From September 2022, the government has announced major changes to UAE visas. These revisions, together with other lucrative immigration and investment opportunities, will guarantee that the UAE continues to attract the best people from around the world. In addition, the UAE’s new visa requirements will benefit investors, students, and qualified professionals, among others.
New Visa Rules in the UAE
The new visa system in the UAE is good news for anyone who wants to invite a family member or visit the country to hunt for work. While we don’t have all the information yet, we do know the fundamentals.
To learn more, let’s take a closer look at the wide-ranging new visa regulations in the UAE.
Job Exploration Entry Visa
Many young professionals travel to the United Arab Emirates in search of intriguing career possibilities. This endeavor will be made easier by the new job exploration entrance visa.
Applicants for this visa will not need a host or sponsor thanks to the UAE’s new visa system. Anyone who has graduated from one of the world’s top 500 colleges and has a skill level of one, two, or three (as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) will be eligible to apply.
Multi-entry Tourist Visa
The newly proposed visa requirements also include a new 5-year tourist visa, which eliminates the need for a sponsor. It is possible to stay for up to 90 days in succession, and the visa can be renewed. However, the maximum number of days you can spend in the UAE in a year is limited to 180.
With the application, candidates must submit a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $4,000 (in any currency).
Family Members Visas
The recent visa amendments in the UAE are great news for citizens’ families. Parents can now sponsor their unmarried daughters permanently, as well as their boys until they reach the age of 25. Previously, the age limit for boys was set at 18. Green card holders are allowed to bring any first-degree relatives as long as the resident’s Green card is valid.
Furthermore, regardless of their age, children with disabilities will be granted a permanent residency permit.
Golden Visa – Family and Domestic Workers
The Golden Residence Scheme has undergone revisions as a result of the UAE’s new immigration restrictions. The goal is to broaden the categories of beneficiaries while also simplifying the eligibility requirements.
A person with a Golden Residence can sponsor family members of any age, as well as domestic staff. Furthermore, the Golden Residence can be used for any length of time outside of the country without the Golden Residence being revoked.
Another advantage is that if the holder of a Golden Residence visa passes away, their family members can remain in the country until the permission expires.
Golden Visa – Scientists
For this visa class, the Emirates Scientists Council can suggest highly qualified scientists and researchers. A PhD or Master’s degree in technology, engineering, natural sciences, or life sciences is required. Individuals who have made significant contributions to research will be evaluated for this category.
Golden Visa – Skilled Professionals
New sectors are being added to the list of professions that qualify for the skilled professionals’ golden visa. Science and engineering, medical, information technology, education, business and administration, social sciences, law, and culture are now on the list.
A formal employment contract is required of all applicants. Furthermore, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation must classify the employment field as first or second occupational level.
In terms of education, the candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree and a monthly income of AED 30k or more.
Golden Visa – Exceptional Talents
This sort of visa is awarded only on the basis of talent, regardless of educational background, a monthly wage, or employment position. A federal or local government organization grants approval or makes a recommendation. The visa is open to athletes, artists, digital technology workers, those working in the field of culture, inventors, and innovators.
Golden Visa – Real Estate Investors
As a real estate investor, you can obtain a Golden visa by investing a minimum of AED 2 million. With the recent changes to the UAE visa system, investors can now obtain a residence visa while purchasing a property with a loan from a local bank.
They can also obtain Golden Residence by purchasing one or more off-plan properties for AED 2 million or higher from recognized local real estate companies.
Golden Residence – Entrepreneurs
This visa may be available to anyone who owns or collaborates in a UAE-registered start-up in the small and medium enterprise categories. However, the company must earn AED 1 million in annual revenue.
Assume a person was one of the founders of a business venture that was sold for at least AED 7 million. They will also be eligible for a Golden Residence in this situation. Either a competent municipal authority or the Ministry of Economy must authorize the visa.
Golden Visa – Students and Graduates
High performers from UAE secondary schools, UAE universities, and the top 100 global universities are eligible for this visa. The base criteria for selection are graduation year, academic performance, and the university’s categorization.
Green Visa – Skilled Employees and Freelancers
The new visa requirements in the UAE will mostly benefit skilled personnel and freelancers. A 5-year residency visa for skilled personnel is available to those who earn a minimum of AED 15k and hold a bachelor’s degree. Applicants do not require an employer or a sponsor to apply.
Green Visa – Investor or Partner
The goal of this resident visa is to encourage investors to come to the country. Individuals who develop or participate in commercial activity are eligible for a five-year residency for investors. Previously, this visa had a two-year validity period.
For the new Green Visa, investors would need to demonstrate proof of investment and permission. If a person holds multiple licenses, the total invested capital will be evaluated.