Recently, the UAE government has been implementing new changes in the UAE entry system and entry visas for foreign professionals. One of the major improvements that you can find is related to the UAE Green Visa, which has new rules. And if you are planning to apply for one of these, you should know about the new 5-year residency scheme.
In this article, you will learn everything you should know about the new residency scheme that the UAE government announced. And with the information that you will find here, you will discover the benefits of the new UAE Green Visa. Besides, we will provide you with useful information about the individuals who are eligible for this type of residency visa.
- What is the Green Visa in the United Arab Emirates and what is its purpose?
- What are the new changes and improvements related to the UAE Green Visa?
- Are there any changes related to the benefits that family members can get?
- What should you know about the Golden Visa that you can get in the UAE?
- How many entry visas are now available with the new entry system in the UAE?
- How can Connect Resources help you get a new Green Visa in the UAE?
1. What is the Green Visa in the United Arab Emirates and what is its purpose?
If you are not a UAE citizen but desire to live and work here, you must have certain legal documents. And one of the most important ones is the visa, which precisely allows you to live and work in the country. However, there are several types of visas that you can get, and the UAE Green Visa is one of them.
With this special visa, you can stay in the country for 5 years and get some benefits for your relatives. Recently, the UAE made an announcement about new and significant improvements regarding the UAE Green Visa and other visas.
For example, one of the major changes is that this visa allows you to have a 5-year residency permit. Before this recent modification, the Green Visas used to allow their holders to stay for less than 5 years. Besides, some benefits for family members have also been improved recently.
1.1. Who can apply for a Green Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Green Visa was specially launched for skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and graduates from recognized universities. However, these individuals must meet all requirements before actually getting this type of visa in the United Arab Emirates. If they do not meet said requirements, they will not be eligible for a Green Visa.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that this visa aims to encourage these professionals to look for job opportunities. And now that the new system provides a more flexible scheme and more benefits, requirements are now more flexible too.
If you desire to obtain more information about the requirements for getting a UAE Green Visa, contact our Connect Resources team. This way, you will receive the support and guidance you need to complete the application process efficiently.
1.2. Are there any other similar visas in the country?
Besides the UAE Green Visa, you can also find other initiatives that the UAE government launched not long ago. And the main purpose of the creation of these initiatives is to attract foreign professionals from many different countries. This way, these individuals can legally work and live in the UAE and also contribute to the country’s economic development.
Among the most outstanding visa categories that you can find besides the Green Visa are these:
- The Golden Visa: just like the Green Visa, the Golden Visa allows you to stay in the United Arab Emirates for a couple of years. However, the main difference between these visas is that the Golden Visa allows you to stay in the country for 10 years. In the meantime, the Green Visa only allows you to stay for no more than 5 years.
- The Freelancer Visa: on the other hand, you can apply for a Freelancer Visa if you desire to work as a freelancer. However, unlike the visas we previously mentioned, this one must be renewed more frequently.
2. What are the new changes and improvements related to the UAE Green Visa?
On April 18th, 2022, the United Arab Emirates government made an important announcement regarding a new entry system and visas. And this new system will include major improvements that offer a flexible scheme with a lot of benefits for foreigners. Among the new changes, you can find some improvements related to the UAE Green Visa and its duration and requirements.
For example, the new system offers longer grace periods, which reach up to 6 months. Thus, visa holders can stay for another 6 months after their visa expires or gets canceled.
With this new scheme, it is possible to attract more foreigners who desire to live and work in the UAE. And some of the talents that the new UAE Green Visa aims to attract are skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors. Now then, we shall take a look at the new categories related to the UAE Green Visa.
2.1. Green Visas for skilled employees in the UAE
Skilled professionals and employees who desire to live and work in the UAE can apply for a UAE Green Visa. And with this particular visa, they will be able to stay and work in the country for 5 years. One of the benefits that they can enjoy is that it requires no sponsor or employer to complete the application.
However, all applicants must meet certain requirements in order to complete the application process to obtain their UAE Green Visa. For example, they should have a valid employment contract. Plus, it should be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Another requirement that applicants must meet is having a minimum educational level, which is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Moreover, their salary should not be less than AED 15,000.
2.2. Green Visas for freelancers and self-employed persons in the UAE
If you are a freelancer and desire to stay and work in the UAE, you can apply for this visa. As the importance of flexible work models grows, there will be more and more benefits for freelancers in the UAE. Freelancers and self-employed professionals can opt for getting this UAE Green Visa without requiring an employer or sponsor in the country.
Nonetheless, it is essential to obtain a freelance or self-employment permit before you can start the application process. And you can get this document from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
On the other hand, it is a requirement to have a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma. Lastly, there is another requirement, which is the annual income from self-employment for the previous 2 years. It should not be less than AED 360,000.
2.3. Green Visas for investors or partners
Lastly, there is the UAE Green Visa for investors or partners, which was introduced in order to encourage investment. Any investor who establishes or participates in commercial activities can get this visa to stay in the country for 5 years. Furthermore, this new Green Visa will replace the previous residence visa, which was valid for no more than 2 years.
As for its requirements, the applicant must get an approval of the investment and proof of investment as well. However, if the investor or partner has more than one license, then the total invested capital will be calculated. In addition, it is mandatory to obtain the required approval of the relevant local authorities.
Furthermore, you should know that under this category, having a sponsor will not be necessary.
3. Are there any changes related to the benefits that family members can get?
Apart from the new changes made to the different Green Visa categories, the UAE government also improved other aspects. For example, there are more benefits that the family members (spouse and children) of a Green Visa holder can obtain. One of them is that the visa holder can bring children, and their age limit is 25 years.
And in case the holder has unmarried daughters, there will be no age limit. On the other hand, if the holder has children of determination, each of them will get a residence permit.
You should also know that if you have a UAE Green Visa, you can bring first-degree relatives to the country. The residency of your family members will be the same duration as yours since you are the original residence holder.
4. What should you know about the Golden Visa that you can get in the UAE?
In case you desire to stay in the UAE for some more years, you should apply for a Golden Visa. With this other type of visa or residence permit, you can stay for 10 years in the country. And with the new entry system, there will be some significant improvements regarding the application process for this special visa.
For example, the eligibility criteria have been simplified and the categories of beneficiaries have been expanded. Now, some of the individuals who can apply for it are scientists, professionals, real estate investors, exceptional talents, and more. Investors and outstanding students/graduates can also get this visa.
5. How many entry visas are now available with the new entry system in the UAE?
Apart from the UAE Green Visa and Golden Visa, you will also be able to find some new entry visas. In fact, these visas are the ones that the new entry system provides to visitors depending on their visit purposes. And the six main types of entry visas that are now available for visitors are the following:
- Job exploration entry visa.
- Business entry visa.
- Tourist visa.
- An entry permit for a temporary work mission.
- An entry permit that allows you to visit your relatives and friends.
- And lastly, an entry permit for studies and training courses or programs.
Each of these entry visas has different purposes and requirements. And in case you need more information about them, make sure to contact Connect Resources to receive support and guidance.
6. How can Connect Resources help you get a new Green Visa in the UAE?
The best way to be aware of the new changes regarding the UAE Green Visa is by contacting the experts. Connect Resources is your best option, so you can receive updated information about the new UAE rules and regulations. Plus, besides receiving the latest news, you can also get the guidance you need to clearly understand these new initiatives.
And in case you desire to apply for a visa in the UAE, you can also request our excellent services. For example, with our visa and government services, we can efficiently help you apply for the UAE visa you need. Besides, you will not need to go through tedious processes on your own if you have Connect Resources by your side.
Would you like to contact us to obtain more information about the visa services we offer? Wait no more and call us at +971 43 316 688. On the other hand, you can also feel free to send us an email at contact@connectresources.ae. Then, you will be speaking to one of our agents who will be ready to assist you.
On the other hand, finding the most convenient job opportunities is now possible on thetalentpoint.com. Once you register, you can start hunting for jobs in the Middle East. Start sending applications via email through contact@thetalentpoint.com.
