Tourist visas will now allow visitors to legally enter and stay in the UAE for 60 days, up from 30 days previously. Also, the job exploration visa, which aims to make it easier for talented professionals to find work in the UAE, will not require a sponsor or host.
The UAE Advanced Visa System, first announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) last month, will go into effect today, October 4.
The new visa rules include changes such as longer visas for tourists, extended residency for professionals under the Green Visa, and an expanded 10-year Golden Visa scheme.
Golden visa
More people are also now eligible for the Golden Visa. Skilled professionals in fields such as science and engineering, medicine, IT, business and administration, and education can also now receive a 10-year visa.
Skilled professionals: Minimum monthly salary requirement reduced from 50,000 dirhams to 30,000 dirhams.
Investors: Property worth at least 2 million dirhams, even with a loan from specific local banks. Off-plan properties are allowed from approved local real estate companies
Main benefit: Staying outside the UAE for over six months won’t affect visa validity.
Total cost: 4,625 dirhams(Approximate cost includes medical testing, visa, and Emirates ID fees).
Green visa
Green visa holders are also given more benefits, such as the ability to sponsor family members, including a spouse, children, and first-degree relatives for the duration of their residency.
Holders will also receive an extended flexible grace period of up to six months if their residence permit is canceled or has expired.
This five-year visa targets skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.
Freelancers need a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). They need proof of income (minimum 360,000 dirhams annually over the last two years) or prove financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
Skilled employees need to be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per MOHRE and have a minimum monthly salary of 15,000 dirhams.
Total cost: 3,175 dirhams (Approximate cost includes medical testing, visa, and Emirates ID fees).
Job exploration visa
Single-entry permit targets young talents and skilled professionals. It is issued for 60, 90, or 120 days. The visa is granted to those classified in the first, second, or third skill level as per MOHRE. Fresh graduates from the best 500 universities in the world can apply as well, and candidates should have earned at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Total cost including 1,025 dirhams security deposit: 60 days: 1,495 dirhams, 90 days: 1,655 dirhams, 120 days: 1,815 dirhams.
Business entry visa
A single-entry visa is issued for 60, 90, or 120 days. It does not require a sponsor or host and encourages investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
Total cost including security deposit: 60 days: 1,495 dirhams, 90 days: 1,655 dirhams, 120 days: 1,815 dirhams
Multi-entry tourist visa
Holders of this 5-year visa will be able to stay in the UAE for up to 90 continuous days, and it may be extended for a similar period. The entire period of stay should not exceed 180 days in a year.
All nationalities are eligible for this visa, which requires proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during a six-month period prior to submitting the application.
Cost: 650 dirhams (without insurance).
