Several changes to residency laws will go into effect starting next month, including a significantly expanded Golden Visa program, a new five-year Green residency, a multiple-entry tourist visa, and entry permits for job searching. The largest entry and residency reforms implemented in the UAE include these new visas and entry permits.
The new system will be highly advantageous to both visitors and expatriates who live and work in the UAE. As a result, the UAE will become even more welcoming to foreigners and wealthy individuals looking to establish long-term residence there.
As per the UAE Cabinet decision announced in mid-April, all these new executive regulations related to entry and residence laws will come into force after 90 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
- Multi-entry tourist visa: The new five-year multi-entry tourist visa doesn’t require a sponsor and allows the person to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days; it can be extended for another 90 days. A person can stay a maximum of 180 days on this tourist visa. The applicant should have a bank balance of $4,000 (14,700 dirhams) or its equivalent in foreign currencies in the last six months before applying.
- Business visa: Investors and entrepreneurs can apply for a business visa without requiring a sponsor or a host.
- Visa to visit relatives/friends: A foreigner can apply for this visa if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or a resident. This does not require a sponsor or a host.
- Temporary work visa: Those who have a temporary work assignment, such as probation testing or project-based work, can apply for this visa. Candidates need to submit a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer and proof of fitness.
- Visa for study/training: This visa is aimed at people or students who want to attend training, study courses, and internship programs. This visa can be sponsored by both public and private sector educational and research institutes. It requires a letter from the entity clarifying the details of the study or training or internship program and its duration.
- Family visa: Previously, parents could sponsor their children under 18 years only. Now male children can be sponsored till the age of 25. Disabled children also get a special permit, and unmarried daughters can be sponsored for an indefinite time.
- Job visa: Job-seekers can avail of this new visa to explore opportunities in the UAE. This visa will not require any sponsor or a host and it will be granted to bachelor’s degree holders or its equivalent, fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world as well as those classified in the first, second, or third skill levels as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Green visa: This five-year visa allows holders to bring their families without a sponsor or employer. This visa is available for skilled workers, self-employers, freelancers, etc. Other requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum salary of 15,000 dirhams.
- Golden Visas: The UAE has announced Golden Visa for a range of professional categories and investors who look to enjoy the country’s best quality of life on a long-term basis.
