As part of the largest entry and residence reforms adopted in the UAE, a whole batch of new visas will be available to both residents and tourists which will provide them with a wide range of benefits.
This new system aims to make the UAE a more investor-friendly country for foreigners as well as high net-worth individuals who wish to establish a long-term presence in the Emirates.
Most of them will be rolled out next month but a few have already been introduced. Here’s what they are and how you can apply for them.
Visa types and who can apply
Green visa
This visa allows holders to sponsor themselves for five years, thus eliminating the need of a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa.
Further benefits include being able to easily get residence permits to bring their family members including spouses, children and first degree relatives. Visa holders can sponsor male children up to 25 years with no limit for unmarried
daughters. Children of determination (those with special needs) are granted a residence visa regardless of their age. The residency given to family members will be the same as that of the original visa holder.
There will also be a longer grace period of 6 months to stay in the UAE after the residence permit is cancelled or expired.
Who can apply and what they need
- Freelancers/ self-employed people
- Skilled employees
- Investors or partners
Details on Green Visa application requirements can be found here.
Family visa
Both employers and employees that are expatriate residents can sponsor residence visas for their families to live in the UAE as long as they have a valid residence permit/visa regardless of their job title.
The resident who chooses to sponsor his family must have a minimum salary of AED 4000 or AED 3000 plus accommodation.
Both male and female family members over the age of 18 need to pass medical fitness tests at approved health centres in the UAE which can be found here.
Further details about the sponsorship requirements can be found here.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
This five-year visa will allow a person to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days without a sponsor and can be extended up to 90 days for each visit.
All nationalities may applies for this visa as long as they have a bank balance of (AED 14,700) or equivalent in foreign currencies at least six months before applying.
For more information on how to apply for this visa, contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship here.
Job seeking and remote work visa
Anyone wishing to travel to the UAE to look for job opportunities may apply for this visa. It does not require any sponsor or a host and will be granted to bachelor’s degree holders or equivalent.
Fresh graduates from 500 of the top universities around the globe as well as people classified in the first, second or third skill levels by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
No further information has been provided on how to apply as of yet, but people can apply for a remote work visa which allows them to live in the UAE while working for their current employer outside the UAE. This visa is valid for one year and more information can be found here.
Temporary work visa
Those who have a temporary work assignment such as project-based work or probation testing can apply for this visa. Applicants will need to submit a temporary work contract or a letter from their employer as well as proof of fitness.
To apply for a temporary work permit, click here or to learn more about the temporary work visa, call 600590000 or use the website’s online chat.
Business visa
Entrepreneurs and investors may apply for this visa without the need of a sponsor or host. it is part of the Golden Visa system under which foreigners can obtain a long-term visa for themselves as well as their dependents. A eligible entrepreneur is anyone who has set up a business at some point in their career and wants to do so again in the UAE.
To apply for this visa, you’ll need to have an approved nomination from an incubator supported by the UAE government. Currently the options are AREA2071 in Dubai and HUB71 in Abu Dhabi. You’ll then beinvited to apply for the business visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security. More information on the visa application process can be found here.
Visa for study/ training
This visa is aimed at people that wish to attend training, study courses and internship programmes. It can be sponsored by both private and public sector educational and research institutes. A letter from the entity specific the details of the study, training or internship to be undertaken must be provided as well as the programme’s duration.
No information has been provided on how to apply for this visa yet but you can visit the UAE’s Ministry of Education’s website to search their database of employers and internship programmes here.
Golden visas
The prestigious Golden Visa is now available to a wide range of professional categories and investors on a long-term basis. Here’s who can qualify:
Real-estate: An investment of at least AED two million in real-estate is required in order to be eligible. Investorys who are buying property on the mortgage and off-plan properties are also eligible to apply if their combined total investment is at least AED two million.
Startups: Enterprenuers can apply if they meet three criteria:
- Startup is registered in the country
- Should fall under SME (small and medium enterprises)
- Annual revenue of at least AED one million
Scientists: Those in the field of science may apply if they meet the following requirements:
- Recommendation from Emirates Science Council
- PhD or Master’s degree from a top university in life science, natural sciences, technology and engineering
Exceptional talent: Those who are exceptionally talented in the field of art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine and law can apply. They’ll also need a recommendation letter or approval from the relevant government entity.
Skilled workers: The applicant’s line of employment must fall under either occupational level one or two of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. They must also have a minimum salary of AED 30,000.
Students: Any students who’ve earned high scores in secondary schools, universities or those who attend one of the 100 best universities worldwide can apply.