Over the past few years, there has been a major overhaul in the UAE’s immigration law. Golden visas, launched in 2020, allow for extraordinarily talented foreigners to live, study, and work in the UAE without needing a national sponsor. Additionally, it grants beneficiaries the right to complete ownership of any businesses situated on the mainland of the UAE. The golden visa is valid for 10 years and is awarded to individuals that authorities recognize to have outstanding merit. Healthcare professionals that served during the pandemic are one such example.
New labor regulations that came into effect in June gave employees more time to stay in the nation once their employment ends. Former workers will now have up to 180 days to seek new job opportunities.
The latest reforms made to visa rules simplify the system to 10 types of visas. As stated in a tweet by the UAE Government, this is "a step that supports the country's competitiveness in the tourism, economic, and educational sectors". It is one of the most significant changes to the country's visa policy in recent years. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, gave his approval to the modifications. These changes come into effect on October 3.
The updated UAE passport was also introduced by the ICP. Passport holders can apply for a new passport using the ICP website, mobile app, or the nation's embassies and consulates. A polycarbonate data page manufactured employing complex spectrum patterns is one of the new passport's improved security features.
More recently, amendments to the federal nationality law have opened doors for investors, professionals and special talents to obtain an Emirati nationality and passport. Additionally, the families of individuals who fall into these criteria can also be eligible to obtain the citizenship.
Expansion of the Golden Visa
Holders of golden visas who remain outside the nation will not have their privileges revoked. A six-month grace period will be given to those who cancel their resident visas so they can remain in the nation. This, along with all the other privileges will be offered to distinguished individuals.
Green Visas
These visas are intended for the the middle-income category; skilled employees, self-employed and the freelancer. These offer the holder residency for five years.
An applicant must have a bachelor's degree in one of the skilled subjects listed above, such as law, culture, science, education, or the social sciences, along with a monthly income of Dh15,000.
This opportunity may be appealing to someone who currently holds a two or three-year trade license for freelancing. For five years, a holder of a green visa may sponsor family members to move in. Originally, this was permitted for a period of two years.
Job Permit
People who are looking for work in the UAE can apply for a new UAE Job visa. Recent graduates from the top 500 colleges across the globe, as well as those designated under the first, second, or third skill levels in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, will be given this visa without the requirement for a sponsor or host.
Tourist visa
One can apply for a tourist visa if they are not qualified for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entrance for nationals of GCC nations. Except when traveling with parents, women less than 18 years of age are not permitted to apply for this form of visa.
If you are flying with one of the national airlines—Emirates, Etihad Airways, Fly Dubai, or Air Arabia; they can arrange for the visa. Authorized hotels and travel agents in the UAE can also obtain a tourist visa.
A visa can also be obtained through a tourist package from travel agents in the traveler's home country, working with an authorized travel agency in the UAE.
Multi-entry tourist visa
A five-year multiple-entry tourist visa was added in addition to the standard tourist visa sponsored by the UAE's tourism industry.
To make the process easier for tourists and visitors, the new visa is applicable for all nationalities. Tourists on a five-year visa are permitted to enter the country on their own account as many times as they wish and can remain in the nation for 90 days in one visit, with the option of an additional 90 days.
The following must be submitted in order to be eligible for this visa:
Entry visa for business exploration
Without the need for a sponsor or a host in the UAE, this visa enables quick admission for individuals to investigate investment and commercial prospects. A deposit is required for this kind of visa.
Transit permit
The UAE offers two different types of transit visas: one is free for 48 hours and the other costs Dh50 for 96 hours. Both are not extendable and are only given through one of the four shipping companies or airlines based in the UAE.
Travelers in transit, sailors, and flying crews are all eligible for this special entry visa. The traveler needs to have a ticket and a current passport.
Only UAE-based airlines may sponsor transit visas, which must be reviewed and granted before entry.
Family Visa
Previously, parents may sponsor their minor children under the UAE's Family Visa law. Male children can now be sponsored by their parents until the age of 25. Under a special permit, parents may also sponsor their disabled children, and they may sponsor an unmarried woman for an extended period of time.
Visit friends or family
After submitting a document verifying the relationship and justification for the visit, individuals can apply to visit a friend or family who reside in the UAE.
Although this visa does not require a host or sponsor, a deposit is required.
Are you looking to invest in the city? Reach out to us for the best deals in the market. Spend a day with Range, and invest in some of the prime real estate projects in Dubai with bespoke concierge services available at your fingertips.
30 Min
Web conferencing details provided upon confirmation.
