for most skilled categories. However, if your salary isn’t documented properly, your application may still be rejected.
Tip: Make sure
- Your salary is transferred via WPS
- It’s clearly labeled as “Salary” in your bank statements
- You provide both your salary certificate and six-month bank history
5. Discrepancies in Employment or Financial Documents
Inconsistencies between your salary certificate, labor contract, and bank records can cause doubts about your eligibility.
Tip: Double-check all documents to ensure your job title, salary, and employer details match across the board. If there’s a mismatch, get it corrected before submission.
6. Overstayed Visa or Immigration Violations
Applicants with pending fines, overstays, or unresolved visa issues are often rejected automatically.
Tip: Clear all fines and ensure your immigration status is clean before applying. You can check for fines via the GDRFAD or ICA portals.
7. Lack of Proof of Financial Stability
Even if your salary is high, erratic bank transactions, outstanding loans, or insufficient balances can raise concerns.
Tip: Maintain a stable bank record for at least 6 months before applying. Avoid large unexplained withdrawals or inconsistent deposits.
8. Criminal Background or Security Concerns
Applicants with a criminal record or security flag in the UAE or elsewhere are automatically disqualified.
Tip: If you’ve cleared a past case, get a Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct Certificate) showing no active criminal record.
9. Expired or Invalid Documents
Applications with expired passports, Emirates IDs, trade licenses, or visas are rejected outright.
Tip: Check all document validity at least 1 month before applying. Renew anything that’s near expiry.
10. Missing Nomination or Recommendation Letters
Some categories (scientists, creatives, researchers) need a recommendation from a UAE authority like the Ministry of Culture or an academic council.
Tip: Don’t skip this step. Secure your nomination or endorsement before applying.
11. Incomplete Health Insurance Coverage
Lack of UAE-based health insurance is a common rejection reason for dependents and even main applicants.
Tip: Get a comprehensive local insurance policy valid for 10 years, covering all visa holders included in your application.
12. Weak Proof of Talent or Achievements
If you’re applying under the “exceptional talent” route without strong evidence (awards, recognition, published work), your case may be rejected.
Tip: Build a solid portfolio, including:
- Letters of recommendation
- Awards or international recognition
- Media coverage or published work
13. Investor Criteria Not Met
Applicants applying via property or public investment need to meet minimum thresholds:
- AED 2 million in real estate ownership
- AED 2 million in public or company investment, plus
- A tax certificate showing AED 250,000 paid to the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority
Tip: Make sure your property value is appraised correctly. For investors, ask your PRO or tax consultant to help you obtain the required FTA letter.
14. How to Prevent Rejection: A Quick Recap
Here’s a checklist to help you stay on track:
Correct job title and category
Minimum 2 years of work experience
Salary ≥ AED 30,000, WPS-compliant
Attested and equivalent degree (if required)
Consistent financial and employment records
No immigration fines or overstay
Valid documents and IDs
Proper nomination letters (if needed)
Clean criminal record
Local health insurance coverage
15. What To Do If You Were Rejected
Rejections don’t always mean the end of the road. Most applicants can reapply after correcting the issue.
At GoldenvisaUAE, we help clients:
- Understand why their application was rejected
- Fix the gaps in documentation or eligibility
- Reapply with a stronger, more complete file
We’ve successfully turned dozens of rejections into approved Golden Visas. If you’re unsure where you went wrong, we’ll walk you through it.
FAQs: Why Was My Golden Visa Rejected?
1. Can I reapply if my Golden Visa was rejected?
Yes. Once the issue is fixed—be it a document or eligibility gap—you can reapply. Many of our clients get approved the second time.
2. Do freelancers qualify for the Golden Visa?
Yes, if they meet certain income and recognition standards. Freelancers with global portfolios or UAE-based income may be eligible under the creative or specialized talent route.
3. What if my salary is AED 28,000—will my application be rejected?
Most likely, yes. The threshold for skilled professionals is AED 30,000. However, you may explore other categories like property investment if eligible.
4. How do I know if my job title qualifies?
Titles listed under MoHRE’s Level 1 or 2 usually qualify (e.g., General Manager, Marketing Director). It’s important your visa and labor contract reflect this.
5. Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. You and any dependents must have valid UAE health insurance when applying.
6. Can I apply while on a visit visa?
Some categories allow it, but it’s safer and smoother to apply while on a valid UAE residency visa.
7. What if I don’t have a degree?
For some categories, like investors or property owners, a degree isn’t required. But for skilled professionals, a bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
If you’d like us to review your profile or documents before you apply—or if you’ve already faced rejection—get in touch with GoldenvisaUAE. We’ll make the process smoother, faster, and more likely to succeed.
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