The UAE government has been improving several laws and regulations to position the country as a perfect destination for foreigners. More precisely, there are new entry visas and a residency scheme that allows foreigners to live and work in the UAE. And if you are interested in living and working in this country, you should stay up-to-date with these important changes.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the new entry visas announced by the government. Here you will discover the information you need to get and understand in order to adapt to these new modifications. For example, we will provide you with information related to the most recent entry visas, Green Visas, and Golden Visas.
- What should you know about the new announcement made by the UAE government?
- How many are the new entry visas that the new entry system will offer?
- Which are the new Green Visa categories that this new system includes?
- What should you know about the new Golden Visa categories announced?
- How can we help you obtain a visa in the United Arab Emirates?
1. What should you know about the new announcement made by the UAE government?
Recently, the UAE government announced that there will be a new entry system and, therefore, new entry visas. Besides, there will also be new residence permits, as well as improvements regarding the long-term residency scheme (Golden Visas). And along with those new visas and permits, there will be more benefits for visa holders and their family members.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who heads the UAE Cabinet, approved these changes. More precisely, he approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners. And these executive regulations will come into force after 90 days from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
The main goal of these new entry visas and residence permits is to strengthen the country’s position. This way, the UAE will continue to become a perfect country to live, work, and invest in.
2. How many are the new entry visas that the new entry system will offer?
Among the major changes, the UAE government introduced a number of new entry visas for UAE visitors. And most of them do not require a sponsor or a host, which is a great advantage for applicants.
On the other hand, you should know that these visas are available for single or multiple entries. And some of the new categories are these:
- Job exploration entry visa.
- Business entry visa.
- Tourist visa.
- Temporary work mission.
- Visit relatives and friends.
- Studies and training programs.
2.1. Job exploration entry visa
Among the new entry visas in the UAE, you can find this one, which aims to attract skilled professionals. And with this visa, they will have the chance to look for job opportunities in the Emirates.
No sponsor or host is required. Nonetheless, there are several requirements that they must meet before getting this visa. For example, their minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
2.2. Business entry visa
As for this visa, it aims to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities. And besides, it does not require a sponsor or host to complete the application process.
2.3. Tourist visa
Just like the new entry visas that we previously mentioned, you can obtain this one without a sponsor. And if you get this tourist visa, you will be able to stay in the UAE for 90 days. Plus, you can extend this period and stay for another 90 days.
However, keep in mind that you must meet certain requirements. For example, you must submit proof of having a bank balance of at least $4,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies).
2.4. Entry permit for a temporary work mission
If you have a temporary work assignment in the UAE, you can obtain this permit. With this, you can stay in the country while you complete said task. However, you must meet a number of requirements.
For instance, you must have a sponsor (your employer) and submit a temporary work contract. If you do not have a contract, you can provide a letter from your employer, which must contain all relevant details.
2.5. Entry permit to visit relatives and friends
When it comes to the new entry visas, you can also find this special permit. In order to obtain this particular permit, you do not need a sponsor or a host. And you can use this visa to visit friends or relatives who are UAE citizens.
2.6. Entry permit for studies and training
With this other visa, you can stay in the country to attend study and training courses. And in case you are participating in internship programs, you can also apply for this permit. However, it is a requirement to have a sponsor (a university or an educational/research institute).
Besides, the sponsor must be licensed in the UAE. Furthermore, the permit requires the sponsor to provide a letter that provides details of the study or training program, such as its duration.
3. Which are the new Green Visa categories that this new system includes?
Besides the new entry visas that the UAE’s new system offers, there is now a more flexible residency scheme. And this new scheme includes new categories of persons who are eligible for applying for Green Visas and Golden Visas. Some of the Green Visa categories that you can find are these:
- Skilled professionals and employees.
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals.
- Investors or partners.
As for the improvements related to the UAE Green Visa, there are now longer and more flexible grace periods. And these periods can reach up to 6 months to stay in the UAE after the permit expires or gets canceled.
3.1. Green Visas for skilled professionals and employees
With this visa, skilled employees can stay in the UAE for 5 years. And this special type of visa does not require a sponsor or host. However, the applicants must have a valid employment contract, which must be classified by the MOHRE. Moreover, there are other requirements related to the minimum educational level that applicants must have, as well as a salary.
3.2. Green Visas for self-employed individuals and freelancers
If you are a freelancer in the UAE, you can apply for a Green Visa to stay in the country for 5 years. And the best part of this is that you do not need a sponsor or host to get this visa. Nonetheless, you do need a freelance or self-employment permit from the MOHRE. Other requirements include having a minimum educational level and salary.
3.3. Green Visas for investors or partners
Lastly, you can find this type of Green Visa among the new residence permits and new entry visas. In this case, it will be a requirement to have proof and approval of the investment. Plus, you will need approval from the pertinent local authorities. With this visa, you can stay in the UAE for 5 years and establish or participate in commercial activities.
4. What should you know about the new Golden Visa categories announced?
As we mentioned before, the new residency scheme includes new categories for both the Green Visa and the Golden Visa. When it comes to the UAE Golden Visa, you can find the following eligibility categories:
- Professionals.
- Exceptional talents.
- Scientists.
- Real estate investors.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Outstanding students and graduates.
As you can see, the eligibility criteria and categories of beneficiaries have been expanded due to the most recent modifications. Besides, there is now the benefit that Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members despite their age. Plus, they can also sponsor an unlimited number of support services or domestic help.
Other benefits include no restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE to keep the visa valid. In case of the event of the death of the original holder of the visa, family members can stay in the country. However, they can only stay until the visa expires.
4.1. Golden Visas for professionals
You can get this visa if you are a professional with experience in all areas. For instance, medicine, information technology, sciences and engineering, business and administration, law, education, culture, and social sciences.
Requirements for the application process include having a valid employment contract in the UAE. Plus, you must also have a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree, as well as a salary not less than AED 30,000.
4.2. Golden Visas for exceptional talents
Those who are considered top talent in essential fields can obtain this particular Golden Visa. Since this is granted based on talent only, there are no requirements regarding employment status, educational level, or monthly salary.
However, the recommendation or approval of a local or federal government entity is a requirement. On the other hand, it includes talented persons in sports, culture, art, digital technology, inventors and innovators, and more.
4.3. Golden Visas for scientists
Only those researchers and scientists with high influence and achievement in their field can apply for this visa. However, there are several requirements that they must meet before obtaining the Golden Visa for scientists. For example, having a Ph.D. or master’s degree in particular disciplines from the best universities in the world is a requirement.
4.4. Golden Visas for real estate investors
If you purchase a property that is worth no less than AED 2 million, you can obtain this particular visa. Besides, you are entitled to obtain this visa if you purchase a property with a loan from certain local banks.
Furthermore, you can also get this Golden Visa if you buy one or more off-plan properties. But these properties should be worth no less than AED 2 million and be from approved local real estate organizations.
4.5. Golden Visas for entrepreneurs
In case you are an entrepreneur, you will be eligible to obtain this visa. As for the requirements, you must own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE. And it should be in the category of small and medium enterprises. Additionally, you must obtain the necessary approvals from specific entities.
4.6. Golden Visas for outstanding graduates and students
Those high-performing students in UAE secondary schools can opt for applying for this special Golden Visa. And outstanding graduates from UAE universities and also from the best 100 universities in the world can do it. The only requirements are according to particular criteria, which include academic performance, the university classification, and the year of graduation.
5. How can we help you obtain a visa in the United Arab Emirates?
By contacting Connect Resources, you can get more detailed information about the latest news and modifications of the UAE laws. Besides, with our specialists, you can get the help you need to complete the visa application process quickly and effortlessly. This way, getting the visa you need can be an easy task with our visa and government services and solutions.
Would you like to contact our team to obtain more information about the UAE’s new residency scheme? Call us on +971 43 316 688. You can also write us an email with all of your inquiries and send it through contact@connectresources.ae. We will answer right back!
Aside from this, finding job opportunities is easier than ever if you visit thetalentpoint.com. All you will need to do is to upload your resume so you can start looking for your dream job. Alternatively, send an email with your application through contact@thetalentpoint.com, where we will review it for one of our open vacancies.
