UAE's New Visa Regulations -The UAE Cabinet, chaired by Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has adopted the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Foreigners' Entry and Residence. The United Arab Emirates comprises seven sheikhdoms, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The new
system of admission and residence aims to recruit and retain global talents and
skilled employees worldwide while increasing the job market's competitiveness
and flexibility and promoting a strong sense of security among UAE residents
and families.
1- Golden Residence
The Golden
Residence Program has been revised to streamline eligibility requirements and
expand recipient categories. This ten-year residence is open to investors,
entrepreneurs, extraordinary talents, scientists and professionals, excellent
students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
The amendments let the holder of a Golden Residence sponsor family members permanently, including spouses and children of any age, and support services (domestic) laborers.
Furthermore,
there are no limitations on the maximum duration of stay necessary outside the
UAE to maintain the Golden Residence's validity.
Additionally,
there are perks for family members that allow them to remain in the UAE beyond
the death of the original bearer of the Golden Residence permit until the
expiration of their permit.
2- Scientists' Golden Residence.
That
residency is offered on the recommendation of the Emirates Scientists Council
to scientists and researchers who have made substantial contributions to their
area.
The
candidate should possess a doctoral or master's degree in engineering,
technology, biological sciences, or natural sciences from one of the world's
leading universities and notable research accomplishments.
3- Professionals' Golden Residence.
A new
category has been created to attract highly talented employees with educational
qualifications and professional experience in various sectors, including
medical, science and engineering, information technology, business and
administration, education, law, culture, and the social sciences.
Applicants
must hold a valid UAE employment contract and be classified in the first or
second occupational level, as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and
Emiratisation, based on the International Labour Organization's International
Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO.
The minimal
educational level is a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and the monthly payment
cannot be less than AED30,000.
4- Exceptional Talents' Golden Residence.
This residency is reserved for exceptional talent in critical subjects. It is given only based on skill, independent of educational background, employment situation, monthly wage, or professional level.
It requires
the recommendation or permission of a federal or local government entity. It
recognizes exceptional persons in culture, art, sports, digital technology,
inventors and innovators, and other vital fields.
5- A Golden Residence, For Real Estate Investors.
Golden
Residences are available to real estate investors who purchase a house worth at
least AED2 million.
According to
the proposed changes, investors who fund the purchase of a property with a loan
from one of many local banks may be eligible for the Golden Residence.
Golden
Residence is also offered to investors who purchase one or more off-plan
residences from reputable local real estate companies for a minimum of AED2
million.
6- Entrepreneurs' Golden Residence.
The
executive laws establish flexible standards for entrepreneurs seeking to obtain
the Golden Residence; an entrepreneur must own, or partner in a small or
medium-sized firm (SME) registered in the country that generates annual
revenues of at least AED1 million.
In addition,
an official business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, or the necessary local
authorities must approve a startup concept to qualify for the Golden Residence
in this category.
Additionally,
suppose the individual is a founder (one of the founders) of a previous
entrepreneurial venture(s) that were sold for a total of at least AED7 million.
In that case, they will be eligible for the
Golden Residence. The Ministry must approve projects and proposals of the Economy
or the appropriate municipal authorities.
7- Outstanding Students and Graduates' Golden Visa.
Based on
stated criteria such as academic achievement (cumulative average), graduation
year, and university classification, this residence is targeted toward
high-achieving secondary school students in the UAE and outstanding graduates
from UAE universities and the world's top 100 institutions.
8- New Residence Types with Unparalleled Benefits.
The
establishment of additional five-year residence tracks is a significant
improvement designed to attract talent, skilled professionals, freelancers,
investors, and entrepreneurs.
Additional
advantages, such as more flexible notice periods of up to six months to stay in
the country if a residence permit is canceled or expired, and relaxing and
simplifying the requirements for all types of residency, are also available to
enable family members to stay in the country.
9- Green Residence for Skilled Employee.
This new
pathway provides talented employees with a five-year residency without the
assistance of a sponsor or company.
As a minimum
educational qualification, a bachelor's degree or equivalent is necessary, and
the salary should not be less than AED15,000. Applicants must have a valid
employment contract and be categorized at the Ministry of Human Resources and
Emiratisation's first, second, or third occupational level.
10- Green Residence for Freelancing and Self-Employment.
In keeping
with the growing relevance of flexible work arrangements, this track enables
freelancers and self-employed individuals to get a five-year residency in the
UAE without a sponsor or employer.
It
necessitates the acquisition of a freelance/self-employment permit from the
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation by the applicant, a bachelor's
degree or specialized diploma, and a minimum annual self-employment income of
AED360,000 for the previous two years, or demonstrating financial solvency
throughout their stay in the country.
11- Green Residence for Investor or Partner.
This
residence permit was designed to attract investment by offering five years of
residency to investors who develop or engage in commercial businesses.
It
supersedes the prior residence, which was only valid for two years. The
investment must be approved, and proof of investment must be provided.
It is required to obtain approval from competent local authorities. If the investor (partner) holds multiple licenses, the total invested capital will be determined.
12- Additional Family Member Benefits.
The new
method expands family advantages by allowing residents to readily acquire
residence permits for family members, including spouses and children.
The sponsorship age for children has been increased to 25 years (formerly 18 years), with no age restriction on unmarried daughters.
Children of determination, whatever of age, are awarded a residence visa.
Holders of
Green Residences may give resident permits to their first-degree relatives. In
all situations, the residency of family members shall be for the duration of
the original residence holder's validity.
13- New Visa System.
The new
system provides travelers to the UAE with several visa options based on their
intended purpose of visit.
Significant
enhancements include simplifying entry requirements for all visa classes and
providing tourists with various visa periods that match their needs and the
purpose of their visit.
For the first time, new categories of visas are introduced without the requirement of a host or sponsor. Furthermore, all entry visas can be used for single or multiple entries, are renewed for the same period(s), and are valid for 60 days after issuance.
14- Entry Visa for Job Exploration.
This visa
was created to encourage young talents and skilled professionals to the country
to explore career opportunities; it does not require a sponsor or a host.
It is given to
those who have been classified as having the first, second, or third skill
level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and new graduates
with a bachelor's degree or comparable to the minimum educational level from
the world's top 500 institutions.
15- Visa for Business Entrance.
This visa
permits investors and entrepreneurs to enter the UAE without the requirement of
a sponsor or host, allowing them to pursue business and investment
opportunities.
16- Tourist Visa.
A five-year
multiple-entry tourist visa was launched along with the standard tourist visa
sponsored by UAE tourism establishments.
This visa
form does not require a sponsor and allows the holder to stay in the country
for up to 90 days, as long as the overall stay does not exceed 180 days in a
calendar year.
For this
visa, documentation of a bank balance of at least US$4,000 or its equivalent in
foreign currencies for the six months before the application submission is
required.
17- Permit for Visits to Relatives or Friends.
As amended, visitors
may apply for this entry permission if they are a relative or friend of a UAE
citizen or resident. It is self-sustaining and does not require a sponsor or a
host.
18- Entry Permit for a Temporary Work Mission.
This
category is for individuals whose employer sponsors a temporary work assignment
such as probation testing or a project-based mission. It requires a temporary
employment contract or a letter from the employer stating the purpose of the
visit and confirmation of physical fitness to work.
19- Permit to Enter for Study and Training.
That
category is for those enrolled in training and study courses and internship
programs.
The
sponsoring institution may be a university or other educational or research
institution licensed in the country and a government or commercial entity.
It requires a letter from the entity outlining the study, training, or internship program's specifics and duration.