By Mallu Metro Gulf Desk | June 2026
The UAE Golden Visa programme has undergone significant updates in 2026, broadening eligibility and simplifying the application process. For the hundreds of thousands of Malayalis living and working across the Emirates, understanding these changes is essential for long-term residency planning.
Key changes include expanded eligibility for skilled professionals in healthcare, education, and technology sectors, reduced minimum salary thresholds for certain visa categories, and a streamlined online application portal through ICP Smart Services. Real estate investors meeting the AED 2 million property threshold continue to qualify, with new provisions for jointly-owned properties.
For Malayali professionals, the most relevant update is the inclusion of certified specialists in nursing, pharmacy, and allied health under the skilled worker category. Given Kerala’s outsized contribution to the UAE healthcare workforce, this opens Golden Visa access to thousands who previously did not qualify.
Financial advisors recommend that Golden Visa holders review their tax residency status carefully, as the visa’s 10-year term may create tax obligations in both the UAE and India depending on the number of days spent in each country.