New visa rules in the UAE – Everything we know so far
The government has announced major changes to the UAE visas from September 2022. Like other lucrative visa and investment offerings, these updates will ensure that the UAE continues to attract the best talent from across the globe. Moreover, the new visa rules in the UAE will facilitate investors, students, and skilled professionals, among others.
NEW VISA RULES IN THE UAE
Whether you want to invite a family member or visit the country to look for a job, the new visa system in the UAE is good news. While complete details have not been announced yet, we know the basics.
Let’s look at the wide-ranging new visa changes in UAE in detail to find out more.
JOB EXPLORATION ENTRY VISA
Many young professionals visit the UAE to find exciting job opportunities. The new job exploration entry visa, in particular, will make this endeavour easier.
Thanks to the new visa system in the UAE, applicants for this visa will not require a host or sponsor. Anyone who has graduated from any of the best 500 universities globally and is classified in the first, second or third skill level (as listed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) will be able to apply.
MULTI-ENTRY TOURIST VISA
A new 5-year tourist visa is also part of the newly introduced visa rules, which means tourists no longer need a sponsor to apply. One could stay for 90 days in a row, and the visa can be extended further. However, the maximum number of days of stay in the UAE is limited to 180 days per year.
Candidates must submit a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $4,000 (in any currency) with the application.
FAMILY MEMBERS VISAS
The new visa changes in UAE bring excellent news for family members of residents. Parents can now sponsor their unmarried daughter indefinitely and their sons until age 25. Previously, the cut off age for boys was 18. Green visa holders can bring any first-degree relatives who can stay as long as the Green visa of the resident remains valid.
Moreover, children with disabilities will get a resident permit permanently regardless of their age.
GOLDEN VISA – FAMILY AND DOMESTIC WORKERS
As per the new visa rules in the UAE, changes have been made to the Golden Residence Scheme. The aim is to expand the beneficiaries’ categories and simplify the eligibility criteria.
A Golden Residence holder is eligible to sponsor family members regardless of their age as well as domestic workers. Moreover, one can stay outside of the country for any duration without the Golden Residence being invalidated.
Another benefit is that in case the Golden Residence visa holder passes away, their family members can stay in the country till the end of the permit’s validity.
GOLDEN VISA – SCIENTISTS
Emirates Scientists Council can recommend scientists and researchers of high calibre for this visa type. The basic requirement is a PhD or a Master’s degree in technology, engineering, natural sciences and life sciences. Individuals with substantial research achievements will be considered for this category.
GOLDEN VISA – SKILLED PROFESSIONALS
New professions are added to the fields that make one eligible for the skilled professionals’ golden visa. The list now includes sciences and engineering, medicine, IT, education, business and administration, social sciences, law and culture.
Applicants must have a valid employment contract. Moreover, the job area has to be classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in the first or second occupational level.
As for education credentials, the individual must have a Bachelor’s degree, and the monthly salary has to be AED 30k or more.
GOLDEN VISA – EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS
This type of visa is granted based on talent only, irrespective of one’s qualification, monthly salary or employment status. The approval or recommendation comes from a federal or local government entity. Sportsmen and women, artists, digital technology professionals, individuals working in the field of culture, inventors, and innovators can apply for the visa.
GOLDEN VISA – REAL ESTATE INVESTORS
By investing a minimum of AED 2M, one can get a Golden visa as a real estate investor. With the UAE visa system update, investors can get a residence visa even when purchasing a property by acquiring a loan from local banks.
Similarly, they can get Golden Residence by buying one or more off-plan properties worth AED 2M or more from certain approved local real estate enterprises.
GOLDEN RESIDENCE – ENTREPRENEURS
Anyone who owns or partners in a UAE registered start-up in the small and medium enterprise category could be eligible for this visa. However, the firm has to generate annual revenue of AED 1M.
Suppose an individual was one of the founders of an entrepreneurial project that is sold for a minimum of AED 7M. In that case, they will also be eligible for a Golden Residence. The visa will be approved by either a competent local authority or the Ministry of Economy.
GOLDEN VISA – STUDENTS AND GRADUATES
This visa targets high achievers from UAE secondary schools, UAE universities and the top 100 global universities. Graduation year, academic performance, and the university’s classification are the base criteria for selection.
GREEN VISA – SKILLED EMPLOYEES AND FREELANCERS
Skilled employees and freelancers will also be major beneficiaries of the new visa rules in the UAE. Those who earn a minimum of AED 15k and have a bachelor’s degree can apply for a 5-year residency visa for skilled employees. Applicants don’t need to apply via an employer or a sponsor.
GREEN VISA – INVESTOR OR PARTNER
The purpose of this residence visa is to encourage investors. The five-year residency for investors is for individuals who establish or participate in commercial activities. Earlier, this visa had a two-year validity.
Investors would need to show approval and proof of investment for the new Green Visa. If an individual has more than a single licence, the total invested capital will be examined.
FAQS ABOUT THE NEW VISA RULES IN THE UAE
WHEN WILL THESE UAE VISA SYSTEM CHANGES COME INTO EFFECT?
As mentioned earlier, these changes will be implemented from September 2022.
HOW CAN I CHECK MY UAE VISA STATUS?
Whilst living in the UAE, it is essential that you are aware of your visa status at all times. Remember, overstaying your visa can lead to heavy fines. Here is how you can check your UAE visa status.
This concludes our look at the newly announced new visa rules in the UAE. Bookmark this page as we will update it as and when further updates are announced. The new visa rules and categories come as excellent news for people already in the UAE or planning to move there. Also, investors, top professionals, excelling students, artists, sports personalities and many others have the chance to make UAE their home!
Stay tuned to MyBayut to keep pace with the latest UAE laws and regulations updates.
