UAE’s new visa rules
Earlier this week, the UAE Cabinet approved one of the most significant overhauls of the visa system in years. While some of the changes are enhancements to the earlier announcements from 2019 (that would come in effect in September 2022), many are new schemes making UAE an even more attractive place to live and work going forward.
We have summarized the key changes below (source: from The National News Paper dated 18-April-2022)
Sponsoring family members
A parent can now sponsor a male child to the age of 25 years, up from 18. A parent can sponsor an unmarried daughter indefinitely.
Children with disabilities would be granted a residence permit permanently, regardless of their age.
A Green visa residence holder is allowed to bring any first-degree relative into the country and, in all cases, the residency of family members shall be of the same duration as the original residence holder.
Job exploration entry visa
This visa is introduced with the aim of attracting young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in the Country. It does not require a sponsor or a host.
The visa would be granted to those classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and to the latest graduates of the best 500 universities in the world. The minimum educational level is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Multi-entry tourist visa
In addition to the regular tourist visa, a five-year, multi-entry tourist visa is being introduced.
The visa would allow the person to stay in the country up to 90 days. It may be extended for a similar period, provided that the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days in one year.
This visa requires proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months before submitting the application.
Golden visa for sponsoring family and domestic workers
Amendments are being introduced to the Golden Residence Scheme to simplify the eligibility criteria and expand the categories of beneficiaries.
This is a 10 year residency scheme granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
A Golden Residence holder can sponsor his/her family members including spouse and children regardless of their age, and to sponsor domestic workers without limiting their number. Going forward, Golden visa holders no longer need to return to the UAE every six months to keep the visa valid.
There are other benefits for family members that allow them to stay in the UAE in the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence until the end of their permit duration.
Golden visa for scientists
This would be granted to scientists and researchers of high caliber and influence in their field based on recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
The candidate should have a PhD or master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from leading universities. The candidate should have substantial research achievements.
Golden visa for skilled professionals
An expansion is introduced in this category to attract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences.
Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE and should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization classification.
The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the monthly salary should not be less than Dh30,000.
Golden visa for ‘exceptional talents’
This is granted to top talents in vital fields. It is awarded based on talent only, regardless of the educational qualification or the employment status or the monthly salary or professional level.
It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity, and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors and innovators and other vital fields.
Golden visa for real estate investors
Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property worth no less than Dh2 million.
As per the new amendments, investors are also entitled to obtain the Golden Residence when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks. Investors can also obtain Golden Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than Dh2m from approved local real estate companies.
Golden Residence for Entrepreneurs
To be eligible for Golden Residence, an entrepreneur should own or be a partner in a start-up registered in the country in the category of small and medium enterprises (SME) that generates annual revenue of not less than Dh1m.
If the person is one of the founders of an earlier entrepreneurial project that was sold with a total value of not less than Dh7m, he or she will be entitled to Golden Residence. The approval of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities is required for projects or ideas.
Golden visa for outstanding students and graduates
This residence targets high performing students in UAE secondary schools and outstanding graduates from UAE universities and the best 100 universities worldwide according to criteria that includes their academic performance, the year of graduation, and the university classification.
Green visa for skilled employees and freelancers
A new track that provides a five-year residency for skilled employees, without sponsor or employer. The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and the salary should not be less than Dh15,000.
Green visa for investor or partner
This residence is introduced to encourage investment. It provides five-year residency for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. It replaces the previous residence that was valid for two years. Requirements include approval of the investment and proof of investment. If the investor has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated.